Sydney POV
"Hey."
I hopped onto Austin's hood next to him and plopped down.
"Hi. How'd you think it went?" I ask him.
"I got you a drink. You want it?" He asked.
I smile and shift closer to him, and lay my head onto his chest.
"That is a yes if I know one."
He then brought his gigantic arm up and placed a Raderade in my hand.
"They didn't have your normal one, so I got you a combination of Mango and Pineapple."
I glance at the bottle, and am surprised to see that the drink is pink.
"If it's Mango and Pineapple, how is it pink?" I ask aloud.
I feel him shrug.
"The cynic in me says food coloring." He said.
I laugh and smile.
"The cynic can be funny occasionally." I say.
"He says thank you."
I giggle again, then open the bottle and sip it.
…
"Ooh, that's good."
Austin's head pops up.
"Really?"
I sit up and nod.
"Can I have a sip?" He asked, and then smiled nicely.
"Why are you asking me? You bought it." I counter.
"But it's your drink."
"You bought it." I say again.
"It's your drink."
"Just drink already." I shove it into his hands.
"Your mom and dad wouldn't like you saying that." He said wryly, before turning the bottle the other way and taking a sip himself.
"Ooh. That is good. It'd be perfect after a game or something." He said, looking at the bottle, then to me.
"Yeah, refreshing."
I nervously take the bottle back and put the lid on it, then lie back down onto Austin.
"Whatcha thinking…" He said quietly.
…
"Mom and dad…" I reply.
"Oh. It was a joke. That's all babe. Promise."
"I know. But parties will start with all that stuff…and people already know about us. It's a lot of pressure." I say.
He pulled me closer to him and glanced over to the line of cars trying to escape the parking lot.
"Don't think about it like that. We're just teenagers still. It doesn't matter about the millions that know our names and follow our every public move. Everyone is allowed to mess up."
"Have you ever…you know…" I trail off.
"Me?" He asked.
I nod.
"Yeah, at a Christmas party for baseball. I remember I was too scared to text you, but after 2 drinks I had no problem saying hi."
"I remember that. I was confused why you just texted me out of the blue. Then as soon as you came, poof you didn't reply for like 3 days." I say.
"Because I was scared that you knew I was kind of tipsy that night. Like it was obvious or something." Austin said darkly.
"It wasn't. The timing was just interesting I remember."
"Hey, that was more than enough for me to be totally freaked out about texting you again. Because for whatever reason, even though I didn't think you were Cat's daughter, I had this image in my head of you enjoying your Christmas break right."
"What do you mean?" I turn to look at him.
"Like you stole a bottle of wine and were sharing it with some dude, then consummating it on some random ass rooftop. It sounds stupid when I say it, but it didn't seem crazy at the time."
I laugh, and then smile.
"Well, no need to worry about that. The craziest thing I've done you were there for."
I feel him laugh quietly.
"I don't know if that's my craziest, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that was the most unexpected. But not unwelcome." He smiled.
I smile back and shift farther up.
Austin then wasted no time in pulling me up so we were face to face.
"You didn't mind did you?" I ask shyly, trying to ignore my blush.
"What? No. Not at all. I was happy to play my part. Plus you finally heard me say that I loved you."
Best memory ever.
"And I still mean that. Every second." He kissed my cheek.
"You too." I say, reaching back for his hand.
He placed his hand into mine, then let me curl to up his chest.
"Good move parking back here."
"Well, I know you need to take Ellie home, and we haven't had much time to ourselves, so I thought this might be a nice stop gap."
I nod and smile.
"And while we're on the topic, I'm sorry we haven't gone on a date in forever. I really owe you, since our 6 month was almost a month ago." He said, then kissed my hair.
"It's ok. You're busy with baseball, and I'm doing music. We'll find time." I say.
"True. But I had this idea. Mind if I pitch it to you?"
I squeeze his hand.
"Great. Now right below us is 4 climate controlled compartments. I was thinking that I could by sandwich stuff, pack it up in here, and we can have a nighttime date on the beach."
Ooh.
"I like it. Sounds great." I smile.
"We can eat in here, or I can bring something to sit on so we can get closer to the water. Then afterward, we can watch a movie, or talk, or whatever."
"I hope this can be soon." I say longingly.
"Not this coming weekend. But the one after that. How about then? That Saturday."
I pull my phone out of my pocket and glance at the calendar.
"The 28th?" I ask.
This coming weekend is the party.
His birthday is in 2 days.
Olivia's is tomorrow.
My boy is gonna be 16.
"Yup."
I type into my phone for that day "DATE WITH AUSTIN. NO PLANS ALLOWED."
Behind me he laughed. "Thank you for that."
"Can you keep a secret?" I ask quietly.
