Playing With Fire || d.h

40. Houston, I Have So Many Problems

Your POV

"Why did we decide to get the cake a day before the party? Now it's just gonna be sitting in the fridge, calling my name for the next twenty four hours!" Dodie moans, as I carry the heavy, light pink box out of the sugar-scented bakery.

"I guess this'll be a true test of your self control," I laugh. "I dunno, maybe I can bake brownies or something tonight to help curb your urge."

"Yes! You are actually the best person ever!" Dodie hesitates for a second, then says, "Do you think you could incorporate Oreos into them? I've been craving them like a mofo."

"Yes, but only because you just said 'mofo,' and I think that's the first time I've heard that word in years." Dodie makes an accomplished movement with her elbow, a large grin painted on her face. Luckily, we had picked up the decorations before the cake, as I didn't want to worry about dropping it or something while walking around.

As we reach the apartment building, Dodie holds open the door for me, and I walk up the stairs, her trailing behind me. She unlocks the apartment door, and I walk straight to the kitchen, placing the cake on the island.

"Ooh," Dan says curiously, opening the box and looking at the flawless cake.

"You touch it, you die," I warn him, sticking my finger into his chest. "Also, when you go shopping for snacks, make sure to pick up chocolate chips and Oreos. I'm making brownies so no one's tempted to eat any of the cake before tomorrow."

"Yeah that's probably a good idea," Dan laughs, kissing me quickly on the cheek and walking out of the kitchen. I can still feel the ghost of his lips on my cheek, and can't help but grin.

"Aw, you're so into him!" Dodie gushes, causing a heavy blush to fill my cheeks.

"Shut up," I reply pathetically.

"Whatever, you can't deny it," she says, laughing. "Honestly, from the day I met you, I knew you guys would have to get together at some point." I raise my eyebrows, and she continues, "You can't deny it, there was always awkward tension between you two."

"I dunno, that mighta just been because we're two incredibly awkward people," I say sarcastically, but decide to drop it.

"Ugh, I'm so hungry," Dodie moans, searching through the cabinet. "Why isn't there anything to eat?"

"You should see my apartment," I reply. "It looks like no one even lives there."

"That's because technically, no one does," Dodie says, making me laugh.

"Yeah, you're kinda right."

She pulls out a box of Cheez Its, and grabs a handful, stuffing it into her mouth. "People have been telling me that more and more recently."

"You must be becoming wiser with your old age," I retort, earning myself a glare from her.

"I'm not old, you're just a baby," she replies defensively.

"No, I'm not! I'm...almost twenty," I say the last part more quietly, realizing how young I really am compared to Dodie, Dan and Phil.

"Yeah, so old," Dodie says sarcastically. "You'd still be in your first year of uni."

I laugh. "Yeah, like someone like me would be expected to get into university after high school." Dodie rolls her eyes, and goes back to eating crackers and scrolling through her phone. I lean back against the counter. I never really thought about how much younger I was than Dan and Phil, and maybe even Dodie. Maybe it's just because I've always surrounded myself with older people, but it doesn't really make a difference to me. However, I then wonder if Dan's ever realized the age difference. Has he even thought about the fact that we're almost seven years apart? Maybe that's something he's hinted about being worried about, and I've been too ignorant to even notice it. Would he care? Should I even ask him?