Chapter 8

*Katherine created a group chat with Davey, Crutchie, and Race*

*Katherine named the group chat 'Operation Surprise'*

Katherine: Jack's birthday is friday, and im not letting it slip by again this year

Crutchie: Agreed

Race: are u proposing a surprise party?

Katherine: Exactly!

Davey: I'm in

Katherine: Perfect! Crutchie, i was thinking that you could keep jack occupied after school until we were ready. The three of us and the rest of the guys can decorate and set up race's house.

Crutchie: sounds like a plan

Race: i can get some decorations, but someone else should get the cake so he won't see it in the fridge or something like that

Davey: Good point, I'll get it.

Katherine: Perfect! I cant wait!

The four got the word out to the rest of the group about the surprise party for Jack. Everything was going great in terms of the party, but as the week progressed, Davey still had no idea what to get Jack as a present. It couldn't just be anything. Jack had helped him so much when he moved and quickly became his best friend. He had to get him something meaningful.

It will come to him eventually, he had to focus on the party for now with everyone else. Davey agreed to get the cake, so he decided to do that first. It might have also been because buying food for Jack was the easiest thing in the world. You just had to get anything chocolate, and he would love it.

Meanwhile, Crutchie knew exactly what his present for Jack would be. He first saw it months ago and knew it was perfect since both of them were going to college soon.

No one else really had trouble except for Davey since Jack was very easy to get presents for. He literally loved anything you gave him. Even when someone gave him just a card he would thank them endlessly.

However, Katherine was starting to get a bit nervous. The boys were too excited about the surprise party. Mainly because they had never celebrated Jack's birthday before, and now after eight years they finally had that chance. Katherine was worried that someone would say something or talk openly and not know he was in the room.

*Katherine added Romeo, Finch, Henry, Spot, Albert, Elmer and Specs to 'Operation Surprise'*

Albert: thats a lame name

Katherine: I'd like to see you come up with a better one

Katherine: Wait no

Katherine: I take that back

*Albert changed the group name to 'Secret Team'

Katherine: Nvm I'm pleasantly surprised

Crutchie: yessss steven universe!

Albert: We…

Race: are the crystal

Crutchie: GEMS!

Katherine: While I would love to talk about Steven Universe, I needed to make something clear to you guys

Davey: It's very important.

Katherine: I know we're all very excited about celebrating Jack's birthday but absolutely NEVER talk about this in school, or anywhere outside this group chat. We can't risk anything.

Specs: understood

It was Thursday. One day before the party. And thankfully no one had said anything to make Jack suspicious at all. It seemed like a miracle.

Jack and Race usually gave Crutchie a ride to school, but Jack went in early to work on a project and Race spent the night at Spot's. So Crutchie asked Davey if he could pick him up. Crutchie should have guessed he would be there earlier since Davey was early to literally everything. Then again, their whole group was since there were all involved in theater.

Crutchie opened the door for him, "Hey! Did you eat?"

"Not yet actually."

"We have twenty minutes, come on, I made pancakes," Crutchie said happily and then walked back towards the stove.

Once they were both seated with their food, Davey decided he would ask for Crutchie's help, "So, what did you get Jack?"

"It's a surprise. I really like it but it's also really sappy."

"I'm sure whatever it is he'll love it."

"Yeah, he likes that kind of stuff. What about you."

Davey hesitated for a moment, "I actually haven't gotten anything yet. It just has to be absolutely perfect and everything I think of is just- not perfect."

"You are so in love with him." Crutchie laughed.

Davey blushed, "Please just help me?" He dismissed the subject.

"You know Jack. He loves absolutely every gift he gets. And like I just said, he loves anything that's sappy. Since you have such a great way with words, why don't you write him a letter?"

"Oh my gosh, why didn't I think of that? I should still get him something though."

"You really don't have to, but I'm sure something will come to you today."

"Yeah, thanks Crutchie. Ready to go?"

"Ugh no. I have a calculus test third period."

Davey nodded, "I know you'll do great."

*Friday 3:48 P.M*

*Davey to Crutchie*

Davey: We finished setting up

Crutchie: ok, well probably be there in 15

"Hey everyone!" Davey announced, "Crutchie and Jack are gonna be here in fifteen minutes, so start getting ready!" Everyone hurriedly began to start cleaning up some wrappers and things from decorations. Race and Davey set the cake out on the table which was surrounded by presents. With five minutes left before they arrived, they all rushed to find hiding places. Five of them fit behind the couch, a few behind various chairs and Race and Katherine were right behind the door with confetti.

*4:01 P.M*

Crutchie: we're here

"They're here," Davey announced, "Be quiet." The group had never gotten silent so suddenly. They heard footsteps slowly get louder, as well as the tapping of crutches on the pavement. The tension built in the room when the key was put in the lock and the door squeaked its way open.

There was an unexpected moment of silence as if people weren't sure if they should jump out yet or not. Then all at once, everyone jumped out, "SURPRISE!" Everyone screamed at various times.

"Are you guys serious?" Jack exclaimed with a smile, "I can't believe you guys. You guys actually did all of this?"

Katherine stepped forward, "We were not going to let your birthday slip by again."

"You guys are ridiculous but I love you all."

"Alright, no need to get emotional before we even start." Albert chimed in, "There's pizza in the kitchen!"

