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I wake up, sun leaking on my face. I frown my eyebrows trying to locate what has woke me up.

My phone is ringing.

"Hello?" I anxiously answer the phone. It's 7am, who could possibly be ringing me at this time?

"Happy birthday sweetheart!" My moms bright voice shouts down the phone. "Thank you" I try hide a smile even though she can't see me.

"I have all your presents at home" I can hear the smile on her face through her words, "Are you coming home today?" She asks.

"I'm not sure, Amelia asked for a sleepover yesterday and I'd completely forgotten about my birthday so I said yes. Then Henry said we should go out so I think we are tonight. I don't know what's happening" I nod along with my words.

"Oh, okay" My mother sounds glum through the phone but resumes back to cheerful, "Well you haven't celebrated your birthday with friends for ages so go have fun!" Her voice bounces down the phone.

"Thanks mom" I jump excitedly.

We say our goodbyes before I rest my phone back on the nightstand rubbing my eyes from sleep.

I've never spent a birthday with friends, when I was little I had birthday parties but I didn't want them, mom planned them and moms used to force their kids to come because I didn't have any friends and they felt sorry for me.

I sigh thinking about going back to bed until I hear a soft muffled knock at the door.

"Hello?" I answer. My curiousness is replaced with the biggest smile when Issac's head pops through the door.

"Happy birthday princess" He wishes with a massive grin. He runs over to my bed wrapping his arms around me.

"Do I get a birthday kiss?" I look up at him, blinking my doe eyes.

A soft grunt comes from him, "The things you do to me, Darcy" He whispers before attaching his lips to mine.

My body tingles giving me goosebumps. I smile against his lips as he pulls me closer.

"You're so cute in the morning" He looks down at me searching my face, squatting another kiss on my lips.

I hum in response brushing his morning hair out of his face. "Darcy?" His fingers roam around my chest, outlining my collarbone.

"Hmm?" I look up at him.

"Do you really want to be together?" He's asked me that question several times since last night and every time the same worried expression leaks into his eyes.

"Yes Issac, I want to be with you" I plant a soft kiss on his jaw, "But, I want to be asked properly" I smirk up at him.

"You really want me to ask you?" He raises his eyebrows, smiling goofily at me.

"Yes" I giggle watching his eyes, "Well it's a good thing I have something prepared" He wiggles his eyebrows. I whine when he gets up leaving my body cold.

"I'll be back" He winks leaving the room, a silly smile crosses my lips whilst I sit up waiting for him.

I give him a confused look when he walks back in with a plate of toast looking like an excited child, "I made breakfast" He giggles unable to contain himself.

I take the plate off him when he's sat in front of me and look at it, a massive smile reaches my face.

He's buttered the words, will you be my girlfriend? Into the toast, I laugh.

"Yes, yes, yes!" I dump the toast and jump into his arms wrapping my legs around him.

"You've just made me the happiest man alive" He smiles up at me, my smile can't be tamed, not even when I lean down and attach my lips to his.

"I can't wait to show you off" He mumbles against me, my jaw hurts from smiling.

"Most girls in college have a massive crush on you, I think I'll be the one showing you off" I laugh, "Well, what can I say" He smirks causing me to slap his chest gently.

Silence passes and my thoughts invade my head making my smile slope off my face, "What's wrong baby?" His eyebrows frown, creating crinkles on his forehead.

"Issac" My voice doesn't come out properly, it's just about forced above a whisper, "This isn't going to be an easy relationship- I know we've only just made it official but before we get ahead of ourselves I just wanted to warn-"

"Darcy" Issac stops me, "I know exactly what I'm doing okay? Don't worry, I'm going to stay with you through thick and thin, I want to help you" He reassures me, he's told me thousands of times but I feel like he needs to drill it into my head.

I nod sending him a smile before we go downstairs, no one is awake. The house is empty I almost feel like Issac planned it to be like this.

"Okay, wait in the kitchen. I have something for you" His excited giggle comes out again, causing me to raise my eyebrow.

I thought he said he didn't know it was my birthday today?

