February. The start of the new month arrived, and it always felt strange to me.

The anticipation of waiting for spring to arrive, felt like it had slowed down and we were still jittering away in the cold weather, even though we were slowly walking away from the winter period.

With the new month starting, it had another meaning to it. My birthday.

The first day of February, the blue skies were brightly painted up above, with cotton-like clouds slowly wafting around in the air. It felt like it should have been warm, since it was so bright, but outside the bitter coldness enabled me to freeze in my room.

As I was finally ready, I closed my window, that was slightly ajar to bring fresh air into my room. It was surprisingly quiet. I couldn't hear anyone making noise downstairs, which only meant they were waiting for me to arrive.

After picking up my art folder and school bag, I steadily made my way down the stairs. I dragged my feet down the hallway and into the kitchen, and not a soul was present.

I bit the inside of my mouth, and pushed the door open, that lead to the living room. Just as the door opened, a wave of loud voices ruptured into my ears.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" A mixture of voices bellowed in unison.

My vision was distorted as a flurry of confetti was thrown towards me. I squinted my eyes shut like a lightening bolt. Few seconds after I opened them up to see those near and dear to me, all beaming with smiles plastered on their faces.

One by one, my mother, father, Ava and then Ruby hugged me, wishing me happy birthday.

"Thank you." I gushed.

"My baby girl is growing up." My mum cooed as she brought me into a hug again.

"Eighteen." My dad let out in a shocked tone. "She's not our little girl anymore."

"You still have me?" Ava exclaimed, waving her hand make her presence known.

"You're our other precious little girl." My mum chimed.

We all chuckled together at the soppy situation of us growing up. After checking the time, I nodded to Ruby indicating to leave.

Just before leaving the house, my mother scurried close to me. "I know you rather not do anything big for your birthday, so we are going to have a lovely meal with the Carters, Ava is going to make your favourite cake, how does that sound?"

"It sounds perfect mum. Can't wait for tonight." I forced myself to say. I couldn't express my true feelings of the Carters coming to my birthday dinner, so I held back my tongue and waved my mother bye.

After walking a few steps, away from the house, Ava came running trying to catch up with us.

"Do you know about tonight?" I asked Ava.

"Don't bloody remind me, the devils spawn and her family are coming over, but because its your birthday I'm willing to suffer." Ava let out in a sarcastic voice, narrowing her eyes.

"Wow Ava thank you so much, you truly are a great sister." I replied in my own sarcastic voice and playfully pushing her.

"Tonight is going to be interesting." Ruby whispered, hooking her arm into mine, as we continued our way to school.

"Tell me about it. You are coming right?"

"Of course I am, it's your birthday and I wouldn't miss it for the world." Ruby exclaimed.

With the dullness feeling that came with my birthday, it was replaced by a happiness blooming inside me. I embraced Ruby into a quick hug whilst walking. It felt like my mood was lifted at the support of my best friend.

***

The evening had arrived and my birthday meal was well on the way. My mother ordered for me to stay in my room, whilst preparations were taking place.

Ruby gifted me a dress and made sure I wore it. After getting ready, I eyed myself in the mirror to make sure I looked presentable.

The forest green maxi dress, made of sheer chiffon, sat on my body, flowing like a waterfall. It had a pleated twist at the back. The neckline was slightly plunged, which was out of my comfort zone. I never was the one to have my chest exposed, but I didn't want to upset Ruby, so I agreed to wear the dress. The sleeves were wide and flowing, yet also short.

I tied my hair into a high ponytail, with slits of hairs out on the side. Small diamanté squared earrings, borrowed from Ava, were paired with my dress.

"We're ready." Ruby said, peering her head around the door.

Slowly breathing in and letting it out, I clenched down my jaw and forced myself to smile and followed Ruby down.

When entering the brightly lit kitchen, I was astounded at how everything was decorated. The door connecting the living room to the kitchen, was open wide. A huddle of gold and black balloons covered majority of the floor, it was almost as if the whole floor was made up of balloons.

Along the walls hung black and gold banners that had the words 'happy 18th birthday'. The counter tops were sprinkled with confetti, like sprinkles on a cake.

"This looks amazing." I gushed, admiring all the decorations.

My eyes widened when I noticed the array of food on the kitchen counter. My mother had set it up in a buffet style. The food ranged from, chicken wings, pizza and chips. My mouth began to salivate at the wholesome food waiting to be eat.

"What do you think of my cake?" Ava asked, waiting in anticipation for me to notice it.

Such joy had engulfed me when I saw my cake. An extravagant three layer cake, with black and gold frosting, shimmer running on the edges of the cake. It was simple, yet perfect, just the way I liked it.

