The Truth Hurts

Chapter 35 (1)

Elise's POV

Another year living on this amazing Earth. I thought I would feel different finally being at an age people consider you as an adult. But honestly, I feel no different. Just a little old maybe, but other than that, it doesn't feel any different.

I let my bed comforter engulf me as I try to relax and fall back asleep. Closing my eyes, I try to even out my breathing to a calm, and relaxing rhythm.

Bang! "Happy birthday, El!"

I jump out of my bed and land on the floor with a thud at the sudden bang of my door and the outburst from my parents. I lazily get up with a painful expression on my face.

"They invented knocking for a reason you know?" I groggily say to my joyful parents.

"Sorry, El! It's just that this is the year you become a young adult!" My mom squeals with excitement.

"Yeah, and until that clock hits 10:47 p.m, you're still under our rules and regulations" dad adds.

I roll my eyes at the both of them. "Even when I do turn 18, as long as I'm living under this roof, I have to follow your rules" I correct them.

My parents give each other sly looks and let out a chuckle. "We taught you right" Mom comments shaking her head.

I send them a wink and headed toward the bathroom. Outside of the bathroom door, I hear the door leading to my room close, signaling my parents went down stairs. I dropped the fake smile and let out a tired sigh. I've been trying to talk more to my parents so they know I'm alright and that they don't have to worry about me anymore. Not telling them is killing me.

After doing my usual morning routine, I headed toward my closet. I put on black jeans, a white sweater, and a beige scarf.

I skipped down the stairs and followed the delightful scent of my birthday breakfast courtesy of my parents. I peaked over the island counter and took in the delicious sight in front of me. Chocolate-chip pancakes, bacon, eggs, and strawberry-banana smoothie!

After devouring my birthday breakfast, my parents said they had to pick up some stuff and that they'll be back.

In the mean time, I relaxed on the couch and watched reruns of Shadowhunters. Halfway through my second episode, the doorbell sounded, ringing throughout the house. I opened the door and smiled with delight at the person.

"Happy birthday, Elise" he greets, pulling me into a hug.

I return the hug and offer him a small smile. "Thanks, Ky. You're the best" I say.

He grins and holds out a wrapped box. I give him an incredulous look. "You didn't have to" I say rolling my eyes.

"I know I didn't have to, I wanted to" he comebacks smiling.

I roll my eyes once more, and let him inside the house. His eyes avert down to my wrist with the two bracelets and nods his head as if he's figured out the world's most impossible puzzle.

"How's that going by the way?" He asks, gesturing to my wrist.

"You mean Daniel?" I question, furrowing my eyebrows.

He nods his head, to which I just shrug my shoulders in response. There's nothing really to tell. But, I've actually been talking to him more now. Over the past few weeks, he's been trying so hard to get me to actually answer him when he talks to me, and the more he did, he opened up more and more. I don't have full on conversations with him though. When I answer, it wouldn't even be a full sentence.