Just Friends

Twelve

"Happy 22nd birthday, bitch!!"

Rey, Finn, and Poe all surprised me at my door with flowers, balloons, and two bottles of champagne. They were an hour early to the party, just enough time to help me set up. I laughed heartily at their gestures and nodded for them to come in.

The past few days had been somewhat stressful. Working all the way up to the wire with my deadline, but thankfully finishing on time. Kylo had left me alone, knowing how important it was for me to focus on getting my work done. If he distracted me in the slightest, all my thoughts would have been on him. Which, as of recently, seemed to be the case whenever I wasn't busy.

Even though he was doing me a favor by leaving me be, I missed him. Constantly thinking of him and his beautiful smile. Now, it being my birthday, I was just so excited to see him. Of course I had to invite him, Finn and Poe just didn't know he was coming yet.

After hugs, kisses, and a quick toast to being another year older, we started to set up. A large ping-pong table set up in the middle of my living room, red solo cups placed on top ready for some drinking games.

More cups and straws placed on my island for drink making. The alcohol, Kylo so graciously paid for, sitting on the marble counter tops. Coasters placed everywhere, by Finn of course. He was such a clean freak. The rest of us put up balloons, streamers, and covered any place we could with big chunky glitter.

Everything seemed to be perfect, the boys finishing up some final touches with a banner. "Up a little more on your left." Poe shouted over the now booming music. Finn leaned back, looking at it. "No, up more on your side." Rolling his eyes, Poe tutted and shook his head. "I know what I'm talking about, Finn. Up!"

They continued to argue as Rey and I escaped to my bedroom, giggling as we heard them continue to fight. Closing the door, Rey looked at me. "Okay, show me your outfit!"

My smirk was telling enough before I scurried into the bathroom. I quickly dressed in the clothes I had set out, stepping out to reveal it to Rey. Her jaw dropped to the ground, taking in a breath before squealing out and running to get a better look at me.

I never wore clothes like this, only on special occasions and this was one of them. My main focal piece was my lacy black bra that was loosely covered by a yellow plaid flannel. By loosely, I mean the shirt was practically hanging off my shoulders. It hung open, showing off my belly button and my bra. On my bottoms, I wore a pair of ripped jean shorts and my black converse shoes.

Feeling like such a badass, I smiled wide and spun around for Rey. "You look drop dead gorgeous. I can't wait to see what the boys will say." We giggled again, like school girls, and ran out to show them my outfit.

Turning to see us, Finn and Poe both reacted the same way Rey did. Jaws on the floor. "Absolutely not, Aria!" Finn shook his head, rushing towards me and pulling on the flannel to cover me up.

Rey swatted his hands away and shined her devilish grin at him. "Absolutely, yes. It's her birthday. She's allowed to do whatever she wants!" With that, the two rolled their eyes and groaned. And in that same moment, Rey started towards the alcohol holding up a bottle of Tito's.

"Who wants a shot!"

The party was growing in size. It started with just a few of our mutual friends filing in here and there, now my living room looked like a zoo. I eventually made my way around through the tons of people, saying hi to everyone and receiving their compliments. They all seemed to be throughly enjoying themselves, a game of beer pong even starting up.

Just as I, finally after an hour of talking, refilled my cup for the first time, my eyes caught on the door. Kylo had just came through, looking around awkwardly to find me. I was too busy looking at him that I hadn't realized I was missing the cup, spilling vodka all over the table. "Fuck..." Wiping my hands quickly on a towel, I felt him coming up to me.