Summer [Completed]

Chapter Twenty-Five

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Birthday Surprise
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rup·ture

noun

1. a breach of a harmonious relationship.

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Imani POV

I wake up to the sound of my phone ringing on my nightstand and groan, pulling my pillow over my head until the ringing subsides.

Once the room is quiet, I stare up at the ceiling and sigh. I pull the covers back over my body and close my eyes at the same moment my phone rings again.

"Ugh," I groan, reaching over to grab my phone.

The bright screen casts a ghastly glow on my room and face as I look at the icon on my phone with a small smile.

Sitting up in my bed, I answer the call.

"Happy Birthday Tootie!" My mom practically screams through the phone, and I wince at both her pitch and the embarrassing childhood nickname.

"Thanks mama," I chuckle softly, holding the phone with my shoulder as I pull the covers to my body. "But dad still beat you this year!" I check the time on the analog clock resting on my nightstand and yawn.

It is currently 5 am and I am exhausted. Ethan insisted on staying up with me until midnight so he could be the first person to wish me a happy birthday. I've never been one to make a big deal about my birthday, but I couldn't say no to him-plus it was such a sweet gesture.

"Dammit!" My mother laughs. "One of these years I'm gonna beat that man."

"You got it next year," I smile, picturing my mother sitting in bed wearing her bonnet and nightgown with an irritated frown.

She sighs. "As long as the years keep coming, I suppose I have nothing to complain about."

"You got that right." I cover my mouth as I stiffle another yawn.

"Okay baby, well I'm going to let you get back to bed. Have a good day and stay safe sweetie. Mommy loves you."

I smile. "I love you too mama, bye."

"Bye birthday girl!"

I hang up and slide down on the bed. I lie flat on my back and stare up at the ceiling; before I know it, I find myself drifting slowly back to sleep.

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When I wake up at a more reasonable hour, I feel more refreshed and ready to take on the day.

I hop out of bed with a smile and freshen up before heading out into the hallway. When I get outside, I notice Ethan's door slightly ajar. Curious, I open it a tad and frown when all I see is a mass of rumpled covers and pillows.

I scratch the back of my neck and yawn as I meander down the stairs. The house is eerily quiet as I walk down the stairs and into the kitchen. To my surprise it's empty as well. I frown, checking the living room and peering outside.

"Hello?" I call, but I'm only met with the echo of my own voice.

Where is everybody?

As soon as I pull out my phone to call someone, it buzzes and Ethan's name pops up on my screen.

I smile, unlocking my phone and opening up our messages.