Ch. 1: Birthday Boy

The smoke flew away from his cigarette in a somewhat elegant way while he leaned on the edge of the terrace.

He gave his watch a hard glance, realising it had only been an hour since he turned 26, and despite his numerous efforts, people weren't giving any sign of leaving.

The cold, crisp air filled his lungs as he paced away the ephemeral moment of solitude he was thoroughly enjoying. He looked up at the night sky, he didn't know why he was this melancholic, or rather pissed this year.

-Drake! Drake! - And just like that he threw his cigarette to the floor, sighing impatiently. There you are! What are you DOING all alone it's your BIRTHDAY- his brother took him by his shoulders and pushed him inside.

Drake frowned and refused to move but Josh was the stronger and highly more persuasive of the two.

-Listen Josh, I-Im fine I just wanted to be alone for a little you know?- Despite Drakes efforts of sounding nonchalant, Josh picked this up before it began and looked at Drake now in full-preoccupation.

-Is… something wrong? - Josh loosened his grip on Drake's shoulders but before he could even begin explaining someone else bursted into the terrace.

-I told you he would be hiding- Drake's sister walked in with a smirk, with a girl as same as her age following her.

-Remember Wendy?

Drake, who had been looking quite off all night, raised his head and allowed himself to look at the teenager in front of him. She was definitely not a child anymore, standing tall and healthy, she could have been easily confused with any other girl. Only she didn't act like any other girl. This is Wendy Collins in flesh and bones, the smart, cunning woman version of what her childish self used to be.

-Wendy? THE Wendy? I can't believe it's you!- Drake smiled and gave her a hug. It was good to see someone he wasn't expecting that night.

-Easy there pretty boy- she said pulling away from his grip and greeting Josh.

-How did you know it was my birthday?- he asked genuinely.

-Oh please, like your "number one fan" wouldn't know something as crucial as your birthday. She rested her forearm in Josh's shoulder and addressed him next.

-What about you scout? Do you keep nurturing the souls of young campers?- she giggled a bit.

Josh frowned and removed her arm from his shoulders in a disgusted manner. -Like hell no, I mean, not after the last time. When a little someone trapped me inside a tent for 10 hours. - Josh pinched her ear a little and Wendy whimpered.

-Hey you puss, we only left you a couple of hours. She messed up his hair with her hands.

-Hate to interrupt you there Josh but I actually came for a reason. A fat guy barfed all over your sofa, I thought you wanted to see it. -Megan interjected.

-OH MAN! NOT THE SOFA- Josh grabbed a broomstick nearby and held it in an attacking manner. All the while cracking his head exaggeratedly. -I'll show him who's boss.

-Go get em bro! -Drake mocked him as he watched him go and rested his back against the balcony again. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, waiting to smell the scent of trees and morningdew. Instead, his lungs filled with a dense, toxic smoke he was well acquainted with. He opened his eyes in surprise, noticing that Wendy hadn't left and was now holding a thin cigarette between her fingers.

-Hey- he said walking in her direction and snapping the cigarette away from her. He gave it a puff and blew the smoke away from her. -You shouldn't.

-Oh and what a great example you are- Wendy smiled and snatched the cigarette away from him this time. -I'm not a little girl anymore. She took a few puffs and then offered it to Drake.

-Thank god I'm not your father, I couldn't handle your manipulating schemes. Drake chuckled a little. -You still insane as you were before?

Wendy laughed and took some steps back. -If by insane you mean utterly energetic and lacking any normal friends, then no -she smirked- I've lost those traits a long time ago. -She sighed, looking up. -You? Your music? Any new record in the making?

-I was planning on releasing some new music tomorrow actually, but everything's normal I guess, I haven't had a gig since 2013. I'm trying to focus a bit, touring was good but I need space. Drake threw the cigarette on the floor and stepped on it.

-Ahh, celebrities' life- she pinched his cheek playfully and Drake took her hand on his own, laughing and trying to take her hand off. -Hey you're hurting me! Hey! You're gonna ruin my celebrity face- Drake said and as revenge took her by her waist and lifted her up.

-PUT ME DOWN DUMBASS- she laughed and kicked away- No no no no DRAKE we're on a BALCONY, put me down.

-Okay okay I will, BUT, only under one condition.- he implied.

Wendy sighed but agreed. -Okay, what do you want? She was getting tired of being held up.

-Say you're my number one fan?- he asked, smiling to himself.

-Oh come ON, it was a thousand years ago. I don't love you anymore, get over it. -She sounded dead serious.

Drake teased her, threatening to drop her and she gripped to his body for support. -DRAKE!

-What was that Miss Wendy, that you're my what? He teased her again.

-I'm your number one fan-she mumbled rolling her eyes.

-I didn't hear you- He mocked her again. Putting her down in front of him gently and leaning in closer.

For one moment, he could almost see those childish and bright eyes in front of him, he was amazed of how she had changed, and how she hadn't at the same time. He had been holding himself back and these thoughts, but having her in front of him after all this time was the most unexpected thing he could wish for.

'Guys my age don't know how to treat me

Don't know how to treat me

Don't know how to treat me

Guys my age don't know how to touch me

Don't know how to love me good'

He took one moment to look at the girl in front of him, light brown waves framed her face, and her black jacket and pants made her look even more petite than she usually was. She had matured beautifully, and she was there, standing still in front of him. It was weird, of all of the things Drake would have thought of Wendy, 'hot' would have never ever made the list. Neither was a tangible option, or at least a bunch of years ago, when she was still a child.

Yet, there was something about her he couldn't quite get. He was standing there in front of her with the most rare smile. Like he knew a secret. Like he was planning something.

As Wendy started speaking, he was clearly zoned out, so while she was there, telling him lord-knows-what, he took a sharp breath and grabbed her waist and pulled her closer.

-I'm your number o-she stopped mid sentence when Drake pulled her closer. He slid one finger over her lips, silencing her completely. -Shhh- he whispered near her neck, inhaling the scent of her perfume and kissing her lightly there. -Drake- he felt her hand grabbing his hair and pulling his head away. -What- he whispered. -Kiss me- and he did. Her soft lips met his, and he groaned, gently but firmly taking both sides of her head. -Drake…-Drake… Mmmm.

-DRAKE! WAKE UP

Huh?

Wendy was standing in front of him snapping her fingers impatiently.

-Care to daydream anywhere but in my FACE? - she snapped at him. -I may be your number one fan, but ain't got all day man, I'm going to get a drink, and you should not. You're pretty gone already.

She walked away from him and as she closed the door Drake took both of his hands and placed them in front of his mouth in disbelief.

This is wrong.