Just Friends

Chapter 13: Bracelet

"Wake up! Your birthday party is today!"

I hear Clary's voice in my deep slumber. I feel my blanket yanked harshly off my body. Immediately, my eyes shoot open. I was ready to kill.

"What th-" I stop mid-sentence when I see Clary's attire. My eyes widen.

Surprisingly, Clary is wearing a dark green mock neck swing dress. Her ombre hair was tucked under a black knitted beanie. Around her wrists were shiny bracelets, all white and black. Lastly, she's wearing her Timberland brown boots. Even with those glasses, Clary actually pulled off a good look.

Clary rubs her arm sheepishly and scolds, "don't look at me like that!"

"S-Sorry, I was just caught off guard. Why are you wearing a dress? You hate looking good!" I sit up from bed, still staring at the ombre-haired girl's attire.

Clary stutters, "i-it was for your birthday."

Before I can reply, Clary shoves a birthday present. It was a rectangular box wrapped in blue wrapping paper with a white bow on top. I was about to open it until Clary shoved more presents at me.

"Wear those. They're your birthday gifts from me," Clary awkwardly coughs and shuffles out of my room, closing the door in process.

I sigh and begin to open the presents.

My dark brown eyes widen as I look at myself through the mirror. I'm wearing a contemporary floral dress along with matching floral canvas plimsolls. My black hair was up in a crown twist braid. Before I got dressed, Clary came back in and did my hair.

"This is so unfair. Why can't I wear my usual clothes?" I mutter to myself.

Rolling my eyes, I quickly dash downstairs and see Clary waiting at the door. She turns to me with her arms crossed. I watch her as she smiles brightly at my look.

"My job went well," Clary compliments herself.

"Did you pay for all of this?" I ask, worrying about her money.

"That doesn't matter. Your party takes place at a private park that your mom and dad has rented for a day. And it is my duty to take you there."

Sighing, I follow Clary to the park.

The weather was beautiful, along with the scenery of nature. It wasn't too hot nor was it too cold. It was just right, even though the sun was shining on every guest at this park.

I look around to see my parents welcoming the guests, my sister speaking to her friends, and Clary eating food with Hunter. Looks like they made up. I smile at the sight of everyone. Everything is perfect for me. It's all I could've asked for.

"Dakota! Welcome!"

My eyes widen in horror as I hear my dad welcome the boy. Who the heck invited him? I turn around to see Dakota smiling. It was the smile that could melt any girl's heart. Crap! I can't avoid his name anymore. If I can't avoid him, how am I suppose to stop the aching in my heart?

Before I knew it, Dakota was already in front of me. I notice something different about his chocolate brown hair. My jaw almost dropped as I see his hair in an angular fringe. So long, messy hair!

"Are you enjoying your party?" Dakota asks, his eyes sparkling in curiosity.

I swallow down my pride and answer, "of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

Dakota chuckles, giving me the chills. This is so stupid. My heart is running a mile race, my stomach is sick because of butterflies, and blood rises up to my cheeks and ears. Moreover, I just want to throw my arms around Dakota, glad he came to this party.

"You look beautiful today," he compliments, making this situation worse. Does he not know what he's doing to me?

"Thanks," I mutter.

Immediately, I walk away from Dakota, wanting to bury myself.

The party was coming to an end. I'm currently sitting by the campfire. The sun already went down and I decided to roast some marshmallows. Although, Clary took all of them.

I stare at the fire, which engulfed my body. I welcome it's warmth, wanting to escape from this world. Before I can get up, I feel someone sit next to me. I turn my head to see Dakota.

Startled, I jump slightly and scoot away from him. Luckily, Dakota didn't notice how scared I was or else he'd playfully tease me. I inwardly sigh at my thoughts, but they were interrupted with a box placed gently onto my lap.

It was a small box that usually would contain jewelry. It was a silky red velvet color with a tag that from Dakota:

Happy Belated Birthday, Colette!

I look over at Dakota. I smile and so does he. Turning back to the box, I carefully open the lid. Inside was a bracelet surrounded by diamonds. Why do I feel like they were real diamonds? Although, the way it glimmered was magnificent. It was truly beautiful to look at.

Without thinking, I throw my arms around Dakota. I hug him tightly, as if he'd leave me. My eyes widen as I realize what I had done.

I begin to pull away and apologize, "I-I'm so-"

Although, I was interrupted by arms pulling me back into him. Flustered, I slowly wrapped my arms around him again.

"I'm glad we're friends," Dakota whispers into my ear.

His words shattered me.