The Ride of My Life (an Ansel Elgort story)

Chapter 58

Lucy's POV

My favorite month is at last here: October.

I love October for many reasons- the weather, Halloween, fashion- but most of all... My birthday.

That lovely day is today, October 4th. Wow. I can't believe I'm already 19.

I'm excited that I actually have a boyfriend on my birthday for once.

I decide to call Ansel. It's odd that he hasn't sent me a text or something, but it is Saturday, so he's probably sleeping in. I guess I'll cut him some slack.

After three rings, he picks up. His morning voice indicates that my assumption was right. He was sleeping.

"Hello?" He says, groggily.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Nothing. I just woke up."

I laugh, "I can tell. Don't you have something to tell me?"

"What?" He pauses. "Oh my gosh. I completely forgot. Yeah, Sophie said she wants to go shopping with you today. Be ready at noon."

"But, Ansel it's my-"

"I have to go, you girls have fun!" And he hangs up.

Umm, okay? That was odd. Did he forget its my birthday?

I go downstairs and I'm hit with the smell of bacon and eggs. Yum.

At least I know someone didn't forget my birthday.

"Good morning!" I say to anyone who cares to listen. I walk into the kitchen and there's a plate with one piece of bacon sitting on the counter. Wow.

"Hey, morning, gotta go! See ya!" Brandon is rushing around the kitchen. He grabs the piece of bacon before hurrying out the door.

What the heck? Why is everyone being so inconsiderate? I mean, I wouldn't question it any other day, but don't you think I should get a little special treatment today?

I sigh, and look around the kitchen. My parents were ecstatic when they found out I was moving back home, mainly so I could do my mom's chores.

There's a note on the counter.

Lucy,

Mom and I went to run some errands. We'll be out most of the day. Please do the dishes and the laundry and pick up around the house? Thanks.

Love, Dad

Yeah. This is exactly how I wanted to spend my birthday.

Ansel's POV

I've been up for hours getting things ready. Today is Lucy's birthday, and yet again, her family and I have a plan to surprise her. Everyone is going to ignore her all day, pretending its not her birthday. After she comes back from a day of shopping, we're going to surprise her with an awesome party.

Either way she'll be pissed at how we treated her, but at least she won't expect the party.

The party is taking place at her house. I offered up my apartment, but unfortunately it's too small.

My sister, Sophie, volunteered to get Lucy out of the house. Once they leave to go shopping, Brandon and I will set everything up.

This plan is fool proof. It's going to work so well, thanks to how naive Lucy always is.

Lucy's POV

I hear a knock on the door and answer it. It's Sophie.

"Hey, birthday girl!" She gives me a hug and we walk to her car.

"At least someone remembered."

"What do you mean? How has your day been?" She looks at me, concerned.

"Not very good. You're the first person to even acknowledge it. It's okay though. I know everyone has a lot on their minds."

"It's not okay. But it will be better. We're going to have so much fun!" She puts the car in drive and we leave for the mall.

I really hope she's right.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

We shop for hours. The hours are full of laughter, smiling, and spending money. I never knew I could have so much fun when nothing else today has gone right.

When we're done shopping, it's almost 7 pm. I'm tired.

Sophie pulls the car into my driveway and turns it off.

"Thank you for today. I had a lot of fun." I say.

"I knew you would." She smiles.

I start to get out of the car as she speaks. "Here, let me help you carry your bags in. You have a lot." That is true, so I don't reject her help.

I unlock our front door. The house is dark and eerily quiet.

I flip the light switch on.

I gasp when I see a bunch of people and they shout, "SURPRIIIIIIISE!!"

I should have known.