Chapter 32
Melanie's P.O.V.
I haven't seen Danny in a few days and I didn't really mind all that much. Dad and Ethen had been going to the beach almost everyday and I got sunburned the first of the week so I wasn't interested. My birthday was tomorrow and I couldn't help but think that spending the week leading up to finally being an adult all alone was the greatest. I felt like I finally got my head on straight, I danced in my underwear and I was back and ready for action. Although, nothing was about to change and my life was just easy breezy right now. I spent the day out alone yesterday applying at a couple places hoping for a job. I had gotten one when I was sixteen but it only lasted a couple months before dad pulled me out. I had been harassed a couple times because I didn't look sixteen and I didn't talk like I was sixteen but I still was. After mom died I had to step up and be that mature kid and it stuck with me in the long run. It was kind of a catch twenty two. One of the restaurant on the board walk need a waitress and the bakery at the end of the boardwalk from said restaurant needed more hands. They were both about twenty minutes away but they were the only food places hiring. I'm judging myself only the slightest for not wanting to work at a clothing store. Hey, maybe I was picky but I had plans.
I had nothing spectacular planned for tomorrow, possibly drag my two best friends and boyfriend out for ice cream then come home and make dinner for my family.
Man, life was really great right now and I was so thankful.
Danny and I were back to normal and better than ever, Ethen and dad were healthy, all of Danny's family was great and my two best friends were in their own little fairy tale. It was like things were finally starting to fall in to place.
Danny and I had been texting all week and a couple nights he called me when he was crawling in bed. He said he did have a surprise but that was it. No time, nothing and every time I brought it up he would always find a way to avert it. I brushed it off and let it be hoping for the best.
I was interrupted from my thoughts as I laid in the silent room when my phone started blaring. I quickly picked it up and glanced at the unknown number. I recognized it bu-oh, it was Marlin's, the restaurant I applied at. I quickly answered it and placed it to my ear.
"Hello, this is Melanie Lynch speaking." I said trying to sound as polite and professional as possible.
"Hi Melanie, my name is Maggie and I'm one of the owners of Marlin's restaurant on the boardwalk. I saw your resume and I was wondering when you would be available for an interview?" It was and older women on the phone, I guessed between a forty to fifty-five range. I couldn't help but smile to myself.
"Right now actually, mam." I said with a small chuckle as I sat up. She laughed as well. This was good.
"That's perfect. When can you be here?"
I had just scribbled a note down for dad if he got back before me and was jumping in the car after I made sure the door was locked. Can't forget that.
I pulled out of the drive way quickly and made my way to the main road and down the strip on the way to the board walk. I sighed back in to my seat and glanced down praying my quickly thrown together outfit was enough to land me a half decent job. It was a nice restaurant and it had plenty of customers.
I was wearing a nice, clean, and stain free white t-shirt with dark blue skinny jean and black converse. Maybe it wasn't enough but that was okay. The lady seemed nice enough and that's what'd I'd seen a lot of the other workers wear. My hair was in a pony tail and with the humidity today it had a nice curl to it. I threw on some mascara and brow gel then I was out the door. I wound up flipping through the radio stations trying to find something to calm my nerves and finally settled on Treat You Better by Shawn Mendes and sat back humming once again. My fingers tapped the stirring wheel along to the music as I got closer to my destination. This happened fast.
I finally pulled up after a quicker than normal drive and was pleased to see I arrived five minutes early. I walked up to the hostess with a smile as I threw my small bag over my shoulder.
"Hi, my name is Melanie Lynch. Is Maggie here?" I asked not exactly sure how to approach this. She gave me a weary eye but told me to stay put as she went to the back. I stood there like a bump on a long glancing around. Not long after the hostess came back a little bewildered with a tall, chunky lady with a mop of dark curls up in a messy bun. She had a pair of red glasses hung around her neck and she stood before me with a smile.
"Well hello there Melanie Lynch. I'm Margret Marlin but you can call me Maggie." She said sticking out a hand. I smiled back to her and gave her a firm hand shake.
