Deadly Passion (Book 2)

Deadly Passion (17)

Six Months Later 

"Happy birthday to you," the crowd sang together as the cake was brought out with many sparklers on top, "happy birthday to you."  They continued to sing as Janessa sat in her chair at the table. 

She wore her grin wide on her face as not only her family and friends were there to celebrate but also her co stars and movie crew. She felt truly blessed and happy. 

They were on set, wrapping up a few final scenes when Corey yelled cut and she was frustrated that he did it right in the middle of her emotional scene. Right before she was ready to flip a table, he took up a megaphone to announce to everyone that it was her birthday. 

She didn't think he even knew her birthday much less to arrange a surprise party with all her friends and family. They brought out cake and balloons- which made her tear up a little. 

The last six months had been hectic between her final year at school and filming this movie. By the grace of God did she manage to ace her exams and maintain her social life. She didn't apply to any universities yet; too afraid that it would cement her permanently in one place. Janessa wanted to be able to travel and find both what she loved and who she was. 

She was now wrapping up the movie and was due to graduate from high school in a matter of weeks- essentially things were looking up for her right then. 

"Happy birthday, babe." Reese stood beside her and kissed the top of her head. 

Janessa was grateful for this man in her life. Six months later and she was glad nothing had changed- despite them still not having sex. Between the movie and school, he was very understanding and supported her in everything. 

"I didn't expect any of this." She kissed him. 

"It was all your step-mom's idea." 

Janessa's heart swelled at those words. It was like a bucket of feelings were thrown over her and she drowned in it. Tears escaped her and she felt stupid for crying in front of everyone. Priscilla pulled her in for a long hug and told her she loved her. 

"You're crying? But you haven't even seen your surprise!" As she said those words, Rachael and Matthew emerged from the crowd with her little brother Michael tagging along behind them. 

She squealed in joy and ran over to them; jumping into Matthew's arms and kissing her little brother all over his face then turning to her heavily pregnant mother and tightly hugging her. Janessa couldn't control her emotions as the tears flowed freely as she sobbed in their arms. 

"Mom! What are you doing here? Is it safe for the baby?" She spoke through her sobs. 

"Of course it is, sweetheart. My doctor cleared me since this baby has decided to stay a little longer." Rachael kissed her not-so-little girl on her forehead. "I love you."

"I'm so glad you guys are here!" She told them. Matthew pulled her in for another hug. 

"Well, you have us for another week so be prepared." He told her and she thanked God.

The party continued and everybody got along just fine. The only person missing was James but with Matthew here, Janessa wasn't the least bit hurt by it. By the time the evening rolled around and most people left to go home- including her mother who said her feet were starting to ache, Janessa stayed behind with Reese and her friend Maria. The three laughed and chatted about nonsense for what felt like hours before Maria left to go home. 

Giving her a ride home, Reese walked her to his car where he kissed her against the door. She ran her hand through his shoulder length unruly hair and kissed him harder.