SPECIAL CHAPTER: Simon's POV

The bright morning sun poked through and woke me up. "Layla…" I murmured. I couldn't help but smile. I told her how I felt last night, and things went much better than I expected. We even kissed. My face was getting hot and I realized I was blushing from just thinking about her. About Layla Dragneel. I love her. I love her smile, her laugh, her hugs. I love the way her eyes twinkled when she looks at me. I will do anything to protect her. Layla, I wish I could protect you from the truth about your mother. A stabbing pain pierced my heart. Fifteen years I've been lying to Layla about her mom. But today is the day I'm coming clean. Natsu can't keep it a secret for her entire life. I will tell her the truth, no matter what the consequences are. I will risk anything for her. Anything for you, Layla…

"Simon! Breakfast is ready for my birthday boy! Come on, get out of bed!" my mom said as she snapped me out of my daydream.

"Oh, hi mom. How long have you been standing there by chance?" I quickly spit out. My face is a bright pink, I just know it.

"Long enough to know it's time for you to stop thinking about Layla and eat some breakfast." Sigh. Why did my mom have to be so pestering and bossy?

"Mom I have more important things to do than eat some birthday breakfast. And no, I wasn't thinking about Layla," I groaned.

"Simon. You are going to eat this breakfast I made for you. Understood? Then you can go play with Layla until 7:00, because then it is time for cake. You won't keep me waiting for my cake would you?" she said with a glare.

"Y-Yes ma'am!" Looks like I had no other choice. Layla, please wait for me.

~Two Hours Later~

After I finally managed to escape the claws of my mother, I headed over towards the flower shop. Layla absolutely loved lilies. I bought the single most beautiful lily I could find and hurried on to the chocolate shop. "Excuse me, sir, I would like to buy two chocolate turtles." In one hand I had a lily, the other two chocolate turtles. Layla will love these. The sun was drying up all the rain puddles; it would be perfect for a picnic. Finally I arrive at Layla's house. What was Layla going to say? Will she be willing to see my face? Well I won't know until ask. So I quickly knock on the door three times. It seems like forever until Natsu finally opens the door. His eyes are red and in one hand he holds a beer bottle. "Natsu, is everything okay? Where's Layla? I wanted to give her these-"

"She left, Simon. She found out about her mother and ran away last night. She hasn't come back yet-" he kept on talking, but I stopped listening. The lily fell from my hand, scurrying off in the wind, taking with it all the happiness I had.