Chapter Forty-Five: Meet My …

“Should I go for cute and flirty or I like you but I don’t want to try too hard?” I asked, myself holding up two outfits in hand as I inspected them closely.

“What am I doing?” I mumbled, throwing both outfits on my bed. “I am starting to act like a lovesick teenager!” I said, then throwing myself on to my bed. “Great, now I am going insane and talking to myself.”

“I completely agree with yourself on the whole insane thing. I would have called you psychotic but we will work our way there. Don’t worry, sis.” Thomas said, appearing outside my room.

“Don’t you have somewhere to be? Preferably where someone would actually enjoy your presence?” I asked, my little brother sarcastically.

“Can I come in?” He asked, strolling into my room before I could even respond.

“Go ahead you are already in anyways,” I muttered, sitting up on my bed. “So, care to explain why you are up but not fully awake?”

“I heard a few of the guards talking outside my door about you and how you were talking to yourself. I wanted to see the truth for myself.” He said, rubbing his tired eyes.

“Well, I am glad that I am the topic for the guards’ discussion. But, the reason I was mumbling to myself was because today’s Gavin’s birthday and he wants to take me out for the day.”

“It’s his birthday and he wants to take you out? Isn’t it the other way around?” He asked, obviously.

I just threw my hands in there air giving my brother an ‘I don’t know’ action. It was quarter to seven and Gavin had texted me the night before that he was going to be at the normal stop at 7:15. Which gave me an half an hour to get myself presentable.

I stayed on my bed for a few seconds before I decided to get up, having the outfit I wanted to wear in mind. I stood up from my bed, noticing Thomas staring at the picture frame I had perched on my desk.

Walking over to him slowly, I spoke up. “What are you thinking about?”

“How things use to be somewhat normal before dad became president.”

I stared at the picture frame he had in his hand. It was a picture of all four of us, sitting at our old house before we moved here. I was ten and Thomas was three, he was perched in mom’s lap while I was in my dad’s. We were smiling at the camera, with big grins on our face while Thomas just looked confused.

I crinkled my eyebrows in confusion as I finally realized something. “You were three, how do you know what normal was?”

Thomas turned to look at me with a flat look. “I might have been three, but even I am smart enough to know that this is not a strong and proper family.”

I just nodded my solemnly, as I turned around to leave Thomas in his thoughts. I headed over to my closet closing the door and grabbing the outfit that I thought was perfect to wear.

Grabbing a striped black and white blouse from the hanger, pairing it with blue ripped skinny jeans. I threw it on, not before throwing my pajamas in the hamper that I placed in my closet. I also had a mirror in my closet, since it was a walk in closet and big enough for me to move and walk around in.

I ran my hands through my hair a few times, trying to get rid of all the knots and make it look a little bit more than my previous bed head hair. Once I was done with my hair I quickly applied some mascara to my eyelashes and some lip gloss.

I puffed out my cheeks as I stared at myself in the mirror. Tilting my head to the left and right, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was more interested in what Gavin had thought of me rather than what I had thought of myself. Call it stupid, but wasn’t that really what any girl thought?

Grabbing my black wedges from my shoe rack, I opened my closet door walking out. Noticing the lack of Thomas in my room.

I walked over to where he was standing once before, lifting up the frame as I stared at it for a couple of seconds. Placing it properly in its place, than what Thomas had left it in.

“I miss this,” I whispered, softly to myself, as I stared at the frame one last time before walking over to my desk and grabbing my phone that I left charging.

I grabbed a couple of bucks from my wallet, stuffing it into my pocket, walking out of the room and towards the staircase. It was now, 7:05 and I wasn’t a hundred percent sure if we were going to grab breakfast on the way to where the hell we were going.

Making my way towards the kitchen, I said my good mornings to a few guards who were milling up and down the hallway.

“Morning,” I muttered, to my parents who were in there usual seats for breakfast.

I sat down on my chair as I waited for Marco to bring me my breakfast, like he did very morning.

My father nodded his head at my direction while he continued to sip his coffee, “Alice. Hun, why are you up so early? I don’t expect you downstairs for another half an hour…” My mother trailed, off.

“You know early bird gets the worm.” I chirped, putting on a fake smile.

She just raised her eyebrows in suspicion, “Since when were you ever a morning person?” She questioned, “Now, that I notice… You are a little dressed up for school don’t you think?” She asked, looking at my outfit in suspicion.

