Death Valley (Desert Children Series #2)

Immortals

I learned of Ghoul's birthday after talking to the other killjoys about Halloween. I normally would be excited to dress up and eat candy but I was mostly worried about what I would get Ghoul. I knew nothing of any shops in the area because I never explored them. I had only gone with Rocket and Ghoul a few times. I also wasn't sure what to buy for Ghoul. I wanted to make sure it was just the right gift. I didn't have many options.

 

"What do you want for your birthday?" I asked.

 

"Nothing." Ghoul replied, resting his arms behind his head.

 

After that discussion, I was at a brick wall. I tried to get Rocket to help in my time of need.

 

"I have no idea what to get Ghoul." I said in defeat.

 

"Make him something. Homemade gifts are the best." She replied with a smile.

 

"Wouldn't he expect more? I mean his birthday is in a few days and I need to buy something." I paced her room.

 

"Make him letters. One for each holiday or occasion. But he can't open them until that day." She suggested. "It's cute and thoughtful."

 

I thought about her idea. It was the only one we had so far. Ghoul had gifted me with bigger things even when it wasn't a special occasion. How could I ever repay him? I thought long and hard before sitting on Rocket's bed and writing the letters. Ones for when he was sad or for when he was mad at me. I finished with about a hundred letters and we almost ran out of envelopes. I decorated each one with doodles and hearts. I included a Polaroid of me for his pocket and a locket with us in it. I hoped it would be enough

The day of his birthday we were hosting a costume party. I made a cake very carefully with the ingredients provided and scavenged for candy with Poison. Rocket hung decorations as she stood on a stool. Her height made it so she still had to stand on her tip toes to reach.

Ghoul entered the sitting room with sleepy eyes.

 

"Happy Birthday cutie!" I shouted and ran to give him a hug.

 

He kissed my forehead and thanked me with a returned hug. Ghoul smiled at the decorations and the ghosts that Rocket and I drew. Although Rocket drew most of them and I drew a sad one in the corner that I tried to hide.

 

Ghoul pointed to my ghost. "Who drew this one?"

 

"Me." I admitted.

 

"I want this tattooed for my birthday. Right on my leg. It's the best ghost ever." He laughed.

 

Ghoul's first present was getting his ghost tattoo. He was so excited that his smile practically reached his ears. I sat in the tattoo shop with him and was sure that he was so excited that he couldn’t feel the pain in his leg from the needle. It was great to see him that happy. It had been awhile since his eyes had lit up like they were at that moment.