"I'd introduce myself but you already know my name." I said chuckling. She laughed as well then gave a me a look before nodding for me to follow her. I gave the hostess a small nod as I passed but she just shook her head. Maggie led me back to an office past an open grill, a brick pizza oven then behind the kitchen. She had a small desk with a chair on each side and a few papers scattered everywhere. She threw me a sheepish smile before sitting behind the desk and gathering them then told me to sit.
"So, why do you want to work at my restaurant?" She asked starting off. Her hands were laced together in front of her and the airiness that was once there dropped a couple notches. I swallowed but looked to her with confidence.
"Well I would like to have my own restaurant someday and I'm young so I guess I need to start somewhere and why not one of the best restaurant's in town? I can cook but I'll start anywhere, I need work and I also wanted to be some place I enjoyed." I said in one breath. She nodded.
"I don't recognize you. Do you come here often?" I sighed but shook my head.
"I've been here once, it was actually the first date with my now boyfriend and he's been here before." I said trying to win this back over. I graduated and am free, I need things to do.
"What's his name? My husband and I are here often and know the regulars." She said with a smile once again.
"Danny Greyson, or Daniel." I said with a sheepish smile. Not everyone called him Danny. She thought for a minute then smiled.
"Yeah I think I know who he is. That's a good boy you got there miss. Now have you ever done any waitress work?" She asked.
"No but I'm a quick learner." I said perking up a bit. She nodded once again.
"So what kind of kitchen skills do you have?" She asked raising an eyebrow. She looked a bit intrigued knowing my age.
"Most of them, I'm actually pretty handy with a knife. I cook most meals at my house so I'm pretty versatile and I'm always coming up with my own recipes. I can bake too." I added quickly. She smirked.
"If I gave you the option to choose between part time kitchen or full time waitress what would you pick, without knowing the pay?" She asked leaning forward a bit more. I immediately blurted out part time chef. I would choose that if it was half the pay. She nodded.
"You get the job. It's twelve dollars an hour, six hour P.m. shifts Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday to start off. You can start next week. We have an apron for you, come clean and in clothes you don't mind getting dirty. I want good things out of you and when you do good, we can talk about more time if you want." She stood up and said all this as she made her way to the door. I stood up as well and stood next to her.
"Thank you so much." That was all I was able to blurt out.
"You're welcome. I'll let the other staff you'll mainly be working with know that you will be showing up and I'll have some one show you the ropes." She was about to make her way out the door as I grabbed my purse but she stuck her head back in.
"And Melanie, happy birthday." She said with a wink. I grinned.
"Thanks and you can call me Mel."
The drive home was great as I sang out to the radio and danced in my seat like the freak I was.
People stared, I didn't care, I got a job and I was going to be doing what I loved.
It was, like, the best day ever. And I turn eighteen tomorrow.
I turned it down as I neared home and dug my phone out at a stop light then called Danny. He answered quickly so I put the phone on speaker and rested it on my leg.
"Guess what." I said quickly. His deep chuckle filled the car and I rested back in to the seat already feeling a little more relaxed.
"What?" His voice was strained but smooth, like he was in the middle of moving stuff.
"You okay?" I asked first.
"Oh, yeah, just uh, rearranging my room. It has been the same for years. Now tell me your guess what." He said happily. I shook my head, that made since.
"I got a job in the kitchen at Marlin's." I semi yelled out in my empty car. I was still floored she just handed a job like that over.
"Really? Are you serious? I love Marlin's. That was the first place I took you." He started off excited but his voice died down with care towards the end. I chuckled.
"I know, that's one of the reasons I applied there. I start next week. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday night shifts from six to midnight and if I do good she said we can talk about different hours. Maggie's the one that gave me the job." He laughed.
"That's incredible babe, I'm so happy for you. Plus it's by the beach. Maggie's really nice and I'm sure you'll meet Bill soon." He said and I could imagine him smiling which in turn made me smile. I pulled in to the drive way and turned it off speaker as I put the phone to my ear. I sighed as I rested back in my seat as the AC went full blast.
