(Sophie)
Morning had just arrived and I was now getting off my bed. My mom had gotten home late last again last night but that wasn't much of a surprise. My mom rarely use to come home in fact she was rarely ever in town but recently she seems to be around a lot more
I was curious to know what prompted the change but I didn't have the time to ask with all the homework my teachers have been giving this week especially Mrs. Jones. But thanks to having
Taylor as my partner all of my Chem assignments were finished almost immediately allowing me to keep up with my other classes.
I guess it pays having genius as a partner. Speaking of Taylor he's seems to be avoiding me. I don't know what I did but he's keeping his distance and he's always running off somewhere when we finish our projects
Well it's fine I guess. Its not like I have time to worry about him. My energy was expended enough focusing on just avoiding Nick at the moment
Nick was calling my phone again making it the one hundredth time this week. I still didn't want to talk to him. Not because I was mad or anything
I mean he really didn't do anything with that girl did he. I was just confused right now. And I have a feeling that the next time we talk probably might be the last and I'm not sure I'm ready for that conversation yet.
"Sophia Darling it's time to get ready for school. If you'd like I'll drop you off" mom said
"Thanks mom just let me get ready" I said before rushing to the bathroom
(Trudy)
My eyes had just opened and looked to my right to see my husband still fast asleep with his back towards me. Like every night.
Another night had gone without anything happening and the fear that my husband was cheating on me just wouldn't leave my heart, instead it seemed to become more likely by the day
God I think I need someone to talk to about this. Maybe I should finally take Jimmy's advice and call my friends. Yeah I'll start with Libby's mom
"Hey Carolyn"
"Trudy Taylor. What possessed you to call me out of the blue like this"
"Nothing really. I was just thinking about the old days when we use to talk and I wondered if you'd want to meet up. Say around nine. Let's make it a girl's night."
"Really? We haven't done one of those in awhile"
"So are you in?"
"Yeah sure I don't have anything doing tonight and you know I'm ready to party anytime" she answered
"Alright I'll see you tonight" I said.
I then called Carl's mom and finally I called Sophie's mom
"Hey Tasha" I said
"Trudy? Is there something I can help you with" She asked
"You aren't doing anything tonight by any chance, are you?" I asked
"Trudy I'm a very busy woman. I always have something to do" she said
"Well if you find time would you mind coming over tonight" I said
"Why?"
"Oh I just want to talk to you. You know we haven't had a girl's night in a while" I said
"That's because we're both busy. You're running a business Trudy. No matter how small it is you should focus on that"
"Please Tasha I have something I really need to talk about"
"Okay fine I'll think about it but don't get your hopes up" she said
"Alright I hope you can make it" I said
(Libby)
I had just woken up to my new favourite band's song playing in my ear before looking at my calender causing a bright smile spread crossed my face.
"October 11. Good I'll call him I wanna be the first person to tell him happy birthday" I said reaching for my phone but I stopped before I could reach it
"No it would be better if I did it in person" I said getting off the bed and running to the shower.
After brushing my teeth and showering I got ready. I took up my keys before saying bye to my Dad and driving over to Carlos' house ringing the doorbell impatiently
"Oh it's you Libby" Mister Estevez said opening the door. It was quite a sorry sight. The originally very jovial and welcoming man looked lifeless like something out of a zombie movie whenever this day came around
"Good morning Mister Estevez. Is Carlos ready"
"He'll be down in a minute" he said before walking away
"Hey Libby" Carlos said faking a smile as he came to greet me
Today Carlos was dressed like an average high school guy. He was completely devoid of all things comic book. Even catching him say the word comic or have his Green Lantern key chain, batman watch, superman pen, Thor book. Nothing comic. Just average. He didn't even like me calling him by his nickname and avoided calling me by mines. It was creepy to me for some reason. Carlos without comicsjust strikes me as odd. Like it's not him
"Hey happy birthday" I said smiling
"Thanks Libby" he said softly before he went into the car making me to sigh before getting in
"So I was thinking. Maybe we could go out tonight you know just you and me" I said driving away
"Sorry but I think I'll just stay home" he said