"I'm already holding multiple, but there's always room for another. Talk to me." He said soothingly.
"I…Is it bad that I want to do it again…on that date?"
God that sounded stupid.
…
I hear Austin sigh behind me, and I can't help but tense up.
"Whoa…easy. Relax. I'm trying to think of how to say this."
Oh crap.
"Ok. I have two points alright?"
I nod.
"Great. My first one, is that the guy inside me is screaming yes and wants it now."
I smile and my stomach unclenches a little.
The guy inside him and the girl inside me need to be put on other ends of LA.
"The other point, is that no, it's not bad. In my opinion. We already had this discussion after we did it. Yeah we're young, but we love each other and that's the key point. It's not bad because it's an expression of that love. Not just because you're hot and I want a go. It's love. And in my mind, that makes it ok." He said.
I roll over and pull him into a kiss.
"The guy in you and the girl in me need to be kept away from each other." I smile, then kiss him again.
Once we stop, he raised his eyebrows and said "Is that an admission that you think I'm cute?"
I laugh.
"Shut up. You're way more than cute." I slap his chest playfully.
"Ooh. I like the sound of that."
I giggle and hug his softly.
"Hey. One more serious question, then we can be all fuzzy."
Gulp.
"Ok." I say quietly.
"I take it that you haven't had anything. Have you?"
…
I shake my head and bury it in his chest.
"Hey…it's ok. Don't worry. You don't have to if you don't want to. It was just a question. No strings attached to it." He said soothingly, and then rubbed my back.
"I…I'm intrigued. I've been offered multiple times, but I've always been too scared to say yes."
Immediately Austin squeezed me. "That's okay. I get it. If you want, I have a way I can get something if you want to try it without being at a party. Would you want that?"
"How would you get it?" I ask nervously.
"I have a friend on my team whose dad owns a winery."
…
"Is it ok if I think about it?" I ask him.
He kissed my cheek.
"Of course. We have until you're ready."
"I don't know if I am."
"Which is cool. No pressure." He said softly.
"I'm changing topics." I say firmly.
"Ok. What are we talking about now?" He asked.
"Olivia's party. You're invited."
He immediately sat up.
"I am?"
"Duh. It's not her party without her Aga."
"The more I've been thinking about it, I think her mom is right about the crush thing. I saw on Splashface that babies can identify attractive faces when they're 2 months old. And since I'm cute apparently—" He smiled wryly "I'm connecting those dots."
"You're still mine. Don't forget that." I tease.
He pulled me up, then kissed me and gently lowered us down onto the hood at the same time.
A few minutes later, the only thing that stopped us is a sharp whistle that caused us to spring apart and look behind us.
"Good. I was afraid I'd have to get the Jaws of Life." Ellie said, making her way to us.
"That isn't necessary." I say.
"It's funny how you guys are like this here, but at her house you haven't kissed in front of her parents yet."
"That's different." Austin and I both say at the same time.
Ellie laughed and popped out from the trees providing us cover. "Yeah, sure it is. Glad to see you're still clothed."
I shoot her a glare, and she hid her smile.
"How do you think you did?" Austin asked.
"Good. Did you guys see the cars in the teacher's lot?"
I glance at Austin, and he's biting his lip.
"No, I came straight here." I say.
"Not surprised. But I knew every car." Ellie quipped.
"So they ran it back?" Austin asked.
"I think they want to make sure that we're taking this seriously."
"Good thing we are." I smile.
She smiled back at me.
"What about you guys? How do you think you did?" Ellie asked.
"Good. Sikowitz seemed pleased enough." Austin said.
"Same here. Hey, why didn't you ever bring your grandma over before? She's awesome."
Oh yeah.
She came over 2 nights ago for dinner for the first time. It was a lot of fun having everyone in one place for once.
"Thanks. She just doesn't want to intrude on Syd's mom and dad, so she generally stys home. I hope she will come over more though. I thought she enjoyed herself." Austin said.
"She's not intruding. Your mom and dad said so." Ellie looked to me.
"I know, and I've said that, but she is just stubborn. A nice stubborn, but still stubborn." I say.
"Ahh. Well make her come more. I had fun talking to her." Ellie swatted Austin's arm.
I slide off the hood as Austin said "I'll try."
"Have fun at your dad's." I say, as he also hopped off.
He hugged me, then said "Will do."
"No picking up Sammy?" Ellie asked.
"Nope, he does that today." Austin replied.
I smile as Ellie quickly hugged Austin, then let go and went back to her spot.
"Home?" I ask.
"Home." Ellie repeated.
(5 days later)
The sound of everyone putting together the various pieces of the party makes me smile.
And yet I'm here in my room, playing with the birthday girl, waiting to go outside so we can greet the birthday boy.
