I woke up with a grin on my face feeling super optimistic about the day ahead. Yeah I know I'm not a morning person but that morning deserved the biggest smile in the world. It was my birthday and I was finally the big One Eight. I had anticipated my eighteenth birthday ever since I was fifteen and social services tried to separate Charlie and I. Finally I could stop living in fear because I was finally old enough to take care of Charlie by myself, according to the law that is.

After saying a quick prayer thanking God for the gift of life and finally reaching eighteen I reached for my phone. I read all the messages people had sent me wishing me a happy birthday. Even Colton had messaged me but his went straight to the recycle bin just like the rest of his messages. Henry's message made me smile extra big. He had made a video slide with a lot of my pictures with the Happy Birthday song by John Legend and Kygo. I sent him a special thank you message and proceeded to reply to all the other messages I'd received.

I was still lying in bed looking for the perfect picture to post on Instagram when there was a knock on my door. I invited them to come in and sat up in bed. Charlie walked in using his elbow crutch for support while Robert walked in behind him with a tray in hand. Charlie had a bunch of balloons in one had and the biggest one was written Happy Birthday Willow. It still amazed me how my brother could now walk around on his own.

"Happy birthday Willow."Charlie cheered getting into bed with me.

He hugged me and handed me the balloons.

"Thank you bud."I replied with a smile tying the balloons to my bedpost.

"Happy birthday Willow. Charlie wanted to bring you breakfast in bed and needed my help carrying it."Robert explained putting the tray on my bedside table.

There were two plates on it with waffles, fruit, syrup, jam and a scoop of vanilla ice cream each. Charlie and I had a tradition to have a scoop of ice cream with our birthday breakfast every year. It originated from the time when my mom was so neglectful that all we had to eat on our birthday was ice cream. I'd made a fun moment out of it to hide the fact that our mom was a selfish bitch.

"Thank you Robert."I smiled gratefully.

"Anytime. I will leave you two to it, I've got to work but I will see you later on at the party."Robert replied.

"What party?"I asked confused.

"Oops did I ruin the surprise?"Robert asked grinning sheepishly.

"Robbie you promised you wouldn't say anything."Charlie scolded.

Seeing the two look so distressed had me bursting out in laughter. They looked at me confused but I just laughed harder. I managed to calm myself when they got too distressed.

"Don't worry I already knew about the surprise party. Jack can't keep a secret to save his life. I caught him ordering balloons and when I asked him what they were for he said they were for his dog. Jack doesn't have a dog, he's allergic to them."I exclaimed.

"Good, then you'll act surprised."Robert asked and I nodded."Perfect see you two later."

Robert waved goodbye before leaving the room shutting the door behind him.

"I got you a birthday present, two actually but I'll give you the other one later."Charlie announced reaching into his pocket.

He retrieved a long jewelry box and handed it to me.

"Where did you get the money to buy me this?"I asked looking at the box skeptically.

"I saved up my allowance plus all the money people gave me after the accident."Charlie replied with a shrug.

"Now open it."He demanded tapping his leg impatiently.

"Okay, okay, calm down."I replied opening the box.

There were two silver necklaces inside designed to look like dog tags. I flipped them around and smiled when I saw what was engraved on them. One of them was written big sis with the letter W on it and the date of my birthday. The other one was written lil bro with the letter C and Charlie's birth date. I really did have the most thoughtful brother.

"These are beautiful Charlie, thank you."I whispered hugging him.

I put mine on and Charlie did the same. He smiled big happy with his choice of gift. After fussing over the necklace for a few minutes Charlie and I finally settled down for breakfast.

Afterwards we watched a movie as we waited for time to pass so we could get ready to go at the arcade. It was on a Saturday and I usually went for my shift in the morning but Jack had insisted that I take the morning off and show up in the afternoon. It was just one more hint that they had a surprise party going on.

I'd never really celebrated my birthday before. I always made a big deal of Charlie's birthdays but never mine. I usually just got a cake for Charlie and I to celebrate together but I'd never had a party. I was happy that my friends were going to all that trouble for me and even if I was already expecting it, I would act surprised for Jack's sake.

After two movies Charlie and I got ready. I put a little extra effort in my outfit choice since I wanted to look good even if I was only going for a "shift at the arcade". I put on a white cropped top with only one strap, oversized white sweatpants and white sneakers. I straightened out my hair and put it in a messy bun. I made sure my winged eyeliner was perfect and the matte burgundy lipstick I had on made my lips look fuller. I picked out a white crossbody bag to match my outfit with everything I'd need in it and left my room.

Charlie was taking his time getting ready so I waited for him in the kitchen. Ever since he had started walking he insisted on being more responsible for himself. It was scary for me at first but I'd slowly learnt that with Charlie now walking he would have to be more independent. It was hard but I would adjust with time.

