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When I woke up this morning, I could hardly believe I was now an adult. It's crazy to think about. I've been dreaming about this day for years and now it's finally here.

I got up and ready for school. When I flew down the stairs towards the living room, I was greeted by my Nanny Grace and my mother, who looked lost in her thoughts.

Although we haven't been on speaking terms since the night I went on my date with Reese, she wished me a Happy Birthday and handed me a pink birthday card.

My eyes stretched wide open at the amount of cash inside. My mother said 'I'm now eighteen and I'm free to make my own decisions'.

Lost for words, I pull her in for a hug, forgetting our issues -- even for a moment -- hoping to show her how grateful I am to have her in my life. My chest aches when I hold my mother in my arms, thinking how rare this is and how much I wish this was common for us.

Nanny Grace made a beautiful chocolate cake, decorated with white chocolate stars with the numbers one and eight on the top. She knows how much I love her baking.

When I left for school, I couldn't get over how spoilt I'd been. I have no clue what I'm going to do with the money my mom gave me. She said that I could choose what I want to do with it, so does that mean I can choose what I want to do with my future?

If I'm honest, I've not decided what I want for my future. I was happy to attend high school for my last year. Soon I'll be graduating and I've not given much thought to what I'll do after that.

As I pull my Jeep into a vacant spot at school, I jump out of the vehicle, swinging my bag over my shoulder. I'm caught off guard when a small brunette pounces on top of me. "Happy Birthday!"

I smile from ear to ear as my best friend holds up a pale blue plastic bag.

My heart clenches in my chest. "Aw Sky thank you. You didn't need to."

She waves her hand in the air. "It's nothing much, honestly."

I unwrap the silver birthday paper that uncovers a lilac book with a flowery design on the front cover. I flick over the sheets of rich cream paper and I could feel my eyes tearing up. A brand new journal.

"Sky, this is perfect."

Her eyes beamed at me. "Well, I noticed your other songbook was looking a little full. I figured you might want more paper in case you need to write more lyrics from that genius mind of yours," she hands me a thin white envelope, this time I can't stop the tears from flowing down my cheeks. "Don't forget the card."

The card reveals a few selfies of the two of us. Some at the first house party we went to, some on Halloween and at the school cafeteria. This is the most precious thing I could ever receive from someone. I read the card out loud, sniffling.

"I love this, thank you. Thank you so much." I embrace her. Soon after, we head to our first class and as the day went by, I notice Reese missing from his classes and at lunch.

I frown. Where is he?

I sent him a text a few hours ago.

Do I sound too clingy?

It's been a week since the Halloween party and things have been good between us. Reese sits at our lunch table and frankly, I felt terrible during the first few days. Reese reassured me that his band was fine with him having lunch with me, but I couldn't help feeling uneasy about the situation -- like I was stealing him away from his friends.

As well as school, I'm aware of how Reese has been dealing with a few issues with his dad at home. He tells me he's fine, although when I see the defeated look in his eyes, my heart breaks for him. I hope he is okay.

By the end of school, I embrace Sky and we part ways as she climbs into her little red Volkswagon Beetle. A heavy sigh leaves my lips as I look down at my phone.

Reese still hasn't messaged me. I'm starting to worry about him. What if something bad happened to him? No, I must be overthinking. I'm sure he is fine.

I head over to my Jeep, feeling a little disappointed and confused when my phone chimes in my back pocket. I retrieve it and frown down at the device in my hand.

My eyes glance up and I instantly spot a figure leaning on my vehicle.

My whole face lights up when I see his handsome face. He is here.

Reese smirks, leaning on the bumper of my car with his hands in his pockets. Without further delay, I run over to him, locking my arms around his neck as he spins me around the parking lot.

"Happy Birthday Angel," he whispers in my neck.

I look up at those striking eyes and smile. So he did know it was my birthday.

"How did you find out?"

He chuckles. "Sky might have mentioned it. Come on, let's get you home. I have a surprise waiting for you."

"A surprise?" my head spins until I remember he hasn't been in school today. Does he realise how worried I've been? "Wait, Reese. Why weren't you in school today?"

