The life of a "Nerd"

Chapter 35: Life in Packed Boxes

Juliet's POV

Today was Blaise's 18th birthday, and I was excited, or plan was foolproof and he'd better enjoy it. All our friends and Seeley, after we'd wished him a happy birthday too, gathered outside my house before going off to Viola's. We all knew he'd slept there last night, and Viola had confirmed it. Though when Adrian met us he seemed a bit off, distant. He wouldn't be listening to what we were saying, probably deep in thought. "What is it?" I finally asked him when we had started walking. He shook his head, looking at me with wide eyes. He both wanted to tell and didn't. "It's nothing, really." He said. 

I sighed deeply, but didn't want to question him, hopefully he'd tell us in his own time, but I was curious and worried. "So, how are things with Brad?" He asked, a smile plastered on his face. I smiled instantly. "They've been good. Great actually. It feels good to just... Be with him and enjoy myself." I said softly. "Are you glad Josh is leaving?" He asked after a pause. I frowned. He was one of the only ones who knew what had happened. And I had finally healed from that. Physically, not mentally. "Yes. Hell. Every time we had to hang out with him I was just so scared. I couldn't take it anymore." I whispered. The others just didn't know. And they didn't need to know. The only reason Adrian knew was because he overheard Josh saying something to me once I'd left the party. Not even Blaise knows.

He lightly squeezed my shoulder in comfort and I hugged my elbows. "You'll be ok." He said softly and we fell in silence. We walked but neither of us talked, too busy with our own minds. In about 2 week I would find out if I got into early admission and I was already feeling the weight of that decision on my shoulders. I really, really wanted to get in. It had always been my goal, and mom had been the first one to encourage me. It was just sad knowing she couldn't be there when I was going to open the letter. But I had Brad, and Blaise and my whole family. Which hopefully made it easier. It meant moving away though, and I almost didn't want to leave Logan here all alone. Especially since Seeley was going of to College too. Dad would be ok though. He'd done it plenty of times, but I realised he had mom then. This wasn't going to be easy.

We finally made it to Viola's house and I smiled. Here we go. Let's get this party started, so to speak. We had a whole day ahead of us planned. We knocked on the door and it was opened by Viola, she had a grim look on her face but didn't say anything. She left the door open for us and we all looked at each other, wondering what was going on. I was the first to step tentatively inside. Walking into the living room, my jaw dropped at the scene. There were boxes everywhere, moving boxes. What the hell was going on? 

Viola's oldest brother Shawn was packing DVD's into a box, a sad but sort of happy look on his face, like he was happy to pack but sad to leave. "What is going on here?" Adrian was the first to ask. Viola was rushing around, a tape roller in her hand. "Change of plan, sorry guys. Should've told you earlier. But we need help moving our stuff to the theatre." Viola said, a harsh grit in her voice. "Um. Why?" I asked, glancing around. It was chaos. I could see that the room was filled with boxes, stacked upon each other. Everything was being packed, except for the decorations. "No need for the details." Viola grumbled and pushed past me to go down the hallway.

I saw Blaise walk into the room, hardly noticing us, going to talk to Shawn. "Blaise? Happy birthday?" I said, almost awkwardly. I had no idea what to say about any of this. "Oh. Oh gosh. You guys are already here! Um. Thanks." He said with a smile, hugging me softly, but quickly. He was only wearing trackpants and a tshirt, practically his pj's. "My. 18, how does it feel?" I said, smiling a little. This whole thing was just weird. "Oh. No different. To be honest, it hardly feels like my birthday." He said and greeted his brother with a high five. "Happy birthday brother." They both said at the same time.

I awkwardly glanced at Brad, as he grabbed my hand. "What's going on?" He whispered in my ear. I shrugged, not having any clue. "We're moving. Stupid!" Shawn laughed. He didn't mean to be hurtful, but Brad took it that way. "Whatever." He mumbled. I elbowed Brad quickly and glared at him. "Why though? Why today? What about your parents?" I asked Shawn. He sighed deeply, stopping what he was doing. "Look, I don't want to talk about it. We're moving out without our parents coming with us. Huge problem." He just said, leaving me with more questions than before. "Don't just stand there people! Juliet and Brad go help Anthony, his room is on the second floor, down the hallway to the end." Viola ordered.