Project Archangel Book One: The Conspiracy Project

Chapter 15 (Please read TW)

TW: Attempted rape and self harm

“Your birthday is coming up, isn't it?” Michael asked as he handed me a cold soda and took a seat on the dock beside me. Church was over for the day, and we had left my parents to enjoy another kid-free day at home.
I popped the top and took a swig. “Yeah. On Wednesday.”
“Got any plans?”
I shrugged, looking out across the lake. “I usually just go out with my friends or something. Like to a movie or the arcade. I'll probably do that next weekend.”
“You don't do anything on your actual birthday?”
I shook my head. “Unless it falls on a weekend, I usually just go to school and go home.”
“That's no fun.”
I shrugged. “I don't mind.”
“Well, we’re going to do something special for your actual birthday.”
I looked at him. “We are?”
He gave me a big grin. “Yup.”
“It's just another day, Michael. We don't have to do anything special.”
“We're doing something special.”
“Like what? Swimming with dolphins?” I joked. Though that was probably not the best thing to say, considering Michael could probably afford that too.
“Unfortunately no. The beach is too far away to drive on a school day, plus the weather is a little chilly. Maybe we can go over spring break or something, but we'll definitely do something fun on Wednesday. Just you and me. And we can all celebrate your birthday on Saturday.”
“You really don't need to worry about it. I'm used to not doing anything for my birthday.”
“You're not gonna change my mind.”
I sighed and shook my head, looking back at the lake to hide my smile. “What am I gonna do with you?”
He cupped my chin and made me face him, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on my lips. When we pulled away, our faces still extremely close, he said softly “just accept me.”
“I do.” I smiled and kissed him back.
After that, he pulled me to him. I laid my head on his shoulder, and he kissed my head and rested his cheek against my hair. We stayed there on the dock, looking out at the waves on the lake together for a long time, simply enjoying each other's presence. I was really happy.

---
Wednesday started like any other, short of the fact that all my friends were wishing me happy birthday when I got to school. In a way, it was kind of nice to be the center of attention, but it also felt weird. I usually didn't get so much attention. Of course, it also didn't help that Sammy and Brenda purposely sang me Happy Birthday at the top of their lungs, attracting the attention of nearly half of the cafeteria while I sat at the table awkwardly, my face bright red.
“So we have decided that we're going to take care of your party!” Brenda announced.
“You don't have to do that,” I muttered.
“Yes we do! We never plan your parties. I think everyone in this group has had us plan their party at least once, except for you.”
“That's because I normally don't go around broadcasting when it's my birthday, so no one knows until that weekend.”
“Well, not this year! We marked it in our phones and have been planning since Saturday.”
I looked at Michael. “Did you know anything about this?”
He shrugged sheepishly. “Maybe a little.”
“Traitor.”
“What? I want you to have an awesome party.”
“I'm gonna kill you. Seriously. I'm gonna freaking kill you, Moneybags.”
He laughed.
“You're gonna love it,” Brenda insisted. 

---
“Tell your parents you won't be home for dinner,” Michael instructed as he buckled his seatbelt and started the car.
“Why?”
“Because you won't. Call them and tell them.”
“What about my curfew?”
“I'll have you home by ten. Just not in time for dinner.”
“I swear to God, Michael, if you're taking me to some fancy restaurant.”
He grinned and pulled onto the main road. “I'm not, I promise.”
I eyed him suspiciously. “You better not be.”
“Just trust me, okay?”
I sighed and unlocked my phone. I called my mom and brought the device to my ear.
“Hello?” she asked.
“Hey, Mom. Michael told me to tell you I won't be home for dinner.”
“Sure, make me the bad guy,” Michael grumbled.
“Is he taking you out for your birthday? That's so sweet!” Mom gushed.
I groaned. “Yeah, something like that. Just let Dad know I'm alright, okay? I'm with Michael.”
“Don't you two get up to anything bad, understand?”
“Mom...”
“I'm too young to be a grandma!”
“Mom! Oh my God. No!”
She laughed. “Alright, Sweetie. You kids be safe. I know it's your birthday, but I still want you home by ten.”
“Yes, Ma'am.”
“Alright. See you tonight then. Love you.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
“Bye bye.”
“Bye.”
The line went dead, and I dropped my phone to my lap. “Done.”
“Awesome. What's your favorite food?” Michael inquired.
I shrugged. “Chinese, I guess.”
“We'll get some take out before we go home then.”
“Before we go home? Where are we going now?”
“The mall.”
“What? Why?”
He shrugged. “Shopping spree?”
“Michael!”
He laughed. “I won't make you buy anything. It's mostly for fun, so we can just be together, but I'll buy you whatever you do want.”
“My threat still stands. I'm gonna fucking kill you.”
“That's a naughty word, Little Girl.”
I smacked his arm. “Shut up.”
He caught my hand and interlocked our fingers. “Ooh, Baby, hit me again.”
“I can't. You're holding my hand.”
“Should I let go?”
“No.”
He smiled and lifted my hand to his mouth, tenderly kissing the back of it and then my palm. He then lowered our hands to the center console, simply holding my hand with his right and using his left to drive.