A Beautiful Curiosity

Birthday

Autumn eventually froze into winter, and with winter came frost. After Mallorie asking me who the guy was, I eventually broke and took her. I'll never forget the look on her face- shock mixed with horror and pity. In some weird way, it made me happy to know that she cared that much for me- even if we only knew each other a few days.

I found myself getting to know Dan better, the three of us would usually be found at a movie at the weekends. Every now and then, it would just be Dan and I, or Mal and I. Sometimes, I had to wonder if she wanted us to- no, she probably didn't... Besides, I wasn't exactly looking for any sort of romance at the moment.

I missed Josh more than I thought possible- I guess you never do realise what you had until it's gone. But, even though I missed him, I eventually came to realise that he was gone and- as hard as it is- I had to familiarise myself with that fact. He wasn't coming back. 

The doorbell rang, breaking me out of my thoughts.  "The door's open, come in!" That would be Mallorie. We had plans tonight, just us girls. I quickly put a streak of light red lipstick across my lips and ran down the hall to the sitting room. Looking around, I didn't see her, but my eyes eventually landed on Dan. "Er..." 

He jumped slightly and put the photo frame he had been holding back on the dresser. I noticed with a twinge in my heart that it was one of Josh and I on the beach. It was a great day, if not for the rain. Still, we had a great day and made so many memories...

Dan waved a hand in front of my face and I realised that I had zoned out again. I realised how close he had come to me and I stepped back slightly, my face slowly turning red. He coughed and my attention was brought to his face. He had a small scar over his left eye. Funny, I had never noticed it before...

"Um, Mallorie coudn't make it tonight, she came down with some sort of bug?"

"Oh."

"Er- she wanted me to give you this though." He handed me a small box with a note attached. I quickly took it off him and looked at the note.

'Sorry I bailed again! Please, take this and don't give me grief about it the next day- it didn't cost much, I swear! Happy birthday anyway Tae! 

-Mallorie'

Confused, I opened the box and gasped at the necklace nestled among the fancy- looking paper. It was simple, just my name on a silver chain. But it was handmade, and looked like it cost more than a little. "Oh! It's so pretty! Dan, can you help me with this?"

I handed him the chain and turned around gathering my hair in my hand. I felt his warm hands tying the necklace and pulling away after a few minutes of struggling to tie it. 

I turned back and asked, "How does it look?" 

He scrutinised me for a minute, "Nice, I like it- it suits you."

I smiled at him, happy with his reply, "So, not to sound rude or anything, but is there something else you have to tell me? Because I can't wait to get out of these bloody heels." 

He laughed, "Okay, okay! I can take a hint, I'll just be on way now- bye!"

I grinned after him, "Bye, Dan. Safe home and thanks for dropping that over!" 

Holing the door open, I motioned for him to leave. He laughed again and walked through- but not before pecking me quickly on the cheek, "Happy birthday Tae." Chuckling to himself he left before I could say another word. 

How the hell did he find out?! I wanted to keep it to myself- with the exception of Mallorie, of course. He probably read the note, even though he didn't strike me as the type to read other peoples private notes. Oh well, I suppose it could have been worse- he could have bought me something. 

I was confused as to the kiss though. Was it just a friendly peck? Or was it something... Else? Did he want to go there? Did I? 

I shook my head, failing completely to remove the thoughts from my mind. My eyes strayed to the photo Dan had picked up and I walked over to it. Smiling sadly, I remembered that it was his birthday too.

A single tear fell from my left eye as I came to the realisation that no, I wasn't quite ready to get used to him being gone.

*

Hey guys! Happy New Year (I'm literally writing this at twelve :L)! I am so sorry I haven't updated in forever, but hey, here you go...? 

My excuse? It's my Junior Cert, and I have been super busy with homework & having a social life. I'm currently on my Christmas holidays, so I may just get another chapter out in the next week or so! :)

Buuuut... Then I have my mocks and then he big JC to worry about... So it might be a while after that.. Sorry! But I will try and it's definitely number one on my New Years resolutions to finish this within the year... Soooo, yeah!

Thanks for sticking with me for this long, I love you guys! :)

~uniqueroisin