"Come on Carlos. I already have reservations at that Mexican restuarants you like"
"Sorry Libby I'm not in the mood" he said
"Okay maybe we can just get ice cream and go for a walk in park" I said
"No I'm not feeling it" he said
"Okay maybe I'll cook something for you at home. A private dinner for my Co-" I started before he cut me off
"Maybe tomorrow" he said before I gave up and we continued the ride in silence
"I'll see you at lunch okay" he said
"Yeah" I said as he kissed me on my cheek before walking away
I sighed before heading to my class. On my way there I saw Jimmy talking with Betty by her locker
'Great. I even went out of my way to warn her. What a waste of time' I thought before walking over to them
"Hey Jimmy, Betty" I said
"Hey" Jimmy said
"Hey Libby." She said
"Betty I want to speak with Jimmy in private for a minute. Would you mind?" I asked
"No. I was actually heading to class anyway. I'll see you later" she said before closing her locker and walking away
"So what's up Libby?" He asked
"I talked to Carlos about going out" I said
"And how did that go?" He asked already knowing the answer
"Not good" I said
"Of course not. You know ever since what happened to his mom he doesn't celebrate his birthday much" Jimmy said
"Come on Jimmy. It's been years. He can't keep blaming himself for something he had no control over" I said
"You think I don't know that. But we both know he won't get over it by himself" He said
"That's why I'm gonna help him?" I said smiling at my ingenious plan
"And how are you gonna do that?" Jimmy asked
"A party of course. You don't need to worry about the specifics just get everything on this list to this location and invite everyone in your contact list" I said
"And how exactly are we gonna get Carlos there?" He asked
"Just leave that part to me" I said before Sophie came up to us
"Taylor, Libby" she said before I rolled my eyes. After all I'm still upset with her. From what I've heard she's been avoiding Nick recently but she still refuses to break up with him.
"I'll see you later Jimmy" I said before I left.
(Jimmy)
"So you two still haven't made up?" I asked
"It's a work in progress" she said as we started walking to class
"Anyways what may I help you with Vortex?" I asked
"The project do you have it?" She asked
"No I thought you had it"
"No I gave it to you saying to finish it up and bring it to school tomorrow. You know what will happen if we don't have it. I mean I'm still on thin ice because of that seventy I got in the test last week" she said panicking and I found it absolutely hilarious
"I'm kidding I have it" I laughed before she playfully punched my shoulder
"You can't joke like that Taylor I almost had an heart attack" she said
"Why so stressed?" I asked
"Because I think that teacher has it out for me"
"Well I can't say I blame her. I mean you were late on the first day of school with the excuse of boyfriend trouble" I laughed
"Come on that was so long ago" she groaned
"That just a month ago and for people like her first impressions are everything" I said
"It's not like you had a better first impression you know. Or may I remind you got detention on the second day of school" Cindy said
"And who's fault was that?" I asked cheekily before opening the door and we went to our seats
The school day went along like normal except for Carlos not speaking about the Marvel movie at lunch. I was both happy and sad about that. As I often found his comic talk annoying but it was part of what made Carlos.... Carlos. Anyways after school I met up with Betty in the parking lot
"Hey Betty" I said
"Hello James" she said smiling
"Okay so I wanted to ask you something" I said
"And what's that?" She asked
"Well you know about the party tonight right" I said
"Yeah. Still confused about where that's being held" she said
"Don't think too much about it. I'll take you" I said
"And who says I'm going" she said
"Oh..... I just thought you were"
"I'm kidding I'm going but..."
"But?" I asked
"I'm not carpooling with you" she said getting on her bike
"Why not?" I asked
"Because people will start talking and nothing good comes from people talking. Rule one remember" she started reving her engine
"Okay what if I were to bring a friend. No one can say anything if it's the three of us right" I said
"Sophie?" She asked
"I don't think bringing her would help my cause" I said
"Then who?" She asked
"It's a surprise. Just come over at five." I said
"Fine. Can I go now?" she asked
"Huh uh" I said before she left. I stood there watching her drive away with a big smile on my face
"Hey Jimmy what are you so happy about?"
"Carl!" I jumped surprised
"What?"
"You snuck up on me. Don't do that" I said
"Sorry" he laughed
"It's okay. Is there something I can help you with"
"Actually yes. Brittney has a request"
"A request?"