"So what are you doing later?" I asked.
"Mom has some old friends coming over for dinner and wants me here but hey, tomorrow you are all mine. Happy early birthday, buttercup." Danny didn't even have to be near me and he had me feeling butterflies. I wondered if they would ever fade, then silently prayed they didn't.
"Good. Alright, I'm home. Text me when you're done with your room." I said as I pulled out the keys and grabbed my purse.
"I will and expect a call from me tonight. I love you and don't talk to strangers okay?" He said in a stern voice. I couldn't help but laugh.
"Aye, aye captain. Bye, Danny. I love you too." I mumbled out. It still felt new but I loved telling him. It just came out sometimes.
"Bye, buttercup and congrats on your new job." He said in a smooth voice. I clicked the off button on the phone and tilted my head back against the seat resting my eyes.
Damn he was amazing. I still couldn't believe he loved me. He did say it first but it still blew my mind.
I got out of the car and locked it and made my way inside. Dad and Ethen still weren't home from the grocery store so once I got inside I grabbed my poorly written note and tossed it in the trash. After making sure the door was lock, and it wasn't, I made my way upstairs and into my room. I left the door wide open and face planted the bed. It squeaked and I bounced in response. I sighed in contentment before my phone started ringing. I groaned as I only moved my hand to get it out of my back pocket. I swiped and placed it to my ear without looking to see who it was.
"Hello?" I answered trying not to let my voice sound muffled.
"What's up chicken butt?"
"Hello to you too Addison. I'm laying on my bed celebrating the fact that I got a job. What about you?" I asked stifling a chuckle.
"Congrats, where at? Adam and I are hitting up the beach wanna come?" She asked.
"Marlin's, you know on the boardwalk and no, I'm sunburned." Addi huffed in response.
"I love that place and I'm sorry you're burnt but how are things with you and Danny boy. You were supposed to call me and never did so I'm guessing things went extra well." She said and I could picture her wiggling her eyebrows at me. She was mocking me in my own head.
"Yeah we're good. We both grew some balls and admitted to each other when we were in the middle of fighting." I said as I rolled on to my back and stared up to the ceiling that I'd been watching for the past few days.
"See I told you he loved you. Ha, I called it. Now when does the super awesome, raging sex come in?" She asked and again, her eyebrows came to mind. I rolled my eyes at her and myself.
"I have no idea you trampy, sex addict. It has only been lightly discussed but I promise the minute it happens I'll have you on the phone." I said as sarcastically as I could. Addi and I could go back and forth with names for days. We'd been friends long enough were nothing hurt.
"Don't knock it till you try it kid." She said laughing. I could hear Adam laughing as well and pictured them in the car from the back seat.
"Whatever, have fun at the beach and use sunscreen." I huffed into the phone.
"What ever you say my crispy friend." She said as she kept laughing then hung up. It wasn't even that bad anymore. It happened Monday but now it was Thursday. I was getting golden.
It was ranging in the four o'clock hour and the day was just moving slower as it went on. Danny had yet to text me and it had been an hour. It was late in the day and I kept wondering to myself how long it took to rearrange your room. I decided on going down stairs, curling up on the couch in sweatpants and having a solo movie-thon.
I popped in Dirty Dancing and went to the kitchen to grab a can of Sprite out of the fridge. I went ahead and grabbed the mayonnaise and spicy mustard as well. I set everything on the counter then grabbed the bag of pretzels and a medium bowl and a petri dish.
I got a good blob of mayo and put it in the small bowl followed by a heaping squirt of the mustard. Mixing it up with a pretzel rod I popped it in my mouth and was pleased with the taste. Careful placing both condiments back in the fridge and making way back to the couch, also carefully, with both bowls and the can was only a bit of a challenge. I plopped down satisfied with my snacks then grabbed the remote and started the movie. Baby was in the back seat and I just tuned into the movie.