Everyone rushed into the kitchen, thrilled they were finally able to eat the pizza they've had for half an hour. Jack stopped when he saw the pile of presents on the countertop.

"You guys really didn't have to-" He started.

"Yes, we did. We all got you presents because you get a gift for your friend on their birthday. You've done so much for everyone in this room, just let us do something nice for you." Katherine interrupted him.

Jack smiled, "Well I guess if that's what you want."

Race hooked up his phone to the speaker and played his showtunes playlist. Everyone was singing along to 'Alexander Hamilton' in between bites of pizza.

"If you've all had enough to eat, I think it's time for presents!" Katherine exclaimed, "So here's my gift."

Jack reluctantly took the bag and sorted through the tissue paper until he pulled out two picture frames. One picture was of Jack and Katherine at the cast party of Seussical!. The second one was a group photo from July when the whole group went to Disney World. They had been planning the trip for a year.

"Katherine, I don't know what to say. I love it."

"They're for your dorm room. Since you'll be so far away from home, I figured you might need a lot of pictures from home." Katherine explained.

"Thank you so so much," Jack said, leaning over to hug her.

"Alright," Race said breaking them up, "My turn." He said as he hands Jack a slightly larger bag than Katherine's.

Jack pulled out what looked to be a black bag or case for something, "What's this for?"

"Open it!" Race encouraged. Jack unzipped the bag and inside was different sized pockets, and places to put brushes, pencils, pens, etc. "It's to organize your art supplies. I am tired of you running around and screaming because you've lost another paintbrush." Race joked.

"Oh my gosh, I love it! This is perfect, it's gonna help me so much! Thank you!" Race smiled. Everyone knew Jack loved every gift he got, but it was always great to watch him receive gifts.

"Alright, my turn." Crutchie walked up to give Jack a box with Christmas wrapping paper, "This was all I had!" He defended himself.

Jack laughed, "Well you know how much I love Christmas," It was a box with the title, 'Long Distance Friendship Lamp', "What's this for?" Jack said astonished while still examining the gift.

"It's what it says, it's a friendship lamp! I know it's cheesy but when one of us touches it, the other one will light up with it."

Jack's eyes lit up, "That is totally cheesy and I expect nothing less from you. I absolutely love it, thank you!" He stood up so he could hug Crutchie, "I don't wanna think about leaving you yet."

"Then we won't," Crutchie said. They pulled away from each other but smiled.

"And one last present from me," Davey said handing his to Jack.

Jack laughed, "Did you really have to bother wrapping it? I know exactly what this is." He said as he tore the colorful paper to reveal two blank canvases. Jack's jaw dropped, "Are you serious? I don't know what to say." He picked them, and that's when the envelope fell out.

"Don't read it now," Davey said immediately.

Jack nodded, "Thank you so much." He stood up so he could hug Davey. They pulled away from each other, "Now I just have to figure out what to paint."

After this, Race put on Lord of the Rings, a movie which the whole group knew by heart at this point. No one was watching it since so many conversations were going on. After the fellowship entered the Mines of Moria, Jack snuck off with Davey's letter.

He shut the door to his room, and carefully opened the envelope.

Dear Jack,

We met four years ago at the information meeting for the play, and since then my life has changed forever. Before high school, I never really had friends. But then I met you, and you introduced me to your amazing group of friends that just kept growing. I remember one time freshman year, right before we became good friends. I was sitting alone at lunch with a textbook open. I was honestly having a really bad day, but you just sat down and started talking my ear off. At first, I was annoyed you interrupted my reading, but you made me forget about studying for the period, and I went to my next class smiling for once. I know it's stupid but I always thought you could sense I was having a bad day, and just needed to talk with someone.

I remember another time at the beginning of junior year. You found me in my car after school, having a breakdown because I failed my first pre-calculus test. I was scared that I would keep failing, and then I wouldn't be accepted into any schools. You drove me home and stayed with me until I calmed down. You knew exactly what to say too.

I could go on for another five pages about all of the times you've helped me, but I'll spare you since I know you've never liked reading all that much.

The fact is, I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for you. You showed me how to be a better person. If I'm being completely honest, I was pretty selfish before I met you. The only other people I worried about besides myself, were my siblings. You made me realize there was more to life than school, and studying. Our group of friends is absolutely incredible. And I know you're worried about staying in touch next year, but I know for a fact that we will.

Besides my own family, there's no one I trust more. There's no one who knows as much about me as you. You're my best friend, it's as simple as that.

Happy birthday!

Love,

Davey Jacobs

Jack had teared up by the end of the letter. He never knew any of this.

"I see you read the letter." Jack looked up to see Davey standing in the doorway.

"Uh- yeah, yeah I did," Jack replied, "I had no idea…" He trailed off

"How much I care about you?" Davey asked, "How much all of us care about you?" Jack remained silent, "Jack, we did all of this because of you. Because we wanted to do something that would you make you happy. That's all you do for us. Everything single person downstairs right now loves you so much."

"Thanks, Davey this-" Jack references the letter, "really means a lot."

*Seize the Day*

*12:16 A.M*

Race: u guys leave such a huge mess

Race: weve been cleaning for an hour

Davey: I told you guys!

Jack: I cant believe you all!

Race: me and jack would like to formally apologize to you.

Sorry for the delay! I just started my first year in college so things have been a little hectic. But hopefully I'll get on a more consistent schedule.

Thanks so much for reading!