"Yeah she says she wants a roller coaster at the party"
"A roller coaster? Carl I don't think I can get an actual roller coaster in the timespan of a couple hours" I shook my head
"Oh....okay" he sighed disappointed
"But I have a couple friends who managed to build one twice in a summer so maybe I could get them to help me build something like a water slide or something" I shrugged
"Thanks a lot man. You have no idea how happy she's gonna be" he said ecstatic
"No problem. I have to go so see you around Carl" I said before leaving
I drove over to my mom's shop and cut passed everyone in the line to get to the front
"Sup Jimmy. Have you seen your mom. She didn't come in today" Rebecca said
"No I haven't. But i think she's a little busy planning a party for her friends"
"Oh" Rebecca said
"Speaking of parties. My friend is throwing a party tonight and I want to know if you'll go with me" I said
"Oh my Mister Taylor are you asking me on a date. Not that I mind or anything but I thought you were trying to get Betty to be your girlfriend. You shouldn't toy with a girl's heart like that" Rebecca joked
"No it's nothing like that. This is actually why I'm inviting you" I said as she gained a mischievous smirk
"Oh. I see you're bringing a different girl to make her jealous" Rebecca said
"No..... wait you think that would work" I said interested before snapping out of it
"No she said she won't go with me unless soneone goes with us" I said
"And that someone would be me" she said
"Please you're the only chance I've got" I said
"It's cool. I guess you'll be picking me up" she said
"Yeah just text me your address and I promise you I'll be pick you up" I said before leaving.
After that I ran back to my house to get everything I'll need to get this ready.
(Libby)
After leaving school I immediately headed over to Jimmy's.
"Oh Libby. Haven't seen you around here in awhile." Jimmy's mom said opening the door
"Sorry Mrs.Taylor just been busy y'know" I said
"So what brings you here today?" She asked
"Didn't Jimmy tell you we're having a party for Carlos' birthday. I came to organize everything" I said
"No Jimmy's not here. I haven't seen him since this morning" she said
"That's too bad" I said
"You're welcomed to come in and wait for him" she said
"Sure thing" I said before I entered the house
"You can sit in the kitchen. I'll make you girls something to eat" she said
"You girls?" I said confused before I walked into the kitchen and saw Sophie
"Great" I said sarcastically
"Libby" she said
"Hi" I said before walking away
"Come on Libbs you can't still be mad at me" she said
"Why not. You seem to be pretty good at holding grudges" I said still walking to the door
"Look I'm sorry okay. I didn't mean to shout at you. But you did go talk to
Nick behind my back" she said making me stop and turn towards her
"Okay fine. I was wrong to do that but you're wrong for still not breaking up with Nick. Even though you're still totally in love with Jimmy" I said
"I'm not" she lied
"You know what. Keep telling yourself that maybe one day it might be true" I said before the door opened and Betty walked in
"Hi" she said looking at our upset faces
"Am I interrupting something?" She asked.
"No it's fine" I said before Jimmy's mom came with a blackberry pie
"Hey Mrs. Taylor" Betty said
"Oh Betty. How are you feeling. Jimmy told me you caught the flu last week" Mrs. Taylor said
"Don't worry about it wasn't anything bad. It's a shame I wasn't able to help you at the shop though" Betty said
"Oh it's fine. Just take a seat I'm sure Jimmy will be home any minute now" Mrs. Taylor said
"Thank you. Wait is that blackberry pie I love blackberry pie?" Betty said taking a seat
"I'm actually allergic to blackberries" Sophie said
"Oh that's too bad" Mrs. Taylor said before she put down the tray
"Maybe I can get you some cookies" she said
"No I don't mean to be any trouble" Sophie said
"Oh don't worry. I was already making some snacks for a girl's night" Mrs. Taylor said
"Oh yeah Beth said something about that. She says she has a previous engagement and won't be able to make it" Betty said
"That's fine. What about you two?"
"My mom hasn't mentioned anything about this" Sophie said
"I can't tell you the last time I willingly talked to or with that woman" I said
"Okay then. Well I'll be right back. I have to go get some supplies. Would you girls please watch the house?" she said before she left leaving us sitting on the couch.
Considering we all had nothing to speak about we sat there in awkward silence until Jimmy entered
"Hey mom sorry I'm late, had to stop by the shop. By the way Rebecca's asking for you" Jimmy said before he finally noticed us
"Oh it's you" he said
"Yeah. Your mom went out" Betty said
"Well I got all the things you asked for Libby" he said
"Awesome. Let's go set it up" I said before he started walking towards the door but Sophie stopped him
"Hey Taylor I thought we were suppose to do a project. It's due tomorrow" Sophie said
"I thought all your projects had to be handed in advance. So shouldn't that be due today" Betty said
"Yeah. It's actually due the day after. Can you guys go set up by yourself. We only have two hours to get everything ready" Jimmy explained
"Okay" I said before Betty and I left.
(Jimmy)
"Sorry Sophie but I totally spaced on that" I said
"Taylor you know we have to get full marks or else-"
"Look Sophie. It's Carlos' birthday and you know what he's been like after the accident with his mom. He needs this. So we're gonna go to the island set up for a party and then we can go to the lab on the island. Is an assignment ,that we can do at time mind you, more important than Carlos, my best friend, your friend, your best friend's boyfriend" I said
"Fine. Fine. You don't have to guilt trip me"
"Glad to know" I said
"By the way what beach is it?" She asked
"Huh?"