It was the part where Baby was up in the loft ands she was finally dancing with Johnny. Then he just left her in the dust, what an ass. I was now laying on the couch, my stomach got fuller quicker than expected and now I was sleepy. My head rested against a throw pillow and I had one of my grandmothers knitted blankets from when I was a kid. Mom's side may be a little hasty now but dad's was more than comforting and loving. I would close my eyes for a few seconds, then open them to find myself a few minutes ahead in the movie so I eventually just caved in and turned curling into the couch and let my eyes finally stay shut.
Danny's P.O.V.
We did it. I had a couch, a T.V., a bed and dresser, one of the two closets filled. We were unaware of the second. A decent stocked kitchen with no food and it was all a large, open floor plan with lots of cloudy windows letting muted light in. A small back room with some extra stuff and a desk and two keys to my own damn place.
Now I just needed my girl by my side and I would be on cloud nine.
Mr. Lynch and Ethen stopped by to see it and I had to swear over Ethen with ice cream to make sure he would keep shut till I brought Mel here tomorrow. Lucas approved of the place and he as well as my parents went over some basic ground rules if all worked out in my favor.
"No drinking, no smoking and no sex. Or at least keep it very well protected. Try not to be too loud and don't throw crazy ass parties either." My mom started off. She looked to dad who was nodding along watching her. I glanced to Mr. Lynch and he gave me the same worried/confused look I had.
"What your mother said and make sure you always get to work on time and don't let living alone think you can't contact us. You have a phone in which we are still paying for so we expect updates. You want to be an adult so act like one, but make sure you have some fun too. You've worked hard and you deserve this." He said lightly tapping the side of my face. He nodded indicating he was finished then turned to Mr. Lucas Lynch, the father to the girl I was in love with.
"Take care of my daughter. She's tough and she's been to hell and back and I know that if something does happen, she'll be able to take care of it but also know that I'm always watching. She tells me most everything and don't forget about what I said about that shotgun." He sighed and rubbed his face before giving me a small smile.
"And I don't know which way this is going to go but at least make sure my baby girl finally lives the life she deserves." He said putting out his hand for me to shake. I placed my right hand in his left and gave him a firm shake before pulling him in and wrapped my left arm around him.
"Thank you for trusting me." I said after he gave me a couple claps on the back. He nodded.
"Shotgun." He said giving me a pointed look. I laughed.
"All right people, I've got a beautiful girls birthday to plan."
After everyone left, I called everyone. I called Alex and Eli. Told them to come and bring there girlfriends tomorrow. I called Addison and Adam. I called that kid Richard she gave a ride home to once. I contemplated calling the whole grad class to come celebrate but I stuck to the minimum.
Everyone could make it but Richard. I think I scared him long ago. Oh well, now for a cake. I had a decent amount of money left after everything so I decided to call the bakery down the boardwalk. They had good cupcakes, why not cake?
"Hello, this in Angel from Bashes Bakery how can I help you?" Asked a bubbly voice from over the phone.
"Hi, I'd like to have a birthday cake for tomorrow." I said with a hasty voice. I know they needed a little more time.
"Well exactly how big do you want this cake?" She asked.
"At least enough for eight people eight people." I said. She chuckled.
"Okay, we can do that. What were you thinking?" She asked. I grinned to myself as I looked down at my measurements. I may be no baker, but I sure can come up with some shit.
"I was thinking a round, two tier cake about six inches high. Chocolate cake with butterscotch buttercream and a buttercup flower with Happy eighteenth birthday Melanie. Just as a rough draft or to give you ideas, but the flower is a must. Please." I added quickly. She chuckled.
"Alright, I wrote that all down let's see if I got it. Round, two tier chocolate cake with butterscotch buttercream and a butter cup flower with Happy eighteenth birthday, say the name again?" She asked.
"Melanie. Everything else is good." She quickly spelled it out right and I confirmed.
"Perfect, is there a time you need this by tomorrow?" She asked.
"Around four would be perfect. I might have someone else come pick it up it that's okay? I'm still not sure yet." I asked. I was ridiculously excited.
