Sitting in front of me was something I never could have dreamed of. A faded blue truck, two doors, and Ava holding a set of keys and an envelope.
She had a large smile on her face as she came to me and laid both in my hands. “I heard from a little birdy about what you wanted to do,” she told me in a soft voice.
I looked to Julie, who was smiling softly as she walked to my little group of people. She looked guilty.
“If you want to drive away, then here are the keys, and a small donation. Happy Birthday, Falon,” she said, and Ava leaned forward a gave me a kiss on my cheek.
I stared at them, unable to move as I looked at her. “You can't afford this, Ava. Why did you-”
“Not just me,” she interrupted. Everything in that envelope is from me, Jesse, and Julie's parents. Jesse put the down-payment on the truck, and we both split the payments and the insurance and tag. It didn't break anyone's bank, otherwise, I would have found you something newer,” she said, and I heard the tinge of regret.
I leaned forward and hugged her tightly. “I wouldn't have wanted anything newer. This is perfect,” I told her.
I felt her choke up, and when I pulled back, she was drying her eyes. I laughed at her, and moved to Dr. Marstens. He smiled at me and held out his hand for a shake, and I took it, then pulled him forward for a quick, non-cute hug.
He laughed when I pulled away. “You're welcome, Falon. The hug wasn't necessary,” he replied.
“Good, because you're never getting another one,” I told him, smiling.
I did hug Julie's mom, and her dad gave me a pat on the back. “I hit the open road when I was a kid. Best week of my life. I ended up missing my sweetheart,” he said, hugging his wife to him.
I automatically looked to Julie, who was listening to Ava. I took in how beautiful she was, in her floral dress, and her hair holding a wave rather than straight. She looked like a pixie among all of them, ethereal and delicate.
“Not sure if I could leave your daughter, sir,” I told him.
When I turned around, they both were smiling, and that made me feel good. It always felt nice when you knew you had the approval of her parents.
♥
Mr. Michaels and Jesse worked at the grill, while Liam talked over them, telling them how he wanted his burger and giving them tips. Both men looked ready to tape his mouth, but neither did.
Hilary's parents came too, so there were ten of us there. I figured that was a perfect amount of people for my eighteenth birthday party.
I eventually looked into the envelope and when I did, I tried to talk Ava into taking it back. She refused. It was just money to run with, she told me. It didn't change the three zeros after that one, or the mild heart attack I thought I might have when I counted it.
We all ate around two large picnic tables, having realized we were at the park in town. At least if my first guess had been right, and Liam had deserted me, I would have been able to find my way home.
Julie didn't talk much, but she listened to everyone. No one else seemed to catch the looks she kept getting across her face, but I did. I felt myself beginning to breathe as I noticed how scared she actually looked, especially when she looked my way.
Worried, I grabbed her hand after we finished eating the burgers, and brought her with me to the truck. She smiled softly, and she got in. I got in the driver's seat and closed the door.
“Alone time?” she asked, sitting against my seat sideways. Her knees were pulled up in the seat. Her head was laying against the back of the seat, against the rear window.
“You look close to a breakdown,” I told her, moving my hand toward her face. She leaned into my hand, closing her eyes. “Is this about the truck? Because I'm not leaving, Julie. I would-”
“Everything is okay,” she said, pressing her hand against mine. She opened her eyes, and her green hues held mine. “Whenever you want to pack up and go, you know I'll be here waiting for you.”
“You wouldn't go with me?” I asked.
Julie smiled softly, but it was mostly for my sake. There was no happiness in that smile. “Your dream was to leave on your own. Be by yourself, remember?” she asked.
“And then I fell in love with you, and that changed,” I informed her. “You don't honestly think I'd ever leave without you?” I asked, watching her reaction as she sat up again,
She looked conflicted, and upset. I didn't know what I was suppose to say, or do to make her feel better. I didn't even know why she looked so fragile.
“Why not? Falon, you can't surround yourself with just me. You have to live,” she said, and suddenly, things felt like they were on a completely different ball field.
“I've never been more alive than when I'm with you,” I told her slowly. “What is this all about, Julie? What aren't you telling me?” I asked.
She looked at me, and then she licked her lips. “I-”
“Cake!” Liam said, banging against my window. “They're cutting the cake, lovebirds,” he said, hitting my window again.
“We're coming,” Julie told him, and then she reached for her handle. I reached for her hand, and she stopped. She looked at me, and she raised her brows in defeat. “I'll tell you tomorrow, after your party,” she said.
That meant something bad, and it was all