"Your text said on the beach. Where on the beach are you setting up?"
"Um.....it's a surprise" I said
"Jimmy!!!" Libby called us making us come out of the house to see her and Betty
"What's up?" I asked
"It's getting late. We have to get going"
"Oh yeah. We're just waiting on a few friends" I said before a car pulled up
"And here they are" I said as they got out
"Hey guys. Glad you could make it" I said as I walked over to them
"Well it's not every day. The smartest mind in the world asks a favour" Finn said.
"Come on let me introduce you to my friends" I said bringing them over to the girls
"And who are they?" Libby asked
"The asian with the red dyed hair is Phineas Finn." I said
"Sup" Finn said
"And the 6'6 British guy with green dyed is his adopted brother Fredrick Chambers. I met them freshman year at a young genius seminar over the summer" I said before he nodded
"My brother doesn't talk much" Finn said
"Well it's nice to meet you Phineas" Libby said
"Please call me Finn and you call my brother Fred"
"Nice to meet you Fred" she said reaching out for a handshake
"Un plaisir de vous rencontrer aussi belle" he responded taking my hand and kissing it
"I have no idea what you just said" Libby said
"He said it's a pleasure to meet you as well" I translated
"Thank you" Libby smiled as I took back my hand
"We haven't heard your names" Finn said
"I'm Liberty Hall" She said
"Well pleasure to meet you Liberty"
"Please Libby's fine" she shrugged
"And these two are?"
"I'm Betty Turner"
"And I'm Sophia-"
"Sophia? As in Sophia Vortex?"
"Yeah?"
"5 feet 6 inches, long blonde hair, green eyes, pearly white teeth. Dress size around size 4. I think it's her" Finn said
"I'm sorry do I know you"
"No but we heard so much. We feel like we know you"
"You have?" Sophie asked looking at me
"I might have mentioned you once or twice" I said
"Once or twice? You practically spent the entire seminar talking about her" Finn said
"Really?" Betty said
"Yeah every day he'd talk about you. How amazing you are, how badass you are and how smart you are. And every night I swear we could hear him cr-"
"Okay. We have to get going" I injected before they could say anymore
"Yeah. We're on a time limit" Libby said
"Okay I'll lead the way" I said moving towards my car. Everyone got in while Finn and Fred got back in their own car.
We drove a beach that was out of sight and not many people know about that side of the beach.
"We're here" I said getting out
"Damn this is perfect" Finn said as he looked around.
"If we're planning on making a water slide. The best place to start would be over there. We could go around thirteen no fourteen feet. A loop right there and it could drop right there" Finn said as Fred wrote dow everything
"The stage could go there" Libby said pointing those a place in the shade.
"Snacks over there" she said pointing at the spot
"And we can have a bond fire right here" she said
"Alright everyone. Let's get busy" she said before Finn took out his phone
"Who are you calling?" Betty asked
"My crew. We're gonna need all these help we can get" he said. Hours passed and the preparation for the party was going pretty quickly. Finn, Fred and I working on the slide with a crew they had and some random people online. After everything was done I noticed Sophie sitting on a rock looking out at the ocean as the sun went out
"What are you doing?" I asked sitting beside her
"Nothing. Just looking at the sunset. I almost forgot how beautiful it was from here"
"I wonder if the cave is still here. It had an amazing underground spring"
"No the entrance collapsed. A couple years ago. Sophomore year I think" I said
"That's disappointing" she sighed before my phone buzzed
"I got a text. It's Libby" I said
"She wants me to go over to Carlos' and try to keep him busy for an hour before answering when she called. She should I put it on speaking" I said
"What exactly is Libby planning?"
"I have no idea but I should get going" I said getting up
"See you" she said
"Huh uh" I said walking away. On my way to the car I saw Betty looking at everyone
"Hey what's up?" I asked
"Nothing"
"What are you doing over here. I thought you were helping Libby get ready?"
"I was but she said she could handle the rest"
"So are you heading back to get changed?"
"Yeah I was actually just going to call a cab" she said
"Why don't you ride with me. I'm actually heading out now"
"Where are you going?" she asked
"I'm going to pick up a friend" I said
"Is that our metaphoric third wheel?"
"Huh uh" I smiled
"Alright" she said
"So are you coming?"