The plan is specific.
Olivia and I are outside playing when Austin drives up, thinking he's here just for Olivia's party.
I greet him and lead him thru the garage and a specific way to the kitchen, where everyone will be waiting to surprise him, and also Olivia.
It's a two in one birthday party idea.
Ellie had the idea in the first place, when her and Mom were debating how to juggle 2 birthdays in 2 days.
I'm supposed to go outside in a few minutes to get in position.
I hope her likes my gift.
It's not much, but I couldn't really think of something material to give him.
The thing I want to give him…well that's next weekend.
Hopefully that'll make up for my lame present.
I have no clue what everyone else has gotten for him, but I'm pretty sure mine is the worst.
Which definitely isn't how it's supposed to be.
I pause the show we've been watching and turn off the TV.
Olivia kicked her feet and made an upset sound.
"We're going outside now! C'mon let's go!"
Olivia dutifully grabbed onto me when I picked her up, but her frown remained on her face.
"We're going to go play." I say to mom, who is putting in candles.
"Sounds good. See you in a bit!" Mom smiled at Olivia, then kissed her cheek.
Dad wiggled her arm as we passed, and her dad also kissed her as we made our way to the garage.
Olivia jumped a little when I opened the garage door.
"I'm sorry. Too loud?"
Olivia kept her eyes forward, but squeezed my shirt hard, catching a little bit of my skin.
"Ow. Easy sweetie. It's ok." I say.
I walk out to the front lawn and set Olivia down.
Like she does in the back yard, she immediately takes off crawling in the grass, giggling as she goes.
"You are such a goofy girl! It's just grass!" I smile, and watch as she crawled around in nonsense patterns, until eventually she spotted me, lit up and made a beeline for me.
"Hi! How's the world?" I ask.
"Pbbth." Olivia replied.
"Fascinating. You're going to be a scientist I think." I smile at her.
Olivia giggled and kicked her feet at me.
"Enough talking. Go explore!" I set her down, and she takes off again.
I watch her until I spot Austin's car coming down the street.
"I see him. Get ready." I send off to everyone inside.
The sound of Olivia playing floats to my ears as I watch Austin drive up, pull into the driveway and stop.
I glance over at Olivia, and she's staring at the new car, mouth open.
After a moment, Austin opened the door and hopped out.
"What do we have here? A play date in the yard?" Austin asked.
"Aga!" Olivia immediately said, and started crawling towards him.
Austin smiled and stood still as Olivia, looking determined crawled about 25 feet as fast as she can, and stopped and sat at Austin's feet.
Austin then scooped her up and said "Hi! Is today a special day?"
Olivia just looked at him.
"Yeah! It is. We're celebrating your birthday today. Happy birthday." Austin smiled, then kissed her cheek.
Olivia giggled, and grabbed his face.
Austin quickly pried her off, then smiled at me.
I quickly sneak a kiss before we go inside.
But before I stop kissing Austin, Olivia has both my head, and Austin's head in her grasp.
Olivia just giggled.
I pull away from Austin and say "You're too goofy. I'm telling your mom."
Olivia just kicked her feet, looking happy.
"C'mon, let's go in. And follow me." I tell Austin.
"Whatever you say. Right Olivia?"
She giggled, and I smile.
"I like the sound of that."
…
"No, don't mess with your gift yet. I know you want it now, but you can't. We've got to do other stuff first." Austin said to Olivia.
To my surprise, I hear Olivia make her frustration noise as I open the door to the house.
Austin, perceptive as ever, closed the garage door behind us.
"Thanks." I say.
Almost there…
I lead the way to the kitchen table, and quickly duck off to the side.
"Syd? Where'd you go?" He asked, stepping into the room.
I flick on the light, revealing everyone.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Olivia yelled in fright, but then smiled and started doing some sort of dance in Austin's arms.
Austin meanwhile, looks shocked.
I smile and say "Surprise."
"You planned this. Who had the idea?" Austin asked everyone at the table, who is smiling.
"Ellie." Mom said.
Austin obviously wasn't expecting her name.
"Oh. Well thanks. So it's not just Olivia then?"
"Nope." Aunt Tori smiled at him.
"Well then I came under dressed. Sorry about that."
The group around the table suddenly started breaking up, with Dad, Beck and Uncle Andre going outside for some reason.
Then Corey and Ellie approached us, and each hugged Austin.
"Happy birthday!" Corey smiled.
"Thanks man. And thanks to you too." Austin said to Ellie.
Wait, did Ellie just blush?!
"No problem. You make her happy. It was the least I could do." She smiled.
Austin softly smiled and hugged her again.
"Aww! How cute!" Aunt Jade called out.
Ellie immediately whipped around to stare at her mom, who smiled in return.
