A Celebration of Sorts

July 8th

The alarm clock crashed to the floor, startling Jacin awake. groaning, he rolled over and felt around for the blasted clock, silencing it. A faint light was beginning to show through the heavy curtains. Jacin buried his face in the pillow, WInter snuggling close to him, murmuring something indistinct. "What time is it?" Was all he was able to decipher. "Too early. Go back to sleep." Jacin wrapped his strong arms around her. "Okay." Winter sighed. Jacin drifted off to a blissful sleep, the deep breathing of his girlfriend a peaceful lullaby.

When he awoke, the sun was pouring through the window. He turned to look at the clock, bolting upright when he saw the time. Stars, it was half past noon. This might have been the latest he ever slept. Between going to classes and flying in to Benoit Farms and Gardens (the reason they were there was entirely unknown to Jacin), he really needed to catch up on his sleep. He turned to wake up Winter, but she was already gone, a faint scent of her favorite perfume she always wore lingering on the bedsheets.

Jacin sighed and got up, stretching. He was riffling through his suitcase trying to find a pair of pants, when the door burst open, and a chorus of voices began to sing, "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Jacin, happy birthday to you!" Winter ended it with a good howl, making everyone laugh.

Scarlet, Cress, and Wolf were holding plates with pancakes and fruit, and Thorne, Cinder, Iko, and Kai were wearing cone-shaped hats and throwing confetti around. But Winter looked the happiest, singing the loudest and holding a box with the logo of Jacin's favorite candy maker. Jacin's eyes began to mist. "I forgot it was my birthday today, didn't I? It's been a while since I've celebrated." Winter grinned, clasping one of his hands. "We know, dear Jacin! That's why we are celebrating now! That's why I wanted to come here!" Jacin smiled at her, holding back the urge to kiss her.

"Hold the fireworks, you two." Thorne walked over and clapped Jacin on the back. "Well, it really looks like the birthday boy has really gotten into spirit, just look at him! Almost in his birthday suit!"

Everyone groaned, Jacin flushing red as he glanced down at the black boxers he had donned on in the midst of getting dressed. "Um..." he sputtered, "thank you all for the gestures, but would you mind leaving so I can dress?" Thorne snickered and nudged Jacin before ushering everyone out the door. Jacin shook his head and smiled before turning back to his suitcase. This was the best birthday ever.