Lily's POV

"Alright Shawn, make sure to bring him here by 7pm, no later," I say into the phone, trying to keep my voice steady despite the bubbling excitement within me.

It's finally Finn's birthday, and I haven't seen him all day. I've been avoiding him because I can't keep a secret to save my life, and I just know I would blurt it out. But now, because of my avoidance, he thinks I'm angry at him and has been calling and texting me nonstop.

"I got it, Lil... 7pm at your place," Shawn says, chuckling on the other end. "I don't know who's more controlling, you or your best friend," he laughs again before hanging up.

I laugh as well and put down my phone, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. I start putting up the banners, trying to focus, but my phone vibrates again. I pick it up and see it's Finn.

Lovebug: Butterfly, if I did something, can you let me know? The silence is killing me.

Guilt washes over me, and I drop my phone onto the couch. At that moment, Kam and Jen walk into the apartment, Kam carrying the cake and Jen with the pizzas.

"Thanks, guys," I say, helping them set the items on the table.

"No worries," Kam replies with a smile

"You still giving Finn the silent treatment" Jen asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Why" I ask, turning to her with a confused look.

"Because he has been blowing up my phone" she laughs shaking her head, "I swear he has called me more than my own mother."

I rub my temples, feeling the tension build. "I know, Jen. He's being doing the same to me and I just want everything to be perfect."

"Lord, he's such a baby" Kam laughs, setting the cake down "Less than a day of silence, and he's kicking his toys out of the pram"

"I know right" Jen joins in laughing as she places the pizzas on the counter.

I can't help but laugh along with them, the sound easing some of the tension.

"I just hope he likes the surprise," I say, glancing at the decorations and feeling a pang of worry. What if it's not enough?

"Don't worry, Lil," Kam says, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "He'll love it."

Just then, the doorbell rings, and my heart skips a beat. "That must be the balloons," I say, hurrying to the door. As I open it, a delivery person hands me a massive bouquet of colourful balloons. I sign for them and bring them inside, the vibrant colours adding to the festive atmosphere.

Walking inside and setting the balloons down, I remember the second gift that Jen was meant to get, and she hasn't given it to me yet. I turn to Jen, a curious glint in my eye. "Hey, Jen, did you bring the second present?"

Jen's eyes light up with mischief and I can't help but feel anxious.

"Oh, yes! Be right back." She runs to her room, and moments later, returns with two pink bags: one from Victoria's Secret and the other from Ann Summers.

I blink in surprise, feeling a bit nervous. "Uh, Jen, what's in those bags?" I ask, taking them from her.

"Open them and see," she replies, grinning widely.

With a mix of curiosity and nervousness, I open the Ann Summers bag first. My eyes widen as I pull out a tiny referee outfit, complete with a whistle and stockings. My cheeks flush a deep red as I hold up the extremely tiny skirt.

Kam bursts into laughter. "Oh my God, Jen! This is hilarious!"

Jen joins in the laughter but assures me, "Trust me, Lily, Finn is going to love it. It's all in good fun."

I shake my head, laughing despite my embarrassment. "Jen, you really outdid yourself."

"Just wait, there's more," Jen says, nodding towards the Victoria's Secret bag.

I take a deep breath and open the second bag. Inside, I find handcuffs and transparent black lingerie. My cheeks somehow turn even redder. "Oh my God, Jen!" I exclaim, trying to stifle my laughter.

Kam is nearly in tears from laughing so hard. " You need to tell us his reaction!"

"Trust me," Jen turns to me, "He'll love this gift more than the football tickets." She takes the items from my hands and winks before saying, "I'll drop them in your room."

Just as I think the surprises are over, Jen reaches into her bag and pulls out another gift, wrapped discreetly. "One more thing, Lily," she says with a playful smile.

"Since Finn's going off to the training camp for a month, I didn't want you to get too frustrated."

I look at her, puzzled, as I unwrap the gift. My eyes widen when I realize it's a vibrator. My face turns crimson. "Jen!" I gasp, half-laughing, half-mortified.

"Kai's leaving as well !" I remind her.

"Don't worry about me" she winks.

Kam clutches her sides, laughing uncontrollably. "You've thought of everything, haven't you, Jen?"

Jen shrugs, grinning. "Just looking out for my best friend. Trust me, you'll thank me later." She winks again before turning to leave, leaving me standing there, both embarrassed and grateful.

Kam and I both laugh in unison.

As we finish setting up and getting ready for the surprise party, guests start pouring in.

"Hi, Lily," Charlie says with a warm smile as he enters, carrying his DJ mixer. "I like what you've done with the place. Where can I set up?"