"Even better. Just call ahead and tell us your order and who will be picking it up."
"Alright, thanks. Bye." I said quickly hanging up. Now I need party supplies. I decided to call Adam once again.
"You've called me once, I'm at the beach with my girlfriend." He said blandly into the phone.
"What ever, put me on speaker so Addison can hear too." I said. He scuffed but as I heard Addi's voice it confirmed he did as told.
"I need you guys help with decorating my new place for the surprise party for Mel tomorrow."
Melanie's P.O.V.
The worst thing about naps is that you don't know if you slept for seven minutes, seven hours or seven centuries. I awoke to the silence and looked around for the time.
11:58
Wow, just enough time for me to turn eighteen then go back to bed. I sat up and stretched, my back, elbows, wrists and fingers cracked. Then I stretched my legs and I felt like I was officially bubble wrap.
I was shifting in to my final form.
I saw a note on the coffee table and grabbed it threw the darkness. I stood up, note in hand, and made my way to the light in the kitchen. Once there I allowed my eyes to adjust then looked down to my fathers hand writing.
'Don't know when you'll read this but Happy Birthday and I love you.
You looked comfy when we brought home dinner so it's in the fridge.
See you in the morning for Birthday breakfast.
Love Dad and Ethen'
I smiled and placed it on the counter. I loved my family so much. It was little but it was good. A vibration in my sweatpants pocket brought me back down to earth. I pulled my phone out and glanced down as I made my way to the fridge.
Midnight. My birthday.
I did a little happy dance then returned back to the messages. It was Danny.
'Happy Birthday buttercup. Love ya xo. You didn't answer my call so sleep tight' A light feeling made it's way to my chest as I read over it again.
'Sorry about that, had a nap and now I'm gonna chill then go back to bed, love you back night' I quickly texted back then sent. It seemed like he liked saying it as well.
I grabbed the plastic carton of Chinese food and took off the lid before popping it in the microwave for a minute. As it was heating a I got a fork and opened it before it beeped and stirred the rice and what looked like general Tso's before putting it back in for another minute and a half. My phone vibrated rapidly on the counter so I set the fork down and glanced at the I.D..
Danny, of course. Who else would call now? I answered it and stood in front of the microwave with the phone to my ear.
"Hello?" I answered in a low, happy voice.
"Happy birthday, buttercup." He said in a sing song voice. I chuckled as I stopped the beep before it happened.
"So I've heard." I answered.
"Yes you have, because now we're legal." He said causing me to burst out laughing. I quickly slapped a hand over my mouth to try a muffle the sound some.
"We were always legal." I said with laughter still evident in my voice.
"Not technically. I was eighteen when I first kissed your seventeen year old , baby lips." He said still laughing.
"You didn't seem to be complaining." I said back as I closed the microwave and grabbed my food.
"Neither did you."
"You got that damn right. Now I'm an adult and I don't know if you can handle my adult lips." I said shoving a fork full in my mouth. I quietly made my way upstairs and too my room after turning off the light and shut more door with a small thud behind me.
"I can handle every adult inch of you." He said in a matter-o-fact voice. I rolled my eyes and swallowed my food.
"Whatever Mr. Manly man. What are you still doing up anyways?" I asked.
"Well I had to be the first one to tell my girl happy birthday, on her birthday." He said in a duh tone.
"That and I was having a little bit of a hard time sleeping." He added sheepishly. I chuckled and sat back setting the now covered food on the nightstand. I wasn't as hungry as I thought.
"Well I'm sorry. Want me to read you a story?" I asked sarcastically. He let out a small scuff and if I closed my eyes I could see his smile.
"If you really want to, but I think just you talking is enough. Tell me about what you want to do tomorrow." He said with his words running together towards the end. I grinned as I laid down as well.
"Well I want ice cream and a cake that I don't have to bake myself." I started off laughing. He chuckled as well. "And I want to hang out with this guy I love and these two idiot best friends of mine. Maybe make dinner for all them and this amazing family I have too." I said letting my eyes shut. I was making myself sleepy.
