To Be Announced ⟡ All American

014

narrator
📍bel air, california

"You think he'll like it?" Spencer tilted his head and looked over at Sage who held the money that will fund Darnell's gift

Sage was quiet for a little while, walked around it a few more times before answering that question and making the big decisions in getting this bad boy "He always said he wanted exactly this, why you think it's too much or too less? Should I get my parents to help out?" She rambled on and on, it's what she knew how to do the most lately, in denial.

"No, no, this is perfect, we'd be doin' too much if we asked for more help. Me, you and your siblings are enough for this to happen"  This was going to be the biggest surprise yet

She jumped up, nudged Spencer and gave the guy in charge a couple nods and a big smile on her face. She knew that this was going to be the best present that Darnell probably has ever gotten in his whole life and Sage was the best gift giver and she was going to carry that title with her until her last breath. She's very proud about that rather than her actual talents

"Hey, hey" Sage came home, Spencer by her side as Darnell unbelievably shook his head with a truthful smile on his face, he said no to a party and yet his girl best friend- the only one- Sage, broke that wish and truth be told if anybody else went against his will it's not a pretty look, good thing Spencer came to the right person

Darnell embraced Sage before Spencer, it's an always ladies first type of rule he has going on- a gentleman that won the hearts of many women especially Kia. She knows the love Darnell and Sage have for each other- their bond is strong, maybe even stronger than theirs she'd think from time to time but Kia knew Darnell wouldn't hurt a soul for another. It was family business, she convinced herself.

"So how's it feel like being 17?" King Carter walked down the stairs and showered Darnell with love and congratulations on making it 17 years and not a life changing mistake insight

Darnell chuckled a bit, smile that was big and contagious "You know, nothing's changed yet- waiting for something to feel different" When you turn a year older everything feels the same, but it all changes throughout the year and Darnell will get the taste of what he's longing for- change and he's going to have a lot of it

The party started in not any longer than three hours, they all got themselves ready to welcome friends and family of Darnell and of the Carter's- only close ones. King and Sapphire Carter have a little trick under their sleeve too, it's not just their kids that have the upper hand in gift giving. Once a competitive family, always a competitive family even in giving gifts. Let's see which one wins  Darnell over most, though it's not much of who gets what praise it's more of whose the best at what.

Darnell got all dressed up, came out of his room that he had set for him in the Carter household. Walked down the stairs, with quite an entrance as everyone had welcomed him with claps and words of encouragement, complimenting his outfit- forest green hoodie under a black bomber jacket, black jeans with rips to the knees and his favorite pairs of retro Jordan 1's that he had Sage customize with a Bape camo on the hells of the shoe and his jersey number on it. His birthday kicks.

Sage came to hug him and whispered Happy Birthday for what could possibly be the hundredth time she'd said that to him "Thank you, Where's  Rush, thought he was coming"  She shook her head and put on a strong face "Don't worry about me right now, Isaiah and I are still really great friends- soulmate who I met in the wrong time and dimension maybe- but we came here to celebrate you and your beautiful soul" Darnell stared at her to examine if his best friend really is okay "I'm serious, I woke up early in the morning and we both know if I wasn't  in the mood your birthday wouldn't be this fuckin' poppin now go party and greet your guests like a proper man you are" She winked and pushed him to go socialize