The Bad Boy's Secret

~Chapter thirty two~

"And don't forget to make a wish, Son." reminds Will, encouragingly inputting his opinion.

At his suggestion, Aidan instantly latches his excitement-filled eyes onto mine, unknowing to everyone else as he faces away from them. Then, doing as he's told, he makes a wish by mouthing a stunning 'you' before blowing out each candle in one go; never once breaking his gaze away from mine. I smile back and bite down on my lower lip to suppress the urge to grin; feeling far too giddy for my own good. Luckily, I remain subtle for the most part and actually sigh a breath of relief when our intimate moment is cut short by Jess pulling on Aidan's arm, keen to get the celebrations well underway.

"You're looking lovely today, Amelia," states Jane, seeming far better with a splash of colour to her cheeks. "I love that colour on you."

"Thanks," I coyly reply, casting my gaze down towards my pale yellow sundress and white sandals.

It had taken all of last night to decide on which outfit to wear and even longer to curl my hair in preparation for my early start. With loose waves cascading down my back and a fake flower holding it all in place, I really do emulate the true essence of summer, which is ironic since we're in the midst of Autumn. Still, my light cardigan will keep the chill off should the temperature decide to drop and the dress' material reaches as far as my knees, keeping majority of my legs warm.

Seriously, the things I do to look good for this boy!

"Are you feeling better? You look good." I state, accepting the filled flute Chloe passes to me.

Having left hospital five days ago, she's since given us no more scares, though I know Aidan still worries about her. He told me as much when I caught him trying to skip school as a means of checking up on her at home. Luckily, I'd convinced him to remain in class, reminding him of the potential consequences for leaving and suggested he call her instead.

"Fine, sweetheart. How about you? Hannah told me it's your Mom's birthday today," she sympathises, lowering her tone. "If you need to drop out early, go right ahead.-"

"Oh no, I'm okay," I ensure, in no way prepared to leave early. "I haven't told anyone though. They don't know." I explain, appreciating the understanding smile that follows and her 'my lips are sealed' gesture.

"Amelia, over here! The birthday boy wants you to sit next to him," yells Jess, already fussing as far as organisation goes.

"Better not keep her waiting. She looks ready to pop." laughs Will, appearing at our side; drink in hand.

I nod my head in silent laughter, not daring to do so out loud in fear of setting her off on a 'why are you amused by me stressing' rant. Chloe and I had very much been subject to one just last night and believe me when I say never again.

"Sit." she demands, barking out orders as if I'm a dog.

Though I don't dare correct her. I simply plonk myself down next to Aidan, catching his sure smile as I get myself comfortable.

"Happy eighteenth birthday," I smirk, clinking my cup with his. "You look very handsome today." I then tell him, indeed unable to hold out on doing so.

His dark brown hair falls in chaotic waves, highlighted by the high rising sun and looking marvellous against his light blue, denim shirt. Other than that, he's pretty much the same as always but not wanting it any other way, I broaden my smile and watch on as he undergoes a thorough analysis of me.