I rolled my eyes, “Mom, I doubt it’s a crime for me to try to look decent for school?

“Just asking. But, to be sure you are going to school are you?”

I gulped, “Of course. Where else would I be going? The moon?” I questioned, sarcastically. Knowing that I was lying between my teeth to my own mother.

She shrugged her shoulders, as she continued to drink her tea. “Alright, but just don’t call me from jail to bail you out or something.” She said, in a joking matter.

I forced out a laugh, jail was the last place I expect myself to end up.

Marco placed a plate in front of me that included bagel with crème cheese and a glass of milk. I gulped the milk down in a few seconds as I took a few bites out of my sandwich.

Once I was done half of it, I realized the time and I was running late.

“Alice… You don’t have to leave for school for another forty minutes. Where are you going?” My father asked, placing his mug down and giving me his undivided attention.

“A friend is actually going to pick me up.”

He tiled his head, “Do I know this certain friend?”

“No?” I replied, making it sound more like a question.

“No?” My father repeated.

I shook my head, “Dad, you don’t need to worry about it. I have to go,” I said, taking a last bite out of my bagel. “Love you.” I said, kissing my mom on the cheek before I left the room.

I ran my hands through my hair as I realized I was running ten minutes late, when I noticed Ben coming through the front doors.

“Hi Ben,” I muttered, trying to walk past him and out the doors. “Bye Ben.”

He grabbed my arm pulling me back before I could leave. “Where do you think you are going? We still have time until we have to leave.”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you I am not going to school. I am spending the day with Gavin because it is his birthday…”

Ben just raised his eyebrows, obviously shocked. “Do your parents know?”

I scratched behind my ear, “Depends…. What do you want to hear?”

“Alice…” He said, in a warning tone.

“Okay, look. For all you know, you never saw me. Kapeesh?”

“And what happens if something happens to you while you are out with Gavin? What am I supposed to tell you parents? Sorry, I couldn’t keep track of your daughter even though that is my only job.” Ben said, sarcastically.

“Stop looking on the bad side and live a little. I will be back before eight, you have my word. If my parents ask me where I am tell them I am out with Holls or something. They will believe me.”

“You want me to lie to your parents?”

“Not lie… Just twist the truth.”

“Alice I can’t-"

“Thanks Ben! I so owe you for this one!” I said, loudly cutting him off on purpose. “Goodbye now.” I said, opening the door and walking out as fast as I could with these wedges before he could chase after me.

“Alice!” I heard his voice, yell from behind but I didn’t bother turning around. I waved as I continued to walk away, there wasn’t much he could do now.

It was close to a ten minute walk to where Gavin normally picks me up and by the time I got there I noticed him staring out the window drinking his coffee.

I approached his car as I noticed a small figure in the front seat with him as I got closer I noticed that small figure was Garrett, he was sipping on his chocolate milk when I opened the front seat getting in.

“It’s about time,” Gavin muttered, turning to face me. “I thought you flew to Finland or something.” He said, starting up the car.

“Relax bud, I just had to take care of certain things before I could leave. Besides, you didn’t tell me if we were stopping for breakfast. A girl can’t function on an empty stomach.”

Gavin just rolled his eyes in respond as I buckled myself in.

I turned to the small boy who was seated in the middle of us staring at me with curious eyes. “Hey Garrett,” I said, smiling at the little boy.

“Hi Ali!” He responded, giving me a toothy smile. “Did you know it’s Gavy’s birthday?” He said, his blue eyes widening.

I nodded my head, “Yes, I do.” I said, tuning to Gavin. “Happy birthday, rainbow.”

I watched as a small smile appeared on his face as he turned to face me for a brief second. “Thanks, nerd.”

I smiled as I continued to chatter with the four year old who was sitting next to me. I listened to the little boy as he told me about the car set Gavin had promised to get him on his birthday which was coming up next month.

“Do you want anything else for your birthday?” I questioned.

He nodded, “I want daddy to stop being mad all the time and yelling at Gavin and I want mommy to come home but Gavin says mommy is in a better place.” He said, pouting slightly.

My mouth opened and closed like a gaping fish not knowing how to respond to that. “Mom’s in a better place now.” Gavin said, to his younger brother.

