30

"This Don't feel right without you."

Joshua

As we stepped out of the car and made our way inside the building, I couldn't shake the feeling she already knew what I had planned. She mentioned she didn't want to make a big deal out of her birthday, but I wanted to make it special - especially since she'd never had a worthwhile birthday or party.

As the door swung open to reveal the colourfully decorated room, the smiling faces of friends and family stole the show. The balloons gravitated to the ceiling as a chorus of Happy Birthday erupted as I led her into the midst of the celebration.

I saw her face filled with joy and surprise, but noticed the unease in her eyes. Her response to the welcome was a weak smile, her eyes quickly scanning the room. I felt a pang of disappointment, but brushed it off as I was adamant about making tonight memorable.

I stood by her side, reaching out to take her hand in mine as we made our rounds, greeting everyone. She was timid about being around my friends, but I appreciated her attempts at being cordial with them.

With a heavy heart, I took her aside into the corner of the room. My shoulders dropped.

"I'm sorry." I said, my voice glazed with regret.

Her expression softened as she noticed the genuine sincerity on my face.

"It's okay."

"It's not. You told me you didn't want a party." I said. "I just wanted you to have a special day."

She placed a gentle hand on my arm.

"It's okay." She breathed; her words filled with forgiveness. "You had good intentions."

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close in a tight embrace and not wanting to let go. She melted into me, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Thank you for forgiving me."

I pulled her even closer and placed my chin on her head. Eyes were peering at us from across the room. I gritted my teeth as I watched my brother's longing gaze toward my girlfriend, but I refused to stand idly by and let him ruin our relationship.

I pulled back, looked into her eyes, and kissed her softly, a silent declaration to my brother that she was off-limits. We pulled away, both breathless. I returned my gaze to the corner Asher was lurking in. He left. I grinned in satisfaction before taking Sawyer's hand and rejoining the party.

??

The moment I stood in Sawyer's bedroom doorway, the scent of paint and creativity enveloped my nostrils. I watched as she lost herself in her world of passion, her focus unwavering as she brought her vision to life on the canvas.

I watched as her brush danced across the canvas with grace as the colours seemed to leap off it, reflecting the beauty of her talent with every brushstroke.

"You're amazing." I said, without thinking.

She looked away from the canvas. A smile spread across her face at the sight of me.

"Hey," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "What are you doing here?"

I crossed the room to stand beside her, my eyes fixated on the picture taking shape.

"I wanted to see how your new art supplies are working."

I bought them for her birthday. It was my way of trying to thank her for supporting my hockey woes and to show her I supported her artistic passions.

"They're great."

She bit her lip as something seemed to gnaw on her mind. Her brush hovered over the canvas as if she was unsure of continuing. Insecurity's cloud caused doubt to creep in.

"What's going on in that gorgeous head of yours?"

"I'm not too sure about this painting." She stammered.

"I think it's incredible."

"You say that about all my paintings."

"That's because they're all incredible."

A flicker of happiness gleamed in her eyes. She smiled at me with gratitude. I cradled her hands in mine, drawing her closer to me. I brushed a stray lock from her face, smirking at the goosebumps on her skin that formed from my simple touch.

"You always know how to make me feel better."

As the weight of her insecurities lifted, I reached for the shirt I tucked into my back pocket. My old hockey jersey - emblazoned with my name and my lucky number twenty-one.

"I've been meaning to ask you something." I said, revealing the jersey to her. "The first game is coming up, and I'd love it if you could wear my jersey. It's kind of tradition in the team."

A smile spread across her face as she nodded eagerly.

"Of course." She said, her voice filled with joy. "It would be an honour."

With a burst of adrenaline, I pulled her into my arms, holding her close as our lips met in a tender kiss. Game nerves haunted my thoughts, yet I brushed them away and concentrated on the present. No matter the outcome, I could get through it all with her beside me.

??