Chapter 16

***Rose’s POV***

I glanced around the cafeteria, trying to find where Ry was sat. Since the cafeteria was so big, it was no easy task. I did like the cafeteria, though. The size allowed it to have these huge windows with medieval paintings on them; they were pretty awesome. The maroon coloured walls weren’t half bad either.

I looked around again. Where was Ryan? I was so hungry. To prove my point, my belly rumbled loudly. People at the nearby tables gave me looks, but I really didn’t care. The chicken pot pie on my plate smelled delicious; I just wanted to eat it. Unlike most other schools, the lunch ladies here actually made decent food.

My resolve was breaking, and I was about to sit at an empty table when I spotted Ryan in the back. I nodded so he knew I’d spotted him then made my way over.

“Hey.” I greeted, sliding into a seat across from him.

“Hey. What’s up, girl?”

“Well, I was thinking we could go to the mall.” I smiled. This was one thing I didn’t need to bully Ry into doing; he loved shopping more than I did.

“Cool. Any reason why?” Huh, not his usual enthusiasm.

“Grant’s birthday is coming up and I need to get him something.” I explained.

“Ooh.” He clapped his hands together, getting excited. That was more like it. “What are you getting him?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know yet. I was kind of hoping you could help me to be honest”

“Well, I think you should give him some Speedos.” Ry smiled innocently.

I gave him a weird look. “Why would I do that?”

“’Cause I find guys in Speedos sexy,” he chuckled. I rolled my eyes. Sometimes, I really wondered what went on in that head of his.

All of a sudden, Trent appeared. He dropped his tray down next to Ryan and took a seat. I raised my eyebrows at my brother; neither he nor Grant ever sat with us. I blamed that little fact on Ryan. He tended to make them feel a little… uncomfortable.  

“Hey they’re sexy, miss me already?” Ryan stroked Trent’s arm seductively.

Trent shuddered and quickly moved over to sit next to me, away from my friend’s reach.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “What’re you going over here, bro?”

“Grant’s 18th birthday is coming up; I think that we should throw him a party.” Ah, so he wanted to discuss party plans then.

“Are you sure?” I laughed. “You’re not so good with surprise parties.”  I smiled, remembering his own 18th birthday party.

**Flashback**

“Rose, I’m home!” Trent called out, slamming the front door behind him.

I was in the living room, watching sponge bob with Grant.

“In here!” I shouted back.

“Oh my god, I was not expecting this.” Trent gasped from behind us. Both Grant and I turned our heads in confusion.

“Expecting what?” Grant looked at my brother as if he’d gone crazy.

“Wait.” Trent smile turned into a frown. “Where’s the party?”

“What party?” It was my turn to act confused.

“It’s my birthday.” Trent stated.

“…And?” Grant pressed.

“You guys didn’t throw me a party?” We both shook our heads. “Well, I guess that’s good. You probably would have invited all those snobs from school. I don’t even like them; I’d rather just spend my birthday with you guys.”

I laughed nervously. “Erm, you can come out now everybody.”

“Surprise!” everyone yelled unenthusiastically.

**End of flashback**

Both Ryan and I started laughing at the memory.

“That was not funny.” Trent glared. “You could have warned me.”

“Then it wouldn’t have been a surprise.” I shrugged innocently.

“It still wasn’t funny.” He hissed.

“Yes, it really was.” Ryan laughed, whipping a tear off his face.

“What are you guys laughing at?” Grant walked over and sat down next to Ryan.

“Nothing,” we all answered. I couldn’t help but grin.