oxygen (e.d.)

chapter thirty-three

{riley}

ethan and i went back to the party and pretended like nothing happened, but he'd wink at me across the party every time he caught my eye.

i sit perched in a lawn chair around a bonfire as people around me laugh and converse. of course, chip in and crack jokes, but i really, really want someone to be next to me right now.

and that someone needs to be ethan.

"alright party people!" sloane yells, holding another beer, "i believe it is now time for our beautiful birthday girl to eat her almost as beautiful cake."

i shoot a glance at wyatt and he shrugs with a stupid look on his face. i give him a knowing look, and he grins. he got me a whole ass cake.

sloane lights the candles on a vanilla cake with yellow frosting.

people crowd around me and i feel a special presence right behind me. i turn around and see ethan, smiling down at the cake.

sloane gives me a funny look, and i respond with a shrug that says, "i'll tell you later."

"make a wish," she whispers to me.

i look around at all the happy faces in front of me and wonder how tonight could get any better.

i really don't think it can.

thinking of my wish, i close my eyes and blow hard at the candles.

i open my eyes and see two that still haven't gone out.

the two that burned brighter than the others, refusing to let out the flame.

i smile and let them be until wyatt blows them out for me.

i take a deep breath as i cherish this moment.

it isn't until now that i realize i'm finally breathing properly.

and why?

ethan is my oxygen.