Chapter 71

Chapter 40 If there was one thing I hated, it was being born on Valentine's Day. My parents rarely had any nights for them to go on a date, so of course I would let them go on Valentine's Day, even if it was my birthday. I hated Valentine's Day in general. There was nothing wrong with it. I just hated it. "You look mad," Belle pointed out as I was shoving my books back into my locker. "It's Valentine's Day, what do you expect?" I asked. "It's a stupid day and it makes everyone who's single feel sad." Belle snorted. "Poppy. Did you forget that you're not single this time? You have a boyfriend, when that loves you a lot, even if he's an arrogant jerk." "Sorry, I'm just used to being alone on this day," I said. "And I don't really peg Grayson as the romantic type. This morning, he smacked me with a pillow to wake me up. Granted, I do it to him, but still." I sighed, looking around the hallway. Where was he? "Why are you even with him?" Belle asked me. I gave her a flat look. "Do you two hate each other again? I thought you got passed that!" "We did," Belle said. "But then he said he doesn't like me and I don't like his face." I sighed. "Well, he has a nice face, so shush. Are you and Devon doing anything tonight?" Belle nodded. "Yeah. I wish Devon would tell me what we're doing, though. I tried to get him to let me plan the date with him, but he swore at me and told me to get a life." I raised an eyebrow. "And you're questioning my relationship with Grayson? At least Grayson doesn't swear at me." Belle shrugged. "I told Devon off afterwards. What about you? You and Grayson doing anything?" I shrugged. "I'm probably going to shove my face with birthday cake and wonder why I was born on this dreadful day." "Oh my gosh," Belle said. "I totally forgot that was today! Oh, I'm a horrible best friend! Wait, I'm not your best friend because apparently, Grayson is." "Damn right," a voice said from beside me. Grayson was suddenly leaning against the locker, which made me a jump a bit. "Don't scare me!" I said, slapping his shoulder. "Where were you? Lunch started ten minutes ago!" "I had to run somewhere, so I skipped second period," Grayson said. I frowned. "Grayson, you can't skip school because you had to run somewhere. That's what you'll do after school." "Really?" Grayson asked. "So you don't want this?" I didn't even noticed him holding his arm behind his back until he moved it. He then held out a bouquet of poppies for me. "Aww, Grayson!" I gushed, wrapping my arms around him. "Thank you! They're beautiful." "See, Belle? That's how you treat someone on their birthday," Grayson said once I pulled away. Belle rolled her eyes. "I forgot, get over it. Happy birthday, Poppy." "Thank you," I said. "You should probably go find Devon now. You don't want him swearing at you again." "Right," Belle said with another eye roll. "We'll do something one day for your birthday. Without your stupid boyfriend." I waved to her when she left and turned to Grayson, who was glaring at Belle. "Let's go eat lunch," I said. "We should probably put your flowers in my car," Grayson said. "For safekeeping." I nodded and followed him out of the school. "You know, you could have gotten me flowers after school. Or not at all. I hate Valentine's Day." "So I hear," Grayson said. "I don't care if it's Valentine's Day or not. You are going to be treated like a princess because it's your birthday and and you deserve it. Although, not recently because less than two weeks ago, you were telling me to screw off." Grayson unlocked the car door and I gently placed the bouquet on the passenger seat. "You were annoying me that day," I said. "But I am sorry for telling you to screw off. Repeatedly." "Apology accepted," Grayson said. "Well, under on condition." I raised an eyebrow. "I've been deprived from you kissing me for a few hours. I'm dying here." I smiled, going on my tiptoes and pressing my lips on Grayson's. When I pulled away, I kissed his cheek and intertwined his hand in mine before we went to the cafeteria. My eyes immediately landed on someone sitting along, and I was starting to feel really bad. I turned to Grayson when we were in the lineup for food. "Can you get me my lunch?" I asked. "I have to talk to someone." "Sure," Grayson said slowly, though he seemed a bit confused. I kissed his cheek before walking out of the line and sitting down across from Thalia. "Hi," I said. She looked up from her food, immediately glaring at me. "What do you want?" she asked. "Came to brag about the gifts Grayson is showering you with?" "What? No," I said. "I just wanted to talk to you." "About what?" she asked, her eyes still cold. "Why do you hate me?" I asked. "I thought we could have been good friends. You're a really nice person." "Flattery will get you nowhere," Thalia snapped. "I'm being serious," I said. "I just want to know why you hate me." Thalia was quiet for a bit before taking a long sigh. "Grayson was the first boy I ever liked. He was my first boyfriend and I thought that moving back here would mean I could be with him again. But then I found out he moved on, which is normal since we dated, like, two years ago. It was hard seeing him happy with someone else. Imagine how you would feel if your first boyfriend was with someone else when you moved back home." I would honestly hate that, especially since Grayson was my first boyfriend and I loved him so much. I couldn't imagine myself with someone else and I definitely couldn't imagine him with someone else. "Well, still, I tried being nice to