"No. The cab's already on it's way here. Plus Libby might need an hand unknowingly"
"Alright. I'll come by your house to pick you up" I said before she nodded before looking over to Finn and Fred
"About what they said-"
"It's fine. I'm not your girlfriend or anything you don't have to explain anything to me"
The campus was just outside of town had everything a person could ever want inside so most students don't even leave the campus. The college was extremely well known and many kids from rich and powerful families were sent there. If they couldn't buy their way or just weren't interested in an Ivy League University. Despite it's small size it costs a fortune to operate and tuition wasn't cheap either. The expenses were seemingly well spent. Looking back this place wasn't all that bad but to an eleven year old kid like I was at the time found this place dull and boring. The height and age difference between everyone and me caused me to feel out of place as I shared none of their interests.
"Identification please?" the guard asked as I stopped at the big golden gate
"Yeah sure" I said looking in my glove compartment
"Oh shit" I cursed. I can't find them, I must have left them in the old car
"Is there a problem?" he asked
"I seem to have left my Identification"
"Sorry but you have to leave the premises" he said
"Can you just let me call someone. She knows I'm coming"
"I'm sorry that's not allowed"
"Just let me call her" I said reaching for my phone
"Sorry but that's won't help. Please leave and come back tomorrow. It's already late" the guard said
"Just one call" I said before the man sighed
"Young man if you don't leave I'll have to call the cops" he said
"Alright. Alright" I said
"Wait! That won't be neccessary" a man came coming out from the campus
"Franklin it's okay you can let him in"
"Yes sir" The guard said before pressing a button opening the gate. I drove into the campus and quickly found a parking space before getting out of the car
"James Taylor. It's always a pleasure to have you around"
"Nice to see you too Dean Kane. I hadn't expected you to recognize me" I said
"Indeed if I hadn't been keeping track on you I might not have. Now that your head finally matches your body" Dean Kane said
"You've been watching me" I said a bit crept out
"Of course. I wanted to make sure that you weren't led a stray by bad influences. So there will be no problem with administering you into the school" Dean Kane said as if it was a done deal
"Actually Dean Kane. I'm sort of exploring my options. I'm sure you know that other schools have also sent me acceptance letters" I said
'Even ones I didn't apply to' I thought to myself
"Yes yes. I hear even Ivy League schools are fighting to get you to attend. But you have history with this school so I'm hoping you'll keep that in mind when considering" Dean Kane said
"Okay Dean Kane I'll keep that in mind. Anyway thanks for the help" I said
"Speak nothing of it. I was just passing by when I happen to see you" he said
"Still thanks" I shrugged
"So Mister Taylor may I ask how your A.I project is going"
"Quite well thank you. Your donation was a really big help"
"I'm glad to hear it. You know there is plenty more where that came from if you ever decide to come here next year" he offered
"I'll keep that in mind but today I'm actually here to pick someone up" I said
"Oh yes. I had almost forgot to tell you. Miss Romanoffs dorm room is on the other side of the school. The girls' dorm. Room 5A" he said
"Thanks a lot. I'll see you around" I said before getting back in my car quickly making my way over to the girls' dorm and got out. After the short elevator ride I was in front of her door knocking for five minutes before it finally opened. A girl with vibrant red hair and beautiful blue eyes opened the door
"And who are you handsome?" she, most likely Rebecca's roommate, asked
"James Taylor. I'm here to pick up Rebecca. Is she here?" I asked
"Oh you're here to see her." She said disappointed before turning back around, "Hey Becca you're date's here!!!"
