Step Brother

Nobody Can Tame This Beast

Morgan's POV

My mouth opens wide, seeing all kinds of people in my front room. The sight kinda makes me anxious and nervous, all the attention focused on me. The first person I notice first is my mother, a huge smile in her face. Andrew is to her left, bringing her to his side. I see Tommy next. All of my friends, some of my mom's friends, family, and some other people from school I know are all around them. But the only one I don't see who I would expect to be here isn't here.

My mom's smile begins to fade and that's when I fake a smile like my life depends in it, and she cheers up again.

She comes to me, saying, "Happy birthday, honey!"

"Thank you mom!" She pulls me in for a hug then let's go after about half a minute.

I look at the group and say, "Thanks guys." My voice is slightly shaky but people share responses.

Everyone starts talking amongst each other as Zach, Arianna, Ben, and Haley come up to me.

"Happy birthday, babes!" Arianna says, giving me a quick hug.

"Happy nineteen," says Ben. "You're really old."

Haley and Zach say 'Happy birthday' too.

"Thanks," I reply. "Do how long has their been set up for?"

"About an hour," Lyric tells me from behind. She walks to stand beside me. "I had to take you somewhere to get out of the house."

"Ahh." I nod my head. "This is great. Thank you guys so much."

"No problem," Arianna tells me.

I chat with people, mainly Tommy, but no matter who I talk to, only one person stays on my mind. Luke. Why isn't he here?

I excuse myself from the conversation with Sally and Benson Joles, a couple my mom went to high school with and I get along with very well. Going upstairs, I shut my door and look around.

My eye catches a small red gift wrapped box with purple ribbon around it on my bedside table. I go up to it and untie the ribbon. Opening it, I gasp when I see the ring. It's a beautiful infinity sign hooked into a heart. The run is silver and looking close enough on the inside, I see something carved in. Squinting my eyes, I am able to read the words: Always on my mind -L

I look back in the box and find a piece of paper. I grab it and open it. I am thankful he got me something for my birthday.

The paper says:

Happy birthday Morgan. I really do love you and you need to know that. What I did was very wrong and I am so, so sorry. If you can't forgive me, I understand and it's okay.

I sigh, folding the paper up and putting that and the ring back in the box, setting it on my bedside table where it was just previously. I crash onto my bed.

I stuff my face into my pillow and just lay there.

I hear my door open and Jack's voice following. "Why are you here?"

I look up at him and sigh. "Get out, please."

"No," he replies firmly. "I'm not going to let you sit here like this."

I sit up and wipe my face. I say nothing.

He sighs and shifts his weight onto one leg. "I wasn't up for it at first, but he explained everything and I know Tommy loves you."

"I know."

"I'm sorry I kept it from you."

"I understand. I forgive you," I tell him.

He seems surprised but nods eagerly. "Yes, great. That's amazing. Thank you so much."

"It's cool."

"Now I'm back. Nobody can tame this beast." He winks and I laugh. This is what I missed; playing with the player Jack who lives his friends so much. "Well get downstairs so you can enjoy your birthday."

I smile and that is exactly what I do.