you," I pointed out. "And then there's the whole thing with Devon and Belle." Thalia snorted. "Yeah, don't remind me. That was stupid of me, I know. I knew I wasn't going to be able to get Grayson, so I decided to go after the guy your best friend liked. I regret it, trust me. I regret everything I did to you and Belle. You really were so kind to me when I first came here, even after you found out I was Grayson's ex. Any chance you and Belle can forgive me?" "I wouldn't be sitting here if I wasn't willing to," I pointed out. "Belle's a different story, though. She's not that easy to forgive people." Thalia gave me a small smile. "Thanks. So, did Grayson so anything special for Valentine's Day?" "No," I said. "I'm not that into Valentine's Day." "I know what you mean," Thalia said. "All those couples rubbing it in everyone's faces even more than they already do." "Exactly," I said. "Like, we get that you're together." I did find it cute when couples gave each other gifts and all that on Valentine's Day, but when it got to the point where they were competing with other couples about who received better items, it got annoying. Real annoying. I noticed Grayson standing nearby, looking around the cafeteria as he tried to find me. I waved him down and he looked over, his eyebrows scrunched in confusion as he saw me sitting with Thalia. He walked over, setting the tray of food he got for me in front of me before sitting down himself. "What's going on here?" he asked. "I'm talking with Thalia," I said. "... Why?" "Because I can," I said. Grayson nodded, still looking confused. "Oh, I didn't know exactly what you wanted for lunch, so I got you the spicy pasta that I was positive you liked, as well as your favorite soda and chocolate cake." "Thank you," I said. "So, you have no plans for tonight, right?" Grayson asked. "I mean, with your parents or Tony or someone?" I shook my head. "No, I always let my parents go on a date on Valentine's Day." "Good, because I have something planned for you," Grayson said. "I thought Poppy said she doesn't like Valentine's Day," Thalia pointed out. "Yeah, I thought I said that," I said. Grayson sighed. "Flower, I already told you, I don't care if it's Valentine's Day. That isn't why I have something planned tonight." "Still," I said. "We don't have to do anything special." Grayson raised an eyebrow, obviously not giving a crap about what I said. "Uh, yes, we do. Eighteen, Poppy. You are eighteen today and we're doing something special. But, because you don't want to, I'll tell you now that what I have planned is at home anyway." "Wait, is it your birthday today?" Thalia asked. I nodded in reply. "Happy birthday." "Thanks," I said with a smile. Grayson looked back and forth between me and Thalia. "Alright, I'm just going to say it. What the hell?" "She apologized for the way she acted," I said. "And you forgave her?" Grayson asked. "No offense, Thalia, but you were kind of..." "A bitch?" Thalia asked with an eyebrow raised, referring to the name Grayson had called her numerous times. "Well... yeah." "I'll put it this way," Thalia said. "I know how much you like Poppy, so imagine that you two broke up because you moved away. And when you came back, she had a boyfriend. How would you react?" "I'd beat the crap out of him." I gave him a flat look. "Be serious." "What? I would!" Grayson said. "But I see your point, Thalia." Thalia nodded. "See? But I do think that I overreacted. I really do think you and Poppy make the perfect couple. Everyone thinks so, anyway." "Thanks," I said. "Yeah, thanks," Grayson said. I looked at Grayson. "So, this thing you have planned. Anyway we can, like, not do it and just play video games." "Nope," Grayson said. "I already set it up, anyway, during second period. You really didn't think it would take the whole period just to buy flowers, did you?" I shrugged. "And my parents were fine with you skipping?" "Better, your dad called the school and said I was feeling to sick for gym class, so I went home to rest," Grayson said. "He liked what I was setting up and even helped me. And, speaking of, I have to miss last period." "What? Why?" "I have to get some other things," Grayson said, throwing his arm around me. "Don't be mad, baby." "But I'm going to be lonely." "You'll be with Belle." "I'll be lonely. "No, you won't." "I'm going to cry." "What?" I began to make my eyes water, something I did all the time. Grayson hated seeing me cry, especially if he caused it. "I thought you loved me," I said. "I thought... I thought you would do anything for me." "Screw off." "Dammit," I muttered. It didn't work. Grayson chuckled. "Trust me, Flower. You'll want me to skip last period once you know why." ~*~*~*~ I carefully moved the bouquet of flowers from Grayson's passenger seat, sitting down carefully. I noticed a few bags in the backseat. "What's that?" I asked. "Something," Grayson replied with a smile. "You can't see until later today." I frowned. "Why not?" "Because it's a surprise," Grayson said, pulling his car out of the parking lot. "When are we doing this thing you have planned?" I asked. The suspense was killing me. I really wanted to know exactly what he set up and what was in those bags. "Well, your dad said that when we get home, you're going to open your presents and eat cake, then they're going to go on their date," Grayson said. "So after they leave. But Tony is staying over to keep an eye on us because we're not trusted or something like that." I snorted a laugh. "Great." "It's fine," Grayson said. "He's just