Taming The Tomboy

AARON

"Snap test everyone! " Professor Rodney announced on entering the class.

I sighed. Today can't be more worse.

I gathered my things and prepared for the test just like everyone else. Then she chuckled.

"Just kidding guys! " she laughed. "Oh my God. "

There were grunts and I rolled my eyes. She's always trying to be funny but she isn't really.

Today's History class started and ended in thirty minutes.

As soon as I stepped out, Courtney was already waiting on me.

She was a vision of sweetness, with her long, golden blonde hair cascading down her back in loose waves.

Her bright blue eyes sparkled with warmth, framed by a smattering of light freckles across the bridge of her nose. She wore a pair of faded denim overalls, the straps slung casually over her shoulders, accentuating her slender waist.

A crisp white tank top peeked out from beneath the overalls, adding a touch of crispness to her overall look. Her feet were clad in a pair of scuffed up sneakers, giving her an endearingly laid-back vibe.

She always exuded a fresh, wholesome charm that was utterly captivating.

I used to have a little crush on her and I think the reason for that is because she's the only girl I've ever been close to.

She waved at me because obviously I was distracted and I barely managed to smile.

"Hey! We're going out. "

"Why? " I ask impulsively. We shouldn't be going out just when it's the third period.

"Silly, your birthday. " she giggled and suddenly kissed me on the cheek while she threw her weight at me.

"Oh." I barely managed to say. The worst of my days.

I wasn't sure to wrap my hands around her to acknowledge her but I wasn't happy a bit.

Before I'd used to look for chances to get close to her but today I didn't even feel like the way I was supposed to, around her.

"Happy birthday Aaron. I'm sorry I'm just wishing you now. " she pulled away with a smile. "I already wished Noah. "

I gave a light chuckle and stared into space. Today is the day someone dear to me left us.

I tried not to think back to that day when a six year old boy watched his family fall apart, seeing his father shattered and in ruins. Everything happened so fast right in front of me.

And I wish it wasn't ever like that. Maybe, I wouldn't be forced to live someone else's dream. Maybe. Just Maybe.

". . .So, you both will give us the treat. Everyone is waiting for you and I came to get you. "

Okay, so they already planned my birthday for me. Weren't they already aware I don't celebrate birthdays?

Noah must've planned this. Or Courtney?

"Court. . .", but she was already pulling me along the hallway.

We had to climb over the fence to get outside. When we got out, the rest of the group were there already. We are six in the friend group.

Tyler, a homie boy. Mia, the much serious type who got influenced by the rest of us. Robyn is her cousin. Courtney, who's well kinda my best friend of all of them and Noah, my twinnie.

I kept reminiscing on how I was expecting a normal day of classes, but instead, I was met with a sea of familiar faces, all grinning at me like fools.

My friends, including my twin brother, Noah, were all lounging on the grass, surrounded by balloons and a big banner that read "Happy Birthday A&N!" in bold letters.

I was taken aback, unsure of how to react. It had been years since I'd celebrated my birthday. Not since...everything changed when we were six. But here were my friends, eager to make this day special for me. I mean, it's not everyday this happens.

The fact they were all acting like this used to happen every year is ticking me off a little.

They had all commandeered a quiet corner near the old oak tree. Noah, who was identical to me in every way, except for his mischievous grin of course, tossed me a set of keys. "Dude, we borrowed Tyler's Chevy Camaro. We're blowing off class to celebrate your special day."

I couldn't believe it. A Chevy Camaro? That was a sweet ride. And they were willing to skip classes ? Well, they weren't exactly the serious type of students yet...

I felt a lump form in my throat as I glanced at Noah and our friends. Maybe this birthday wouldn't be so bad after all.

Noah was in the driver seat of his sport car while Tyler, Mia and Robyn were at the backseats.

"Thanks dude." I said to Tyler.

He smiled and patted me on the shoulder. He's not a guy of many words.

Noah drove us to a park around the town.

Everyone were chattering and making suggestions about the way we'd celebrate the event. Though I didn't want to break their heart and understood they were being good friends, I couldn't keep my mind off the ugly reality of today.

"Woah! " Courtney yelled from behind me and again pulled me out of the car. I was just watching everyone smile but I couldn't.

Maybe Noah was also trying to forget or he's pretending to forget about it. I stare at him while he was flirting with Mia. Then, he turned to me and that eye contact explained a lot of things.

I looked away and avoided eye contacts with him throughout.

We went to the parks and tried all the stuffs. Though I wanted to stay moody but who stays like that in the midst of crazy friends.

______

As I took in the scene, my friends cheered and clapped, urging me to join in on the celebration. Courtney tossed me a baseball, and we started playing a game of catch, laughing and joking as we went. The rest of the group joined in, and soon we had a full-blown game of tag going on.

After working up a sweat, we decided to take a break and grab some food from the picnic baskets that our friends had brought. We sat down on the grass, munching on sandwiches and chips, and sharing stories and jokes.

As we ate, Mia, one of our friends, pulled out a guitar and started strumming a few chords. We all sang along to our favorite songs, our voices carrying through the park. People passing by couldn't help but smile at the sight of us having so much fun.

After the impromptu concert, we decided to take a walk around the park. The sun was shining, and the fresh air felt great after being cooped up in class all morning. We strolled along the walking trail, enjoying the scenery and each other's company.

As we walked, Courtney turned to me with a mischievous grin. "You know, we're not done celebrating yet." She nodded towards the Camaro, parked nearby. "We've got one more surprise up our sleeve."

"But before that, I'm so thirsty. Get me some ice-cream, pretty please? "

I raised my eyebrows at her. "Um, get it yourself or Tyler could help?"

She whined. "Tyler isn't in close proximity. You're the only one here. Mia and Robyn won't go obviously and Noah, he's out there wooing girls with his good looks. So, you. . . "

I rolled my eyes as I fought my smile. "Fine. "

She squeaked and gave me a peck on the cheek.

I went to the ice-cream store and was about to order when the stall man handed me a cup. I looked down at it.

~H. I read on it. The cup had smiley printed on it. Smile Please.

It was specially ordered.

"Hey, I didn't order this. "

He glanced at me and eyes widened in surprise.

"Sorry. A girl ordered that. "

I nodded then looked at the softie again. I didn't even know why but I was curious to know who was it with the initial H. I brought out my phone and clicked a picture of it.

"Do you know who she is? "

"Nope. She just ordered it and went away. "

I nodded. "Okay. One Strawberry flavoured ice-cream for me."

"Sure. " the man took my order.

As I walked towards Courtney, I glanced back and saw a guy at the spot I stood taking the ice-cream cup away. I watc

hed him walk up to a girl I didn't recognize and they both were talking.

The face was familiar. But I didn't recognise it well from the distance I stood.

"Aaron! " Courtney yelled my name and my mind went back to her fast melting ice-cream.

"Coming. "