Page 38 of The Two Halves of My Heart

Chapter 12

Grace 18 Years Old

With every day closer to my birthday, it was also closer to our exam results. I’d finally know if I could go off to University. In my heart, I knew I’d get the grades. I’d studied hard, and had set my sights on a strong Uni choice, rather than getting my hopes up for Oxford or Cambridge or anything too ambitious. But I hadn’t made my mind up as to where to study. That choice relied on a few other decisions that I’d been putting off forever.

As usual, my summer-time birthday included time with my mum, followed by time over at the Ray’s. Vivien always made me a birthday dinner and cake, and this year was no exception.

“Happy birthday, to you.” They all sang as Vivien brought out the chocolate cake, complete with a flaming eighteen sparkling on the top. Balloons and streamers completed the scene in their kitchen.

I’d always felt like one of the family here, right from the start, and that had never changed, even if my friendship with the boys had changed—as it had with Maddison.

I missed him. I missed talking to him, spending time with him, and more than anything, knowing that he’d always be there for me. The ache in my chest had only grown bigger with the distance between us, and it cast shade over every part of my life. It was sad and considering my friendship pool was shallower than most—the loss carved out a hole in my life that I didn’t know how to fill.

“Hey,” Maddison pulled me over to one side after we’d sliced and eaten cake. “Got a minute?”

“Sure,” I said breezily, covering up the pounding in my chest at what would come next. Each time I saw Maddison, he seemed to have grown in size, bulking out even more and jeopardising the stitching on another t-shirt.

He scowled at Oliver, who seemed to want to intervene with his plan to pull me away. We paused at the doorway to the living room. “Happy birthday.”

“Thanks.”

“No, I mean it. Eighteen is pretty special.”

“We’re the same age, Mads.”

“I know.” He shifted in his spot, looking uncomfortable. “I got you a gift. To say sorry, as well.” He pulled out a small silver bracelet from his pocket, with a charm of a cat hanging from the clasp. “I know you’ll miss Bob like mad when you go off to Uni. I wanted you to have something to remind you of him, even if he can’t be with you.”

I stared at the small gift and risked touching the little cat figure, testing it to make sure it was real.

“Here, let me.” He took the bracelet and fastened it on my wrist. “I hope you –”

I flung my arms around his neck and squeezed him to me. He stayed still for a moment before his body warmed to my action, and he pulled me closer into him. For that moment—wrapped in his arms—everything was forgotten and buried. I had my friend back and then some. It was the closest we’d ever been, and I couldn’t deny how good it felt.

“Thank you. I love it. And I’m sorry too. I don’t want to fight. Ever.”

He pulled away, putting air between us again. “We won’t anymore. If, you come with me next week. I’m taking you out for your birthday. No arguments.”

“Out? Like dinner? A movie?” My smile crept up at the corners of my mouth, and a bubble of excitement tickled my stomach.

“More like a club. You’re eighteen now, and I’m taking it upon myself to show you a good time.” He smiled at me, and I saw the boy I’d known my whole life. Recognising him after all this time gave me all the courage I needed.

“Okay, then. I’m in your hands. Tell me when and what I need to wear.”

He shook his head and looked to the ceiling. “Oh, Grace.”

“Oh, Grace, what?” Oliver joined us.

“Oh, nothing for you to worry about.” Maddison stalked off as if he’d forgotten all about the last few minutes and the sulky, aggravated boy returned for everyone else to see.

“What did he want?” Oliver asked unhappily.

“Just to wish me happy birthday. Don’t worry. Is there any cake left? I’ll take some back to Mum.” I shut the conversation down, as I knew it was just another argument waiting to happen.

Walking back home, I looked up at the stars that had begun to bloom over the night sky. I’d walked this path hundreds of times, leaving my heart back in the house I’d just come from. Lately, it hadn’t felt quite so sad to be going home, but tonight, all of that angst came crashing back to me. And deciphering my feelings didn’t seem to be getting any easier now that I was legally an adult. It would have been nice if the mystery of my heart and what it wanted had been resolved on the stroke of midnight. Alas, my world didn’t conform to fantasy or fairy tales.

Mum enjoyed the birthday cake, and I went to bed with a strand of silver wrapped around my wrist and my heart.

I’d always shied away from anything that could be interpreted as a date with Maddison. But now, nervous energy infused my body at what might happen. Sure, there had been the occasional party and other ‘social’ thing that I’d showed my face at. But overall, I didn’t like crowds of people or many people in general.

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