"Don't judge my bangs. My mom made me do it." I say.
"It's cute." He says, biting back a laugh.
"Asshole," I murmur.
"Wait... In the photo, you're wearing..." He says, trailing off.
My eyes widen when I realize I'm wearing my bracelet in that pict...
"I'm sorry I can't hang out with you after school." She says, frowning.
"I understand your club forced you into the commitment. And anyway, we already have plans this weekend." I say, shrugging.
While she pulls into the school parking lot, I glance at the back of her car. "Are those duck cupcakes?" I ask.
"Of course. I asked for edible ducks, but they couldn't do it." She says sadly.
I hug her and say, "I love it!"
I open the box and hand her one. She grabs a candle, and I place it on my cupcake. "Please don't-" I get cut off by Lilac screaming the happy birthday song.
I laugh and make a quick wish. She claps and smirks at something behind me. "Why are you making that face?" I ask, turning to see Alex and Matt standing beside the car.
I smile at Alex and Matt, and I get out of her car. "Happy birthday!" Matt says, handing me a card.
"Thank you!" I say, giving him a quick hug. Lilac appears beside me and kisses Matt on the cheek.
Alex and I glance at each other and pretend to gag. "So rude, guys," Matt says, playfully glaring at us.
Alex laughs and turns to me. "Happy birthday Rose." He says, handing me a bouquet of roses.
"Thank you!" I say, smelling them. I notice Matt smirking at Alex, and Alex rolls his eyes.
"And Lilac told me your bubble tea order." He says, handing me the drink.
I look at all of them and feel happy tears forming. "You guys are the best," I say, bringing all of them into a group hug. I never thought so many people would care about us after our parents passed.
"We know," Lilac says, laughing.
We all separate and hear the bell ring. I grab my backpack and cupcakes and leave everything else in Lilac's car.