"What do you want for your birthday dinner?" He mumbled. I could tell he was almost asleep.
"I want tacos, nachos, quesadilla's, salsa, guac. The whole deal. Crunchy and soft tacos and nachos so high I can't see you over them." I said grabbing a water bottle off the desk. The only person they could belong to was me so why waste good water? I glugged down the small amount of water that was left and returned to the phone only to hear Danny's soft snores coming through. I chuckled softly.
"Sleep tight, thanks for making me feel loved." I mumbled before hanging up. I plugged the charger into the phone and laid under the covers.
I hope tomorrow is amazing.
"Wake up and sniff the breakfast pancakes. I see you found dinner and your way to bed last night." My father's booming voice cracked through the roomed and I groaned opening my eyes only to be shunned by the sun.
"Good morning to you too." I said rolling over to face Ethen and my father. They both wore big smiles and pajama's. The smell of cake batter wafted in my room and I shot up.
"Is breakfast ready?" I asked hopeful. I didn't care how I looked nor how my breath smelled. These pancakes were the best damn thing on earth and they only come around a couple times a year. It was birthday cake batter in pancake form. He gave me a dull look.
"Well yeah. Why else would I ever wake my beautiful daughter on her birthday?" He asked with a smile and open arms. I got up and greeted them both by pulling them into a hug.
"Thank you." I said giving them each a peck on the cheek.
"Cool, you're up and your breath reeks. Let's go eat pancakes." Ethen exclaimed leading us out of the room in a stampeed. Ethen and I plopped down at the set table as dad retrieved breakfast. He came back with a plate of bacon and bowl of eggs before returning to the kitchen. He then came back with a hefty stack of pancakes and the bottle of orange juice. He silently, but happily, poured juice for all three of us then sat down.
"Eighteen years ago today, one of two, of my wonderful children made their way into this world to grace it. Now you are officially stated as an adult and I can't wait to see how you change this world. Happy birthday my beautiful daughter, Melanie." He said raising his juice. Ethen was more than happy to jump up and clank his up to dads and I laughed as I did as well.
"Thank you. I am feeling a little extra adulty today." I said as I grabbed a couple pieces of bacon. He chuckled but got some eggs.
"What ever you say kid." He said grinning. Ethen was extra quiet as he stuffed himself and I couldn't help but feel a little piggish myself as I not so shamelessly placed four, large pancakes as well as a heaping of eggs on my plate.
I didn't care though. It's my birthday.
Oh my gosh I am never eating again. I was literally so stuffed that I didn't care if I would ever eat again and I'm pretty sure it was just hitting noon. Breakfast was amazing and now all three of us were chilling on the couch watching Mulan 2. It was my favorite Disney movie. I mean yeah the first one was awesome but this one was much better in my opinion.
So much for adulthood.
Dad was out and Ethen was nodding off. I on the other hand, was ridiculously into the movie. It was the part where Mushu was imitating Mulan while Shang was in the separate tent. I had a blanket across my lap and another around my shoulders. The house had a crisp cool too it from it being so hot outside. We had the A/C down nice and low but I wasn't complaining. The need to pee was really starting to get to me. I carefully untucked myself and both sets of eyes flashed to me as I stood.
"Gotta pee and grab my phone." I said quietly as I made my way past the two. They nodded and dad looked to his watch.
"Well it's almost one do you maybe wanna get dressed or something? Like get ready for the day?" He asked. I paused and thought about it for a minute.
"Yeah, I guess. I'm not exactly sure what I'm getting ready for though." I said laughing.
"Just that today is your birthday. Go bathe and put on some makeup or something." He responded. I laughed even harder.
"Thanks dad." I yelled out as I made my way up that stairs. I first found my phone then plopped down on the bed to scroll for a minute. I'm not on a schedule.
