Unexplainable [Original Version]

[chapter seven: "happy birthday, joli"]

Chapter 7: "Happy Birthday, Joli"
Jolene Milford's POV

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"Happy birthday, Milford!"

"Hey, happy birthday, Jolene!"

"Are you really thirty today? Wow."

I've been berated with all sorts of birthday wishes today, many of which have come from people I barely talk to. It's been nice, really.

I'm currently smoking outside with Kev and Scott by my side as we wait for Kid to get out of the shower. The cold November air is making me shiver slightly as I huddle between my two best friends for warmth, cigarette in hand.

"You look like you need a jacket or something." Kev comments with a grin towards Scott. I look between the two of them, baffled by the fact that they're unfazed by the temperature.

"How are you guys not freezing your asses off out here? You're in short-sleeved shirts, just like I am." I chuckle before taking a puff of my cigarette.

"We can't get cold when we have to keep you warm." Scott jokes, gently bumping me with his elbow. "Besides, we won't be out here too much longer. Kid should be done soon."

"God, I hope so." I chuckle, pulling at the hems of both of their shirts to pull them closer to me. "Why can't we just go to the car?"

"Because he's the one with the keys." Kev laughs, placing a hand on my shoulder. I appreciate any and every little bit of warmth.

When Kid finally comes out, I snatch the keys from his hand and run off towards the car. The guys laugh at me as I run to our vehicle, but that's okay. It's just way too cold! I start the car and get it heating up before I jump into the backseat, looking forward to the warmth.

"Damn, you didn't waste any time, did you?" Scott jokes as he gets behind the wheel, looking at me over his shoulder. "Poor little Joli, you're becoming an ice cube on your birthday."

"Not anymore! I'm warming up quite nicely now, thank you." I grin. I instantly cling to Kid as he gets in the backseat with me, making him laugh.

It doesn't take long for us to get back to the hotel, and when we make it back to our room, the guys step back to let me go in first. I had figured that they had planned something for my birthday, based on the way they had been acting all day, but this confirms it.

I open the door to our hotel room and as soon as I go to step inside, a little party popper goes off in my face. Throughout the confetti, I see Dally and Kim smiling brightly at me. This is what everyone's been up to, huh?

I love it. I really do.

"Happy birthday, sis! Thirty is nothing to be ashamed of!" Dally cheers as he leads me inside by my wrist. "Get ready to fuckin' party!"

Kim sits me down in the office chair before she hands me a drink, something I eagerly accept. This is a nice start.

"We know you're probably looking forward to gifts most of all, but let's have a little bit of fun first, okay?" Scott grins as he grabs some drinks and passes them to Kev and Kid. Dally and Kim both grab drinks of their own. "To Joli, on her big three-oh." Scott raises his bottle, signalling for all of us to do the same.

"To Joli!" I can't help but giggle as we all raise our drinks in a toast to me. I love my friends.

Kim turns on the radio (that I'm assuming she and Dallas brought) as we all settle in and start downing our drinks. Soon, we're all bopping along to the music as we drink and chat, just having a really good time.