About five minutes later Rebecca came. She was beautiful. Her long curly brown hair was let loose and fell all the way to her back, she had dazzling brown eyes, her lips looked incredible soft and her figure was clearly shown from her the t shirt and short Jean shorts she was wearing
"Wow!" I said as my jaw dropping a little bit
"Yeah. You can thank my genius" the girl said flashing her hair back proudly
"Rose don't you have an assignment or something" Rebecca said slightly embarrassed
"Oh crap I forgot" she said before rushing into their shared room
"Sorry about my roommate" she said
"It's fine. Um you look...um...good" I said
"Thanks." She said with a charming smile making me blush a bit
"Careful lover boy remember the reason I'm doing this" She said before she took up her bag
"Yeah I know. You just look really good" I complimented
"Well thank you for the compliment but we should really getting going" she said
"Oh yeah but we're gonna take a little detour or two okay" I said before we walked out and to the car
"Sure. Where we going?" She asked
"A friend's" I said before We then went in my car and we drove away
First we went to Betty's house
"Wait here. I'll be back" I said getting out and walking to her door and knocked. It didn't take long for someone to open the door and it was Betty's mom who was dressed very well
"James. What brings you here?" she said with a tender smile
"I'm here to pick up Betty. Is she in there?" I asked
"I'm right here" she said walking out
"And where are you going Betty" Her mother asked
"Out"
"And where exactly is out?" Her mother asked
"Is that really any of your business?" Betty said
"I think as your mother it would be my business"
"Don't ruin my mood Beth. Do you really even care Beth?" Betty said before her mother simply smirked
"You two have a good night" she said walking out of the house
"Um....you look good" I said unsure of what else to say in this awkward situation
"Thank you. Shall we" she said motioning to the car. We walked over to the car and Rebecca got out
"I'm guessing this is your friend" she said with a smile
"Huh uh. This is Rebecca Romanoff. She works for my mom and she attends the university" I introduced
"Hello nice to meet you. James here really likes you. He's told me much" Rebecca said
"What exactly has he told you" she said looking at me
"Don't worry I'm not the talkative type" she said
"Well I'm beginning to think he is" she said not removing her glance from me
"To be fair. I had told her before you set the rules. So I didn't exactly break it" I shrugged awkwardly
"Huh uh" she said rolling her eyes at my technicality
"Always we should get going. Rebecca would you mind sitting in the back?"
"No problem" she shrugged before we entered the car. We drove to Carlos' house and walked up and knocked on the door for like ten minutes before Mister Estevez stumbled to the door
"Oh Jimmy it's you" Carlos' dad said
His breath smelt of alcohol and his hair was a total mess, he hadn't shaved and he had a beer bottle placed firmly in his hand. It was truly an heartbreaking sight especially because on any other day a drop of alcohol wouldn't touch his lips so casually
"Hey....Mister Estevez is Carlos here?" I asked knowing he wasn't. Even though his dad was hurting he never allowed Carlos to see it
"No..he just left. He's there" Mister Estevez said and I known full well what he meant
"Okay. Thanks" I said
"No problem. Hey I heard about what you guys are planning and I hope it turns out for the best" Mister Estevez said
"You know. If you really want him to get better. You shouldn't sulk all night. Maybe you could come to the party. I'll send you and I think Carlos would like to see you there" I said
"I'll think about it. Plus you've still got to get him there" Mister Estevez said
"I'll work on it just promise you'll be there" I said
"Sure" he said before he closed the door
"Come on let's go" I said
"Where?" Rebecca asked
"The cemetery" I said before we drove off.
I pulled up in the cemetery. It was a good walk but I had managed to make it in time to see Carlos dressed in a suit as he stood in front of an tombstone holding flowers in his hands
"Hey mom sorry I only visit you on this day. You know I've been busy lately. Yeah hanging out with Libby and all that. Did you hear Wonder woman just got greenlit for a live action movie. It's coming out today. I was suppose to go but you know. I wanted to...I wish you were here.....I'm really sorry mom." he said tears in his eyes
"Carlos it's not your fault" I said making him aware of my presence.
"Yes it is"
"No it's not"
"Do you know the story?" he said as he gave a sad smile
"Carlos I know. Your mom lift town and got caught during the storm. It was unexpected but she made the choice to go. It wasn't your fault"
"Do know why"
"What?"
"Don't you want to know why she went in the storm"
"Whatever the reason. It's not your fault"
"Yes it is. It was the day before my birthday there was a new action figure on sale four towns over. I begged and pleaded that my mom buy it for me. Even though I knew full well that a storm was coming. I told her she could leave out that day and be back before the storm. Of course she refused but then I told her I'd die if I didn't get it so she finally gave in and went. She never came back. I stay in the house with the babysister cursing my mom on my birthday. About a week later thay found her car in a river with all her stuff inside it including the action figure. Even to this day I haven't opened it" Carlos explained fears running down his face with a sad smile on his face and his eyes filled with self loathing
"Carlos...." I wanted to say something else but couldn't. I had no idea Carlos was carrying something like that on his chest for so long
"Anyway after that my Dad left the force and decided to stay in town with me. I could tell he wanted to say something but he didn't. So neither did I. We both pretended everything was okay and continued on neither of us willing to show our pain to the other. Both putting up the charade of being okay. So tell me James is it my fault. Can you stand there and tell me it isn't my fault?"
"I think we should go" I said
"I've got you a gift" I said unable to say anything else. Words of condolence should be coming out of my mouth but the only thing I could mention was the stupid gift. It was probably for the best anyways. He's probably heard every word of condolence a thousand times. I prayed for something, anything, to happen because I had no idea what I should do or even say now
"It's cool you can drop it off tomorrow" Carlos said before my phone rang and luckily it was Libby.