“But, why can’t be with us and be in a better place?” Garrett asked, whining.

Gavin didn’t respond as he continued to stare at the road ahead of him. I noticed his grip on the wheel tightening and his knuckles beginning to turn white so I steered clear of the whole parental conversation.

Ten minutes soon passed when Gavin came to a stop In front a two story. It was a small white house the lawn was kept neat and tidy and you could tell because it was better than most houses you see now a days.

“Alright Garrett, say bye to Ali and let’s go.”

Garrett turned his head to me pushing himself on the chair in more of a standing position as he gave me a sloppy kiss on the cheek. “Bye Ali!” He said, giving me a toothy smile before he scooted out of the car with Gavin close behind him as he ran towards the house excitedly.

A few seconds later an old lady came out the door as she grabbed Garrett’s backpack from Gavin’s hand she continued to talk to Gavin kissing him on the cheek briefly.

I watched from the car silently as I kind of felt like a creepy person staring at someone from the car. The old lady must’ve noticed my stare because her eyes locked with mine. We held our stare for a few moments before her eyes shifted to Gavin telling him something as he turned to look at me.

Right then and there I knew they were talking about me.

A few minutes later Gavin was back in the car buckling himself in.

“Who was that?”

“She took care of my mom when she was younger. So, now she takes care of Garrett when I can’t.”

“So she takes him to school and such?”

He nodded his head, turning on the engine. “And picks him up and even lets him sleep over when it’s not quite safe for him at my house.”

I nodded my head not pressing any further. I didn’t want to seem too nosey even though I was probably the nosiest person alive.

“So where is the next stop Birthday Boy?” I asked, changing the topic.

“Well we are first going to visit someone.” He said, taking a sip of his coffee his eyes focused on the road ahead of him.

I looked at him in confusion, “Who are we going to visit?”

“You will see when we get there. So get comfortable because it is a fifty minute drive.”

My eyes widened as I looked at him in shock, “Fifty minutes?” He just nodded his head in response, “This person better be important if you are taking me that far.” I mumbled, under my breath making sure that he didn’t hear of an ounce of what I had just said.

*

“Ali?” I heard, someone whisper shaking me awake. “You are not dead are you?”

My eyes fluttered open as I was surprised with Gavin’s face inches away from mine. “Is this how you wake all of your guests?” I questioned, groggily.

He laughed, shaking his head. “Only my special ones.” He said, giving me a cheeky smile.

“So I am guessing were here?” I asked, pulling myself up from my sleeping position. I turned my head to face the window to notice that we were outside a cemetery. The John Wesley Cemetery.

My breath hitched as it finally sunk in who we were coming to visit. The corners of my lips twitched upwards as I finally begun to realize that he trusted me enough to let me meet his mother.

“Thank you.” I said, softly.

Gavin’s eyes knitted in confusion, “For what?”

“For trusting me enough to let me meet your mother.”

I saw his Adams apple bob as he swallowed, “No problem. I know she is thrilled to meet you, I told her all about you.” He said, attempting to give me a smile. “Shall we?” He said, opening his door as I nodded doing the same and stepping out of the vehicle.

Gavin came round to join me, flowers in his hand as together we walked towards the cemetery. I was quite oblivious to not notice the flowers before.

It was a silent walk in the cemetery. Gavin went straight for an oak tree near the back of the cemetery, my steps slowed down as I watched Gavin slow down himself as he stopped in front of a tombstone.

Placing the flowers to the ground he reached out placing his hand on the tombstone. His back was turned to me, so I couldn’t see his expression.

“Hey mom,” He spoke, his voice cracking. “Hope you are doing well. I know I am, I haven’t gotten any detentions this week. But, it is the middle of the week so I will probably get one by Friday.” He said, attempting at a joke. “Garrett’s doing well, I know that he is still keen on wanting to see you. I just don’t know how to quite explain this whole thing to him but when I finally do, I promise to bring him next time round. Dad still the same old.” He said, speaking about his dad briefly. “But, don’t worry I am keeping Garrett safe with all my heart. I know that was what you asked for.”

I stood silently as I watched Gavin interact with his mother as if she was there. I was doing my best to hold my tears but I let out a sob, causing Gavin to turn around to face me with startled eyes.

