The Boy Next Door

ｔｗｅｌｖｅ

Rachel

My alarm blasted in my ear, waking me up from a heavy, deep sleep. It seems to get louder every time I use it. It was 4:30am on a Saturday morning. Saturdays are supposed to be for sleeping in, but not today. Today was my birthday. After the snooze alarm went off, I finally forced myself out of bed into the bathroom. I took a hot shower to wake myself up. I put my hot pink bikini on underneath my black cotton shorts and t-shirt. I found some motivation to make my bed along the way. My hard work had earned me a well-deserved coffee.

When I went downstairs to eat breakfast, Wyatt was sitting at the breakfast bar, drinking his coffee. He came back from school just for my birthday. He noticed me walking down the stairs immediately because he was looking in my direction. "Happy birthday, little sis. I made you some iced coffee. I know you aren't really a morning person."

"Thanks." I said, picking the glass up off of the counter. I could taste the caramel he put into it. "Did you make your own caramel sauce to put in here?" I asked. "Because the last time I checked, we were out of that cloyingly sweet syrup that mom buys." He nodded. "You are the best!" I said. "I'm sorry, that I am so mean to you. You really aren't that bad."

"I know I have been really controlling these past few weeks, and I'm sorry. I need to accept the fact that you are growing up and not a little kid anymore. Look at you. You are eighteen now. You can make your own decisions. I'm really glad that you're happy. I know you know what is best for yourself."

I smiled. "Thanks, Wyatt." He wrapped me into a side hug. He purposefully messed up my hair up like he was aggressively petting a dog.

"Wyatt!" I exclaimed, smoothing my hair back down. He smirked. My stomach rumbled. "Is mom making breakfast?"

"I hope so. The caramel sauce was enough cooking for me at this hour."

Eventually, after breakfast, we all piled into the cars. Colton's mom and Hanna rode with Wyatt and my mom while I rode with Colton.

Colton followed my mom onto the interstate. I was singing along to the song on the radio, watching the sun awaken and brighten the sky. Colton turned the volume down. "Hey, that was my favorite part!" I complained.

"Open the glove box."

"Why?" I questioned.

"Just do it."

"Okay, I will. You don't have to be so demanding." I mumbled. I opened the compartment to find a little silver box with my name on it in neat cursive letters. I picked it up and analyzed it. "Open it." Colton said.

"I told you not to get me anything for my birthday," I said. I tugged on the skinny purple ribbon that held the tag with my name in place. I lifted the top of the box. There was a necklace inside. The pendent was a small, silver bird. "It's beautiful."

"Happy birthday, babe." He said, reaching his hand out for me to grab while still focusing on the road.

"That was so thoughtful of you." I said. "Why a bird?"

"The swallow symbolizes love and trust."

"Thank you, Colton," I said. It really was such a thoughtful gift. Gifts with a symbol are so meaningful to me.

"I would help you put it on, but we are kind of driving right now."

"Safety first." I said, restarting the song he had interrupted me while listening to before.

He chuckled and sang along with me.

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"We are here!" Colton said, tapping me awake.