Work in Progress

Chapter 50: Birthday

A/N: Photo on top is Sam's dress

*SAM'S POV*

It's my birthday. A month ago I would've been jumping up and down the moment I woke up but instead I can't even get myself out of bed. We were having a small get-together tonight. Eli promised to be there. Despite not seeing each other ever since that day at the hospital, she sent me a text telling me she'll come by tonight. I don't let myself get my hopes up. She's also getting discharged today. I don't think she'd want to be surrounded by too many people.

The day went by really slow. My parents cooked a hearty breakfast and Leo forced me to play PS4 with him. Just like in real life, I suck at virtual cooking. Don't ever play Overcooked. It's too stressful. Leo seemed to enjoy it though so I guess that's fine by me.

At noon, Jane and Kate came to pick me up so my parents could decorate the house and surprise me later. I don't get how it's going to be a surprise since they already told me their plans but I just roll with it.

We went to the mall to grab some lunch and went shopping afterwards. Well, Jane and Kate did. I just watched them pick out some outfits and complained whenever they forced me to try one on. I was still grateful to them though. I knew they were just trying to distract me and cheer me up.

Soon enough, it was time for us to head back. My mom greeted me at the door and covered my eyes as she led me to my room to get ready. Jane and Kate left to change as well and said they'll be back in an hour.

I step into the shower and allow the warm water to wash my stress away. It's my birthday. I should at least enjoy it as much as I can. Afterall, it's not everyday you turn into a legal adult. Whether I actually act like one is up for debate. I finish my shower before I start turning into a prune then start to make myself presentable.

I put on the dress Eli had picked out for me that day she got the book she'd been waiting for. It was a simple white summer dress with little flower prints on it. I tie my hair up in a messy bun and put on some light makeup. I stare at myself in the mirror. Not bad.

Luckily, I didn't have to wait that long before Jane and Kate burst into my room to drag me downstairs. I roll my eyes at their antics and laugh. I guess tonight won't be so bad.

***

It's been three hours since my mini party started and Eli still wasn't here. We'd already finished dinner and I had just opened the last of my gifts. I could sense my family and friends starting to feel nervous as well. It didn't help that as the night grew darker so did my mood. Everyone jumped in their seats when we heard the bell ring.

"Why don't you get that, Sam?" My mom smiles at me softly.

I sigh, irritated. "Okay." I stand up and make my way to the front door. Everyone's whispers quieted as I got farther from them. I opened the door and stood there outside dressed in jeans, a sweater, and a buttoned up shirt underneath was Eli. My Eli. Smiling at me, her brown eyes shining through her round-rimmed glasses.

"I'm sorry I'm late. It took longer than I expected to get discharged and it was difficult getting dressed. It didn't help either that Tera was the one helping me." She said with her signature smirk.

"That's alright." I smile at her. "Come inside. We've still got some cake left."

Eli shifts on her feet and scratches her head. "Oh umm... I'm actually just here to give you this." Eli hands me a small box and a single chrysanthemum. I take it from her and ask, "You're not staying?" I knew she could hear the disappointment in my voice.

"My doctor says I should still take it easy and rest. I'm sorry."

I shake my head. "I understand. Thank you for this." I gesture at her gifts. "I'm glad you're here even for just a short while." I try to give her a smile.

"I'm glad too." She smiles at me, making mine wider. We stand there just looking at each other for a while. "I should go. Happy Birthday, Sam. And... you look beautiful." Eli takes a step forward and kisses me on the cheek before giving me one more smile and leaving. I watch her get into the car with Aunt Tessa waving at me. I wave back and watch as they leave.

I guess that's as good as my birthday can get.

A/N: Of course I just had to ruin the birthday I've been building up to hehehe. Who else has had a bad birthday? My second worst one was my 16th. I spent it at a funeral with my estranged family. Talk about awkward.

Also, fun fact: chrysanthemums symbolize hope, love, rest, and friendship. But in Italy it can mean death. What a contrast hahaha