A Break Apart

CHAPTER 50. Party Crasher

Mum covered my eyes with a blindfold after her and William snuck me inside the living room from the backyard.

"William, what's going on?" I asked with a giggle.

"You'll find out soon enough." He sounded excited.

"Mummy, not even a clue?"

"You heard William," I heard her say.

I groaned. "What are you guys up to?" I asked again, and all I heard was the sound of their laughter.

I sensed we had come out of the house due to the different feel on my skin from the sudden change of atmosphere. I could also tell that everyone had gathered around me with the mumbling noises that felt too close to my ears. My movement had been halted, and I kept wondering what was going on.

William, who stood by my side, then took off my blindfold. I opened my eyes and, with a gasp, immediately covered my mouth with my hands at the mind blowing sight, while everyone cheered.

The gorgeous, striking, white Toyota Corolla had a huge red bow on the bonnet, and above the bow was a placard that read, Happy graduation, my angel. Love Dad.

Two young men I recognised as my dad's students from their black and white uniform walked up to me. One handed me the car key, and then they both congratulated me and left in the other car that one of them had driven. I blushed at the congratulatory words and hugs I got from everyone else around me, giving back a million thank yous.

"Well, then, give it a try," Mum said cheerfully. With a smile, I turned to William, and giggled when he gave me a teasing wink. I then left his side and walked over to the driver's side of my brand new car.

I opened the car door and climbed in. Sitting on the bouncy seat, I still couldn't believe my eyes. I inserted the key in the ignition and did a ninety degree twist to the right. The sound of the engine filled the air and, while everyone cheered, I laughed heartily.

Sandra's POV

"How sweet of her dad to surprise her like that," I said, walking with Austin who held Lulu in his arms.

He let out a soft chuckle. "It's expected from a parent who has only one child. They love her so much."

I laughed. "Yeah. Her mum especially have always been so protective of her."

"How long have you guys known each other?" he asked.

"Quite a long time, neighbors turned family friends. We attended the same primary school with my brother-"

"Wow," he interrupted.

I chuckled and continued. "Something happened and we had to move, but fate brought us back together."

"That's amazing. So what made you guys leave?"

"I lost my dad," I said immediately, and his eyes dimmed with sympathy.

"That must have been tough," he said, barely audible.

"Yeah." I smiled a little.

"I'm sorry about that."

"Thanks. And how long have you known Nadine?" I quickly asked, bringing back the light in our conversation.

A smile appeared on his face, as if he was just pulled out of a dark trance. "Oh, yeah. I've known her since secondary school, and she's been best friends with my sister."

"Cool," I said with a smile, and then his phone rang, pausing our slow movement.

"Sorry." He cringed as he took it out of his jeans pocket, securing Lulu with one arm.