"Ava, I love it, thank you so much." I chuckled, grabbing Ava into a hug.

The hug was cut short when the door bell rang, and we all instantly knew it was the Carters. Whilst my dad went to answer the door, I shifted my eyebrows towards Ava and Ruby.

They both understood and changed their stance, waiting for the Carters to enter the house.

Mary was the first one to come in, with a wide smile and beaming eyes. She didn't say anything but wrapped her arms around me, bringing me into a close and tight hug.

"Happy birthday." She gushed.

"Thank you." I said in a muffled tone, with my face squashed onto her shoulder.

After coming out of the hug, Brian came after wishing me happy birthday. Lexi soon followed, with her lips straight, she muttered under her breath.

Without looking at Ava I could feel her stare burn into the back of my head, but I forced myself to say thank you, without making things awkward.

Zac then came trodding in, he began to open his mouth, but then stopped and stood there like he was frozen. He looked like he was bewildered at something, only for me to realise he was taken back as he was looking at me.

I darted my eyes around the room, feeling myself slightly blush with his sharp green eyes latch on to me. What was happening.

"Erm happy birthday." Zac mumbled trying to get his words out.

"Thanks." I said in a low tone.

We all gathered into the living room. Zac's eyes were still on to me, I felt like I had to say something. I waited for everyone to enter the living room and then I pulled Zac back.

"Are you okay?" I said in a sarcastic way.

"Yeah why?" He responded in a confused manner.

"It just seems like your brain is not working, you seem out of it." I said raising my brows.

Zac let out a low chuckle. "You just look different. You should dress like this more often."

Without saying anything else, Zac made his way to the living room, leaving me speechless. My mind felt jumbled, I couldn't figure out whether that was a compliment. I ignored my confusion and joined the rest of the party.

***

The night proceeded as we all laughed, chatted and eat the mouth-watering food. Candles were put on my cake and everyone sang happy birthday. Even though there was tension between Ava and Lexi, it was a calm night and I enjoyed it all.

After offering to cut the pieces of cake for everyone, I was alone in the kitchen sorting the pieces out. Zac slowly came into the kitchen, closing the door behind him, which blocked out the laughter and chatter from everyone.

I continued focusing on my cake, ignoring his presence. Whilst my eyes were fixated downwards, a rectangular item wrapped in silver wrapping paper is pushed into my line of sight.

Abruptly I stopped was I was doing, and tilted my head quizzically towards Zac. "What's this?"

"Open it." Zac waved towards the package.

Hesitantly I picked it up, roaming it around in my hands trying to guess what it was. I ripped apart the packaging to find a book.

"It's a three hundred and sixty-five day art book. So everyday you follow the rules and you draw or design something different." Zac explained.

My mouth dropped open, and I was taken back by this kind gesture. Suddenly it felt like my mood had instantly lifted and I felt a sudden flare of happiness.

"You didn't need to get me anything-"

"It's nothing." Zac muttered interrupting me.

"Thank you. It's great I like it." I smiled, clutching onto the book.

I set it down to the side and handed the first piece of cake to Zac. As he leaned forward to grab the plate from me, his hand overlapped onto mine.

His large and strong hold, was clasped on my hand, almost covering it. The warmth radiating from his hand, sent a flutter of waves into my stomach. I stood frozen, Zac did the same. We just looked at each other, hands touching, not knowing what to do.

I should have pulled my hand away, but for some reason I couldn't. I wanted to stay like this. The little moment was cut short, when someone cleared their throat.

I looked over Zac's shoulder and saw Ava, standing with her arms folded. In an instant I pulled my hand away, shaking my head trying to bring myself back to reality.

"I'll erm take the slices of cake." Zac babbled, fumbling the plates into his hand and making his way over to the living room.

Ava stormed her way to me, tugging onto my arm. "What was that?"

"What was what?" I confusingly replied.

"You know what I'm talking about." Ava said as she gritted her teeth, waving her eyes towards my hand.

"It was nothing." I snapped.

I waved Ava to go back to the living room, and without arguing she left. I closed my eyes and gathered myself before going back.

The little moment between Zac and I felt oddly strange, yet good. It brought me back to when we were stuck in the basement. How close he was.

I couldn't understand what made me think and feel this way. Lately Zac had changed a lot, he wasn't the Zac I always knew and hated.

I looked back to the present he gave. It was possibly one of my favourite presents, but the fact that it was from Zac, really fumbled my brain.

As the days would go by, it was only going to get stranger...

A/N

What are your thoughts in this chapter?

Slightly different, it was away from the school setting, I wanted to add some elements like birthday to this story.

And what was the little moment between Hannah and Zac?

Share, comment and vote!

Love _xxAMxx