going to be checking up on us." He pulled into the driveway of our house and I tried helping him with the bags, but he told me to go away. I sighed, knowing I had to wait to see what was inside, so I walked into my house, keeping the door opened for Grayson. Grayson immediately went upstairs, telling me not to go into his room or he would beat me with a pillow. He literally did say that. I stayed downstairs so I wouldn't be tempted to peak at what was in his room. What did he have to set up? It was a bedroom and he wasn't a messy person so it wasn't like he had to clean it. Dad was in the kitchen, sitting at the table as he read the newspaper. I threw my arm around him. "Hey, Daddy-o." Dad looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "What do you want?" "What makes you think I want something?" I asked. He was on to me. He gave me a look and I looked to make sure Grayson wasn't nearby. Luckily, he was still upstairs. "Between you and me, what's Grayson planning?" Dad chuckled. "I'm not telling you." "Darn." "You'll see in about an hour when your mother and I leave," Dad said. "As soon as Tony gets here and Grayson is done upstairs, it will be present and cake time, then we'll leave. And Tony's staying." "Yeah, Grayson told me," I said. "You don't trust us, do you?" Dad smiled. "Nope, not at all." I sighed as Grayson came back in the kitchen. "Grayson, my daughter tried getting confidential information out of me." "Poppy, you can wait to see," Grayson said. "No, I can't," I said. "Just tell me." "No." I frowned. "Please?" "No." "Jerk," I muttered under my breath before walking into the living room. I flopped onto the couch, crossing my arms over my chest. Not only was I extremely curious, I was also really bored. So by the time I opened the presents from everyone, minus Grayson because he said he was giving it to me later, and we ate cake, I was ready to go see what Grayson set up in him room. My parents then left for their date and I thought I could finally go to Grayson's room, but nope. Apparently, we had to wait until something was delivered to him. The doorbell rang and Grayson answered it, returning to the living room with a box of pizza. "Okay, Flower, let's go," he said. "Finally!" I said. "I'm like really bored. I almost died of boredom." Tony glanced up from his cell phone. "That's not possible." "Shut up." Tony snorted. "Have fun, dork." I rolled my eyes and followed Grayson upstairs to his room. When he opened the door, I immediately smiled. "Holy crap," I said. "You made a fort?" Grayson's bed was pushed all the way to the wall so there was more room in the center. In the middle of the room was a blanket fort and it looked awesome. "Of course," Grayson said. "You've been going on and on about how you wanted to make one, so I did. Wait until you see what's inside." Grayson took my hand and carefully lead me inside. I couldn't help but smile. Lights were strung on the walls of the fort, outlining the TV that was also set up. One of our PS4's were by the TV, so we could play video games, thankfully. Food was set up, so that must have been what Grayson had to skip last period to get. There were all kind of snacks; chocolate covered strawberries, chips, chocolate, candy and popcorn. Pillows were set on the floor, allowing us to get comfortable. Grayson and I sat down on the floor, our legs outstretched. "So, what do you want to do first?" Grayson asked. "A game or a movie?" "Let's start with a game," I said. "Or food. Or both." Grayson chuckled, grabbing two of the controllers and handing me one. He put in our favorite game and we spent a long time gaming before deciding to watch a movie. Grayson and I led down beside each other, using the pillows to angle ourselves so we could still see the TV. At a boring part in the movie, I couldn't help but smile at Grayson. "What?" he asked when he noticed me smiling at him. "It's just... you're amazing, you know that?" "I know I am," Grayson said with a smirk. And of course he would ruin the moment by saying something arrogant. "I'm serious, Grayson," I said. "You did all this when I said I just wanted to play games and watch a movie. You did that, but you made it special." "I bet I could make it even more special," Grayson said. "Want the gift I got?" I nodded. "Now, I'm not good with words at all, so just bear with me." He reached into his back pocket and pulled out something, keeping it closed in his hand so I couldn't see it at all. "I love you a lot, Poppy. And I know we're young and still in high school, but I really do see us sharing a life together in the future. And that's why I want to give you this promise ring." He showed me what he was holding, a small box and when he opened it, a simple ring was sitting in it. It had the infinity symbol with a few gems outlining it. "I promise that one day, I will ask you to marry me. Because I love you more than anyone." I had to wipe a few tears away. "What do you mean you're not good with words at all? You made me cry. I love you, too, Grayson." I placed my hand on his cheek before pressing my lips on his. He moved closer to me, moving his lips against mine as he hovered over me. I had to admit, I was happy I got detention on the day Grayson and I officially met. If I didn't, we probably wouldn't be where we were know because he wouldn't have stood up for me. Maybe the universe would have put us together another way, because I did think that we belonged together. He was my everything. Grayson pulled me away, giving me a smile. "Hi," he said. "Hi," I replied.