'Hope you're up, I'll be there at two.' Addison sent that a good thirty minutes ago. I sent her a simple 'you got it' then decided to get up. Guess I am on a schedule. I grabbed my hair towel and towel, towel before heading to the bathroom, phone still in hand. I hit shuffle on Spotify then turned on the water. Let's see what today and Addison brings.
Danny's P.O.V.
"Streamers?"
"Check."
"Drinks, food, and fine china?"
"Triple check."
"How about the balloons?" I asked turning to Eli and Adam. Addi left about an hour ago to occupy Mel and we had an hour until the cake had to be picked up.
"Shit. I'll go to the dollar store. They fill them up there too." Eli answered. Cassidy jumped at the offer to go with him and soon enough it was just me, Adam, Alex and his new girlfriend, Izzy.
"Alight we have barbeque chips and salt and vinegar chips as well as tortilla chips. I also bought a shit ton of cookies and I got a gallon of ice cream too. When should we make the Taco Bell run? Oh, and I got everything else you asked for from the store. That'll be twenty bucks. Not even half." Adam said sticking out his hand. I slid my wallet out of my back pocket and pulled out three tens before slapping it in his hand. I gave him a nod when he looked confused and he happily took the money. What a great asshole, friend.
"Even the guacamole?" I asked. He smirked and nodded.
"It's all in the fridge."
"Woah, when did you get that picture?" Alex asked leaning over my shoulder. I glanced down to the small picture in my wallet as well and grinned.
"Second, first date at the carnival. We were on crazy mouse dip shit. Can't you tell?" I asked slapping him over the head with the wallet before putting it back in my pocket.
"Damn, that was like a month and a half ago. When did you say you started loving this girl?" He asked with a smirk. I rolled my eyes.
"Shut up man and help me hang up this banner." I said grabbing the long, purple, holographic banner. I made a quick trip to Party City this morning and was happy with my findings. Although I forgot the damn balloons and they were right there. I gave him a couple pieces of tape then got some for myself and we both stood in the first corner you see to the right and hung up the banner over the T.V.. I was tempted to do something out of the small terrace that was now mine but I decided against it until I had some half decent chairs.
"Alright perfect. Do we have any swirly things that hang from the ceiling?" He asked. I scuffed glancing to the banner.
Happy 18th Birthday
"I had to shop on my own I'm no expert at birthday party planning." I said plopping on the springy couch next to Izzy. She had long, jet black hair that was pulled back in to a ponytail. She was tall, tan and I remember her from the swim team. When I met her a while back I was surprised to see them dating.
"Do you have any colored paper?" She asked sitting forward. I nodded and headed to the back room where the desk was and grabbed the large stack of multicolored paper.
"Need anything else?" I hollered as I scooped it up.
"Scissors and the tapes out here." She called back. I grabbed a couple pairs then came back to find them both sitting on the floor around the coffee table. I had no clue where Adam was. I plopped down on the opposite side from them and she demonstrated how to cut a large spiral out of the paper, then a second of the same color and taped one end of each together. She held one end up and the whole thing fell in to a perfect swirly thing. I knew my face split into a grin and Alex looked to her with admiration.
"That's fucking amazing. You should stay with this idiot and show him a few things. Now both of you keep working on that and I'll see if there is anything else I can do." Alex scuffed as I stood and Izzy laughed but gave him the second pair of scissors. I glanced around the kitchen and grabbed my phone checking the time.
It was almost four. Three-fifty to be exact.
"Hey, I'm gonna go see if the cake is ready." They called out a simple okay as I grabbed my keys and headed out the door. I had my own damn parking spot and I would be lying if I said I didn't feel legit. I hopped in and started the car making my way down the road, a left, then down the boardwalk. It was about a ten minute drive all the way down to the bakery. I passed Marlin's on the way and couldn't help but think back to when Mel said everything happens for a reason. She job five minutes from the place I was about to invite her to live with me for a reason and I had to admit, I had high hopes. I pulled up to the bakery not long after and jumped out not bothering to lock the car. I was right inside and I could see it. Then Mel's voice popped in to my head once again and I took the two extra seconds to lock it. As I entered the small bakery a small bell chimed and I took in the multiple smells. Breads, cookies, donuts, cakes and coffee. It was like heaven with a big cup o' Joe.