"Yeah, thanks," I reply, smiling and nodding toward the empty table spot Kam set up beside the fireplace. "And thanks for DJ-ing tonight. It means a lot."

"No problem," Charlie grins as he heads to the table. "By the way, do you think you could set me up on a date with someone ... anyone .... Finn's a terrible wingman. Call that my payment."

I chuckle, "Sure, I'll see what I can do."

Kai walks in as well along with some of the players on the football team and some of the people in Finn's class.

"Hi babe," Jen smiles walking over to kiss him.

As the minutes tick by more guests come in and I keep checking my phone, waiting for the notification that Shawn and Finn are on their way. Finally, at 6:55 PM, my phone buzzes with a message from Shawn.

Shawn: We're on our way. Be there in 2 mins

The front door creaks open, and I hold my breath. Finn steps inside, looking confused and turns to Shawn.

"Why are we at Lily's?" He starts, hint of frustration in his voice. " I told you she's been avoiding me, and you think breaking into her house will make ..."

We all cut him off by yelling, "Surprise!"

He's taken aback and it takes him a few moments to register what happening. He looks around at the decorations and his friends then his eyes land on me and a huge grin spreads across his face.

"Fuck" he breathes, his voice filled with relief and disbelief. "Lily, I thought you were mad at me!"

The room erupts in laughter and cheers.

I rush over and hug him tightly. "Happy birthday! I wanted it to be a surprise, so I had to avoid you all day."

"Geez, scared me half to death you did" he says holding me even tighter, his heartbeat pounding against my chest.

I stand on my tiptoes to kiss him softly, whispering with a wink, "I'll make it up to you later." His eyebrows shoot up in response.

"Well, hope you two lovebirds are done with all that" someone yells, and I turn around see Kai grinning widely, "Can we start the party?"

The crowd laughs again, and Finn and I pull apart, both of us beaming.

"Definitely" Finn says.

Kam steps forward with the cake, candles already lit, casting a warm glow across the room. "Alright, birthday boy, make a wish!"

Finn's face softens, and he closes his eyes for a moment, the room going quiet in anticipation. He opens his eyes, takes a deep breath, and blows out the candles to a chorus of cheers and applause.

As the party kicks into full swing, music fills the air, and the living room transforms into a lively dance floor. Jen and Kai are the first to start dancing, pulling everyone else in with their infectious energy.

I find myself standing by the snack table, watching Finn as he mingles with his friends, his happiness radiating throughout the room. Shawn comes up beside me, a smirk on his face.

"See, I told you it would all work out," he says, nudging me playfully.

I laugh, shaking my head. "You're right. Thanks, Shawn. I couldn't have done it without you."

In that moment, more guests start pouring in and that's when I see her, Rachel and she sees me smirking and that makes my blood boil – why the fuck is she here ?

I try to focus on the party, but my eyes keep drifting back to Rachel. She moves through the room, greeting people and casting glances in my direction. My fists clench involuntarily as I fight to calm the anger rising inside me. I walk over to the kitchen and pour myself a drink, gripping the glass so tightly my knuckles turn white.

"Hey, are you okay?" Kam asks, noticing my tension.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I lie, forcing a smile that feels more like a grimace.

"No, you're not" Jen says walking over with concern etched on her face, "I saw Rachel"

Kam's eyes widen in shock, "Sorry, what?" she breathes in disbelief, turning on her heel as if ready to march to the dance floor to confront Rachel.

I reach out and grab her arm, stopping her. "Lil?" she looks at me, confused.

"No," I sigh, my shoulders sagging under the weight of the situation. "It's Finn's birthday, and I don't want anything—or anyone—spoiling this." My eyes drift back to Rachel, who is now chatting animatedly with some of the guests.

Kam hesitates, her eyes flickering between me and Rachel. "But Lil, she's going to cause trouble."

"I know," I say, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "But confronting her now will just make things worse. Let's just keep an eye on her and try to enjoy the party."

Jen nods, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We've got your back, Lily. Just say the word, and we'll handle it."

I force another smile, this one a little more genuine, grateful for my friends' support. "Thanks, guys. Let's just try to have a good time."

The party continues with Charlie's music mixes filling the room, prompting everyone to sway and dance while others enjoy the food. The atmosphere is lively, and everyone is having a great time. Most importantly, Finn is clearly enjoying himself. Though I can't shake the unease that Rachel's presence brings.

After a while, I realize I haven't seen Finn for a few minutes. I look around the room, but he's nowhere in sight. My heart starts to race as I make my way through the crowd, looking for him.

I step into the hallway, and that's when I hear voices. I turn the corner and freeze. Rachel is kissing Finn, pressing herself against him while Finn tries to pull away.