Arlo's Birthday!

Part 6: Step One

Arlo couldn't believe himself. He had made a deal with John. He wasn't even sure if he could fulfill his side of this deal. An even more crazy thing was that John, had actually accepted. He had thought that John would hit him some more times, tell him off, and walk away. But no, it hadn't gone the way Arlo would had ever imagined. He wasn't sure if he could convince Seraphina. But to not make any more drama in his own life, he'd have to make this deal work. He'd have to do his part of the agreement.

During the meantime, the party was slowly starting to go down notches. People were sleepy and tired. Some were staggering back to the dorms. Soon, only Arlo, Holden, Seraphina, and Evie were left. Arlo and Holden had just started to clean, when Sera and Evie started to help too. Arlo glanced over at Sera. How would he convince Seraphina? She never really had trusted him, and now she didn't trust John. Why would she believe him.

No. He couldn't have doubts. He had to succeed this mission. 

Arlo walked tentatively to Seraphina, who was picking up some plates on the ground. He cleared his throat.

Arlo: Hello Seraphina.

Sera looked up at Arlo with a confused look.

Seraphina: Why are you talking to me Arlo?

Arlo took a deep breath. 

Arlo: Seraphina... would you like to come with me for coffee?

Seraphina: No thank you. I don't like coffee.

Arlo: Oh... how about boba?

Seraphina's ears perked up, and she stood to face Arlo. As much as she desisted Arlo, she couldn't deny a chance for boba.

Seraphina: Are you paying? 

Arlo: Yes. So you are coming.

Seraphina: Yeah, sure. After classes tomorrow?

Arlo nodded.  Step one, complete. 

After cleaning up, Arlo told Holden to have a good night and went to his dorm. He jumped into bed, too tired to clean up himself. He was nearly drifting off to sleep when he remembered his mission. He kept thinking of things to help Seraphina regain her trust in John. But every single one felt worse than the last one. He sighed, and just decided to get closer to Seraphina and gain some trust. He slowly drifted off to sleep.

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Arlo's Dream

Arlo was lost. Terribly lost.

The entire world was black, except for one bright light.

Arlo seemed to run for hours toward the light. 

Finally, he reached it.

Inside the lightbulb of light was John and Seraphina standing next to each other.

He watched them, till he finally saw a blonde haired boy watching them with a smile.

It was himself.

He was going to put things right again.

And he would look back and feel proud.

Arlo's hand reached out to touch the lightbulb.

And he woke up.

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