“I’m proud of you, Sophia.”
That’s all she says.
Belle bites her bottom lip and leans toward the phone. “You’re not mad?”
“As long as you’re safe, I’m not mad. And honestly, Sophia, I think you’re doing the right thing.”
She doesn’t have to explain herself. I know the hidden meaning behind her words has everything to do with my parents and not with me being a rebellious teenager. “Are you sure you’re safe?”
“Yes,” I say. “We’re still on campus. We’re just… hiding.”
She chuckles. “Okay. Don’t get into trouble. I expect you two to be back in your dorm in two days. And then I’ll take you to a birthday dinner.”
I grin. “Thanks Aunt Kate.”
* * *
Solar powered lightscast a beautiful glow on the garden walls as the sun sets on our third day of this secret campout adventure. Declan’s laptop plays our favorite Netflix comedy while we sit around eating pizza. Declan is the kind of guy I just like being around. I never get bored with him. It never feels weird. I’m not sure what our future holds, but I really hope we stay together. One of these days, I’ll have to talk to him about it, but right now I just want to go with the flow. What we have is magical, and sweet, and fun. I don’t want to ruin it by wondering what comes next.
Declan smells like cedar and something sweet, like cinnamon, as he sits next to me on the blankets we’ve spread out in the center of the garden. I lean against his chest, breathing him in and loving every second of being next to him.
“Are you going to tell us what’s in that box?” I ask after the TV show is over and the credits roll on the computer. Earlier when Declan brought us dinner, he also brought a large box that’s been sitting unopened for hours.
He glances at it and then gives me the cutest look. “Not yet.”
“Why can’t it be opened now?” I ask, gazing up at him while my head rests on his chest. “Is it some nerdy camping thing?”
He chuckles. “Nope.”
Belle yawns. “You’ll have to open it without me. I think I’m going to bed.”
I turn on my phone to check the time. It’s about fifteen minutes until midnight. “Goodnight.”
“You sure you can’t stay awake a little bit longer?” Declan asks her. “I don’t want you to miss the surprise.”
Belle shakes her head. “I have a pretty good idea of what it is. I’ll see it in the morning.” With one more yawn, she disappears into the tent and zips it closed.
“How does Belle know what’s in the box and I don’t?” I say, pointing an accusing finger at him.
Declan shrugs. “She doesn’t know. She’s guessing. I’m surprised you haven’t guessed it.”
“How would I guess something that’s totally random?” I ask.
Declan kisses the top of my head and then turns back to the computer screen, which has started playing the next episode. “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”
I’m falling asleep on his shoulder when Declan whispers my name. “Wake up.”
My eyes flit open and I yawn, stretching as I sit up on the blanket. The moonlight glows overhead. “Are you leaving? What time is it?”
“It’s midnight,” Declan says. “Which means it’s time to open the box.”
“Midnight?” Then I realize the significance behind the time. “It’s my birthday”
I’m free. I made it four days and now my parents can’t force me to leave.
“Yep,” Declan says. He gets up and goes to the mysterious box. Inside, he pulls out a square white cardboard box.
I clap my hands together, recognizing the pink sticker label on the box. “You got me a cake! You are seriously the best boyfriend ever.”
