Chapt 16

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Celeste


Hours later, I am standing inside of my kitchen preparing to cut watermelon as the sweet but not innocent tattoo lays at my hip. Draped in a bathing suit top that rises a few inches from my waist, and bottoms that inch low off of my waist, my new ink is more than visible to the people here in my home tonight.

The music sounds like a faint rhythm and beat now that Im in-side and not out. The back door does well with shielding the sounds away, but the window I'm standing in front of allows me a piece of it, and I move my hips to the beat as I press the knife deep into the fruit. The watermelon was Nelia's request, not mine. It is the fruit I dislike the most. If I had a choice I would choose more pineapples but I've eaten them all earlier.

At the sound of my front door opening and people cheering I turn and crane my neck to see what all the fuss is about. There is a short woman with blonde locks, another woman with red hair, and a much taller woman with slender legs who enters. She's holding a pack of beer in her hands. I'm guessing she is Dacre's friend. I turn back around to hurry, finishing with the watermelon before I scoop it into a bowl and walk over to greet my new guests. They're happy and it's hard not to mirror it.

"You must be the birthday girl?" The woman with blonde hair is first to speak, her eyebrows raising and her smile pinching into her eyes and causing them to crease more than before.

I nod, smiling and tilting my head a bit. "What gave it away?".

The woman holding the pack of beer chimes in, her smile big as well and mirroring the blonde woman. "It's your aura, and this gorgeous bathing suit you're wearing. Happy birthday!".

Before I can make my mouth move to tell her thank you, she is raising her arms and draping them over my neck. She brings me in for a tight hug and stays put for a few seconds before she backs away. I learn now that she has a bit of a personality.

"Yeah, happy birthday! I got you something!" The woman with beautiful red hair holds up a hand. There's a small pink and glittery bag she's holding by the strings. I can see decorative paper toppling out a bit. It makes me smile. I hadn't expected any gifts from anyone besides my closest friends and family.

I pout a bit as I take the pretty bag. "Really? This is my first gift all night" I admit. Nelia and Dacre said that they'd give me gifts when we sang happy birthday, and for some reason they were adamant on what they said. I have no clue what to even expect from those two. It could be something cute or scary.

"I'm sure there are more to come. Let me hold this for you" she takes the bowl of watermelon as I open the bag. I pull the cute decor pieces out and place my eyes against something clear and filled with water. When I take it out I see that it is a globe with a ram inside of it. When I shake it there are red and silver pieces of glitter that float around in the water. It's so pretty.

I peer my eyes back up at her, wanting to throw myself at her. "This is so gorgeous, as a kid I loved snow globes" I tell her. It isn't a snow globe, but it's similar and I'm going to place it at the middle of the shelf inside of the living area near the picture frames of my family and friends. It would make good decor.

"Dacre told us all about it, so I guess this could also be from him as well as us. I'm glad you like it" she smiles, leaning the glass bowl towards me to take and I do. I thank her once more before her and her friends walk through my house and out of the back door where everyone else is. I place the glass bowl onto the counter and make my way into the living area where I sit the gorgeous globe down into its new found home. It looks as if it belongs. I gaze at it for a bit before remembering that Nelia and probably some other people wanted more fruit.

I didn't want many people inside of my house, tracking pool water all around, so I agreed to do it myself.

Upon exiting my house, I see Dacre talking with the women who had just walked through the house. Due to the speakers, I can't hear what they are saying, put they seem pretty into his words. Soon my view is switched to Nelia who's got a fixed scowl on her face. She reaches the watermelon bowl and takes a slice, munching as she looks over at what I was looking at.

"I don't like that tall one. She hugged me" she frowns.

I smile. Nelia is not much of a hugger, it took us six months of being friends for her to let me hug her. She still refuses on occasions to this day. I cock an eyebrow at her, stealing her view. "Have you gone to therapy about that, yet?" I tease.

She shakes her head, looking at me. "I like the way I am, no need to change. I don't see why people like physical contact anyways. It's weird" she convinces herself. With time I've learned not to be concerned with why she says this.

"You know you can't refuse me today, right?" I ask.

She narrows her eyes at me, looking as if she already wants to say hell no.

