The next day came around sooner than expected; meaning today was Drew's birthday. I was essentially excited; nevertheless somehow in the depths of my stomach, something did not feel right. Something was about to happen. Possibly Drew was finally getting a girlfriend.
I was currently in my studio, waiting for Kyle and Drew to arrive. My bus came early today and it was only eight thirty-five when I approached here. Drew and Kyle don’t generally arrive until was near nine. It was nice and quiet for once at the studio. I placed both my present and card for Drew beside my table, ready to give it to him. I was very happy to what I gave him.
I heard voices behind and I turned around quickly. I placed a smile onto my face. To my disappointment, it was neither Drew nor Kyle. My face quickly changed into a scowl and turned back round to face the white walls within my studio. I placed my head into my hand. I sighed. I was really hoping they were here already.
I suddenly heard an extremely loud laugh that bellowed throughout the room. I beamed, knowing very well who just laughed. I picked up my card and present and turned to greet Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Kyle was behind Drew, who was talking to someone from our course and didn’t pay any attention to his best friend and myself.
“Happy birthday, my amigo!” I practically jumped onto Drew and gave him a bear hug. Drew squished me and started to laugh at me.
“Thank you, my little panda,” he replied back while letting me go. His eyes looked at me and they seemed to have a twinkle in his eye. I could’ve sworn I saw a blush across his face. I always loved my nickname he gave me since secondary school, all because I wear eyeliner.
“Here, I got you’re card and present here,” I smiled and put both my arms and hands out in front me, “I got you something that you’ve been after for a very long time,” I grinned.
Drew looked at me, with both a confused and a small smile, “Thanks I guess…could I open it now?”
“No, you’ll have to wait until next year and open it for your 19th birthday,” I rolled my eyes, “Of course you can open it!”
Drew glared at me to say ‘really Hollie? Sarcasm?’ which I returned, provided him an innocent smile. Drew shook the box closely to his ear and tried to figure out what that hell I got it him. He always seemed to try and guess what he got, thinking he was a smart ass and tried to guess right.
He sighed, knowing he had to give up. He hated to give up. I sniggered. He started to open his box, when I noted that his hand was not covered in bandages. I observed that there were neither cuts nor bruises at all. It was as if he didn’t break his hand last week whatsoever. I watched at Drew with curiosity, which didn’t realise my muddled gaze towards him. I did not question him about it, since it was his birthday and I didn’t want to pester him about it. I noted myself, to question him tomorrow about it.
He opened the card first and laughed at it, knowing that I always get him a funny one. Drew finally opened his present and he looked like he won a golden ticket. He looked up at me with an expression I have not seen in a long time. His eyes were wide besides he had a Cheshire cat grin, which was tremendously creepy. On second thoughts, it could be that wasn’t a good idea to give him the present after all.
Next thing I knew, I was in a bear hug, crushed in between the arms of Drew, “Thank you Hollie. You shouldn’t have gotten me it. Seriously, thank you,” he whispered to me, only for me to hear.
I pulled away and smiled up at him, “I had to. What sort friend what I be, if I didn’t get you, You Me at Six tickets, a Stitch plushie, because you know, he’s your favourite Disney character and a photo of our little group from back at school. I know you’ve been pestering me to get you that for years. I wanted to give you a mixture of something personal and a really cool present, because I am an awesome friend.”
I was once again pulled into a hug, but this time, it was warm and welcoming. I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a tight squeeze, just to say ‘you’re welcome.’
“Thank you, Hollie.”
Next thing I know, I was getting squished and so was Drew, “Oh you guys! If I knew this was going to be a group hug, I would’ve been involved sooner!”
Kyle. I burst out laughing. Kyle and Drew pulled away, as well as giving me a puzzled look.
“Hey what’s so funny Holls?”
I shook my head in disbelief. Kyle never understood the mood between anybody or anything, “Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Let’s get to our seats and sort out of final pieces for our final exhibition.” I wished life stayed the way it was. But unfortunately, it cannot be granted and life always had different things planned for you.
Before I left to head towards my desk, I looked at Drew once more. He seemed slightly more built today, as if his muscles were trying to escape his t-shirt, he was currently wearing. But he seemed distant, like he was worn out; changed.
Just what happened at the weekend?
The day passed by extremely quickly and Drew could not wait to go out tonight with our group, except of myself and Kyle, due to the fact we’re still seventeen.
Drew received many gifts and cards from our friends, including a birthday cake from our Fine Art tutors. It was great. I have never seen Drew so happy. It made me smile. I wish I could’ve gone out tonight but at the same time, it was only going to be Cherrie and Daisy with me, a girlie night out which I was most happy about.
But as the day gradually went on, I noticed that Drew was shaking, almost violently, like he was trying to control himself. He kept taking deep breaths, but as we asked what was wrong, he only said it was stomach ache. I didn’t press on, but I knew it was more than that. I could’ve sworn at one point, Drew’s eyes went a shade darker. But I blinked at the time, thinking I was seeing things, due to a headache coming on.
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I was heading home at this point, and left Drew plus everyone behind. Many were heading to Drew’s to pre-drink, before they headed out and enjoyed themselves. I couldn’t wait until it was my birthday on Saturday.
I finally got my final piece done. I was very happy. Earlier on today, I got a job interview for New Look. I was very happy, since I have had retail experience from work experience at school, but I have finally got a phone call about a job interview. I can finally afford some money.
I like heading home on the bus, at this time of evening; school children are at home or playing outside and people are indoors for the evening or enjoying the summer sun. It was pleasantly quiet. It was currently five forty-eight and the sun was still in the sky. It was beautiful to look at; calm and welcoming.
Going to bed about nine o'clock, I noticed it was nearly a full moon, high in the sky. It looked beautiful. I constantly look up to the moon. To me it appeared fascinating. There was always somewhat about the moon that felt intriguing.
I wondered if Drew and everyone would enjoy themselves tonight.
I wondered why I felt as though tonight, something would change forever.
