Note: Thanks to @rauraluver9842 for the idea of this short story. You're the best !! ☺ Hope you like it !!

Ross pov:

Today, is my birthday !! I woke up expecting the usual "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSS" I get from my family but not this year. Hm, that's strange... I don't care anyway, today is going to be the best day ever, i'm super excited and i am not just saying that because it's my birthday.

My parents are throwing me a birthday party and normally, that would be the reason I'm super excited but not this year. This year a very special person is going to be at the party and she's the reason i'm all excited.

That's right. My best friend Laura Marano.

Laura moved away to Miami a year ago. I havn't seen her since she left and I really miss her, she's my bestfriend. I've been a reck since she left and so she promised me she would come back on my birthday. I'm really looking forward to today, I didn't get to celebrate her 18th birthday last month and so I was thinking tonight could be a party for the both of us.

I ran downstairs excited for the day ahead of me.

Ross: Laura's coming back, yay ! laura's coming back, yay ! (I sang down the stairs towards the kitchen)

When I got to the kitchen I expected everyone to throw me the usual breakfast surprise in the kitchen but not this year, infact there was no one in the kitchen.

Ross: Okay this, is weird. First i didnt get the usual happy birthday ross and now theres no birthday breakfast surprise ?? (I said walking around)

Ross: Hello...

I heard a noise coming from the living room and so I decided to check it out.

I walked towards the living room when I saw my whole family there huddled around each other

Ross: Uh... what's going on ? (I asked suspiciously)

They quickly turned around nervously

Rydel: ROSS !!

Riker: How-how long were you uh- standing there...?

Ross: I just got here... what's up with all the tension ?

There was an awkward silence before Rocky spoke up awkwardly,

Rocky: ... Happy Birthday !!!... (Everyone looked at him like he was crazy)

Ross: Whats going on ? ...

Ryland: FLOWERS !!

Ratliff: PEANUT BUTTER !!

Ross: What ??

My family members looked like they wanted to slap Ryland and Ratliff

Ryland: Sorry... the random thing usually works~

Ratliff: Heehee....

Stormie: Honey we need to talk to you. (Mom said ignorong the boys)

Mark: Now we all know this is a very special birthday for you because you've been waiting months for Laura, and we know she promised~

Ross: RIGHT ! LAURA! We need to get decorating !! I want this place spotless for when Laura comes. Now I know it's MY birthday, but she's my best friend and I didn't get to celebrate her 18th birthday with her last month so in a way this could be a party for the both of us and I'm just really excited, I miss her so much and I can't believe she's back today !! If things go well I ~

Rocky: Ross ! (He yelled cutting me off from my laura ramble)

Ross: What ? (I said with a happy grin)

he looked to everyone else and they all nodded encouragingly.

he sighed before looking me in the eyes

Rocky: Laura's not coming back.

My grin dissapeared.

Ross: What... ? Your lying.

Stormie: Ross, hes your brother he wouldnt lie to you~

I took a seat on the nearest couch tears threatening to leave my eyes.

Ross: What do you mean she's not coming back ... (I said softly)

Rydel: Ross were really sorry... Laura called this morning and said her school wouldn't let her take the week off cuz' exams were coming up and stuff...

Ross: She promised... (I whispered more to myself looking down)

Ross: She promised she'd be back... (I said more clearly, tears now running down my face)

I ran up to my room and locked myself in, I was wrong. This is the worst. day. ever.

---

Rydel pov:

Rydel: Do you guys really think this is a good idea ? You saw how heartbroken he was ...

Riker: Yeah, maybe tricking him wasn't such a great idea... 

Mom: My baby... (She said sadly)

Dad rubbed the back of her shoulders

Dad: I should have known Ross wouldn't take it well... I didn't think he'de cry though...

Ratliff: Should I go tell him ?

Mom: NO !

We all looked at mom shocked

Mom: I mean- no (She sighed) Every year we give Ross the same happy birthday in bed speach, then the birthday breakfast surprise, this change will be good. He'll appreciate it afterwards... i hope.

