I dropped my books in the book drop and put 2 more on the counter "Hey Luna. How's your day going?" I shrugged "Could be better. You?" She checked my books out "Great, actually. My grandson walked today" she handed me my books "Congratulations, Miss Emily" she nodded and I walked to a study table. The library was almost empty, exactly how I like it. I sat at one of the further back tables and pulled my study guide out of my bag along with my book, the first 2 years of college were easy. But these last few are hard! I barely have enough time to study, and when I do- "What's up Miss Emily!" A voice boomed, I sighed and tried to ignore them "Oh! Look who it is" the three men made their way over to me, I grunted "Great" "You know you're happy to see us, Doll-" "Don't call me that!" He smirked and sat beside me, I tried to scoot away but he grabbed my chair and pulled me closer "Hey guys, go away for a second" the other 2 walked away and he turned to look at me "Hey" I ignored him, he reached for my hand and I jerked it away before standing up and gathering my things "Come on Luna, don't leave" I slung my bag over my shoulder and turned away from him "Wait, just hear me out" I stopped "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done what I did. Its one of the biggest mistakes in my life, but I'm trying to change for you. Doesn't that mean anything to you? " I was silent "I know you have something left in you that loves me, right?" I looked at him "Wrong" I exited the Library and went to my dorm, I ran my hand through my hair and wiped the tears on my face. Why the hell am I crying?? He always does this to me, he knows that his words have an effect on me no matter how much I tell him they don't "Luna?What's wrong?" Corey grabbed my hand "Nothing, its okay" he smiled and kissed me, I felt eyes on me. I looked around and made eye contact with Joe, he smiled weakly at me and I looked away. Damn you! always making me feel bad for dating other people, Corey pulled me through the doorway and closed it. The lights went on and everyone jumped out "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LUNA!" I smiled wide and Corey wrapped his arms around me from behind "Aww, thanks guys!" Hayley walked over and sat a small Chocolate cake on the table "Blow out the candles and make a wish!" "Really? I'm 22, I don't believe that anymore" "Just blow out the candles so that I can eat it!" Lexi grabbed my hand and pulled me over, she smiled eagerly. I rolled my eyes and blew out the candles, everyone cheered and I bit my bottom lip "Alright! Cut it, Luna!" I picked up the knife and Corey stood behind me "Happy Birthday, babe" I handed out pieces and sat down to eat mine, Lexi and Hayley came over to me "Guess what?" I nodded for them to continue "We got you 2 days off!" "Really? Thank you! But what about you guys" they shrugged and Lexi crossed one leg over the other and looked at her plate "Its not our Birthday, Luna. Spend time with you family" when she looked up she smiled "They did say that we could take you, though" Hayley smirked at me "Okay, well what are we waiting for" I grabbed my phone "Luna, you leaving?" Mark walked over "Yeah. I'll be back in two days" he hugged me "Happy Birthday, Moon" I chuckled "When are you gonna stop calling me that?" "Never" he let go and went to catch up to Hayley and Lexi "Are you happy to see your people?" "Yes! It'll be a huge relief"
(1 hour later)
"Oh sweet baby Jesus, I'm home!" I jogged to the front door and knocked "Who is it?" The door opened "Oh, my baby!" My mom pulled me in tightly and held me there "Hi, mom" she held me back at arms length and looked me up and down "You've grown so beautiful!" She rested her hand on my cheek "Come in" she looked in the car and saw Hayley and Lexi, she motioned for them to get out. The parked in the driveway and did as told "You girls are getting so big" she hugged both of them and closed the door, we sat on the couch "I can't believe you're 22, Luna. What's the college life like?" The 3 of us looked at each other, they knew everything about Joe. I had told them what he did today on the way here, but that wasn't the first incident "Its cool, I joined the wrestling team" she chuckled "Are you sure wrestling is what you want to do honey?" I nodded "Yeah, since we were little that all we wanted to do" Hayley spoke up "Sweetheart, who was at the door" my back was to him and I could tell he couldn't recognize me. I looked back at him "Hey, Dad" he walked over "Luna?" I stood up and he still looked shocked, he hugged me just as tight as my mother did. My parents haven't seen me in at least 5 years, I left in highschool for a boarding school then went straight to college after "Happy Birthday" he saw Lexi and Hayley "Hey look, its the 2 stooges!" "Long time, no see Mr.Drake" there was a knock at the door. My mother had her phone out and on me "Luna, get the door" "Umm...okay" I slowly walked around to the door, and pulled it open "OH MY GOD!" I covered my mouth and backed away from the door tears stung my eyes, my brother walked in still in his uniform and pulled off his hat. He got down on one knee and gave my a small brown teddy bear "I'm home" I couldn't hold them in anymore and I started to cry, he lifted me off my feet in a hug "Its alright, don't cry Princess" he chuckled and put my down, I couldn't do anything but cry at this point "Liam, I can't believe you're actually here" I wiped my eyes "I couldn't miss your Birthday! I'm also here to stay" I wiped my eyes and he messed up my hair "Don't be a wuss, Luna" Hayley hopped on Liam's back and Lexi hugged him Hayley jumped down "So, did you get us bears?" "Nahh, you're not that important" she playfully rolled her eyes and Lexi hit his arm
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"Luna! Are you ready yet?!" Lexi banged on the door "Almost" I adjusted my dress and slipped on my shoes. When I opened the door she smiled "Your Parents are gone on their date, Corey is downstairs" I smiled at her, Hayley came over "I found this in the Mailbox, doesn't say who just says to Luna" I took it and they walked downstairs, I sat on my bed and pulled off the wrapping paper. It was a tiny box, I froze. I didn't even need to open it to know what it was, but I did anyway. Tears stung my eyes as I stared down at the promise ring, Joe had given it to me that night before the dinner...the same night as- "Luna! Lets go, we aren't getting any younger" "Sorry, coming!" Closing the box, I tossed it on my bed. I got to the door and glanced at it one more time before turning off the light
