The Good Boy's Troublemaker ✓

Chapter 37 - "Congrats bro"

James

I sighed, "Well... I think that she left me clues to find her." He nodded for me to continue. "A riddle."

"What does it say?" He asks. By now I know every word of that riddle she wrote.

"The first part says, play the tune and you'll find it soon. Listen clearly you'll need good hearing. It starts when it ends." I take a breath. "Then the second part says luckily I got a back up so you won't slack up. It opens up at day and closes at night. All will be reviewed once you're under the sunlight."

"Which tune is she talking about? Do you guys have a favorite song?" I shook my head.

"No, it's a record that I found in her room. This was written on it. I've listened to the song, but nothing seems out of place." He scratches the back of his neck.

"But she said something about hearing, let's go play the song again." We both stood up and I picked the puppy up. "I don't have a clue what she's talking about in the second part. That you'll have to figure out on your own." I nodded and we enter the house.

Soon more people congratulate me and I hand the puppy over to Parker. "You go to my house, I'll meet you there in a few. The record is on my table." He nods and walks away with my dog.

I missed how he nibbles my fingers. I turn my attention back to Flynn and Piper, "We haven't seen you in a while." Piper said.

"Yeah."

"Well next time when we go bowling, you come right?" Flynn asks, and I nod. "Because we are kinda bored of winning against Carter." We all laugh and then Carter appears by my sight.

She wraps her arm around my waist, "You okay?" I nod. "Stacy and Trent are running around with your birthday cake. Do you mind cutting the cake now?" I shrug.

"Yes, let's cut it before there is nothing left." She giggles and sprints her way to the kitchen.

I can see that she is trying to stay calm, but that smile on her face is fake. "Trent! You'll drop the cake!" I hear Stacy's voice.

"Can you please just stop this?" Carter asks and I came into the kitchen. She fakes a smile again. I give her a smile to try and calm her.

"It's okay," I tell her. I take the knife and Trent place the cake down running away.

"He's a mad man!" Stacy gives him a wack behind the head. Telling him things I can't hear. Jasper was talking to someone and I stood there. Carter lit up the candles and everyone started singing.

Normally I hate birthdays.

It's the day I was born, which I always thought was a mistake. But as I stood there while everyone sang, I felt as if I belonged. I felt loved.

I blew out the candles and sliced the cake. I took a bite to show Carter that I appreciate it doing all this for me. Trent and Stacy are covered in icing and I took that as my queue to leave. But as I reach the door, mom grabs my arm.

"Here he is!" She kissed my head. "Happy birthday." I smiled.

"Congrats bro," Connor said.

"Thanks." I again tried to escape.

"James, you're not leaving, are you? The party just started." I shook my head.

"I'm just getting some fresh air." Dad guided me back into the house.

"Nonsense. You have to stay, you need to thank everyone for coming. Especially Carter." I already did. Mom nodded. "I know you don't like parties, but it's yours. Try to stay for another hour? At least."

"James." My mom used that tone.

I just nodded and took off. I thanked some of my classmates. I'm surprised that they know my name. Well, they also talked about class.

Jasper hand me a drink which I placed down on the table. I don't think I should be drinking. Drunk James, is a... risk-taker. I can't control him. He jumped off a cliff. Sober James would never do that.

Stacy took the cup and shoved it back into my hand. "Drink up birthday boy, you need to loosen up." I chugged it all down. They cheered and someone handed me another one.

The alcohol was burning my throat, but I just kept on drinking. It was starting to become better. I lost count on how many cups they gave me, but it tasted so nice. I craved more. I needed more.

The music was playing and Carter took my hand, swaying to the rhythm. I'm not a good dancer, but I love dancing. Carter was giggling all the way. I could smell the alcohol on her, but I knew I smelt the same.

Couples were grinding around us, but I didn't feel comfortable doing it with Carter. She means a lot to me, but I'm not sure what we are. And it's weird because my family is also here somewhere in the house. Not to mention Carter's dad too.

She guided my hands with her own, I know she wants me to touch her behind or something, but I move away. Her face told me she was hurt. "Thanks so much for the party." I smiled.

Carter blushed, "It's nothing." I moved closer to her and gave her head a kiss. The beats of the music were becoming slower. She moved her hands to my shoulders and mine went to her waist.

I was only inches away from her face, ready to kiss her when my phone vibrated in my pocket. I want to ignore it but it bugged me and I took it out. I don't recognize the caller. I apologize to Carter.

Pressing my one ear close to try and hear the person, I answer the call with just a simple 'hello'.

It was silent for a few moments before the person spoke.

"I think you need to come see this."

***

Chapter dedication >> bleachistasty17

Happy easter! 🐣