Rebecca's POV:
Rebecca woke up to an unusually quiet house. For once, her parents weren't fighting. It felt fake, like they were putting on a show just for her birthday. She appreciated the effort, but it didn't make up for the constant tension that filled the house on other days.
As she got ready, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Her parents' silence was almost more unnerving than their usual yelling. She sighed, trying to push the thoughts away. Today was her birthday, after all. She deserved to enjoy it.
At school, Oliver and Charlotte were their usual annoying selves.
"Happy Birthday, Rebecca!" Oliver shouted as soon as he saw her, drawing the attention of half the hallway.
"Shhh! Oliver, keep it down," Rebecca hissed, her cheeks turning red.
Charlotte bounced up to her, holding out a small gift bag. "Happy birthday, Becky! Open your pre-birthday present! Open it, open it!"
Rebecca laughed, taking the bag. "Awww, thanks, guys. You're the best."
They made their way to class, and Rebecca couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance.
Mr. Montgomery was oblivious to her birthday. He hadn't even wished her a happy birthday, and she was irked by it. It wasn't like she expected a grand gesture, but a simple acknowledgment would have been nice. He was still her teacher, no matter if they were in a relationship or not.
She tried not to stare as he leaned against his desk, staring at something in the distance, looking effortlessly good even without his hair combed. He was wearing a casual yet professional outfit: a light blue shirt rolled up at the sleeves, dark chinos, and polished shoes. She should not be thinking like this. This is all his fault, she reminded herself, trying to stay frustrated. But she still felt kind of guilty for hissing at him in the mall the other day. Should she apologize? No, it was his fault he chose Karen.
During class, Oliver and Charlotte were being extra annoying. Oliver kept whispering random facts about birthdays, while Charlotte passed notes with doodles of cakes and balloons.
"Did you know," Oliver whispered, leaning closer, "that in ancient Rome, only men had birthdays?"
Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Oliver, you're making that up."
"No, seriously! Look it up," he said, trying to keep a straight face.
Charlotte giggled, passing another note. Rebecca unfolded it to find a sketch of Mr. Montgomery holding a cake. She bit back a laugh.
"Are you going to blow out his candles?" Charlotte whispered, winking.
Rebecca blushed furiously, trying to hide it with a glare. "Shut up."
After school, Rebecca, Charlotte, and Oliver went to Rebecca's house to change before heading to the restaurant. Rebecca wore a soft pink dress that flared out slightly at the waist, paired with white sandals. Charlotte chose a stylish red jumpsuit with ruffled sleeves and matching heels. Oliver opted for dark jeans and a button-up shirt, looking effortlessly cool.
As they arrived at the restaurant, Alex was already waiting for them. He was wearing a sharp blazer over a casual shirt and jeans, looking dashing as ever.
"Happy birthday, Becca!" Alex greeted her with a warm hug.
"Thanks, Alex," Rebecca said, feeling a bit lighter with her friends around.
They were seated at a cozy corner table, the restaurant adorned with fairy lights and soft music playing in the background. The ambience was perfect for a birthday celebration.
YOU ARE READING
Between The Lines
RomanceI took my usual seat in the back corner, far away from the line of fire that always seemed to follow Mr. Montgomery's gaze. I tried to disappear into the safety of my textbook, but his piercing blue eyes seemed to find me anyway, as if daring me to...