“Oh mom, remember that girl I was telling you about? Well I decided to bring you too meet her. I remember how you told me that if I ever got a girlfriend you wanted to be the first to meet her. But, I am sorry she isn’t quite my girlfriend. Well, not yet anyways.” He said, letting out a forced chuckle.

Turning around Gavin turned to face me. “Come here Ali, I want you to meet my mom.” He said, waving me over.

I felt a tear roll down my cheek as my brain finally gave a message to my feet to start moving as I made my way towards Gavin. I sat down beside him as I stared at the tombstone silently.

Millicent Eileen Storm

June 2, 1980 – August 28, 2010

Loving Friend, Daughter but most of all Mother.

I swallowed the spit that was indulged in my throat as I found the courage to speak. “Hey Mrs. Storm.” I said, my voice becoming scratchy. “I am so honored to have finally have met you. Gavin hasn’t really told me much about you, but I am pretty sure he will start too.” I said, turning to look at Gavin whose eyes were red indicating he was crying.

“I am sure he’s told you all our encounters, but let me tell you whatever he told you was not true. Unless he told you how amazing I was then yes it is true.” I said, cockily.

“And you say I am cocky?” Gavin spluttered.

I smiled, “Looks like somebody is rubbing off on me.” I said, elbowing him slightly.

I turned back to face the tombstone, I met Gavin on my first day of school. I ran into him by accident and he responded by slamming me into the wall-harshly I may add.”

“Oh stop being over dramatic I didn’t slam you into the wall so hard like when you kneed me in my prized jewels.” Gavin scoffed.

I rolled my eyes, continuing on. “Well anyways, I am not going to lie he did make my first day of school memorable. I ended up with two weeks’ worth of detention and let me tell you it isn’t easy cleaning up the cafeteria after a food fight started by yours truly.”

“I hope you are talking about yourself.”

“I hope you didn’t hit your head too hard when you slipped on the food that day because you are the one who started the food fight.” I retaliated.

He rolled his eyes as I continued. “Well, thanks Mrs. Storm for raising your son the way you did. He might be a pain at some points but how can you hate someone who read The Fault in our Stars? And cried too!” I let out a soft chuckle as I heard a curse word coming from Gavin’s mouth as I carried on. “I really do wish I had the chance to have properly met you because if I did. I would give you a big hug for giving birth to an amazing boy. And before Gavin says something stupid, I was talking about Garrett. He’s a wonderful kid and don’t worry Gavin is doing everything right to raise him just like you would have.”

“You really think I am doing a good job with Garrett?” Gavin asked, his hands playing with the grass below him.

I rested my hand on top of his. “I know you are.”

It was quiet for a few minutes when Gavin spoke up. “You ready to go?”

I nodded my head, getting up from the grass when Gavin held his hand out to me like a gentlemen, pulling me up and onto my feet.

I wiped my hands on my jeans as I looked back at the tombstone. “It was really nice meeting you Mrs. Storm. I hope this isn’t the last time I see you.”

Gavin just watched me silently as he held his hand for me to grab which I did as we walked silently out of the graveyard together.

Once we were out, Gavin stopped me before we could get into his truck. “What?”

“Thanks.”

I crinkled my eyebrows in confusion, “For what exactly?”

A sad smile appeared on his face, “For talking to my mom like she was there.”

I smiled, giving his hand a squeeze. “No problem.” He just smiled in return, pulling me towards him for a hug. “Where are we going next birthday boy?”

“Why you asking? You scared?” He questioned, his chin resting on top of my head.

I didn’t know how even with wedges how he could still manage to rest his chin on top of my head. Either he was taller than I expected or he had a really long neck.

“No.” I finally said, rolling my eyes.

“Well you should be… Because Ali, I am just the calm before the storm.”

*****

Hello Lovelies,

What do you think of this chapter? That is part one of their birthday date! And the second part is just even more emotional and hectic… So BEWARE! I am sorry for the wait I had like a million things to do! So please forgive me! And comment your opinions on this chapter I loved writing it and I want to hear what you all think!

I got some PM’s asking me to address the One Direction comments… So guys please if you honestly have NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THEM. Don’t say anything because it does offend people and causes a riot then my inbox gets even more cluttered. So I know expressing your opinion is good and all, but just be careful in what you say!

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This is dedicated to @rifal (Please send me your username…) for the lovely cover on the side. Thank you! <3

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Xoxo_mysteriousgirl