Book Two - It Should Have Been Us

Chapter Sixteen Page One

{James’ POV}

To say Reese was happy on his birthday was an understatement. It took us forever to get him out of the water in time for the blowing of his candles.

Nadine and I flanked him on each side while everybody else surrounds us singing Happy Birthday to him. We all laughed when he frowns in concentration only to find himself failing to blow out the candles. Nadine and I blew out the candles for him but then he smashed his hands in the cake, seemingly frustrated.

We laughed at him and he smiled his toothed grin then smothered both our faces with the icing from the cake. We all weren’t expecting that from him.

When we caught ourselves, Nadine and I joined forces in covering Reese’s face with the frosting. Soon enough, our friends joined in on the cake fight, even our dad got a taste of it what with Alex and Sam running around him. It was probably the happiest time of my life and I’m glad our friends caught the moment on their phones.

Talk about technology. Even Paulo became part of the fun somehow since he was on face time the entire time.

Nath was participating but that was that – participation on her part. I don’t think she actually enjoyed it. She’s been a little quiet since this morning in our room.

She’s smiling, joking with our friends, having a laugh but knowing her the way that I do, I know it was superficial. I catch her observing me or Nadine every now and then. But all doubts disappeared that night when we settled in our room.

Hey, something wrong?

What? No, nothing.

I noticed you weren’t having fun today.

I was. Reese looked really happy it was contagious.

What’s wrong? Really?

She smiled sadly.
Nothing. I just wasn’t used to it. I think I got so used to having you to myself for a year that it feels a little different seeing you with your family.

Weird? Awkward? What?

It was nothing. Really.

Sure?

Yeah. James?
She looks at me intently.

What?

Can I make a request?