Dylan’s POV

I strolled through the hallway on my way to my third period, math. I was thinking about Adena though. She hadn’t been at school today. In first period, Ms. Bridges announced the project weeks were over. It was now essay writing time.

I knew the essay part would be easy. We would for sure get an A on it. I had already started honestly. There was just so much to write, I had to start early. Adena was just...something else. She was so unique, I had to make the essay of her special.

Just thinking about Adena made me smile. But, as always, Jackie crept into my mind. I felt horrible being unfaithful to Jackie. She deserved more than I was giving her. I mean, she does so much for me. I don't know what I would have done without her help.

Turning the corner, I spotted Quinton and Grady walking. Jogging to catch up to them, I caught the end of their conversation:

"I like the pink dress better than the blue," Coming in between them, wrapping my arms around there shoulders, I laughed.

"Dress shopping are we boys?" I teased, moving my arms off them.

"Oh shut up," Quinton laughed. "Were talking about a present for Adena's birthday."

"Birthday?" I questioned. "When is it?"

"Today."

"So why didn't she show up on her birthday?" I said, confused.

"She's afraid someone will find out and embarrass her in front of everyone.”

"Oh, well, no one would do that. Where is she now? At home?"

"Yeah, she's at home. It's like my mom's biggest present for her or something," Quinton shrugged, going into a classroom. I stared at Quinton's back. I still couldn't believe the way Mrs. Sierre treated Adena.

I found a smile creep on my face as I thought of the perfect birthday gift her Adena. It would go nicely with Quinton and Grady's.

"What are you planning?" Grady questioned. Startled, I glanced at Grady.

"I guess you will have to wait and see." I smiled and walked into the classroom.

*Two hours later*

I pulled up to Adena's driveway, looking at the balloons sitting in the passenger seat. I wanted to do something nice for her birthday, but then again, I felt like I shouldn't be here.

Usually Jackie and I sat together for lunch, but I skipped out on lunch to visit Adena. I felt like I was betraying Jackie. I knew she would be upset. But then again, Jackie wasn't at lunch half the time.

I really cared for Adena, but at the same time my love for Jackie was just as strong. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. Sometimes, it was so difficult. I found myself feeling so strongly towards them both.

But at this moment, I had to push Jackie away. I am doing this for Adena because it is her birthday. right? Not because of anything else. Doing something special for her birthday isn't bad. I shouldn't feel guilty.

Grabbing a hold of the balloons and a teddy bear holding a box with something inside, I got out of the car. Walking up to the door, I hesitated before knocking.

Was this overstepping our relationship? Then again, we already did have two amazing kisses. Nothing could ruin this relationship. I knocked on the door, waiting for it to open. I found myself getting extremely nervous.

That's one thing I hated about being around Adena. She always made me feel so nervous.

I turned around so I could recollect myself before I saw Adena.

"Dylan?" Her soothing voice caused me to turn around in surprise. I didn't hear the door open.

"Happy birthday!" I yelled as I turned around. She blushed.

"Thanks! You didn't have to come and tell me though. I don't want you getting in trouble for skipping school."

"Oh whatever! I don't care! Now let me in!" I laughed and she moved to the side, letting me in. I walked to the living room since I knew where I was going. I knew that would be the best place to talk. We sat down on the couch and I set the balloons on the floor. I smiled.

"For you." I said, handing her the teddy bear.

"Oh Dylan, you didn't have to get me anything."

“I did so! Now, I was actually supposed to give you the box this weekend when we went to lunch but... well our plans sort of changed," I found myself nervously laughing. Adena took the box from the bears hand and set the bear down. Opening the box, she gasped.

"Dylan! I... I love it!" She smiled. Her smile warmed my heart. It was a small silver bracelet with the words: It is by chance that we met, by choice that we became friends engraved into it.

"I'll help you," I said, taking the bracelet from the box and clipping it around her wrist. She stared at it in silence once I had gotten it on her wrist. "It is by chance that we met, by choice we became friends..." She looked at me. "That is so true...thank you. I really love it." She smiled. I laughed, knowing what question I wanted to ask next. But every time I opened my mouth to say it, no words would come out.

I also didn't know how she would take it and I didn't want to ruin this moment or for her smile to disappear. But I knew it had to be done and soon.

"Is something wrong?" She questioned. I shook my head, noticing I was getting lost in my thoughts.

"No! There's just. something I wanted to ask you."

"Oh!" She smiled. "What is it?"

"I uh.... Well.... Uhmmm... Jackie's leaving town this week and I know this is really last minute... Like so last minute that if you don't want to come just tell me... uhh."

"Dylan," she giggled. "What is it?"

"Will you go to prom with me this weekend? If you don't already have a date?”

“Oh!” Adena said. “I uh.. Well.” She stuttered, her face turning red.

“We would go as friends…If you don’t want to come with that’s fine,”  I started, trying to break the awkward silence. “I thought… I’d uh… ask if-”

“Dylan,” she laughed, silencing me. She wore a huge, very heartwarming, smile. “I’d love to go with you,” her face turned bright red as I was guessing mine did.

“Well great!” I couldn’t help but notice the light that appeared in her eyes. She looked so happy. I was glad to think that I might be the cause of some of that happiness. “I’ll pick you up Friday night.”

“Perfect,” we sat for a moment, both sitting there with dumb smiles on our face.

“Well, I should probably head back to school. Don’t want to get into too much trouble.” I laughed.

“Yeah, that’s true.” Her eyes glistened. “Well thank you so much for the gifts and everything.”

“No problem. I wanted to do something special for you. I’ll see you later. Happy birthday!” I walked out the door with Adena behind me. I opened the door and stepped out, turning around to say goodbye one last time when I saw tears in her eyes. I stopped smiling. “What's wrong?” She wiped her eyes and laughed.

“Nothing.” At first, I didn’t believe her. But then again, she was smiling. It was a genuine smile, nothing that could be faked.

“Oh,” I grinned. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye.” Her smile was the last thing I saw before heading into the car and back to school. I was glad that her tears weren’t tears of sadness, but rather tears of joy.