Sammy arches an eyebrow. “Oh?”
I take a deep breath. “A while ago, you told me your mum was pushing you to leave once you turned eighteen.” Sammy’s brows furrow. “Conner and I were talking and thought that perhaps you could live here if you have nowhere to go.”
Her eyes widen, glistening.
“Conner is moving into the room I’m staying in now. We were going to use that room for an art room, but there’s plenty of room for a desk in the room we will stay in.”
“Noya… I.”
“Dylan can come as well.” I turn towards Conner and Dylan as they enter the apartment. Turning back to her, I say, “What do you say?”
“Fuck.” Her black fingernail flicks at the tear slipping down her cheek. “I can’t believe I’m crying—and it’s your birthday!”
“Is that a yes?”
She nods, which is a surprise, considering Sammy always has something to say. To leave her speechless… well, that’s something new.
We eat pizza, and Sammy tells Dylan the news—which he already knew because Conner told him about it while they went for a smoke.
After the lights go out and the curtains close, plunging us into a dim, grey room. The candles were lit, and a mud cake with Snickers bars poking out of it. I laugh, unable to contain my excitement when they singHappy Birthdaymelodramatically.
Conner then hooks up the Nintendo Switch he bought, and while we eat cake, we play Mario Kart. I’m terrible, but the vibrancy and energy in the room are enough for me to be happy. I couldn’t ask for much more on my birthday with those I care for.
There is a slight sadness in thinking of Mum and Dad. It’s what I wanted for a time. A birthday as a family, opening presents they knew I’d love, and eating a nice, home-cooked meal. We would then watch a movie, and I’d sleep feeling loved.
But that’s not my reality. And as much as I wanted it, wishing it would not make it come true.
Then Conner came out of nowhere. And that’s where my new dream came to be, and with him came memories I’ll cherish.
Sammy and Dylanleave later in the evening. After I say goodbye, I help Conner in the kitchen by placing the plates and glass cups in the dishwasher after he rinses them. He shows me how to work the dishwasher, and afterwards, we agree to watch the rest of the Marvel movies.
I sit, and while I wait for him, I grab the blanket we keep underneath the table and place it over my legs. Conner doesn’t seem to enjoy the heat very much, and the air-con always seems to be on.
Conner sits and places a long, small box on my lap.
“What’s this for?” I ask.
“Another one of your presents.”
“Conner… the bracelet was more than enough. I don’t want anything else. I only want you.”
His hazel eyes flicker at the box, up at me, and then he smiles.
I shake my head while sighing. Taking hold of the box, I open it. My brow furrows and then immediately springs upwards. I jump up, a high-pitched squeal penetrating my lungs as I cling to the tickets to the Imagine Dragons concert. “Are these real?” I demand.
“Yes.”
I place the tickets on the table, hop onto Conner’s lap, and press my lips firmly against his. It catches him by surprise. His body goes rigid before his hands rest against my hips.
“Take me to the bedroom,” I demand.
He shakes his head while standing. “Shower,” he breathes through the fierce kisses I slaughter him with. “I’m not… washing the sheets… again.”
“Bath,” I declare.
“Bath?”
“Bath.”