A rock hits my window as I smile, walking closer towards it as I see Clayton standing in the snowy front yard with his hands in his pockets. He looks up at me with a smirk as I roll my eyes. He gives me a wink and walks to the front door. He always preferred to sneak in the house, but lately he likes to let me know that he is here before ringing the doorbell.
I open my bedroom door with a last glance at myself in the mirror then descend the stairs.
My mom’s voice enthusiastic as she pulls Clayton in a warm hug, he is now taller than her. “Happy birthday, Clayton.” he smiles slightly and pats her back. I know Clayton took a while to get accustomed to the motherly love that my mom enjoys giving him.
“Thank you, Annette.”
His eyes turned to me as his lips curled up in a genuine smile. I run to him and wrap my arms around his neck as his arms embrace me. I take in his familiar scent and smile as I pull back.
“Are you ready to go?”
I nod excited, he holds my hand in his as we head out of the house.
Our footprints in the thick white snow decorate our way. The wind hits against our faces as we walk through the fog. The tree branches are now empty from the leaves as they stand alone.
“So, you still won't tell me where we are going?” Clayton chuckles at my attempt, shaking his head as he looks at me. “No, have some patience, mon ange.”
I sigh rolling my eyes, but I can't help hiding my excitement. Clayton is the best friend I always dreamed of having. He notices all the details about the things I love. His gifts and constant presence in every part of my life, supporting me. I never showed him how much I appreciate his existence in my life, or how much he means to me.
I hope the letter shows him exactly what he means to me.
He stops walking and turns to face me. “We are close, close your eyes.”
I close my eyes and feel his hands hold mine gently in his as he leads me to nowhere.
“Almost there.”
I try to hear anything that indicates where we are but I'm only met with silence. We stop suddenly as Clayton lets go ofmy hands and stands behind me. His breath grazes my ear as he whispers. “Happy birthday, mon ange.”
I open my eyes and gasp, covering my mouth. The most beautiful view stands before us, a frozen lake surrounded by snow and trees. My eyes widen when I notice the thousands of my favorite daisies petals, scattered over the snow. My head turns to Clayton as he watches my awe in pride. “Clayton, this is– so beautiful.”
My eyes tear up as I throw myself into his arms, hugging him tightly as his sweater soaks up my tears of joy. His hand strokes down my hair. “Mon ange, this is only the beginning.” He pulls back slightly and opens his backpack. He pulls out two pairs of purple skating shoes and I scream in excitement.
He laughs, shrugging. “You wanted to try skating, so let me see your moves.”
I take the shoes from him and put them on as fast as I can, he kneels down to fasten the laces to his satisfaction as I hold onto his shoulders. Once he is done, I walk slowly to the lake as he keeps his hands on my waist, balancing me.
I step onto the ice and glide forward as he lets me go slowly. I draw swirls onto the ice as I glide from left to right, almost falling twice.
“Look at you, a professional already.” He stands on the edge of the lake with his hands crossed over his chest, amusement sparks in his eyes, but I can see the hint of admiration.
I wink at him which results in a smirk onto his face as I glide, raising one leg into the air. The wind brushing my hair as I close my eyes, feeling the freedom in the quiet nature.
I dance through the ice, swaying my arms in the air as Clayton watches me live peacefully. My eyes meet his in unspoken words as my lips curl up in a smile. He smiles back at me as I read his lips when he mouths. “Fly, mon ange.”
Clayton
My heart beats rapidly as I haven't been able to take my eyes off Elsie, the snow, the ice, and the fog matches her white hair, she swirls through the ice in graceful moves as if she owns the whole town.
Pride fills me that she is enjoying her birthday with me. I look down at the letter she gave to me to read as I grin. I haven't written her one, since I wanted to tell her in person what I have been wanting to say for so long.
Elsie Beaumont, I have been your best friend since you were eight years old, and I have loved you more every single day from the moment I saw those ice blue eyes.
I recited the line all night, the line that has burdened me for years. Loving her was the cure that healed all of my darkness slowly. She showed me the meaning of feeling something. I have done everything I can to show her that I could be the one deserving of her heart, and I wish she would be mine, in every way possible.
That I don't have to hide how my heartachesfor her.
I look back at Elsie as she grins at me, jumping a bit in the air then lands back down.
