I couldn't help but smile as I stared at the flower Luca had given me. It was a beautiful, vibrant sunflower, and I felt like it was the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for me. My friends were still teasing me about it, and I couldn't deny the flutter in my chest whenever I thought about him.
"Hey, Mel, you okay in there?" Ashley called out, poking her head into my room.
I quickly hid the flower behind my back, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... um... admiring my flower."
Ashley raised an eyebrow, a knowing glitch in her smile. "Uh-huh. Sure you are."
I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Shut up, Ash."
She flopped onto my bed, grinning. "So, what's the plan for today? We could hit the mall, get some birthday prep done."
My birthday. In a few days, I'd be eighteen, and I was hyped. Mom had promised a big bash, and I had a feeling it was going to be epic.
"Yeah, sounds good," I said, tossing aside the flower's packaging. "But first, let's get some breakfast."
As we headed downstairs, the scent of pancakes and fresh coffee filled the air. Mom was already up, cooking up a storm.
"Morning, girls!" she chimed, flipping a pancake. "Sleep well, Mel?"
I nodded, pouring myself a glass of juice. "Yeah, thanks, Mom. Ashley's staying for breakfast."
Ashley chimed in, "And we're hitting the mall later. Birthday prep."
Oh dear I forgot to tell you I had some errands I want you to run Mel so maybe mall tomorrow" mom said"
My heart skipped a beat. "Oh, sure , Yeah, no problem"
Well I think I'll be going with you then , Ashley said and are we going there with Luca ?
What ?I asked
"C'mon spill Mel "
I shot her a look. "Nothing to spill, Ash. We're just friends."
She raised an eyebrow. "Keep telling yourself that, Mel."
finally it was my week , my birthday week !
The days flew by in a blur of mall trips and birthday prep. My friends were hyped, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Luca was coming over, and I wasn't sure what to expect.
As he arrived, looking effortlessly cool in his faded jeans and pink-tipped hair, I felt my stomach flip. We headed out to the backyard, where my friends were setting up for a chill hangout.
Riley and O'dessa were in town, and we'd all decided to meet up at the park later. Luca fit right in with the crew, and we spent the afternoon laughing and jamming to music.
As the sun began to set, Luca walked me to the porch. "Hey, happy early birthday, Mel."
"Thanks," I said, smiling up at him.
I got you something is that okay ? He asked
"I smiled of course it is "
He handed me a small gift. "Hope you like it "
I opened it to find a tiny sunflower pin. "Luca, it's perfect."
He grinned. "Thought it'd match the one I gave you." I mean the flower , I thought it'll match "
He was Abit nervous from his body language.
My heart melted. This guy.
"Thank you Luca " I said with a smile .
As we rejoined the crew, my friends started teasing us again. Luca just laughed, throwing an arm around me. "Guess we're bff's, Mel."
I rolled my eyes at them "y'all are so annoying, but I couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, this was something more.
I ordered pizza and some drinks , the celebration is just getting started and I feel blessed to have everyone here .
my grandma , uncles and aunts and cousins will be here tomorrow and I can't wait to see them and what they've got for me !