With his hand on my lower back, he escorts me to the passenger side of my car. "I'll answer all your questions on the way, let's go." I have a feeling he doesn't want to talk about it, so instead, we talk about lighter subjects.

Reese drives my car to my house where he instructs me to pack an overnight bag. Excitement builds up when I run inside my house and pack my stuff. I make my way downstairs and as I open the front door, I turn my head and find my mom glaring at me from the kitchen.

I pull the strap of my bag over my shoulder. "I-I'm staying out tonight."

My mom sticks her nose up at me, flicking her blonde hair over one shoulder and facing away from my direction.

With a dejected sigh, I leave my house and place my bag in the back seat of my car. I try not to let my mood ruin the rest of the day.

Reese waits outside for me and then he drives my car to an unknown destination.

About an hour later, we arrive outside a beautiful hotel and I couldn't stop the smile emerging on my face while Reese takes our bags inside.

The woman at the reception desk checks us in, I look around this five-star hotel -- mesmerised by the beauty of the place. I follow behind Reese as we make our way to the elevator.

"I have another couple of surprises once we're settled in." we stop outside a cream-coloured door and Reese unlocks it. I step inside the room hesitantly and breathe in.

The room is beautiful, it has a burgundy and brown theme, a sleek en suite bathroom and a king-sized bed. Reese kisses my cheek, taking my bag and leaving them in the room. "Come on."

He takes my hand and ushers us back down to the reception desk. There are glass double doors that lead into a lovely restaurant and a tall man kindly asks us if we have a reservation booked. Not long after, he gestures us to follow him.

Reese opens a chair for me and I sit down, smiling. I did not expect this. I'm surprised and flattered by Reese's romantic gesture. "Oh my, this is so pretty." he chuckles and we place our order.

It's safe to say that the food was divine. I've never eaten out in a fancy restaurant like this before and I'm glad I could share this experience with Reese. We eat our food in peaceful silence.

After a full belly from the starter and main, I notice Reese looking a little nervous.

His hand sweeps over a small bead of sweat on his brow. I place my hand over his. "Are you okay?"

He gulps his glass of water. "I've never done this sort of thing before. I've never dated before you."

I smile, feeling satisfied that I'm the only girl he's dated. "I feel honoured."

I look around the restaurant in awe, waiting for our dessert to arrive. The waiter comes over and places two slices of strawberry cheesecake on the table. Just next to the plate, I see a navy blue rectangular box.

My eyebrows rise to my forehead as I look at the box and then up at grinning Reese.

I take the box in my shaking hand, analysing it. Reese stares at me intensely.

I intake a sharp breath when I finally open it.

Inside is the most beautiful silver necklace I've ever laid eyes on. The pendant is two small, detailed angel wings with a tiny white diamond in the center.

My eyes blur. "Reese--"

He reaches over the table, his thumb brushing away a few stray tears that have escaped my eyes and I look up at him, smiling softly. "This is beautiful, thank you."

"Anything for you, Angel." he watches me with soft eyes.

The food was beautiful. I enjoyed every single bite. After finishing our dessert, I wipe my face with a white napkin when Reese clears his throat. "I have a question."

He finishes his strawberry cheesecake, placing his spoon on his plate. He looks up at me, smiling affectionately. "Yes?"

"Well, I'm sure you've heard about my reputation around school," he scowls slightly, "But I need you to know that I'm not going to treat you that way."

I smile and he continues, "I want to prove to you how much you mean to me. My feelings for you are real and they keep growing more and more every day and I think you're amazing. I've never met anyone like you before Marns..." he looks at me with so much raw emotion that I couldn't breathe. What he says next truly shocks me to the core.

"I've thought about it a lot and I'm hoping you're on the same page otherwise I'm going to look pretty stupid." he laughs nervously, "Will you be my girlfriend?"

My eyes grow wide. Oh my God.

I stare at Reese, unable to form any words. Instead, I nod my head, my face heating up.

Reese chuckles, placing his hand over mine. At this very moment, I realise how deep I am for this boy.

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