“It is not. Marie agrees since she helped me shop.”
I feel conflicted, realizing he bought all this for me, and I know it must have cost him a lot since they’re brand new. The tags are still attached. I don’t have it in me to flip them around and see the price.
“I told you, today is special and the people who love you are going to do everything to make it special for you.”
I nod, feeling too much all at once.
“Get ready we have a few stops to make before school.”
Before I can ask him, he’s already walking towards the bathroom.
___________________
We sneakout of the house because Heath thinks if we see his parents they will say something and ruin my day — my special day.
I can’t help but smile all the way to the garage, finding it so endearing that he wants me to have the perfect day today.
When I get in his car, there is a bouquet of lavender flowers and a few chocolates in the backseat.
“Is that for me?’ I ask unsure.
Heath reaches for them and puts them in my lap. “Of course, it’s for you.”
“How did you even get these? When did you leave?”
Heath starts the car and drives out onto the main road. “I placed the order and had him deliver to me.”
“I need to thank him.” I caress the flowers.
“You need to thankmefirst,” he complains.
With a laugh, I reach over and press a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”
The car slows quickly until we come to a complete stop in the middle of the road.
Heath takes a deep breath. “Please warn me next time before you do that.”
I nod with a huge grin, seeing the tips of his ears red. It’s a rare sight when he gets flustered.
It takes us fifteen minutes to get to school, and the moment we arrive, I feel the urge to hide. People watch us and talk about us, and it’s uncomfortable. Heath is used to the attention and is good at ignoring it, but not me. I’ve never been in the spotlight, always living in the corners.
I’m still thinking about this when the door to my side opens and Marie stands wearing a huge grin.
“Happy birthday!” She envelopes me in a tight hug as I get out of the car.
“Thank you,” I murmur in her soft pastel pink sweater, paired with jeans.
She pulls back excitedly. “I have planned a great party for you. You’re going to have so much fun. I have also — ”
“Don’t spoil it for her,” Sebastian says sweetly as he sidles up next to her.
Marie pauses and thinks. “You’re right.”
Sebastian’s green eyes meet mine and he grins. “Happy birthday, Hope.”
“Thank you.” I return his grin. “Also, I heard how you delivered the flowers and the chocolates for Heath. Thank you. It was kind of you.”
He chuckles and opens his mouth to speak, but Heath cuts him off first. “No need to thank him, Rose.”
