New Life

Chapter 26

Monica's POV

"All the preparations are complete," I said through the phone, "we can move on to the next phase."

"Good," he said. I could feel his taunting grin over the phone. What have I gotten myself into?

Angelina's POV

"Come on," Janice whined, pulling me and Quinn around the mall.

"Jan, I'm tired and hungry," I pouted.

"Angie, you're acting more childish than Quinn," she retorted. I looked at Quinnie. She was beaming at her new gifts from her Auntie Jan.

"You're spoiling her too much," I frowned.

"Listen, I'm just fulfilling my duty," she said proudly, "anyways, let's go. Today is your day to be spoiled too. It's your birthday after all." I gave her a smile.

"Alright," I said giving in. I couldn't ask for a better friend.

She bought me a dress, but I wouldn't accept any more from her. She had already bought Quinn so many toys and outfits today. I couldn't burden her more even if she was upset that I wouldn't let her spoil me as well. The only way she was able to get me this dress was by taking my clothes from the dressing room so I couldn't change back. I had to leave the store in the dress. "I can't believe you," I sighed.

"You've known me for almost ten years. Yes, you can," she retorted sarcastically. I chuckled and got out of my car. I got Quinn out of her carseat and set her on the ground so she could walk up to the front door. Janice grabbed some bags out of the trunk and I grabbed the rest. I was making my way up the steps to the front door when a car pulled into my driveway. I turned around and saw Nathaniel getting out. I closed my eyes and sighed. He came up to me. I heard Janice behind me trying to come up to me so I said, "It's alright Janice. Why don't you take Quinn and go in first? I'll be right up." There was a moment of silence and I heard her opening and closing the door.

"Hey," Nathaniel said unconfidently.

"What do you want?" I said harshly.

"I wanted to wish you a happy birthday," he said rubbing the back of his neck, "and I was wondering if I could take you and Quinn out for dinner or something tonight."

"Nathaniel, I just really need a break from you right now. I'm not in the mood to deal with you today," I said.

"I know—" he started.

"Nathaniel, I am still furious over what you and Juliet did with Quinn," I said, "please, just leave us alone right now."

"You're right," he said dejectedly, "I'm sorry." He pulled something out of his pocket. "But at least accept this." He place a small box in my hand, "Happy birthday Angel." He got back in his car and left. I looked at the small box resting in my hand and sighed. I opened it to find a small necklace inside. It was a clear ball with blue flowers in it. I let out another sigh and closed the box. I dropped the box in one of Quinn's toy bag and went inside.

"SURPRISE!" I jumped back and let out a small shriek. I looked around to see balloons, confetti, and a couple of people around me. "Happy Birthday!" They all yelled, laughing and throwing more confetti on me. I stood in shock still processing everything and also not knowing how to react.

"We have cake!" Micheal said in excitement. Janice came up behind me and ushered me to my seat at the table while Michael brought out the cake. I calmed down enough to look around. Lucas, Monica, Michael, Janice, Laura, and Quinn were standing around me.

"Make a wish!" Jan said.

"I don't need to. I already have everything I need," I said and I blew out the candles. Everyone handed me their gifts, yelling at me to open theirs first. After I opened everyone's gift and thanked them, Lucas told me to close my eyes. I closed them and waited patiently.

"Okay," Lucas said, "open." I opened my eyes and I saw a person standing in front of me. He looked like Lucas. I looked at him then back at Lucas then back at him. Then it hit me.

"JACKSON?" I yelled.

"I missed you, Angel," he said. I ran into his arms and hugged him tightly.

"I missed you so much," I said. There were tears streaming down my face but I didn't care. I held him tight not wanting to ever let go.