Rowan [NaNoWriMo 2018]

Sixteen

"I fell in love with her courage, her sincerity, and her flaming self-respect. And it's these things I'd believe in, even if the whole world indulged in wild suspicions that she wasn't all that she should be. I love her, and it is the beginning of everything." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

"Happy Birthday!!!"

Rowan sat straight up in bed to see her parents and brother standing at the end of her bed. She rubbed her eyes to make sure that she wasn't imagining the fact that Laurel was standing there too.

"Well, aren't you going to say something?" Laurel asked with a giggle.

"I can't believe you're here," said Rowan with glee. "Thanks, Mom, Dad, and Alder."

"How does it feel to be 18?" Samuel asked.

"So far, it feels the same as being 17," Rowan replied.

"Well, get out of bed, lazy bones. I'm making your favorite breakfast," Rebekah said.

"French toast with fried eggs and bacon?" Rowan inquired.

"Yes," her mom answered.

"Man, I am so lucky that my birthday fell on a Saturday," Rowan said as her family filed out of her bedroom.

Rowan threw her covers off and got out of bed. She threw on a pair of navy sweatpants and grabbed a pink t-shirt to throw on over her tank top. She then padded into the bathroom and ran a brush through her hair before piling it on top of her head. When she walked into the dining room, her mouth dropped open. Sitting at the table was Matthew. Of course and I look like a troll right now.

Matthew's face broke into a wide smile. "Happy Birthday!"

He stood up and walked across the kitchen to where Rowan stood. He pulled her into a hug. "You're beautiful," he whispered in her ear.

Rowan smiled shyly. "Thanks for being here."

"Laurel and I decided that there was no way in the world we'd miss your 18th birthday," Matthew replied.

"Rowan, your french toast is up," Rebekah called.

Rowan walked into the kitchen to grab her plate and returned to the dining room and sat down, Matthew sitting next to her. When everyone was done eating Samuel asked for everyone's attention.

"So, here's the game plan for the birthday celebration. We're all going to get ready and go bowling. After bowling, we will be going to lunch wherever Rowan picks. Afterward, Rowan and Laurel will go shopping. When they finish shop they will come home for the rest of the birthday shenanigans," Samuel announced.

"It sounds perfect, Dad. Thanks for planning this," Rowan said.

Matthew volunteered to dishes and Alder decided to help him. Once Rowan and Laurel were upstairs Rowan walked into Laurel's room.

"So you decided to bring Matthew with you?" She asked.

"Once he heard I was coming here for the weekend he said he wanted to come too," Laurel answered. "Are you mad?"

"No, I'm not mad, I'm elated. I can't believe you're both here," Rowan replied.

"I'm happy to be with you, especially since we went a couple of weeks without talking after the incident that happened with Dad. I shouldn't have been so angry with you," Laurel said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Let's not get into that. We're okay now," responded Rowan.

"Deal. So, what are you going to wear?" Laurel asked.