Remembering what she told me to do I let out a sigh of relief and answered before putting it on speaker
"JIMMY OH MY GOD I NEED YOUR HELP IT WON'T STOP CHASING ME PLEASE. GET SHEEN HELP ME PLEASE----" she said frantically before cutting off the call
"Carlos" I said but he had already gotten up
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING ON LET'S GO?!!" He yelled before we ran to the car
"Carlos this is Rebecca" I said as he entered the back
"I don't care who it is. Drive Taylor! Drive!!" Carlos said before I drove off.
"Alright just let me track her phone" I said pretending to do just that. After that I rushed to the beach
It was silent and dark as we ran through the sand rushing to where the party
As we turned the corner and Carlos stepped out an explosion of party favors went off
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" Everyone present yelled at Carlos before the music started then Libby, Carl, Betty, Sophie, Finn and Fred came running up to us out from the crowd
"What.The. Hell" Carlos said
(Carlos)
"What's all this?" I asked wanting to shout out in anger
"A surprise. Libby planned all of this" Jimmy said
"Oh" I said still a bit saddened
"Okay Sophie and I are gonna go do our project. Betty you wanna tag along" Jimmy said
"Sorry but not interested" She said before turning towards Rebecca
"Wanna get a drink" Betty asked
"Sure" Rebecca answered before they left
"I guess it's just the two of us" Jimmy said before he and Sophie left
"Well I'm gonna head over to the snack bar" Carl said
"You shouldn't do that?" Brittney said
"Why not?" Carl asked
"Because we're going on the water slide silly and we wouldn't want you to puke on yourself again. Jimmy even made it faster than the rollercoaster we went on"
"No way. No way. I'm not going on one of those ever again" Carl said
"Come on. It would be like our first date" She said
"That part of the date was horrible"
"There's an ferris wheel as well"
"Well see ya later Carlos. Happy birthday. I got you an action figure. It's a figure from the Superman and Batman crossover. I have guts to go puke out" Carl said before Brittney pulled him away
"I got you a model calender with twelve of my best pictures" Brittney said before they vanished in the crowd.
"That was a dirty trick Libby" I said
"Sorry I know but I had no choice" she said
"One day Libbs. It's just one day. I just wanted one day to grieve you. Tomorrow I would have been back to normal. Couldn't you have just given me today. I just really..... hate today" I said tears running down my face
She smiled at me before wiping the tears from my eyes
"And that's why I couldn't. You can hate any other day but not today. Not this day" she said smiling as she put her hands around my neck
"Why not?" I asked
"Because today is my favourite day. Do you know why?" She asked
"No" I said
"Because it is the day you, my Comic book King, the man that I love, were born and any day that can do something like that has to be the best day ever" she said before trying kissing me but I eased back out of my grip before turning my back to her
"What's so great about me huh? I'm just a sad pathetic loser that got his mom killed over some stupid toy" I said holding back the tears in my eyes but then she turned me around and gave me one slap across my face. I was stun. I couldn't believe it. She had hit me. Everything now I can't believe it happened
"Don't you ever let me hear you say anything liked that ever again. Carlos Antonio Estévez you are not a loser. You are a sweet, kind and funny person that would go anywhere for his friends. And don't dare call those things some stupid toy. Yeah to everyone else it may be less than worthless but to you it is the most important thing in the word. It's the reason you are you. And stop saying you killed your mom"
"Libby you don't know. I was the one that-"
"I do know Carlos" she said interrupting me
"She was the one that decided to go out knowing a storm was coming. She could have just found some hotel and stayed there but instead she tried racing against a storm to make it back here. You know why? Because she wanted to be there for her child's birthday. Even though there's a chance that she wouldn't beat the storm she still tried. Because she wanted you to be happy. She wanted to see your face light up"
"Happy? Libby if she wanted me to be happy she should have come back. She should have stayed safe. She should have been there to tell me happy birthday. She should have put her health first if she really wanted me to be happy" I said bursting into tears
"But that's not how real mother's think. To mothers their child's happiness is much more than anything. They put their child's happiness above their dreams, love life and even their own health. Sometimes they hurt the child but because they love them. Your hurting right now Carlos and blaming yourself. Do you really think that's what your mom would have wanted Carlos" she said hugging me tightly
"She doesn't want anything Libby she's gone"
"That's bullshit Carlos and you know it. Your mom would have wanted you to enjoy your birthday. Not spend it in some cemetery. She'd want you to enjoy your life not mourn her death"
"You're.... You're right" I said crying into her shoulder.