A knock on the door had me setting the glass of water I was drinking down. I waited hoping one of the maids would get it but after the doorbell rang again unanswered I decided to see who was at the door myself. I opened the door to reveal a delivery man holding a bouquet of red roses, a Harry and David gift basket and three gift boxes tied together on the ground next to him. I didn't need to read the card on the flowers to know who had sent all that. Colton Reeves really was trying to outdo himself. Did he really think that a few gifts and heartfelt texts would make all the years of neglect vanish into thin air. He was reaching for the stars but it was fun seeing him try.

"Are you Willow Cooper?"The kind looking man asked.

"Yes."I replied.

"Happy birthday. Please sign here to indicate that you've received them."The man directed.

I signed where he asked me to and took the flowers and gift basket from him. I was thinking about tossing everything away but I got a different idea last minute.

"Excuse me sir."I called out to the man before he could leave.

He was an African-American, who seemed to be in his mid forties. He had a kind smile and seemed genuine enough.

"Yes, is there anything wrong with the delivery."He asked walking back to me and I shook my head.

"No nothing like that. Do you have a wife John?"I asked reading his name tag.

My question surprised him but he nodded and smiled answering me nonetheless.

"Yes, we will be married twenty three years as of next week."John explained.

"Perfect, then how about an early anniversary present."I suggested plucking the card from the flowers and holding them out for him.

"Oh no, I could never do that."He declined.

"John do you really want to say no to the birthday girl."I asked one hand on my waist.

"No miss, it's not that. These are for you."He replied.

"That's why I'm asking you to take them. It is my birthday and I want to share the joy with everyone around me and you are one of those people. I'm not a flowers kind of girl but your wife will appreciate them."I insisted.

John still looked skeptical.

"Please John. It would make this birthday girl very happy."I pleaded with a pout.

"Oh well okay. Thank you miss."He grinned taking the flowers from me.

"No thank you John, take this too."I said handing him the gift basket.

He was about to decline but I just pouted harder and he sighed defeated taking the basket from me.

"Happy anniversary John."I said leaning in to hug and kiss the kind old man's cheek.

He smiled and hugged me back with his free hand before he turned around and left to reveal a smiling Henry.

"How long have you been standing there?"I asked hands on my waist.

"A while and long enough to confirm that you are the most amazing human being on this planet."Henry replied.

"Thank you but it's my birthday and I'm spreading the cheer."I responded.

"Well since you're not really a flowers kind of girl I guess this red tulips are useless."Henry shrugged pulling a bouquet of the most beautiful red tulips from behind him.

"Are you kidding? Give me those. I just said that for John's sake."I replied excited.

"Eighteen beautiful tulips for the even more beautiful birthday girl."Henry said handing me the flowers.

I hugged and kissed him before pulling him into the house.

"Can I ask why you just gave away all that to a stranger?"Henry asked looking at the three gifts I'd left by the door.

I would deal with them later and probably donate all that was in there. I couldn't have given them to John because I had no idea what was in them.

"Colton sent them."I replied shortly.

"He's still trying to get close to you huh?"Henry asked.

"Yeap but it's not going to work. I won't even even bother asking how he got my address or knew my birthday was today."

"Probably the same way we found out where he was and his hotel room number all those weeks ago."Henry explained and I just shrugged.

"You should really consider hearing him out. He is making the effort after all."Henry suggested.

"It's too little, too late. Now no more talk of Colton please. I do intend to enjoy my birthday and he kind of ruins my mood."I demanded softly.

"Yes ma'am."Henry said

I put the flowers he'd given me in a vase before taking one, cutting the stem short and putting it in my hair. Charlie finally graced us with his presence and since Henry was already with us, we all drove to the arcade together.

"Have you already practiced your fake surprise face?"Henry asked as I packed in the arcade parking lot.

"Yep. It'll be better than my real surprised face."I replied.

Henry just laughed and retrieved his phone to text Jack that we were outside. We all got out of the car and they allowed me to walk in first. I opened the door to reveal a completely dark arcade. A few seconds later the lights came in and everyone popped out of different hiding places.

"Surprise!"They all yelled making me smile.

I recognized Jack, Robert, Hannah, Sadie the new employee Jack had hired, a few of my acquaintances from school and a few frequent customers I'd made friends with.

"Nailed it."Henry whispered in my ear.

I smiled and walked further into the arcade to hug and say hello to everyone.

"Thank you for planning this guy's, I definitely didn't expect it."I expressed hugging Jack and Hannah.

Hannah gave me a knowing wink that let me know she knew I had been aware of the party.

"Only the best for my favorite employee."Jack grinned burying me into one of his giant hugs as I laughed hugging him back.

"Happy birthday Willow. Most of the food is in the den but we have a few snacks and drinks in here too."Hannah informed me.

"Thank you Hannah."I replied as I hugged her.

The arcade had been decorated in pink, white and blacks which was a great combination to match my personality. There were balloons, streamers and a banner written happy birthday willow in bold gold letters. My gifts were placed on a table by the vending machine and it was quite an impressive pile. Those were the gifts that I would keep for myself unlike the one's Colton has sent.

