Page 23 of The Lies About Forever

Ameline: Happy Birthday. :birthday-cake: emoji :partying-face: emoji

Gabe: Thank you.

Ameline: How are you spending your birthday?

Gabe: Jude and I decided to go on a two-week trip with Seth, Piper, and Archer. My parents are meeting us tonight in Vienna with our siblings, so we can all celebrate.

Ameline: I love how your parents are always there for you when it matters.

Gabe: It’s pretty cool. Speaking of parents, where are you?

Ameline: Still in Minnesota learning to do knots and pretending to care about the campers. Kidding, I do care for them. I convinced my father to let me work until the end of July.

Gabe: You’re cutting it too close. How are you supposed to move in and start classes in such a short time?

Ameline: Izzy and I already furnished the apartment—while Dad and Helen went away for Memorial Day weekend. She was pissed, but my sister smoothed things over for me. I just need to be there for orientation day.

Gabe: I’m glad Izzy helped you.

Ameline: Me too. I feel like even when she’s absent she’s trying her best to make sure that I’m not dealing with our dad’s nonsense.

Ameline: And though I want to continue chatting with you I have to head to bed. Have a wonderful day, Gabe.

Gabe: Thank you for being the first person wishing me a happy birthday.

Ameline: Of course. Maybe next year I’ll make you a cake.

Chapter Eighteen

Gabe: How was orientation day?

Ameline: Better than expected. Dad and Helen missed their flight, and they weren’t able to be here. I did send them a first day of school picture.

Gabe: Glad you didn’t have to deal with them on your first day.

Ameline: When are you coming back?

Gabe: I’m in New York hanging out with Archer and Piper. I should be back in a couple of weeks.

Ameline: What about Seth and Jude?

Gabe: Seth is already back in school, and Jude is already in training. Did I forget to tell you about Jude’s hockey career?

Ameline: Clearly. I need to start learning about hockey so I can root for him. Just last night I was feeling blue. It feels like the entire summer is over. I miss the lake, sunny days, and even the children screaming at the top of their lungs.

Gabe: Sorry about that, but think about the perks. Maybe we can hang out when I’m back. Though, it sounds like med school is going to kick my ass.

Ameline: Don’t worry about me. I’ll be totally fine—not partying, of course.

Gabe: Have fun, PARTY, and text if you need me.

Ameline: I will. x

Chapter Nineteen

Gabe: Happy 19th Birthday!

Ameline: You remembered.

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