Family Is Found (Sequel to Running Towards Home)

CHAPTER 10

ARLENE'S POV:

It's Sam's birthday and we're at my favorite store. I know Sam hates shopping, but I needed an excuse to get her out of the house for the day, plus she needs some new clothes. She hasn't bought anything since she got to Tulsa almost nine months ago.

"Sam, try this on. Last one, I promise!" I say, handing her a teal shirt. She sighs. "You said that two shirts ago." I grimace. "Okay, okay, I mean it this time!" Sam laughs and goes to try on the shirt. She comes out, and I grin. "That is a keeper," I say. Sam goes to change and brings it back. I add it to our pile. We've been here for an hour or so, trying on different clothes. So far, we only have two new pairs of jeans, a pair of pink shorts, a yellow crop top, and this blue shirt she just tried on. Sam is pretty much done with shopping, so I go to pay.

"Wait, Arlene, let me pay. It's a lot of clothes," Sam says. I shrug her off. "It's your birthday, I'm paying!" I say, and grab the bag of clothes. It wasn't expensive, only about thirty bucks. That's part of why I love this store so much. "C'mon, let's head home." I say.

We're walking home, chatting, when Sam says "Tell me why you needed me out of the house." She says. "What do you mean?" I say. Sam shoots me a glare. "You know I hate shopping. Why did you force me to go with you?" I bite my lip. I can't tell her the truth. "Because I wanted to spend time with you, and I thought this would be fun. And because you badly need some new clothes." Sam frowns at me. "What's wrong with my clothes?" she asks.

"Your clothes are worn out, and you need some new outfits. I figured that would be my birthday gift to you." I say. Sam shoots me a suspicious glance, but we're at the house already. I lead her inside, and the house is dark. "What the-" Sam starts but she never gets to finish.

"SURPRISE!" The gang shouts, jumping out. The lights flick on, and everyone cheers. Sam starts laughing. "I told you guys I didn't want a party!" She says. She can deny it all she wants, but her smile shows how she truly feels. She's happy.

SAM'S POV:

I can't believe that they would throw me a party! No one has ever celebrated my birthday before. For me it was always just a painful memory of the family I never had. The house is decorated with different colored streamers, and there are a few balloons here and there. The whole gang is here. "I told you guys I didn't want a party!" I laugh. "Well, too bad, you got one." Soda says.

Darry barbecued some burgers, and we all ate outside, laughing and roughhousing. When it started to get cold and dark, we all went inside. We pulled out the chocolate cake, and within a few minutes it was gone. I was very proud of Steve, he limited himself to three pieces. After cake, the gang led me to the couch. Then they pulled out the gifts.

"You guys, you didn't have to do this," I say, tears forming in my eyes. "Yes we did, it's your birthday!" Johnny says. I go silent for a few moments. "These are the first birthday gifts I've ever gotten." I say. "This means a lot you guys." I smile big. I'm so lucky I met these guys. Soda pushes a box at me. "Here, open this one first! It's from me and Darry!" Soda says. I open the box, and inside is a leatherbound journal. "I love it!" I say. "We remembered you eyeing it when we were shopping a few weeks ago, and thought you would like it." Darry says. I hug them both.

Next, Johnny hands me a beautiful gift bag. "This one is from all of us." He says. I reach in and pull out a leather jacket, brand new. On the back, my name is stitched in gold. It's awesome. "This is amazing! Thank you guys so much!" I yell. I put it on, and it fits perfectly.

Then Pony comes up to me. He hands me a beautifully wrapped parcel. I open it, and inside is a copy of Little Women. "I've been wanting this book forever! Thanks, Pony!" I say. He looks at me and says "I was going to give it to you the night that Cherry kissed me, but I never got the chance. I thought I would give it to you now." I kiss him on the cheek.

"That's not all." Pony says. He pulls out a little box, and I open it. Inside is a beautiful silver necklace with a heart. It has the letters P and S engraved in it. "Pony..." I say. "I love it, so much. How did you afford it?" I ask. He smiles at me. "I saved up a bit of money for it." I put it on. "I'm never going to take this off, ever." I say. I kiss Pony, and the gang hoots and hollers. "Oh, stop it, all of you. You're just jealous." I say, and stick my tongue out at them.

We spend the rest of the night talking and playing games. This is the best birthday I have ever had.