Chapter 39 Sam

I realized my error as I stood at Lauren's door with my arms full. I'd read an entry of Christy's blog about making your own dessert platter, and I fully dove into that project and made two. However, I now faced the conundrum that Lauren had no doorbell, it was chilly, and I could not reach the silly little bee knocker. I settled for kicking the door lightly, knowing she'd kill me if I scuffed the paint with my boot.

"You could have just texted when you got here, and I would have come to help you," she said as she took in the comically large platters I balanced on my arms.

"Well... I didn't think of that. But can you take one now before my arm falls off?"

Lauren just shook her head and took one of the plates. "Oh! This one is like a rainbow!" she exclaimed, setting it down on her counter.

"Mhm! And this one is all black and white," I added, setting the other next to it.

"You do know it's your birthday weekend, right? Like you didn't have to make your own treats."

"Seeing your smiling face is treat enough for me, Laur," I said in a saccharine tone.

"I don't know what my brother has done to you, but I don't know if I like it," she replied, her face horrified at my corny line.

"Fine, fine. I hope you got me a kick-ass present since I brought all the sugar."

"Better. Still not quite sarcastic enough, but I believe in you."

She disappeared into her room and came back with a sparkly wrapped gift. I took it from her and almost toppled over because it was deceptively small for how heavy it was.

"Sorry. It's heavy." She shrugged.

"Thanks for that warning," I added, setting the box on the counter.

"Don't open the card! It's sappy, and I don't want to do sappy right now."

"No deal," I said as I ripped open the envelope. It was a Strawberry Shortcake card meant for a child, but it was adorable. It read "Have a Berry Special Birthday!" inside, but the entire left side of the card was filled with Lauren's handwriting.

Sam,

I am just so freaking happy you're back in Emberwood and that you're going to stay. I feel like I've been harsh over the past several months. Maybe that's what you needed, but I still feel kind of yucky about it. I don't think you're lost. I think you've found exactly where you're supposed to be.

And I can't tell you how my heart wants to explode seeing you and Jesse together. I know I don't let you tell me details, but I can see how happy you both are, and that's what both of you deserve. I love you like a sister... (and someday you might be one? Please? Can you two just get to it already?)

I know you'll have a wonderful birthday because you'll be with me. Okay, and Jesse and Zin, but mostly me. Wishing you all the good things for this year.

Love you always,

Laur

Big, fat tears had collected at the corners of my eyes and were slowly sinking down my cheeks.

"See? I warned you! Sappy!"

"I love you too, Laur."

I hugged her, and she hesitated for just a moment. I was not really a spontaneous hugger.

"And you weren't harsh. You were honest, and it was needed. I never felt like you were being mean."

"Okay. Just don't make me do it anymore."

"Promise. It's my turn to give you alllll of the tough love and advice now. Be prepared."

"Oof. I'll try. Now open!"

I redirected my attention to the gift and ripped open the paper. I lifted out a gorgeous crescent moon wreath. It was wrapped in black twine and covered in moss. There was an array of mushrooms in rainbow colors along the bottom curve of the moon, and tiny flowers crept up to the top.

"This is... where did you find it?"

"I went to a farmer's market over in Cloverdale a while back, and there was a lady selling these plus other, non-witchy wreaths."

"I must find her and carry these in the store!"

"Well, I'm glad you love it, but you're not allowed to think about work on your birthday."

"Okay. But you have her card, right?"

"Yes! Open more."

I reached further into the box and pulled out one hair product after another after another.

"It was time, Sam! Your hair is beautiful, and you need to be nicer to it."

I laughed, and my fingers hit a piece of paper at the bottom.

I pulled it out and laughed because it was a laminated coupon like we used to make for Mother's Day at school, promising eight hours of free decorating and style coaching.

"This is fantastic. Exactly what I wanted."

"I know," she said arrogantly, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Plus, you make that big part-owner money now, so we can have fun with your wardrobe."

"Ha. I make that little part owner money now. But yes. New clothes would be good now that I can dress how I want and not for an office job."

I gave an exaggerated shudder at thinking of my black slacks and boring neutral cardigans from days of yore and Lauren scrunched up her face in agreement. "I also brought you a present."

"You really don't understand the concept of a birthday."

"Giving presents makes me happy too."

I shrugged. I dug into my purse and pulled out a small black velvet pouch. Lauren pulled it open and took out a small rainbow-colored dragon statue.

"Do I get my own car dragon?!"

"You do. This is Celestina. She's horrified by your driving and says you hit the parking blocks far too often, but she will try to help. Jesse's getting one too, but he's blue, and his name is Cerulean SeaWolf."

"Oh, I love her already. I will put you in my car today," she added, speaking directly to the dragon.

I just smiled and took out the second part of my gift.

"Now sit. Eat a marshmallow. You're cashing in on all the advice I owe you from the last four months of doing nothing but crawling through my quarter-life crisis."

I let my cards fly through my fingers and sent up my protection request. Lauren looked surprised and grumbled something to the effect of me needing to look up what a birthday was, but she sat anyway, and curiosity crept into her expression.

"So, about Jer..." I began.