Art is by on !!!

We pulled into the parking lot of an oddly placed iHop. The drive was lengthy, but the scenery made it worth it. It seemed like it was out of town.

There were more people walking the streets, cars bustling through, chatter from inside shops; and the sun seemed to shine a little bit brighter.

"I love coming here," he said with a smile, parking. "It's like an escape."

I put my hand on the window of the passenger's seat and glanced out. The place was rightfully busy.

"Why don't you move here?" I asked, looking back at him.

"I never really... thought of that." He laughed and tucked his keys away. "I guess I've just been so absorbed in everything that the idea never crossed my mind."

Before he opened the door, I put my hand on his arm and looked up.

"We should move. We should get out of there. You can get a better job. My mom won't find me."

He looked back at me and froze for a second. His faced seemed concerned, but after a moment of consideration, he gave a small smile.

"Maybe, (Y/N). One day."

~

A waiter greeted us with an unusually friendly smile and sat us down at a table. Baldi let me take the side with the cushion.

Apparently I hadn't shut up about my birthday, because the waiter that seated us returned with a notebook and an unusual question.

"So, is it your daughter's birthday today?" The young guy asked Baldi.

My face flushed and I repressed the urge to break out into a fit of laughter.

Baldi's face flushed and he facepalmed.

The waiter stood there in complete confusion.

"She's not my daughter, but yes, it's her birthday." Baldi resounded, clearly trying to hold back laughter too.

The younger man stood there and gave a curious nod, deciding not to ask anything else.

"Ah, so, happy birthday, miss." He pulled out a pen and clicked it, looking at us expectantly. "Can I get you two anything to drink today?"

I nodded and blurted out the words, "Hot chocolate with whipped cream please!"

He nodded and jotted it down, looking at Baldi.

"I'll have a coffee."

"Alright, I'll be back soon!" He closed the notebook and put his pen in his apron.

As soon as he left, I burst into a fit of giggles, doing my best to keep myself quiet because of the amount of people in the restaurant. "Oh my god..." I sputtered, covering my mouth. "I can't believe that."

Baldi seemed less amused, but laughed along anyway. "That's definitely the first time that's ever happened to me."

"You don't even look that old," I said, scanning him. He looked at most in his thirties. Then the thought crossed my mind. How old was he?

Tapping my fingers, I looked at him quizzically. "Hey, Baldi, how old are you anyway?..."

He raised an eyebrow. "In complete honesty, I don't even remember." He looked around and sighed. "I lost count."

I pointed at his wallet. "Your ID, what's your birthday?" I was astounded that someone couldn't even remember how old they were. But to a certain extent... it was understandable. This guy's life is off the walls. I'd stop caring too.

He reached into his wallet and pulled his ID out, looking at it and immediately saying, "I'm 28." He handed it to me. He figured it out with no time needed... then I remembered that he was a math teacher. His birthday was in August of 1988.

I raised my eyebrows. He was definitely younger than I thought. How is he bald then?

Siding him his ID, I gave a smile. "Do you mind if I ask how you're bald then?"

My question was quiet, in fear that I'd offend him. He didn't seem bothered at all.

"It's all a faint memory," he started, touching the top of his head. "I can't remember perfectly but I have an idea. Something happened to the town. That's why it's so abandoned."

I leaned in, listening intently.

"There was, um... something exploded, I think. People evacuated and there were lasting effects. Some people went blind... others got odd diseases... and since I was far enough away," he put his wallet back in his pocket. "All I did was lose my hair. And have headaches for a while."

My heart sunk a little.

"That's horrible..." I said quietly. I reached my hand over to hold his. "But hey, you're still here, right? And I'm so happy you're here. Bald or not."

He gave a weak smile. "It happened when I was a teenager. I got bullied plenty. None of it grew back except this one," he reached up and flicked the single hair. "I don't quite remember what happened to my father. My mother raised me, I know that. But like I said, everything is a blur."

Baldi rubbed his eyes. "Or maybe it's just terrible genetics and that was a cover up." He laughed weakly.

"Let's not talk about this anymore." I said strongly. "I'm not watching you cry, especially on my birthday. Like you told me," I squeezed his hand. "Focus on right now! The past is the past. There are so many things that we can still do together."

He sighed and looked back up at me, quickly wiping a tear away, hoping I wouldn't see.

The sound of footsteps brought me back to reality.

"Here are your hot chocolates," the waiter returned, looking at Baldi with a concerned face. "Are you alright, sir?"

"He tends to get headaches," I practically cut him off. "Thank you for your concern."

He nodded and walked away after setting the mugs down, believing me.

Baldi weakly laughed and pulled his mug over to him. "You're fantastic at lying. It scares me a little. Have you been lying to me this whole time?"

"I wouldn't lie to you even with a knife at my throat." I took a sip from the mug, leaning back.

There were so many more questions that I wanted to ask him, but it would ruin the mood.

I wanted to ask about his job because the principal was dead. Ask if I should get a job. Ask more about his past. Ask if he wanted to know more about mine.

But there was one thing that I wanted for my birthday.

"Baldi, do you think that I could move in with you? Like, for real? Bring my things over? Live with you?..." My face flushed at the last part.

He smiled and tapped his fingers on his mug. He seemed to be worrying about something, probably money or something of the sort, but he leaned foreword and gave me a confident nod.

"Of course. And if you want, we can go to your house and get your stuff if your mom isn't home." His tone was mischievous, like a teenager sneaking out at night.

"Sounds like a plan." I smiled and laughed.

I had a job in my old town, I just worked fast food. I could get another one, especially since there... wouldn't be school anymore.

"(Y/N)," his voice broke me out of my thoughts. "I love you." His smile was genuine, slightly flustered.

"I love you more."

My head planned out our day, and I felt an adrenaline surge from the thought of sneaking my stuff out of my mom's house. But it was going to be worth it.

My phone buzzed.

"Mom ❤️: 'Sweetie, I really hope you're okay. Please answer my calls. I don't want to have to call the police.'"

I swiped and opened the text.

Type a message: "Hi Mom. I'm fine. I'm doing great, actually. I promise I'll have a good talk with you soon about school and such. Don't worry about me. I love you."

Message sent.

~

MORE CUTE STUFFF!!! I'll never stop!!! And that's why Baldi is... well, bald! A lot of things were revealed in this chapter. My friend said this succed but I think its chill. Hope you enjoyed 💞