"It's my birthday" I remind her.

She softly groans and rolls her eyes. "Celeste youโ€” okay fine. On my birthday you'll have to eat an entire watermelon" she threatens and I don't want to hug her anymore.

I make a gagging noise as I put my hand atop my mouth. "The thought of it gives me the heebie-jeebies. I'd rather drink my pool water" I shake my head.

She giggles. "See. We both have things that we don't like".

Physical contact from people isn't really one of them for me.

She's right. I nod. I won't hug her today, but I'll hug her when she wants it. I've learned that it really means a lot to her and being an understanding friend of her trauma is the best thing I can do. I let her take the bowl for herself and walk over toward the speaker where my phone is placed to keep the music going. To my surprise, I see a text from my mother telling me that she's here. I instantly think about my tattoo. I look around for my cover up, finding it on one of the pool chairs. I throw it over my arms and make my way back into my house and then out of the front door where she is standing near the mailbox. She puckers up at the sight of me, her smile big, and her arms wide. I fall into them, feeling her hug me tightly. It's been a few weeks, she misses me dearly. We both pull back and sigh.

"Happy birthday, my sweet daughter" she pouts, grazing her hands along my arms and soon letting our hands connect.

I smile, looking into her deep brown eyes that mine mirror. "I really appreciate it, mom. Thanks to you I'm here and enjoying the life you gave me. Couldn't have done it without you" I tell her and she tsks, looking away for a short and brief moment.

"You have been the sun to my sky for twenty three consecutive years, you are my victory, and I love you so dearly. I don't even know what I'd do if I didn't have you. You're so... perfect" she compliments me and I can tell that it's coming from the very bottom of her heart. Tears threaten but I don't let them spill.

"That means so much to me" I smile to keep the waterworks in my eyes and not on my face. "Where's my father?" I ask.

She frowns. "He had work late tonight but he sends me with a big hug to give to you" she says. I frown as well. Although I know they won't stay for the party, it would have been good to see him tonight, especially with me moving further away.

"I know he'd be here if he could. I just wish he was" I say.

"It amazes me to know how little my daughter thinks of me. I mean, come on. Did you really think I'd miss your birthday? I haven't missed a single one for twenty three years" I can hear my father behind me and it makes me spin to throw my arms around his neck. They're cheeky for trying to trick me tonight.

"I'm glad you're here" I say. He hugs me tightly before pulling away and looking at me, one hand behind his back. I glance over at it, my eyes hooded. "You're not very good at hiding things from me, you know?" I remind him. On every holiday that's required gifts to be given, from age eleven I've found it.

He smiles, playfully cutting his eyes away from mine and soon revealing the gift behind his back. It looks like a large canvas. It's wrapped in brown wrapping paper. "This was expensive so make sure you hang it somewhere where it will have as much care taken of it" he says as he hands it over to me.

I don't hesitate to unwrap it right there and then, placing my eyes against a very familiar painting. It's of a woman in bed, looking at the moon through her skyscraper window. I had no clue I would ever see this again. It was so long ago. I peer my eyes up at him to see him smiling deeply. "How long have you had this locked away?" I gaze down at the picture again.

I thought this painting would be gone forever. I hadn't seen it since we moved and I thought it either got lost or left behind.

"It's been ten years ever since. I knew how much you loved that painting, so I hid it in the garage at the very top of the shelf where you wouldn't be able to reach. We made it when you were thirteen, so I wanted to give it to you when you were twenty three" he smiles. He's obviously proud of himself.

So am I, when I think about his dedication.

"I love it. It means so much to me" I admit. My father is the best painter I know, and we did this together. It holds value.

He brings me in for another hug before standing next to my mother. It still amazes me how they've been together my whole life, and how they've accepted each other for who they are. I want a love like that. It's beautiful.

"Are you sure you guys don't want to come in? Even just for a second?" I offer but they shake their heads at the same time.

"You won't be able to fully enjoy yourself and get loose with your parents here" my mother says, wrapping her hand around my fathers back.

He nods, agreeing with her words. "That's young kid stuff. Us old people are ready to go home and sleep" he says, making me laugh a bit.

My mother doesn't agree with that. "Old? Honey I'm forty five years young. There's nothing old about me" she corrects him.

