Alexis Miller [Editing]

Chapter eighteen: It's My Birthday

Another two weeks had passed making it now a little less than one month until I had to leave. I still hadn't told Rose or Becky that I was leaving. I wasn't exactly sure how to. I was even more afraid of telling Ryder. I was worried about what his reaction would be like.

In those weeks I spent almost every afternoon either with my girls or out with Ryder. Yes, Ryder did formally ask me out. It was the cutest thing ever! And of course i said yes. He had taken me out to a fancy restaurant. My mom thought it was cute but I ignored her silly comments.

We were currently starting our midterm break that was a week long. My seventeenth birthday happened to be right in the middle of the week, on a Wednesday. Becky had been bugging me to have a party but that just isn't my scene. I prefer a quiet night in with friends, some popcorn and a great movie.

My phone rang awaking me. I looked at the screen and saw the blurry letters R-O-S-E. I slid my finger on the screen to answer the call. "Why Rose? Why? I need my sleep!"

"It's eleven am on your birthday sweety, I think you shouldn't be asleep right now."

"Argh, Rose."

"I know you love me dear. But listen since you're seventeen now..."

"I said no party!"

"No it's not a party! We just want to enjoy your day with you."

"We?"

"Becky and I of course, hurry up and dress comfortably!" The line cut and I was forced to get out of bed. A day out with my girls didn't sound like such a bad way to celebrate my birthday. I went into the bathroom, brushed my teeth and took a shower.

She said I must dress comfortably. I wore an oversized grey hoodie with black leggings and a pair of black ugg boots. I put my unbrushed hair into a messy bun. I didn't think I needed to look nice for them. It was only Becky and Rose after all. Ten minutes later I was ready to go.

*****

"Ms Harrison requested that you please wait here for her." Henry, the Butler, told me. I did as he said and waited next to the front door in the foyer.

"Happy Birthday!" Becky ran down the stairs then basically jumped on me making me tumble over. Rose later emerged after Becky got off of me. She smiled at me wishing me a happy birthday.

She then handed me a small envelope with my name written in cursive on top of it. Along with a small pink box containing chocolate chip cookies. I looked at Rose with a puzzled look on my face. She didn't say anything but gestured for me to open the envelope. I opened it afraid and curious of what I would find inside.

Dear Louis,

Happy birthday. I hope your day has been good so far. It's about to get better. I have a special day planned ahead for you. There is a car awaiting for you outside and your friends. If you would like. Give me this day, your birthday, to show you what you mean to me.

R.H.

Ryder. I felt quite special if I could say so myself. Ryder planned an entire day for me. I'm sure my two best friends were in on his little plan considering they are the ones that got me to the Harrison's.

Just as Ryder wrote, there was a black car with tinted windows waiting for me outside. I entered the car with Rose and Becky close behind. Henry was driving the car. The seats were covered in black leather.

Becky gave me Paramore's brand new CD called Today! as a gift. The music from the CD blasted through the speakers as we sang along. We ate the chocolate chip cookies as well. He parked the car on a sidewalk and then turned back to me to hand me an envelope similar to the previous one.

I see you have chosen to allow me to take over. Thank you. That was the first part of three. The CD comes only from your friends. The second part is now. Allow yourself to relax at the All Day Beauty Spa. I hope Rose and Rebecca help you to relax.

R.H.

*****

At the spa I had a lot of things done. I got my nails painted a soft green colour that complimented my eyes. Rose got the same colour but in a darker shade. I was surprised to Lucy there.

I hadn't seen her in a while and I was glad she was there. Lucy seemed like the girl who would turn out to be a really great friend. Her an Becky seemed to get along just right. She told me apparently Ryder told Kim to back off and that he had someone special to occupy his time.

I got my hair dyed a dark brownish colour after Becky had convinced me that it was going to be 'cool'. Although I still had a few highlighted strands that turned out to be light brown. I thought I would miss my blonde hair but I forgot all about it once I left the spa. Rose handed me the next envelope once we were back at her house.

Part three of three. Allow Henry to direct you to the guest room, please. There you will find some clothing that I personally picked out for you. It's optional to wear it or not to wear it.

R.H.

I was actually excited to see what Ryder had chosen for me to wear. I figured that we would probably be going out for dinner or something like that. So far my day had been great. Spending time at the spa and having a day to relax as promised.

Henry left me by the door of the guest room. Inside it was a double bed, a dresser, a door that lead to a bathroom and a door that lead to a balcony. On top of the bed lay a small black box. I opened the box, curious as ever to see what was inside.

Pyjamas.

Ryder got me pyjamas for my birthday. I was glad to know that he really thought this through. A fancy dinner would have been nice though. The top was sleeveless and had the symbol of super man on it. Except that instead of and 'S' for hope, it was an 'A' for Alex. The top was white and the three quarter pants were navy blue.

I changed into the clothing with a grin on my face the entire time. Ryder was really one of a kind. He really knew me well. I walked down the stairs to see him standing there with a grin equally as wide as mine. He was holding a bowl of popcorn. I guess to substitute the cliché rose.

I jumped on top of him once I was at the bottom of the stairs. The bowl dropped from his hand but luckily Henry was there to catch it. I put my arms around his neck then kissed him.

He laughed and spoke into the crook of my neck. "I'm glad you had a good day, by the way love the new hair do."

Ryder was wearing similar clothing to mine. Although his shirt had an 'S' in he middle. He then carried me into the TV room where Rose,Parker and Lucy were getting comfortable. Apparently Becky had to leave for some emergency of some sort.

We watched mostly comedies and Oblivion towards the end. After that it was around eleven thirty pm. Rose had left to go to sleep. Lucy and Parker had fallen asleep in each others arms. My eyes were beginning to feel heavy as I tried to fight them from closing completely. Ryder had his arms around me as I rested my head on his shoulder.

Suddenly I didn't hear the TV anymore. And me being as lazy as I was, I didn't bother to open my eyes to see what was happening. I felt the feeling of someone's arms underneath the back of my knees and the other supporting my back. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he carried me.

Ryder set me to lay down on the bed inside the guest room I presume. I grabbed his arm gently before he could leave, "Thank you, for everything Roo. Please stay?"

"Your welcome." I felt the bed shake and a sudden warmth was at my back. Arms wrapped around me and I instantly felt safe.

"I love you." I couldn't stop myself from saying those words. They weren't meant to be said. At least not yet. Those words are used way too much and much to soon. I was afraid that he wouldn't say anything back and that's exactly what he did. I began to mentally panic until I felt him squeeze me close to his chest. Without him saying it I knew he felt the same.