DAKOTA POV;
It's my twenty-fourth birthday today. I'm officially a year older now, but I don't feel any different than I did yesterday. Today just feels like a normal day to me, yet I know I'm supposed to be excited. It's a good thing I'm an actor or I'd be depressing the hell out of Rita right now. I dress in a long, vintage style peach dress with lace trim and put my hair into a simple side braid, leaving my bangs out but swept to the side. "That dress look amazing on you!" Rita compliments me when I step out of my bathroom and I smile. "Thanks. It's currently my favorite dress I own." I bought it while shopping a couple weekends ago and I feel completely in love with it. The texture, color, style, everything is perfect. "Ready to head out?" I nod and follow Rita out. There's a massive group of my friends waiting at a venue downtown for me to celebrate my birthday and I don't want to be late. The whole cast and crew came together to throw me a party since I couldn't be with my family today. The gesture is touching, and I wish I could be more excited, but I'm feeling homesick.
"Surprise!" I hear everyone yell in unison as I walk through the doors and they all jump out at me. I smile as Sam encases me in her arms. She's been like a second mother to me through this process and I could never thank her enough for that. If I can't be with my real mother today, I'm happy my second choice is her. Rita runs off to hug Luke and greet the rest of the cast as various crew members come up to me wishing me a happy birthday, then eventually members of the cast approach me as well. I feel loved. The feeling sends warmth all throughout my body and brings a smile to my face. I thought I wouldn't be able to manage a genuine smile, but they've made it impossible for me to be sad. "Hey." A deep voice attracts my attention, tapping me on the shoulder. I'd recognize that deep Irish accent anywhere. "Jamie!" I squeal, pulling him into a hug and he's quick to respond, wrapping both arms around my waist and spinning me around. "Where have you been?" I ask, wondering why he was the last one here to come and greet me. "I didn't want to crowd you." He explains, a little shyly. He's so sweet and thoughtful. I embrace him again, this time really taking the time to appreciate his warmth and strength as he holds me. I notice there's an adorable little girl missing from the party and I frown. "Where's Dulcie?" I question, looking to his side to see it's empty. "With Millie." He looks a little sad as he says it and I wonder why. Usually Dulcie never leaves his side. "Oh, well I'm glad you could come at least." I try to hide my disappointment, but fail. Dulcie's grown on me quite a bit, I'm not used to not seeing her constantly attached to Jamie's hip.
Everyone sings happy birthday to me as we gather around my giant birthday cake. Jamie sings the loudest, nearly screaming the words into my ear from behind, making me giggle. I know I've said his singing is annoying, but I love it. Even when it's being yelled into my ear. Someone cuts into the cake, but I'm no longer paying attention. Instead I turn my attention to Jamie, who then pulls a small envelope out of his pocket and offers it to me. "What's this?" I ask, as my fingers pry it open. I slide the card out of the envelope and open it up, seeing three signatures on the bottom. Millie, Jamie, and Dulcie. Dulcie's sloppy scrawl makes me giggle. I know that was probably Jamie since Dulcie can't write yet, but it's still cute. "Thanks so much." I whisper, still smiling down at the card. "Seriously, Jamie. Thank you. This is so sweet. This whole thing is." He shakes his head, avoiding my compliment. "I'm just happy you're enjoying your birthday." Rita bounces over to us carrying a stack of presents and Jamie backs out of her way so she can hand them to me. "Open mine first! It's on the top." I take the top one first and Jamie holds the rest of the stack for me while I unwrap it. It's a burgundy dress with a bow stuck to the top. "Rita! Thank you! I love it." I hug her and set the dress aside to open my other gifts. I get some small things, a keychain, a necklace, some funny gifts, and a few more pieces of clothes, from the rest of my friends. I thank them each individually, having to run around the room to find everyone and hug them. All the while Jamie holds my gifts for me so they'll be safe while I'm socializing with everyone. When they all leave, I make sure to give Jamie an extra hug, hoping that whatever caused his less than happy mood will resolve itself.
That night is difficult for me, I listen to my mom's voicemail wishing me a happy birthday before bed and the ones from the rest of my family, but I don't get the time to call them back before I fall asleep. I dream of them, my dad, my mom, me, and all my siblings. We're all out in the backyard of my mothers house having some kind of get together. For some reason Jamie is there too and Dulcie, but no one else from the cast. Dulcie runs into my arms and she calls me mommy. I want to correct her, but I don't. Another kid jumps on me, one I've never seen before. His hair is curly and dark and he's got the most gorgeous bright blue eyes I've ever seen. As I look into his eyes I'm realizing I'm staring into my own eyes. I wake with no memory of the dream, but tears streaming down my face tell me it must've been upsetting. Ignoring the indecent hour, I get my phone off the nightstand and call my mom. It doesn't matter how old I get I'll always need her when I have nightmares.
YOU ARE READING
My Protector | Damie
Romance"I needed him to be protective of me. I needed him to be able to tell when I'm uncomfortable and when things are too heightened and too emotional. When I can't deal with it anymore, I need him to be able to see it in my face and protect me..."