I hum in thought until he returns to the kitchen with something behind his back, "I thought long and hard about this present, it's going to help you in more ways then you think possible" He becomes serious but I brush it off impatiently, waiting for my presents.

"Let me see, let me see" I whine.

He smiles before revealing what's in his hands, a loud gasp escapes my mouth when I see the little puppy in his hands.

"Issac you got me a puppy?!" I don't know whether to be shocked or happy but I decide on both.

"Darcy, you once mentioned to me that you don't think you have a purpose in this world so I'm giving you one. This dog is your purpose, he's all yours, you've to look after him, you're his human now" he passes him to me. Tears spring to my eyes, it's so thoughtful of him.

"I thought you didn't know it was my birthday today?" I look up at him, confused stroking the dogs head.

"That was just an act, I knew really" He winks, tears leak down my face.

"Thank you, so much" I plant a kiss on his lips.

I look down at the puppy in my hands, a French Bulldog. I have to look after him now, I can't leave him nor do I want to, Issac has given me the greatest most thoughtful gift ever, a purpose.

"What you gonna call him?" Issac smiles, stroking the dogs head.

I look at him, his loving eyes stare into mine. He attacks my face with kisses, "I think I'll call him Romeo, Ro for short" I laugh.

"Suits him" Issac smiles kissing my forehead. I smile, pin pointing my emotion like Louise had told me to do. I'm feeling happy, extremely and thoroughly happy.

❥

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Darcy! Happy birthday to you!" Everyone sings when Sam brings her homemade cake out.

"Make a wish" Issac smiles. At the moment I feel like I have all my wishes. I have all my friends around me, a boyfriend who likes me for who I am and I have a beautiful puppy who has given me purpose.

But I make the same wish I do every year.

"Thank you for this cake Sam, it's beautiful" I smile down at it, whipping some of the icing on my finger and placing it in my mouth.

"Unfortunately it's not my best work due to the lack of notice" She glares at Issac because he's now been exposed for knowing all along, "But I'm glad you like it" She smiles sweetly at me.

We all have a slice. I place Romeo on the floor making sure to keep an eye on him as I plant a chuck of cake in my mouth, I groan with goodness along with everyone else when it's flavours explore my mouth.

Issac stands next to me, I catch him glancing at me a few times, long glances like he's transfixed on me. I haven't, we, haven't told anyone about us yet. I guess we'll wait for the right time.

"Mom, this is amazing" Amelia takes another bite. Henry nods in agreement.

Sam smiles, thanking her, "What are you kids doing later?" She expresses a smile towards us.

"We're going out on the town" Henry winks, "Ellie is coming round in a bit" Amelia tells me.

"Ellie?" A look of surprise, "She's old enough to get us in" I nod.

"Talking of Ellie, I haven't seen her at college" I frown my eyebrows, taking another bite of cake from my plate and letting it melt against my tongue.

"Same" Henry looks puzzled, "But I've been wildly distracted by Eric to notice" He can't help but smile.

"Why?" Issac laughs unknowingly. Henry's eyes widen in shock realising what he's said.

"Have you seen Ellie?" Amelia changes the subject straight away, diverting Issac's question.

"No, why would I have seen Ellie?" He raises his eyebrows.

"Because she's obsessed with you?" Amelia states the obvious. I sigh worriedly and look at Romeo, he's big brown eyes loom back at me.

We all finish our breakfast, our very unhealthy breakfast and go up to Amelia's room. Henry decides we should go to the hair salon.

Amelia immediately agrees and Henry texts his hairdresser to see if she could get us in today, with the mention of my birthday. "You should go lighter" Amelia frames my face with strands of hair.

I shake my head, "I like my hair colour" I frown, I've never dyed my hair. I have the exact same hair colour as my dad and I'm not quite ready to change that.

"Darc, you'd look cute and summery with lighter hair" She frowns, I give her a small smile.

"Stop trying to change her she's beautiful the way she is, leave her alone" Issac strolls in squatting Amelia's arms off me. I giggle as he wraps his arms around me, protecting me from Amelia's suggestions.

