Chapter 11

So here's Chapter 11. Sorry to disappoint, but this one isn't the wedding. One of you guys gave me this idea and I'd like to say thanks. Thank you, Hysterical Insanity, a.k.a Kitty. So here's my take on Carly's birthday.

Jack Atlas scanned the shelves of what must have been the tenth store he'd visited in one morning. He sighed and shook his head. What should I get her?

Finally, something caught the young blond's eye. "That's it."

"You find something?" An azure eyed, young man inquired from behind him.

"Yeah." He showed his idea. "What do you think?"

"I think she'll like anything you get her. So what time is the party gonna take place?" Yusei grinned as his friend considered that.

"I was just thinking we could spend the day with her. You know, treat her to a movie or something along those lines."

"All right. When should we meet up?"

"I guess around one tomorrow afternoon."

Carly sighed as she got ready for work. Ugh, working on my birthday really sucks. I could always call in … . No, that'd be childish of me.

The dark haired girl opened the door and ran into her fiance. He was dressed in a nice pair of dark blue jeans, a Disturbed t-shirt and a leather jacket. Jack frowned at her."Were you actually under the impression that I'd let you work today?"

"Jack, I can't just call in."

"You're not going to. Today, you have an interview with my team about our dueling preferences. Your boss was thrilled when I made that offer."

"You are unbelievable." Carly smiled. "Why don't we get started, then?"

"You're all ready done." Jack smirked and handed her a stack of neatly typed papers. "Aki made a huge list of questions people had for us. We all answered them. Let's go now."

"Would it do me any good to protest?"

"None. We have worked so hard on this. You wouldn't want to hurt our feelings, would you?"

The girl laughed. "That's not fair. Thanks. Let me get changed."

"You look fine to me." His violet eyes showed the smile he was hiding.

Carly smiled as she walked with her friends. Who knew ditching work wouldn't make me feel guilty? I'm so glad I did this. They were in a mall walking and laughing.

"Carly, we're going in here." Aki called from a store that the journalist was walking absently past in her reverie.

She blushed and went back to join them. Her companions laughed good naturedly. "You need to pay attention." Jack whispered gently in her ear.

"I know, but I was just thinking about how nice you all are for doing this for me. I've never been so happy about slacking off.

"Did you like the presents?" Yusei inquired.

"Very much, but you all didn't have to get me anything." Carly insisted.

"Oh yes we did." Crow muttered, glancing pointedly to Jack. "Even if you weren't our friend, fear of his wrath would compel us to."

They all laughed as the blond struck his friend sharply upside the head. "Shut up."

At the end of the day, Jack walked Carly home. When the couple reached her door, the violet eyed duelist handed her his gift. "Happy Birthday."

"I thought today was my present. You paid for my lunch, the movie, and the clothes I got. That was way too much."

"Well, I threw the receipt away, so it's take it or let it go to waste and I'd really rather you accept my gift. I got it just for you."

Jack watched as Carly opened the package. "A scrapbook. Thank you."

"Open it." He instructed.

The girl obeyed and read the words that were written in Jack's neat handwriting. "I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you."- Roy Croft.

Well here's a birthday chapter for Carly. I hope you all like it, even if it is a little shorter than I would have liked. And sorry if I disappointed those hoping for the wedding chapter. It'll be next.