He gives her a awkward smile before looking back at me. "I want you to enjoy your birthday, baby girl. Just please, don't make any stupid decisions like a crazy tattoo or piercing".

I nearly freeze. A little too late for that, father. Still, I nod. "I will enjoy myself" is the only thing I can say. I can't vow to not get a crazy tattoo or piercing. Bite me marks the spot of crazy.

We all exchange another hug before they get into their car and I watch them ride away. Holding my second birthday present, I turn to go inside of my house, but a tall neighbor intrigues my view. He's standing over at the house's mailbox beside me. He was looking at first, but when we met eyes he turned away.

I should get to know my neighbors anyways. "Hey" I yell over to him. He hesitates before lifting his head to see me again.

I slowly make my way over to where he's standing, being a few feet apart. God, he is tall.

"I-I'm sorry, I heard the party next door and I came out to see. I don't mean to b-be a bother" he stammers over his words.

I shake my head, sensing that he's a bit shy. "You weren't a bother, and yes, it's a small party with just a few of my friends" I inform him, looking down to his visibly shaking hands.

"M-May I ask the occasion?" He asks.

I smile. "My birthday".

"Oh... H-happy birthday" he smiles an awkward one.

"Thank you. I'm Celeste, what's your name?" I ask.

He smiles a bit more, and his dimples deepen. "Christian".

Nice name. I glance back at my house, the music and cheering sending faint noise to where we are. "Would you like to join us? We'll sing happy birthday in a little while and you can take some cake" I offer.

He shakes his head. "I-I don't think I should. I mean, it's a small party so that must mean close friends. W-we've just met so I don't want to burden you".

I tilt my head to the side. "If you refuse I'll always think of you as the mean neighbor" I say in hopes that he'd join. I'd like him to meet a few of my friends.

He lets out a small chuckle. "N-no, please don't think that".

I shake my head. "I certainly will... unless you agree".

He turns his head to look at his house. "O-okay. Just let me lock up, I'll only be a few seconds" he turns and strides to his house before pulling the door up. He didn't take long. Soon we are entering my front door.

"My friends are super nice so you don't have to worry. Just to let you know, my friend Nelia doesn't really like hugsโ€” or any physical contact if she doesn't know you so try not to touch her much. She's the nicest one, ask her to show you around?" I point to the woman sitting on a pool chair, her bowl empty.

He scratches his head. "Are you sure she's nice? What if she questions why I'm here?" He asks.

I glance up at his face. "She won't".

He nods before slowly walking to where she is. His head is hanging down and he's fiddling with his fingers. His lanky body hovers over hers as she looks up at him. Her back straightens and she seem interested in whatever he's saying. I smile to myself as I turn away, fully aware of what I've done.

I go back near the speaker, taking my phone and checking it to see a few messages from friends and family. It's mostly people who's telling me to enjoy my birthday and have fun. I scroll all the way down, hoping to see a message from him, but I don't.

I try not to think much about him as I'm sure it'll only make me feel the opposite of happy. I turned to see that there were still many people scattered around, only Dacre walking up to me with a smile on his face. "Why is the birthday girl over here all by herself?" He asks, raising an eyebrow at me.

"I just wanted to check my phone for any missed calls or messages".

"Are you having fun?" He asks me and I nod.

"Yes, I didn't expect so many people to be here tonight. I did say that I wanted a small party" I tell him. Minus the friends I invited, Dacre managed to contact everyone in his contact list.

He gives me a 'I'm sorry' smile as he pulls his hands behind his back and sways his right foot into the ground. "Yeah, sorry. If it makes you feel any better, everyone here is enjoying their self" he says.

"Wonder why?" I say and he chuckles lightly.

"Because you're so much fun to be aroundโ€”" he places his hands at my shoulders "which is why you need to come here with us so we can enjoy you" he starts to pull me towards where he was standing. We past by Nelia and Christian who sit side by side, smiling and giggling at each other.

"Birthday girl! Let's take a shot!" The tall woman says and I widen my eyes. Dacre chuckles lightly.

"Don't worry. I'll be here to hold your hair back".

