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The whole time I felt like I was having a one-way conversation. He didn’t participate even a little bit, which is so unlike him. He didn’t even ask me what Harry Potter book I was on.

His bleak face and soulless eyes were the highlight today.

I slump downhearted when we walk out of there.

My parents think I’m at the library studying for some big test. It was the only way I could get out of the house with a valid excuse.

Dad watched me closely and I almost had a nervous breakdown.

However, from the looks of it, Heath had more fun staring at the sky than going to an arcade with me.

We’re on the curb when he goes to open the door for me, but I grab his hand. He stiffens but he doesn’t pull away from me.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

Cold blue eyes turn to me. “Nothing.”

“I know you said you don’t celebrate your birthday, and it’s nothing special. I just thought…”

“You could make it special?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

Heath stares at me, then laughs. A laugh that has no humor in it.

He rips his hand out of my hold and runs it through his messy dark hair.

With a hard scowl, he says, “You’re like everyone else. Trying to change me.”

“Change you? No. I just want to help—”

“I don’t need your fucking help.” He raises his voice as he glares at me.

Every part of me shudders at his icy tone. It’s the first time he’s talked to me this way.

Digging knives at me through his piercing stare he moves closer. “I’m not broken, damaged, or whatever the fuck you think I am. Just because we’re friends doesn’t mean you know me. You know shit.”

That detached voice slashes through my heart.

When I say quiet in surprise, he continues, “Arcade, lunch, what the fuck were you thinking dragging me to those places? You think I’m two?”

I shake my head, feeling horrible and embarrassed.

He shakes his head. “I can’t believe I wasted half of my day doing this crap. You made it worse than it already is. Leave me the fuck alone.”

Tears fill my eyes, but I keep them at bay. I fight really hard to not let a single one drop.

Reaching inside his car, I get my bag. I’m about to close the door when I remember his present. The present I spent a lot of time on.

Taking it out, I put it on the dashboard and start walking toward the library.

Heath doesn’t stop me. I don’t want him to.

This was a terrible idea. What I didn’t know was how badly it’d backfire on me.

Yes, all that we did today was not out of this world. I went an easy route. A simple place and diner that would make him happy because it usually does. But I was so stupid. So very stupid.

I should have known this. After all, I haven't had friends. I don’t know the first thing about being a friend. Much less how to make someone feel special on their birthday.

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