"Welcome to Bashes Bakery how can I help you?" Asked a women from behind the counter. I smiled and quickly snapped out of my daze as I approached.
"Hi, yesterday I placed an order for a two tier, chocolate cake with butterscotch buttercream? My name is Daniel Greyson." She tapped at the iPad that was on a stand and smiled.
"Buttercup boy, your cake is ready. That'll be seventy dollars even. Cash or credit." I grinned at the name and thought of Mel once again then pulled out my card. She nodded and turned the device towards me. In the port of the tablet was a small card swiping attachment so I slid and it went through. I signed with my finger. This was really fucking cool.
"Awesome. I'll go get your cake." She said before disappearing into the back room. I wound up glancing towards the display case and found cupcakes that looked like they were smashed down with a ladle, then given a pretty peak of buttercream. I looked for the label. Theses couldn't be serious.
"Bashing good cupcakes. A fan favorite." Said the lady as she reappeared with a large, white box. She set on the counter between us and open the cold lid.
It revealed a smooth, two tier, yellow cake with a large butter cup in the center. The middle of the flower was a black cupcake that rested in the center of the second cake. I grinned and looked a little closer. The happy birthday note was written on the first layer in purple cursive, outlining the second tier.
"It's perfect. Thank you so much even on short notice." I said with a smile. She grinned back at me.
"I hope she likes it. And tell her that the job is available if she still wants it." She said with a wink. I gave her a confused look.
"There aren't many Melanie's so I figured it was the same one. It was the same birthday on the resume." She said with a shrug. I smiled.
"I'm pretty sure it's the same one. I'll tell her, thanks again." I said as she slid me the closed box. She nodded.
"Not a problem and if you ever need a pastry, you know where to find us." She waved as I exited the door and nodded back. So, Mel applied a couple places. I wonder if there was anywhere else, although she seemed pretty please about Marlins. I'll still tell her. Just after the party, I couldn't reveal anything.
Once I got back to the loft Alex and Izzy had swirly things hanging randomly from the ceiling. I couldn't help but grin. I noticed balloons as well so Eli and Cass must be back too.
"This is beautiful people. Wanna see the cake?" I asked excited. I couldn't help but feel giddy. I was so excited for Mel to get here and see everything. I was even more excited to ask her to move in with me. I hope it wasn't all too much. They both rushed over quickly from there places standing on the new damn couch. I wasn't even gone thirty minutes and they had this place looking better than before. I cracked open the box as they all gathered around out of no where.
A round of 'oh's' and 'ah's' came from around before Adam piped up with a grin.
"It's beautiful. Mel's gonna love it." He said giving me a small clap on the back. Izzy smirked.
"Not as much as this little lover boy loves her." She said cause all five of them to roar with laughter. I closed the box with a scuff then shoved threw them towards the fridge and placed the cake inside carefully. I looked down to my watch then stood tall.
"Alright guys, it's four ten. Addi and Mel should be here around four thirty. Who want's to make the Taco Bell run with me?"
A/N~~~~~~~~~~~~
I KNOW YALL WERE NOT EXPECTING THIS AND CAN I GET A HEFTY ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR SOONEST UPDATE EVERAND LONGEST CHAPTER EVER AT 7031 WORDS PLEASE??? WOOP WOOP
Alright alright it actually hasnt been that long since we chatted and I always forget to tell you guys so it's been a few chapters back but the highest rank we have gotten in Teen Fiction was #195 CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT.
I am so proud of each and every one of you.
ALSO calling any makeup homies~~ the blend till you die crew~~ what are some of your favorite products?? I need some suggestions!!!!
Alright i love you all so so so much and i hope you love this what should be normal early update and please keep the comments and votes rolling in!!!
Also go check out Charmed.
Thanks guys, you are legit the best readers EVAA