Stephan(55)

“Of course you can. It’s a birthday present. You have to keep everything I get you today.”

“What do you mean everything you get me? This is all you’re giving me for my birthday. You’ve already given me way too much. Usually the only person who gets me presents are my friends. They haven’t ever gotten me anything like what you have. I don’t expect them to.”

“I wanted to get you more, but other people need a chance to get you things.”

By the time I got to the last present I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. No one had ever done anything like Stephan had. I’d never gotten so many presents in my whole life. I would never be able to pay Stephan back for all his gifts and not just for what he bought me, but for the memory he’d given me this morning.

The last was a smaller box and inside was a velvet jeweler’s box. I didn’t own any expensive jewelry. Everything I had I’d bought from the cheap shop. Holding my breath I opened it and inside was a gold charm bracelet. “It’s beautiful.”

“It has everything about us on it. The raindrop from the first time I met you when it was pouring down rain. The jumper because it’s what I made you wear. The rugby ball, from when I saw you again at practice. The bikini because it was when I realized you were going to drive me crazy. The bullet is because you’re a survivor and lastly the heart, because you hold mine.”

“Stephan.” Pulling his head down I kissed him. How could I not fall head over heels for him. I was trying to slowly ease back in with him. I knew after this morning that there was no going back.

*****

Stephan





When I walked into the kitchen with Jade, I knew I was grinning like a loon. I seemed to be finally getting my message through to Jade that I loved her and would do anything for her. I could see her slowly warming to me again. I had decided I needed to up my game and not give her a chance to retreat. So I touched her every time she was close and this morning I showered with her, washing her hair and her amazing body. I knew I’d have a permanent boner if I kept this up but I didn’t care. Jade was worth it.

My family was eagerly waiting to wish Jade a happy birthday. The chef we hired during the week was in the kitchen cooking a special breakfast for Jade. My mum jumped up from the table and pulled Jade into a hug.

“Happy Birthday.” Mum kissed her cheek. “Come. Sit.”

Jade sat and I took the seat next to her.

“Happy birthday, Sis.” Derick winked at Jade.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” my dad added. “I say we eat and then do presents.”

“Presents. You didn’t need to get me anything. I didn’t expect a thing.”

“We wanted to. You’re a part of our family.” My mum smiled and patted Jade’s arm.

I couldn’t help wincing when I saw Jade flinch at my mum words and back away from her touch. Mum had hurt Jade too, I know they’d become close before the school shooting, but since then Jade stayed cleared of Mum. I knew Jade didn’t believe Mum, because it had been said before she was a part of the family and then I’d convinced them all to leave her. That it was best for her safety we didn’t have anything to do with her. Mum hadn’t liked it and even tried talking me out of what I did, but in the end she took my side and left Jade be. Now Jade was not only finding it hard to trust me again and let me back into her heart but the rest of my family too.

“Er, thanks.”

I groaned as I watched her retreat, her spine stiffened and she rolled her shoulders back. A fake smile stretched her lips and her eyes were what scared me the most, they almost became blank, like there was no emotion in her. I’d done this. I’d broken her. My chest ached and a sick feeling came over me each time I saw what I’d done. I was a bastard and didn’t deserve her or a second chance but I’d be damned if I gave up. Gathering her hand I held it in mine, bringing it up I kissed her knuckles. “I love you.” I turned her head so she gazed into my eyes. Ignoring my family I stared at Jade and kissed her hand again. “I love you.” She studied me like she was searching for an answer for a while and everyone was quiet around us. Her shoulders dropped and she squeezed my hand turning from my gaze. I suppose it was the best I’d get.

The food was placed on the table and I reluctantly let her go and helped her with her food. We ate in silence for a moment and the tension was still high in the room. Today was better than yesterday though and yesterday was better than the day before. The first two days Jade came home she refused to eat any meal with the family. She didn’t even come to the rugby game last weekend or watch practice.