Ryland: Well someone should go up and check on him~

Rydel: I'll go. (I volunteered)

Rocky: Wait... so Laura's coming ?? I'm confused

I rolled my eyes and walked up to Ross's room

---

I stood outside Ross's room listening to him cry.

I knocked then walked in without waiting for him to let me in himself.

I closed the door behind me and when I finally checked my surroundings, things were broken on the ground, sad music was playing, and Ross was bawling his eyes out under his blanket.

Oh man this is worse than I thought...

I lifted the covers off of him to see him cuddling with a picture of him and Laura.

I remember that day they took the picture. It was Ross's favourite day because it was the day laura kissed his cheek for the first time. He didn't wash the cheek for a whole week, mom made Riker and Rocky grab him so I could scrub his cheek. He was so mad, didn't talk to us for another week.

Rydel: Hey... (I said softly sitting next to hus cuddled up body)

Ross: She promised (He mummbled)

Rydel: Ross I know she promised but trust me, this isn't up to her. If Laura could be here everyday she would.

Ross sat up from his position on the bed

Ross: You- you d- don't u-understa-st-stand. (He stuttered badly)

I looked at him sympathetically not saying anything.

Ross didn't say anything either. i thought he was done talking until he finally spoke more calm now.

Ross: There's something I never told anyone before...

Rydel: Whatever it is you can trust me Ross...

Ross: Why do you think I was so happy the day I met Laura ? Do you remember that day ? I came home with the largest grin on my face and I couldn't get it off, even when Rocky dyed my hair blue, and Ryland broke my phone, I was still happy, Why do you think I have so many pictures of laura in my room ?

I looked around his room and finally noticed just how many pictures of laura were in his room. I never really noticed it before. I thought it was just like 3 or 4 but no... there were atleast, well... way too many to count hung up on the walls, on his dresser, on the floor, on the mirrors.. they were everywhere.

Ross: Why do you think I was so happy the day Laura kissed my cheek ? (He continued) Why do you think~

Rydel: Okay... please get to the point (I teased)

He looked down and blushed

Rydel: Look Ross if your trying to tell me you have a crush on Laura theres no need, everyone in the family already knows. You made it pretty obvious...

Ross looked up at me

Ross: Actually, it's something more than that...

Rydel: More ? What could be more~ oh.... (I said as realization hit me)

Rosa: Yeah.

Rydel: Well Ross are you sure ?? I mean.. your only 17.. 18 today, ... how do you know if your feelings are what you think they are ??

Ross: I've known since the day I met her... I mean I wasn't sure at first but then after a week I was pretty sure I had strong feelings for her, then I started watching Romeo and Juliet and that was when I realized it. Ever since then my feelings have only grown stronger which just confirmed my thoughts...

I didn't know what to say

Rydel: Wow Ross...

Ross: Yeah, I know, crazy. If you want to judge me go ahe~

Rydel: No ! I'm not going to judge you infact I envy you...

Ross: Me ? Why me ?

Rydel: Cuz' your so sure of your feelings... I mean look at me and Ratliff, were dating but i dont even know if what we have is going to last...

Ross smiled at me his tears gone

Ross: It will, trust me Rydel. Laura wont even be coming back so she wont know about my feelings anytime soon... (He said now deoressed again)

Rydel: Well, if you throw this party of yours and send a photo to Laura i'm sure she'll come visit when she can... and hey, thats better than nothing right (Damn, i'm good at this comfirting thing)

Ross smiled again

Ross: Your right, Laura would want me to be happy. Lets do this.

We stood up and walked towards his door and opened it. The whole family was huddled at the door eavesdropping.

Riker: Oh... hi...

Ratliff: Love you babe (He said innocently as Riker slapped his arm glaring at him)

Mark: Oh, how did I get here...

Stormie: Oh ! I found my earing... ha..ha..

Ryland: Flower... (He said awkwardly using the random thing again)

I looked at all of them as me and Ross tried not to laugh,

Rydel: We have a strange, strange, family, don't ya think ? (I said turning towards Ross)

He chuckled

Ross: Oh yeah,

Rocky: Wait... so Ross loves Laura ?