I was soon lost in a sea of saying hello to all the guests, thanking them for coming and receiving enough hugs to last me a few lifetimes. I soaked it all in because they all came from a place of love from all the friends I'd made in crescent. We played games, took pictures, shared jokes and had the best time.

The food and drinks were in plenty and delicious, the company was perfect and I was happy. I had been plenty miserable in my life but as I looked around the arcade and saw all the smiling faces, I couldn't help but thank my lucky stars for the chance at happiness I was experiencing.

Hannah brought out the cake after a few hours and it had two tiers with black and gold decorations.

"Before I blow out the candles I just want to say thank you to all of you for being here. I really appreciate you celebrating this day with me. I've been been looking forward to turning eighteen for a really long time and I'm happy I get to share this day with all of you."I said wiping away a stray tear as everyone clapped.

"Henry baby, come here."I called out holding out my hand for Henry.

He looked at me confused but nonetheless took my hand and stood next to me.

"Meeting you here at Crescent was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I'm grateful for a lot of things today but most especially I'm thankful that I met you so I want to share my birthday with you since you didn't celebrate yours. You can't say no to the birthday girl so don't bother."I announced.

I had thought about it for a while and had decided to share my birthday with Henry. His had been in February, a few days before Charlie's accident and he had refused to celebrate it because he didn't want to share his birthday with Matthew. I had still bought him a gift but he had strictly refused to celebrate the day.

Henry didn't say anything, just nodded and kissed my cheek. Everyone sang happy birthday for us before we both closed out eyes and blew out the candles. Hannah took charge of sharing the cake amidst all the guests while I enjoyed being in my boyfriend's arms.

"You are the best thing that has ever happened to me Willow Cooper."Henry whispered in my ear as we slow danced lost in our own little world.

I lifted my head from his shoulder and looked up to meet his eyes. Looking back at me were eyes filled with love, awe and admiration. In that moment everything was perfect and my heart felt at peace.

"I love you so much."Henry declared in a low tone before I had the chance to say it first.

"Hey that I was my line."I scolded slapping his arm playfully.

"I couldn't hold it in any longer. I love you Willow Cooper. I was entranced by you from the moment we met and my feelings have only grown stronger since then. You are the most important person in my life and I can't imagine life without you."Henry expounded.

"I love you too Henry. I never imagined I could ever fall in love, especially with a white boy but when I see you I don't see white or black, I only see love. You are my person Henry and I am the luckiest girl to call you mine."I replied.

No more words were said as Henry swooped in and kissed me. It was filled with love and a promise of a beautiful future.

Hannah cut in our sweet moment to give us some cake. We found a spot and sat down as we enjoyed the marble cake that had us going in for seconds. The party ran for a few hours until the guests started leaving one by one. Robert took Henry home while Henry, Jack, Hannah and I stayed back to clean up.

"You don't really have to help you know. It is your birthday after all."Hannah informed me as we took out the trash.

"I know but it's a force of habit."I replied.

After we were done cleaning up the place, Jack and Hannah left while Henry and I stayed back as he helped me load all the gifts into my car.

"Do we really have to pack that? We can just eat it."I suggested to Henry as I looked at the left over cake.

"Great idea."He replied handing me a fork.

We sat on the sofa in the den and enjoyed the last pieces of the cake together.

"I got you something."Henry declared giving me an envelope.

"I saw your gift in the pile. What's this?"I asked taking the envelope from him.

"Just open it."He requested softly.

I pulled the stack of papers from the envelope and my eyes widened when I realized what the documents were.

"You've always talked about wanting to get custody of Charlie one day so I went to the courthouse a few days ago and got you these. If you get your mother to sign these she will be officially relinquishing all custody rights of Charlie to you."Henry explained.

I didn't even need to read anymore, I just carefully put the papers back inside, set the envelope aside and launched myself at Henry hugging the life out of him.

"Thank you."I cried.

"You're welcome love."He replied hugging me back.

Henry held me until I'd stopped crying. I pulled away and kissed him softly. He put his hands on my waist and pulled me onto his lap so I was straddling him. The kiss got deeper and more heated. Soon enough it was a competition of tongues, ragged breath and raging hormones. When we both ran out of breath we pulled away laying our foreheads on each other. Our eyes met and the look of lust I saw in Henry's eyes matched the feeling I had in every fiber of my being.

"I want you but I don't want you to feel pressured into having sex with me today."I said speaking frankly.

Henry hadn't expected me to be so straightforward but his pupils widened at the mention of sex with me.

"I want to."He replied a little out of breath.

"Birthday sex it is."I smiled before leaning back into kiss him.

As Henry and I got lost in the pure bliss of our first time together one thought came in mind; we were breaking Jack's rule that forbade us from having sex at the arcade.