Miserably Delightful

chapter 20

warning: violence and abuse, I'm sorry. 

It had been days since my birthday party, but I was still in a slump. There was something about knowing the fact that Knox had potentially taken a side that wasn't mine that had me in a state of depression, quieter than usual and mostly just sulking. I could tell that the boys were beginning to worry, but I didn't know how to shake off my disappointment and sadness. Knox had been there for me my entire life, and suddenly, there was the possibility that he wouldn't be anymore, and I wasn't handling it the best.

I felt badly about how much I was worrying the boys, but I did my best to reassure them I was doing okay, even if it was a blatant lie. The only person I didn't even attempt to try to lie to was Owen; he could see through my lies no matter how well woven they may be. School dragged on, and my heart throbbed. I had taken to constantly checking my phone, waiting for any updates from anyone. I was at the point where I would even accept texts from Zain about Knox, but no one had anything for me.

A week later, and I was no better. Usually, the entirety of Friday's were spent planning what I was going to do with the boys that weekend, but instead, I was glued to my phone, having to be forced to eat. Considering it was the weekend, though, I tried to paste a smile on my face and listen to the plans for the next couple of days as Kota drove Nathan and I home.

The drive was taking longer than usual; a combination of traffic and the stops we made for groceries and other miscellaneous items being the main reasons for it. I squirmed in the backseat, eager to get out of the car. I loved spending time with the boys, but wasn't too fond of being cooped up in a car. The moment the car came to a stop, I was flying out of it, dragging my book bag behind me.

"Restless?" Nathan inquired with a grin, taking my bag from me. I nodded, squirming still, ready to go inside, change into pajamas, and watch Disney movies with the boys. He looked over his shoulder, waiting for Kota before opening the door and guiding me inside his house.

I was about to head down the hallway to Nathan's room, when Kota gently caught my hand, leading me towards the living room instead. I raised my eyebrows, confused, but he only shot me a smile and urged me into the living room. I turned my head, opening my mouth to ask Kota what was going on, but was startled when a chorus of voices called out "surprise!".

I jumped and turned to face all the boys that were standing in the living room. Tears formed in my eyes, blurring my sight and causing the boys to turn into big shapeless lumps of colors. I couldn't decide who to hug first, so I threw myself at the person nearest: Kota. I squeezed him as tightly as I could, sniffling. It was a bit troubling that I had been so out of it all week that they were able to plan a surprise party without my knowledge, but I couldn't really care much about that at the moment.

I pulled away from Kota then wiped at my eyes and my nose, my eyes scanning over all the boys. My heart swelled as I realized that amongst the boys was Axel, Raven, Marc, and the twins. A true smile formed on my face and my eyes kept darting around the room, unsure of where to rest on. There was too many cute decorations and beautiful beaming faces that it was hard to decide what to take in first.

I had the very sudden and real urge to smother them all in kisses and hugs.

"You guys did this for me?" I asked, my voice quiet and cracking on certain words, but full of undeniable awe and happiness. I held my hands to my heart, still blinking away tears, and unable to stop smiling.

"Of course we did, pumpkin!" Sean exclaimed, his charming smile causing me to go a little weak in the knees. An arm wound around my waist, and I shot a thankful smile towards Luke, who pulled me in tightly and pressed his cheek to my head. I inhaled deeply, enjoying his sugary vanilla scent.