73 Memories

The Twenty-Third Memory

"Hello," I heard your mom say, and I smiled. I was glad that it was her who answered, she seemed to like me more than your father did.

"Oh, hey! Um, I was wondering if I could throw your son a small surprise party at my house after school tomorrow, for his birthday?"

"Who is this?" Ruby asked, and I could hear the confusion in her voice.

"Oh, right, sorry. It's his girlfriend."

The confusion quickly disappeared and instead, surprise took over. "Well, I'll be! Of course, you can! Especially after you had the common sense to call. I don't know many people who would ask permission."

I smiled. "Thank you."

Ruby laughed airily. "Of course, kid! Do you need anything? Money, drinks, food?"

I shook my head before I remembered that she wouldn't be able to see me. "No, that's okay. I still have money left over from my job back where I used to live. But, if you could try and not tell him, that'd be great."

I heard her scoff on the other end. "Well, duh! That's basically the definition of 'surprise'."

I laughed at that. "That's true. Thank you!"

I hung up and then headed to the store, determined to find a present, food, drinks, anything I'd need for this party.

When I left the store, I'd bought everything I could possibly need for the party. I rushed home, mainly from the strain of walking and carrying so many bags, but also so I could get the whole thing set up.

When I turned down our street, you were outside, throwing a frisbee around with your little brother. "Oh, hey!" You called, and I turned, having failed my silent mission to not draw attention to myself.

I plastered a smile on my face and tried to not seem like I had just gotten back from committing a crime. "Hey!"

"You walked with those bags?"

"Oh, these! Um, yeah, it's not a big deal."
You crossed your arms over your chest and sighed dramatically. "Why didn't you call me to come and get you?"

The only thing my brain could think was an excuse, fast. "It's only groceries," I waved you off. "Didn't want to bother you is all."

You turned to your brother and held up a finger, telling him to wait. I watched as he plopped down in the grass and waited for you with a bored expression lying on his face. "You could never be a bother."

"It's fine. But your brother looks bored. Call me when you can! Bye!" I kissed your cheek as best as I could and then all but ran inside, desperate to get the little surprise party that would consist of just me and you ready.

The next day after school, I asked if you wanted to come over to work on homework.

"But it's my birthday," you whined. "I don't want to do homework."

I sighed, but internally I was thinking of how I was supposed to get you to come with me. "Then we can watch a movie."

"Fine. Let me go and tell mom where I'll be."

I nodded. "Meet you in the den."

You smiled as an answer and then headed inside your house, and then I took off for mine. I knew I'd have to hurry.

I ran into my house and downstairs where I had the whole thing ready. I poured us each a glass of soda and set it on the coffee table, and then waited for you to come down so I could surprise you and then order pizza.

Eventually, I heard the front door open and close and then your footsteps thumping down the stairs.

I grinned as I watched your eyes take in the balloons, streamers, everything I had done. "I'm sorry no one else is here. And it's not a banner on the side of a public building or anything, but-" you silenced me by walking closer and placing your lips firmly against mine.

"But it's perfect," you whispered.

I smiled. "Open your present."

You smiled and sat down on the couch as I handed you a blue gift bag. "Again, it's not much-" I mumbled, but you cut me off again.

"It's going to be perfect." You pulled the bag open and I smiled in anticipation as you pulled the gift out. "I love it," you whispered.

I hope you remember what that gift was because I'm too tired to write anymore.

Sorry, but I can't help it. 

And you know why I can't help it, so I won't write that, either.