I smile. "Okay, let's do it!" I squeal, reaching for a shot glass and a bottle of alcohol. I pour two shots and we drink them. My face scrunches up as the burning taste riddles it's way into my throat. I'm sure I'll stay a wine woman for a long while. I sit the glass down and scream a bit as I stand myself upright.

"Ahh!" The woman screams as she sticks her tongue out. "That one is really spicy, Dacre. Why did you bring that?" She asks him. I've got to get her name.

Dacre looks down at the tanned liquid and smiles. "I love this" he admits. He twists the cap onto it.

I lean into him. "What's her name?".

"Abigail".

"Just call her Abby, though. Only her mother calls her Abigail" he tells me with a quirk of his left eyebrow. I nod.

Her name definitely fits her. She sits her shot glass down and takes a single beer from the pack she brought earlier. She uses her fingernail to poke a hole into the can as she pops the top to suck from the side. I look at her in amazement as she drinks it down. Once finished, she throws it to the ground and screams.

Definitely a personality.

Dacre claps and cheers for her. "Way to go, Abby!" His tough voice is very manly.

She cheers her own victory before looking at me. "Sorry, I'll pick this up. I know this is your home" she says before bending to grab the can.

I smile as I take it from her. "I'm grateful for you cleaning up your mess". I'm sure I'll be out all night cleaning this place up.

"Can we agree that it's time to sing happy birthday now? I'm in the mood for some cake" Dacre asks and I nod. Yes. Let's sing happy birthday so I can start pushing people out. I'm tired.

I nod and he makes a quick jog over to where the speakers are, turning them down. "We're going to sing happy birthday and exchange gifts. If you didn't bring a gift then you're not getting cake!" He says, capturing everyone's attention.

I throw a hand over my eyes, shielding me from everyone. This was not a rule I made.

Everyone begins to gather as Nelia brings out the cake with Happy Birthday and my name written on it. She sticks two candles inside, a '2' and a '3' to make my age for the year. The crowd chants the words as I stand there, watching them all.

"Make a wish" Nelia whispers.

I smile, closing my eyes and taking a few seconds to wish for what I want. I open my eyes again and blow out the candles. Dacre is already there with a knife and plates. We slice the cake down and everyone takes a piece before Dacre forces me onto a pool chair and I start to receive gifts. He wants to be the first one, although he isn't, so he gives me a small box.

"Are you proposing?" I joke and he chuckles, giving me an awkward smile. For a moment I fear that he actually is. I open the box and a pair of diamond earrings lay there sparkling in the moonlight. I gasp. I'm sure this must have been a lot.

"Dacre!" I look up at him and he looks proud, tilting his head up and flipping his hair.

"These reminded me of you so I had to buy them. They are the most gorgeous pair of earrings I've ever seen. I almost got them for myself" he admits, making me laugh a bit. I know that there is only the truth in his words.

"Okay okay, time for my gift now. I don't mean to make this a competition but my gift is far better than yours" she gives Dacre a smirk as she hurries to sit next to me, placing a large bag in my lap. It's all white so I can't see what's inside.

I open the bag, peeking my head over, but close it really fast once I place my eyes on what's inside. "Nelia!" I gasp.

Dacre huffs. "What is it?" He asks, his eyes squinting.

I reopen the bag and pull it all the way out for everyone else to see. It's a black and white bag. A Christian Dior bag. My heart swells as I know how expensive this must have been. How the hell did she get this for me?

"You told me you were getting her a diamond necklace!" Dacre says, his mouth agape.

She smiles, shrugging. "I guess I lied to you".

I playfully swat at the both of them before clutching my bag to my chest. "I love my gifts. I didn't imagine to get such expensive things" I pout.

We spend the rest of the night exchanging gifts, eating food, drinking, and talking until about ten pm. I'm sure the party would have went on for longer if it wasn't for me demanding that everyone go home, but I'm glad I did end it when I did. My father called to wish me another happy birthday before I went into my house and began cleaning up. Dacre had helped with outside before he left so the only thing left to do were the dishes. I threw my coverup onto the couch before going into the kitchen and cleaning. I was in the middle of wiping the counters down when a knock arose on my door. There were a total of three knocks. I thought it would be someone coming back to get something

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