I instantly began crying out a river unto Libby's shoulder but she just smiled while hushing me tenderly
"Are you finished crying?" she asked as I broke out of the hug and wiped my tears
"Yeah thank you... Shining one" I said noticing her face light up. Without a single word she tackled to the ground before kissing me
We kissed for five minutes before breaking for air
"Good let's go celebrate my favourite day my King" she said getting up before I smiled lifting her up bridal style
"I love you" I said
"I love you more" she said before we could continue I heard someone clear their throat so I turned around to see my dad.
He looked great. I mean he looked like he normally looked but for today that was great
"Dad?" I said shocked he was out of the house
"Mister Estevez" she said as I put her down
"Hey Libby....Carlos I came here to apologize" Dad said
"Um I'm gonna go give you two some privacy. When you're finished come by the snack table" Libby said before she left
"Apologize for what?" I asked
."I know you've been going to the graveyard everyday on your birthday to talk to your mom. I know you do it because you don't feel you can talk to me. I know it's my fault. I should have sat you down and we should have talked about what happened. It was just that I didn't know what to say to you. I couldn't find the words to convince you it wasn't your fault. So I made the mistake of thinking not talking about it was the better idea. So I didn't. I know that was wrong now so I'm here and I'll talk to you now" Dad said
"Dad...."
"Well go on. Don't you have anything to say?" he asked smiling
"Do you..."
"Do I?"
"Miss her. Do you miss her dad?"
"Carlos I cared for your mother very much and I miss her a lot. I think about her when ever I have the chance and some times I get sad when I see you. Because I know she would never see the wonderful young man you're turning into"
"I'm sorry dad"
"What for?"
"Being impatient. Maybe if I had just waited-"
"No Carlos. None of that. No more blaming yourself. To be completely honest I blame myself sometimes too"
"You do?"
"Yeah. I think stuff like what if I wasn't away at the time. I probably would have been the one to go. To be honest I don't think I've ever been a good husband to her. I left both you and her here alone countless times. I practically forced her to raise a child alone while simultaneously making her give up her dream"
"Her dream?"
"Yeah before you were born. Your mom use to have a dream she would always talk about"
"How come she never talked about it again"
"Because she decided you were more important to her than any dream"
"What was it?"
"What?"
"Her dream. What was it?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"I'm gonna do it for her. One day when I go to mom on my birthday I'm going to tell her that I did it" I smiled
"To travel the world. Your mom wanted to see and experience as much of the world as possible. But that night we had sex the condom broke and she lost that chance. I messed up your mother's chance at living her dream. I guess I unconsciously thought that maybe I didn't deserve anyone else after that."
"Wait is that why you still wear the wedding ring?"
"I guess" he said somberly
"Dad you had no control over that" I said
"Neither did you"
"Then maybe we should stop blaming ourselves"
"I think so too"
"Then let's make a deal"
"A deal?"
"Yeah. Well more of a pact. You're gonna remove that ring from your finger right now and give it to me"
"I don't think I can"
"Dad it's time. She's been gone for over decade. You need to move on. Find a nice woman Dad. She'd want you to be happy"
"Okay so what about you?"
"I'm going to open it"
"What?"
"The present. When I get home. I want to open her last gift to me"
"Carlos are you sure you're ready?"
"Probably not. But it's not gonna get any easier with time. We already made that clear."
"Just know I'll be right there when you do" he smiled
"Glad to hear. Now give me the ring" I said before he sighed and looked at his ring one last time
"Here goes" he said reaching for the ring and gripping tightly. His hands trembled and he closed his eyes. He was going to take his hand off but I grabbed it before he could
"Dad" I said before he released the breath he was holding and opened his eyes.
"Here" he said taking the ring off and giving it to me
"Thanks Dad" I smiled
"No thank you" he said
"I honestly have no idea what I should do with this ring though"
"Keep it safe"
"Why?" I asked before he pointed towards the snack table. I turned and saw Libby
"You mean-"
"Just to be clear I'm not saying you should get married right away"
"I love you dad"
"I love you too. Now go enjoy your party" Dad said before I turned started walking away
"Oh and Carlos Happy birthday" Dad said before I smiled. It had been over a decade since he had last told me happy birthday
"Thanks dad" I said before returning to Libby's side and hugging her from behind
"Hey you finished talking with your dad" she said
"Yeah thank you" I said kissing her cheek
"Anything for you" she said
"Now I only have one question for you my Shining One" I said
"And what would that be?" She asked
"Am I seeing thing or does Carl actually have a girlfriend"
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