There was a knock on my room door just as I finished folding my clothes from the last few days. The sun was bright and there was a smile on face because it was my finally my birthday. I got a call from my mom first thing this morning. She sounded like herself, lively and peaceful, I just hoped it would last. We didn't have much to do today, so I could spend time with my friends on our last day in Oregon.
"Come in! It's open!" I turned my head to see who it was and immediately regretted answering the door. It was Penny and I haven't talked to her ever since the stunt she pulled when we were in Ohio. She tries to speak to me after shows, but I just walk by as if I don't see her. "What do you want? This time around answer me." I fully faced her and she let out a sigh. "I want to apologize." I was about to speak, but she continued talking. "I shouldn't have done what I did that day. I was drunk and I'm just sorry, Y/N."
"You think that's an excuse for you to push people around and get in their face? I had a drink too, but I wasn't threatening you." She reached in her jacket pocket and pulled out a small dark green box. "I know it's your birthday. So, I got you a little something. An apology?" She walked over to me and held out the gift. I took it from her hands and said a hushed thank you. "See you around, kid." Then, she was gone and I was left alone. I twisted the little box in my hands for a moment then opened it.
Inside was a shirt pin with fingers crossed that read "things will work out." A small smile crept on my face and went to the mirror, placing it on my jacket. I don't know if things will work out between me and Penny, but I have hope.
• • •
"It's my best friends birthday!" I tried to get out of Ashley's hold as I erupted in laughter. She continued to yell as she let me go. "You're officially eighteen, which means you're an adult! We're definitely going out to celebrate."
"Nope," I shook my head and walked in front of her. We were making our way to a Waffle House about to meet up with a few others. "You know I don't like that stuff. I just want to stay in and do something fun. We can order a bunch of room service or-. " She linked arms with me and finished my sentence, far from what I was going to say. "Or go to the bar." I laughed and shook my head.
As we entered my favorite place to eat at any time of the day. I saw the girls but no Dinah, Bella, and Bobi spread out between tables in the back. "There's the birthday girl!" Lauren yelled and everyone turned their attention towards the door. I just wanted to eat breakfast and now this. I couldn't complain though and just smiled as I passed the other tables of diners, some even saying happy birthday. I thanked them and let go of Ashley, taking the free seat next to Lauren. Normani and Ally both said happy birthday as Lauren squeezed me in a tight hug. "I love the love, Lauren. But, I need to breathe." The girls laughed and she let me go.
"Sorry, it's just I haven't seen you in a while." I smiled and grabbed the menu in front of me. "So, where's Dinah?" Normani averted her eyes away from mine and so did Ally, leaving me to face Lauren. "Hello?" I waved the menu in front of her face. "Oh look, there are our drinks." She tried to change the subject and my smile slowly faded. "Really?" I said under my breath. I sat back and watched the waitress bring out the orders of coffee and orange juice. "Hey, you guys ready to order?" She said as she placed the drinks on the table and grabbed a pen from her pocket.
"Yeah," Lauren started to name what she wanted and everyone else ordered as well. I was a little confused as to why Dinah wasn't here. I talked to her last night and she told me she would come, so I wondered where she could be. I could text her, but I just left it alone.
A few minutes later our food arrived and I could barely enjoy my waffle because of the missing blonde. I've tried to ask about her, but each time they changed the subject or flat out ignored me. I was picking at my bacon and staring out the window lost in my thoughts. I soon got tired of the smell of stale coffee and syrup, so I headed outside.