We all rolled our eyes

---

Ross pov:

I know I told Rydel i'de throw the party and stuff but to be honest, I don't want the party anymore. I just want to lye on my bed and talk to Laura.

I tried calling her but it kept leading me to voicemail

Ross: UGH !! (I yelled throwing my phone at the wall)

---

Rydel Pov:

It was getting dark and the house was now fully decorated for Ross's party.

Laura texted me that she was already at the airport and so I sent Rocky and Riker to pick her up. All the decorations were set up, games were put out, the food was set up in the kitchen, valuables were put away, and now all we needed was the grand surprise.

Mom: You nervous ?

Rydel: Yeah, I can't wait to see Laura.

Mom: I hope Ross is still okay~

Rydel: Mom... he should be ~ Laura !!

I yelled spotting her come through the door with Rocky and Riker. I made sure I didn't yell loud enough for Ross to hear.

We hugged and let me tell you, in the year she was gone she has changed a lot and she looked G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S,  GORGEOUS.

Laura: I missed you so much !!

Rydel: Me too !!! Wheres Vanessa ??

Laura: She wanted to stay in Miami...

Rydel: Thats cool, What was the surprise you wanted to tell me ?

Laura: I ~

Riker: Hey Laur, we left your bags in the car since were driving you to your place later.

Laura: Thank you~

Rydel: Place ?? I thought you sold your house ?

Laura: Thats the surprise...

Rydel: Laura... (I Said more anxiously)

Laura: Okay, Okay ! Well... since my birthday was a month ago and I turned 18 ... my parents bought me a house here in L.A !! I'm moving back !! 

I squealed forgetting about Ross and his surprise. He came down from his room shortly after wondering what the commotion was.

Rydel: Shoot (I mummbled) RIKER ! ROCKY, HIDE HER ! (I yelled whispering as ross came down the stairs)

They quickly pushed her outside the front door, locking it afterwards.

Rydel: HI ROSS ! (i said in the same tone) cough* I mean, Hey Ross...

He looked at me suspiciously.

Ross: Hey...

Rydel: So parties almost starting...

Ross: Whats outside the front door ?

Rydel: NO ONE ! I MEAN~ nothing.

Ross: What ?

Rocky: Hey Bro ! (He said helping me) I need you to help me check if the foods good enough for this party

He led ross away winking at me in the process

I opened the front door letting Laura in.

Laura: Ross didnt see me right ?

Rydel: Yeah

Laura: Okay.

---

A couple minutes later Ross went back to his room and people started showing up.

Mom: Hi, thanks for coming, you can put your presents over there (she said pointing to a table set up to the side of the front door)

An hour later the place was packed and I was getting Laura ready in my room.

Laura: I'm going to be in a giant Teddy Bear why am I getting all dressed up and pampered ??

Rydel: Becausre when you come out and surprise Ross you need to look good !

Laura rolled her eyes

Rydel: Ross is really depressed right now you know.

Laura sighed

Laura: I know.

Rydel: And you realize he doesn't just like you as a bestfriend right... ?

Laura stayed silent

Rydel: Laura ?

Laura: I had a hunch that he maybe had a crush on me...

Rydel: Thats the thing... it isnt just a crush...

Her eyes widened and my lips grew into a grin as I realized her feelings were mutual.

Rydel: I just had a great idea.

---

A couple hours later Mom and everyone made sure Ross wasn't up in his room depressed. He was now down at the party hopefully enjoying himself. I was helping Laura into her Teddy Bear.

Laura: Where did you find a Teddy Bear the size of me ??

Rydel: Meh, it really wasnt that hard now hurry up and get in !!! You need to be down there before they open presents which is in... 5 minutes !! (I said checking my phone) Theres a zipper in the front barely visible but its there. I made sure the sides were glued with stuffing but the middle wasnt so there would be just enough space for your body to move, and breathe.

Laura: Thanks... (she mummbled sarcastically getting in)

When she got in i was about to zip her up when she stopped me

Laura: Wait ! The sign !! I need the sign !!