"Why are you always hanging around? You can never leave her alone" Amelia pulls a face at him, "She's my friend" She folds her arms.

"And she's my girlfriend" He throws back at her with a smirk which I can't see but I know it's there.

Amelia's and Henry's mouths drop to the floor, "It's about time!" Henry's the first to break into a smile.

"When did this happen? And why didn't you tell me?" Amelia darts her glare to me.

"This morning, I didn't know when the right time was" I frown, "Anytime is a good time to let me know you're dating my brother" She huffs.

"Mila leave off, be happy for them" Henry warns in a serious tone.

"I'm sorry" Her frown turns into a smile, "I'm happy for you"

I smile and I wrap my arms around Issac, "You could at least put a shirt on though" Amelia scowls at him.

"Don't put a shirt on" I whisper to him when Amelia's isn't watching. I hear him softly chuckle.

"Daniella can get us in!" Henry cheers, "Really? On such short notice?" Amelia says surprised.

"Well she said she had a few cancellations and that she can push back a few appointments for me. I've been going to her since I was a kid and my family have always supported her business, plus she couldn't say no to a birthday girl could she?" Henry winks.

"I'm so excited! Let's get ready" Amelia squeals rushing me and Issac out the room so I can get ready.

I laugh and walk down to the spare room I'm staying in. I quickly walk over to my overnight bag getting the essentials and some new clothing I brought yesterday.

"You aren't gonna change to much are you?" Issac frowns, "I'll think you'll look beautiful whatever you look like though" He grins sitting on the end of the bed.

"Don't worry, not to much" I smile and take my pyjamas off changing my underwear, I catch Issac's wondering eyes, "It's rude to stare ya'know" I giggle.

"Can't a man admire what's his?" He leans back on his elbows with a smirk.

"Trust me, it's taking my whole body strength to just sit here and not come take you right there" He almost drools, I giggle.

"Am I that hard to resist?" I smirk walking towards him, "Darc if you come any closer-"

"What will happen if I do?" I carry on walking towards him until I'm in arms length.

"This" He wraps his arms around me throwing me onto the bed, positioning himself between my legs.

I laugh, "You're so cute when you laugh" He smiles down at me, "Issac, you're always giving me compliments" I cover my face with my hands, hiding the shade I've gone.

"I like to remind you how beautiful you are" He kisses my neck before removing my hands from my face. His eyes look down into mine, he leans down planting a kiss on my lips.

"Darcy c'mon" I hear Amelia call from outside, I quickly scramble to my feet and slide on a shirt and some shorts, "Two seconds!" I call.

I see Issac frown with a groan whilst he gets to his feet. "I won't be here when you get back, me and Eric are going to play footie on the field but I'll see you later" He smiles, kissing my forehead.

"Okay, see you later" I smile, grabbing my bag and running downstairs to Henry and Amelia.

Amelia drives us to the shopping centre buzzing with excitement. "I can't believe we got this appointment!" She jumps out when we arrive.

"Me and Amelia are paying for you Darcy! As a birthday gift" Henry links his arm through mine.

"Oh no, you don't have to" I frown, "Don't be silly" Henry raises his index finger, "It's your birthday we will treat you" He almost warns.

"Thanks guys" I smile. I've never had friends that care about me this much, it feels really nice.

We walk into the salon and the ladies greet us with chirpy smiles, making us feel at home straight away. "Come on my lovelies, take a seat" A tall woman smiles at us.

I take a seat in the middle of Amelia and Henry, "What we having done today sweet?" Another woman comes at the back of me, smiling through the mirror.

"Just a cut and blowdry please" I nod. She looks disappointed with my lack of experiment but takes me to the wash basin anyways.

"So sweets, how old are you this birthday?" She carefully positions my head in the skin and starts washing my hair. I relax under the nice temperature.

"Seventeen" I smile. It doesn't feel much different being a year older, "What did you get nice?" Her soft voice keeps up conversation.

