Chapter 81
Kaleb's pov
I rush down the stairs, taking three at a time as I hurriedly make my way to the front door. With my hands clutching the handle, I swing it open and freeze when mom's voice catches my attention.
" Have you forgotten the cake?"
I twist around, a cringe on my face as I stared at her sheepishly. She shakes her head and walks over with the cake in her hand. She passes it over. " I made sure to wrap it good so the icing won't mess up your seats."
I sent her a grateful smile. " Think she'll like it?"
Mom grinned, patting my head lovingly. " I think she will love it." she then nudged me lightly. " Now off you go, you have to set up remember?"
I nodded quickly, about to thank her again when rapid footsteps rush down the stairs. I looked up, surprised to see that it was Mira. Our eyes meet and she looks down in embarrassment, her footfalls slowing.
"I'll catch a ride with you today.”
Her soft voice was barely audible but somehow I managed to pick up her words. My lips part as I looked at her in surprise. The last thing I expected from Mira was her being in the same car as me. Especially with the way things were between us.
She stopped before me, eyed the cake and looked up. " Well aren't we going to set up?"
I staggered a bit, not expecting her to say those words at all. One of her brows raised and she tilts her head. Mom looked between us, a soft smile on her face.
She nudged us both. * You two better hurry if you want to get there on time."
I skidded to a stop, the tires screeching. " Christ!" Mira yelled, slamming her hand on the dashboard before she could face plant. She turn to send me a very seething glare.
I winced and looked at her. " Sorry. I just need to buy her, her favorite flowers. Give me a second.” I apologized as I unbuckled myself and stepped out of the car. I hurried over to the flower shop. There were so many options but I had my eyes set on what I was really looking for. There it was. The fresh bloom of roses and daisies with a bit of lavender poking out. I grinned, my shoulders slacking with relief now that I found her favorite flowers. I pointed at the bouquet to the florist. * One of those please."
The girl behind the counter smiled and turned to grasp the bouquet. She named the price and I paid for it. * We have a special name for this bouquet.” She smiled while taking the money. “ The first blooms. It symbolizes the start of something beautiful.”
Mira glanced at me as I slid back into the driver's seat, her expression softening as she caught sight of the flowers in my hand. " You know everything about her, don't you?"
I nod, smiling. " To the little freckle just beside her lip."
Mira's brows raised, her eyes lingering on the flowers. " She'd love them. They've always been her favorite.” She lift her eyes to mine and smiled. " You did well."
I sighed, passing them over to her so she'd hold them while I drive. " I hope so, she deserved the best.”
"I'm starting to think she already does." Mira whispered under her breath. Of course knowing that she didn't want me to hear, I pretended not to and with a small smile on my lips and a relieved heart, I drove off.
We got to the classroom just a little over eight. We ushered everyone out and I was pleased that Bailey hadn't got here yet. I bet she was confused on why I didn't call her to wish her happy birthday. But I wanted to do this in person. My girl deserved more than a phone call. Besides, I'd love to kiss her right after I say those words. I couldn't achieve this over the phone.
Mira and I worked to blow up some balloons I bought at the store yesterday evening when I went to buy the ingredients for the cake. They were pink, light blue and white. During our time blowing the balloons Ryan came in and soon lent us his help.
In no time everything was set. The cake was on her desk with some candles on top. Balloons tied to her chair and desk and of course the bouquet of flowers in my hold.
"I see you two made up." Ryan looked between Mirabella and I, grinning from ear to ear. Mirabella rolled her eyes.
“I'm only doing this for Bailey. I still think Kaleb's an ass." She shrugged, peering over at me and rolled her eyes. " Though I will admit, I can see he truly loves her."
I smiled, causing her to narrow her eyes and point a warning finger at me. " Don't think I am fully okay with this. It's still disappointing for her to be with someone as ugly as you."
I raised a brow, not impressed by her insult. * We look alike.” I pointed out.
" But she's prettier." Ryan responded, making me snap my attention to him. He cleared his throat, the tips of his ears turning red. I narrowed my eyes. What's up with him?
He took his phone out of his pocket and swiped on the screen in an obvious way to distract himself from not explaining his earlier words.
A ping came from Mira's phone and she pulls it out, sliding her thumb over the screen. She sent me an anxious look as she uttered. " Kristina texted. Bailey's dad just dropped her off."
At the mention of Bailey being so close, my heart raced and my hands became clammy. I began to pace. " Oh God. What if she doesn't like the cake or the flowers? Am I too corny? Is this too stupid? Do I look good? Does the cake look good-
" The cake definitely doesn't look good." Ryan cuts in, making me send him a glare. He clears his throat when he noticed my glare and cracked a sheepish grin. " But I bet it taste delicious.”
" You should've seen the many burnt cakes he done before this. This one actually came out better than the others surprisingly.” Mirabella snorted.
I narrowed my eyes at the two. " Is this gang up on Kaleb day?" Mirabella shrugged. " Take it as you want."
I rolled my eyes yet smiled because even though Mirabella was no doubt taunting me at my lack of baking cake efforts, this has been the longest she's spoken to me in a while. I missed her. Even though she was annoying.
" Should I hide?" I asked, pulling my shirt away from my skin, fearing it would cling to me because of how sweaty I was right now.
"1 don't think-
Ryan's words are cut off when the door is slowly opened and the most beautiful girl in the world stepped through those doors. Her eyes instantly land on all three of us and they widen in surprise.
I smiled, my heart thrumming with pride, knowing that this gorgeous girl was all mine.
" Happy birthday baby."