First Impressions.. (Norman Reedus FanFic)

Chapter Eight.

Taylor's P.O.V..

Today is the day of the party, meaning I had a lot to do and not much time to do it all in. I decided to take a quick shower and as soon as I was done I starterd to get ready to leave.

"What the...?" I questioned to myself, bending down to pick up the cuddly monkey that was placed outside my door.

There was a little note attached to the item and when I turned it around, my lips instantly turned in to a smile.
'I know you've always wanted one - Norman x'. The note read and I quickly brought the toy close to my chest, just as my father walked out of his room. I watched his whole body relax and a massive grin spread across his face.

I could see him thinking about something and he finally rested against the wall next to my door.

"Remember our first ever trip to the zoo?" My dad started. "We had our photo taken with a monkey that looked exactly like that." He finished, gesturing towards the toy in my arms.

"Of course I remember.. That's why Norman got me this." I responded quietly, dropping my head in guilt because of the way I was still treating him.

I saw my dad's face scrunch up in confusion and I thought I should probably explain.

"I told Norman that I have always wanted one of these monkeys, so.. If I ever found you, I could recreate the picture." I whispered, feeling incredibly stupid at the suggestion.

"I think that's a great idea." He stated, kissing my forehead and walking down the stairs. I quickly placed the monkey back in my room before following my dad downstairs to see everyone.

My dad and I prepared the garden so there was space for people to dance and space for people to sit down and eat, while My Auntie, Uncle and Cousin continued to get everything ready from inside.

"I think that's everything out here.. How about we go and help in there?" My dad suggested, gently guiding me through the garden and back in to the house.

After a couple of hours helping around, I noticed my cousin had disappeared from downstairs.

"Hey.. Where's Courtney gone?" I asked Julie and she shrugged her shoulders at me with a small frown.

"I don't know.. I can't get her to talk to me." She sighed, scratching her head and going back to the cooking. I thought about it for a moment before excusing myself and deciding to try and speak with her.

I slowly made my way up to her room and gently knocked on her door. I could hear movement inside but after five minutes the door still wasn't unlocked.

"Open the door Court.. It's only me." I stated softly.

"Go Away." Courtney responded immediately but I refused to give up just yet, I wanted to help.

After a further twenty minutes of continuously knocking the door, Courtney finally gave in an d opened the door.

"Cheer up kid.. You're sixteen today." I stated but she just shook her head at me.

"I don't care. I just want to be on my own." She mumbled in reply, dropping back on the bed and sighing.

"Talk to me Courts.." I said, trailing off and hoping she would open up to me.

After a few short moments of silence, she turned on her side and looked at me.

"They're suffocating me Tay.. I feel like I can't do anything on my own." Courtney admitted. I let out a soft chuckle and lay down beside her.