"I got a boyfriend and a dog" I giggle. It feels so weird to refer Issac as my boyfriend.

She laughs, "A boyfriend? Aren't you a lucky girl" She winks. "I'm guessing he popped the question this morning?" It almost sounds like he asked to marry me.

"He did, over a round of toast" I giggle thinking back, "Who says romance is dead?" She chuckles.

"Who brought you a dog?" She ponders, "My boyfriend" I feel tingly.

"Where did you find him? He's a keeper" She sounds shocked, "All my boyfriend buys me is a Macdonals, on special occasions" She shakes her head but I see her smile.

After she's washed my hair she takes me back over to the chair and starts cutting, "How much would you like off?" She raises her eyebrows.

"Only a bit, maybe this much" I point to just under my shoulders, she nods and gets to work.

My hairs been bothering me for a while so having it cut is a relief, I enjoy long hair but I've always loved it being short.

I see Amelia getting her hair dyed and Henry having a new style all together. I feel quite boring compared to them but I like my hair how it is, even more so now it's going shorter.

I get a few strips of my fringe cut to frame my face but avoid having a full one cut in, it doesn't suit me.

Maybe next time I'll try attempt a light fringe but I'm enjoying it grown out, the pain I went through whilst it was growing out was horrible.

"I've texted Ellie, she said she'll be round in a bit" Henry nods, "Yasmine is coming also" Amelia adds in.

"And I might be able to rope Nathan and Andrew in" Henry sounds unsure, "Is Issac coming?" I ask, they both give me a look.

"Going clubbing with my brother seems so tragic" Amelia laughs lightly, "Well it's not your birthday so shut up" Henry warns, she rolls her eyes playfully.

I'm hoping Issac does come. I've never been clubbing before, It's never looked appealing, plus I've never had anyone to go with.

After she's finished cutting my hair she starts to dry it off. I used to come to the hairdressers all the time with my mom, away from Ezra and Joseph we used to bond, it was fun but there was always something missing between us, till this day I still don't know what it is.

When we're finished Henry and Amelia pay for me. Henry had his hair styled and gone a shade lighter to compliment his dark skin and Amelia has gone more blonde, getting rid of her ombré and going all over. It really suits her.

I just had mine cut and styled. I look in the mirror satisfied and thank the lady, "Thank you guys" I beam at them as we exit the salon, "It's no problem Darc!" Amelia smiles as we walk to the car.

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I pull a baby pink dress over my legs and up my body. It snatches in at the waist catching my body shape and flows out. Henry picked this out for me which isn't surprising, it's laced with little strips of diamonds attached together running down the dress.

My hair is already done and I decide to leave my face bare. I put a face mask on last night so my complexion is glowing. I'm trying to embrace every little feature I have, it's what Louise suggested so I don't keep putting negative thoughts upon myself, going bare face tonight and exposing myself is a challenge.

I slip on my shoes and decide not to take a bag, I don't need anything but my phone and a bit of money which I shove in the pocket of my dress, finding a dress with pockets was a miracle.

I smile once more in the mirror before heading downstairs, I hear Ellie's voice and become nervous.

I walk in and everyone is eating cake. Amelia is wearing a slim black dress that reaches the middle of her thighs and Henry is wearing some denim jeans, a crop top and braces that loop round his shoulders, "You guy look amazing" I compliment as I walk in, "Hi Ellie" I look towards her and gulp.

Her eyes are tired, her face is pale and her body looks weak. Worry leaks into my body, she looks like she's about to be sick any minute, "Ellie, are you okay?" I frown my eyebrows.

She nods, "I'm okay, just a little headache" She waves off but I don't believe her. "Don't worry about me, I know we've had our differences but I want to enjoy this night and celebrate your birthday" She smiles, the nervous feelings slips away as we share a hug.

"Thank you" I whisper as I pull away from her.

"Right are we ready to party?" Nathan's walks through the door, we all cheer and follow him back out the door.

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hi guys! thanks for reading! i hope you enjoyed this as much as i enjoyed writing it. let me know what you think.

i hope you're all well and smiling.

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