Rydel: Oh !! Almost forgot !

I walked over to my desk quickly grabbing the sign she made earlier.

Laura: How are you going to bring me down ?

Rydel: Your as light as a feather, no problem. Riker's gonna do it.

Rydel: Now listen, When you hear me say "Ross this is a family gift from Laura aswell" Riker and Rocky will walk over to you and help unzip you, so you dont need to worry about getting out of the bear, k ?

Laura: Got it. Lets go.

---

Lauras pov:

Rydels new idea was to stuff the arms of the bear and have me hold a sign inside the costume.

I was thankful I didn't have to wait too long cuz' the inside of the bear was getting hot.

Riker carried me down after Rydels instructions and I just stood in the living room behind the presents table. The whole concept was each present would be taken down one at a time until Ross finally noticed me, the giant bear behind the table.

This is gonna take a while... maybe i do hafta wait long.

Ross pov:

I was in my room looking at all the pictures of Laura when Mom and everyone in my family except Rydel dragged me down to the party. I saw a couple of my friends but no Laura. A couple hours later I learned that I had to pretend i was having fun or else my family would watch me like a hawk. I really hate this, all i want for my birthday is Laura..

Mom: Presents time !!

Mom dragged me to the living room and i sat on the couch opening presents.

Maybe this wont be so bad.

The presents I got weren't that exciting. I mean my friends all got me earbuds, phonecases, guitar picks, t-shirts, you know, stuff I get everyyear. If laura were here she'de get me the best birthday gift ever. I guess i'm just a little off cuz' she didnt even call or text to say happy birthday.

Rocky got me new shoes, that was the first thing I actually liked all night

Riker gave me a dvd with pictures of our family growing up and stuff, i really liked it cuz' he included Laura.

Rydel got me a shirt with a picture of me and her on it. I found it hilarious

Ryland got me a snapback cap that had my full name on it and i gladly accepted.

Ratliff gave me the funniest gift ever. A onsie with his face, lauras face, and my whole families faces on it. I couldnt stop laughing.

Mom and dad got me a new car.

Ross: Omg.. You didnt !

mom: Happy birthday sweetie,

dad: Dont break it please !!

I laughed

Ross: dad I wont

After about 30 minutes of present opening all the gifts were opened leaving a human sized Teddy bear behind the presents table.

Riker and Rocky walked over picked it up and set it down infront of me. I thought I heard giggling coming from inside, must have been my imagination.

Rydel: Ross this is a family gift from Laura aswell.

Riker unzipped the Bear from the front, i hadn't noticed the zipper before, and Rocky pulled out a Short Brunette.

Ross: LAURA ! (i yelled shocked)

She stood there looking more beautiful than last year even if she was sweating she still looked great. I could feel my heart beat quickening.

I went in to hug her when i noticed she was holding a sign.

I read it over and over and over as my family laughed as well as laura. My friends at the party just awed and oohhed. I couldnt believe my eyes.

Laura: Well ? (She said with a blush)

Ross: Hows this for an answer (I said and I kissed her passionately)

I heard clapping behind me, then infront of me, then around me, everyone in the room started clapping and whistling.

We broke apart from our kiss our forheads leaning against each others

Laura: Happy Birthday (She whispered)

Ross: Best Birthday Surprise ever (I whispered back kissing her again)

---

2 days passed since my birthday and Laura explained to me she was staying in L.A I asked her out a day after my party and now were official. I love my life.

I sat in the kitchen with Rydel just talking.

Rydel: I wish Ratliff would do this for me (she said reading the sign laura was holding the night of my party)

"I love you. Do you love me ?"

I couldn't help but smile everytime I read it. It's amazing how such tiny, simple words, can make me feel like the happiest guy alive.

Ross: Don't worry. Your time will come (I said grinning)

I walked out of the kitchen walking towards the front door.

Rydel: Hey where you going ? (she asked following me)

I turned towards her with a smirk before leaving

Ross: To see the love of my life.

------

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