The Sacrifice

Chapter 13: The Birthday Date

*Ashley’s POV*

After the little set back of New Year’s Eve, I was nervous of what was going to happen today. Mainly, how John and Sherlock were going to act since I did not tell them that I was upset over the events that had happened that day over 10 years ago. They were especially not that happy that Dean slept in my room with me, holding me all night to ensure that I was not going to be alone. I saw him off yesterday as Castiel helped him get home to get everything set up for today. Today was my 21st birthday after all and apparently, everyone wanted to celebrate before my big date tonight. I was already not looking forward to today because I knew that Harlow would be coming with the others later. I was more nervous about today more than anything. 

I had started getting dressed when I heard someone knock on the door. That is odd; usually John and Sherlock are at work so I say for my guest to enter. Right as I said that, John walks in with a cup of my favorite tea, Sherlock come in with a small wrapped box and Nana Hudson walking in with a small tray of French toast with cherry syrup as she sings “Happy Birthday” to me. Honesty, it was a surprise because I thought they would have all been busy until tonight. “Awe, thank you all so much.” I manage to say as I wipe a few stray tears from my face while John sits by me with the cuppa. “Are you kidding me? It is your birthday and you only turn 21 once.” John explains as Sherlock hands me the small wrapped box, a blush on his face as I look a little confused. “It will help you with tonight.” He states with a gentle smile as I open it up.

It was container of pepper spray that is in the holder with my initials on it and I cannot help but smile, laughing to myself as I can see that Sherlock still does not approve of Dean just as John does but that is ok. “Thank you so much. I will use it for emergencies.” I explain as I kiss their cheeks and I see Nana is taking a picture after she set the tray down and then kissed the top of my head. “Go on, eat up sweetie.” She encourages as I take a bite of the fluffy and sweet tower on my plate. I smile as they kiss me again while I see John looks as hurt as I do when realization hit me. “I am sorry we have to leave you on your birthday sweetie but we will be back in enough time to see you off on your date.” Sherlock voices for john as I smile and nod. “Go on, I will call if any problems arise.” I wave them off as they kiss the top of my head and Nana kisses my cheek upon their departure from my room to do the day’s errands.

I finished eating when I heard them all leaving the flat and I lay in bed, full from the cuppa and the French toast that I don’t want to move but I know that I need to get up and moving before tonight, I have a date before this one with the bookstore. I quickly go downstairs and see that the flat has been cleaned up to perfection and that it looked set up for several other people. ‘Guess they are having guests over, that is ok.’ I mentally think before washing my dishes and putting on my shoes before heading out to the cold and wet day.

***Several Hours Later***

I got some books that I had been meaning to read and even did some grocery shopping for milk and crisps for my family before heading back to the flat, smiling and humming gently to whatever was playing on my iPod at that moment. I go to the flat’s doors and see DI Lestrade there with a small wrapped box and he waves to me. I smile as I run up to him, almost out of breath. “Detective Lestrade, I am sorry if you have been waiting for long. I was running errands and nobody is here. Are you looking for John or Sherlock because they are not home.” I start to explain as he looks nervous and shakes his head before I open the door, escorting him inside. “Would you like a cup of tea sir?” I ask as I go to make me a cup and he declines. “No but I am here to deliver this. It is nothing elaborate but Mycroft did not know what else to get you and I thought it would look good with the other gift inside.” He expresses as he hands me the wrapped gifts.