"Uhm, I think Olivia is having a good time." Kevin said, with a laugh at the end.
I look back to Austin to see Olivia still doing her dance.
Everyone laughed, and Austin asked "What are you dancing about? Your party?"
Olivia just giggled and kept bouncing up and down while kicking her feet.
"Goofy girl." Austin kissed her head as she kept dancing.
A moment later, Matt took her from him, and Olivia practically jumped in his face.
"You sure are happy. Let's get you a diaper change, then we'll come back." He said.
"I can get her Matt. It's ok." Aunt Tori immediately said, coming to them.
"We got it." Kevin smiled.
"Oh. Ok. Thank you!" Tori smiled at them, and then both guys disappeared to the guest room where Olivia's changing station is.
Next thing I know, Mom is hugging Austin.
"Happy birthday." She said quietly, then looked up at him and smiled.
"Uhm, thanks. And thanks for doing all this for me."
"No problem. Happy to do it. Picture?" She asked him nicely.
"Sure. Uhm, if you want." Austin said.
He never got one when he asked over the summer.
We all forgot about it. Life just got busy.
Jade rolled his eyes and already had her phone out.
"1, 2…3."
Flash.
"Perfect." Jade said, then handing her phone to Mom.
I look over Mom's shoulder and see that it is a good picture.
He doesn't look all nervous.
Just looks happy.
Mom's her normal photogenic self.
I don't know how she does it. She always tells me that she has 2 smiles.
A red carpet smile, and a mom smile.
Most of the time it's red carpet, because 90 % of Mom's pictures are with fans.
I prefer her mom smile though. It's natural. She just looks happier.
I glance over to Austin and he's also looking over Mom's shoulder.
"Do you mind if I post that online?" he asked.
"Of course not. Go ahead." Mom said, at the same time going to Jade's messages and texting it to herself and him.
"Thanks."
I glance at the picture and see what I'm expecting to see.
Mom smile.
"Wait…you didn't." Austin suddenly said, causing me to look up.
"What?" Beck asked.
"You did the barbecue? Why?"
Uncle Andre looked lost, but said "It's your birthday."
"But…you guys planned this too well." He sputtered.
Everyone laughed, and Aunt Tori hugged his side.
"Shut up and grab a plate." She ordered him.
"Or you could help us get your food. That'd be cool too." Dad smiled.
Poof.
"That was easy." Ellie said, appearing behind me and holding out a lemonade for me.
"What, him getting the food?" I ask.
"No, the surprise part. I thought he'd somehow catch on."
"We've done this a few times before sweetie. We can get the drop on anyone." Mom said, smiling happily.
Then within seconds of each other, Austin led the food brigade back inside just as Kevin and Matt brought Olivia back down and plopped onto the couch.
"Ok. First we eat, then presents, then dessert. Got it?" Dad said to the guys on the couch.
"Got it." Matt, Corey, and Kevin chimed back.
"Great. Now go wash your hands." He asked.
I jump as Olivia is suddenly in my arms.
"Thanks. I gotta wash my hands." Austin said, then going to the sink behind the guys,
"Didn't you already wash your hands?" Corey asked as Matt and Kevin went in front of them.
"No. Plus I came straight from my hitting tutoring. So I know my hands are filthy." Austin said, then reached over Corey.
"Ahh! Why are your arms so long?" Corey asked, as Dad and Uncle Beck laughed.
"It's called being older. It's fun." Austin smirked.
Corey yelped again as Austin splashed him in the face, then went to dry his hands.
"Boys." I say quietly.
"They never grow up." Mom said beside me.
"Really?"
"Nope." She smiled. "But that's ok."
"You sure?" I ask.
"It is to me. I don't know about you Jade." Mom said to her.
"Oh no, you're right. Boys never do grow up. They just grow bigger." She said.
"I don't believe you. I'm almost grown up." Matt said, then crossed his arms smugly.
"No, I'm almost grown up." Austin said, then placing his arms on Matt's head like he always does when he teases Corey.
"Get your…off me!" He forces Austin's arms off his head. "Geez they're heavy!"
"Thank you."
"I don't think so." I impulsively say, then walk to Austin and lift his arm.
He helped me out by not resisting.
He might have also lifted his arm a little.
Maybe.
"That's no fair. You helped her." Matt immediately said.
"You say that like it's a bad thing." Austin replied.
Which left Matt sputtering.
"But…I…it is!"
Both his mom and dad laughed, as everyone took their seats.
The food was delicious. Olivia happily had her bottle, and had her dessert of watermelon early.
I'm pretty sure everyone had seconds too. Even mom, which is rare for her.
I do know Austin had a third helping, and everyone teased him about it.
He shrugged it off, and just kept eating.
About 45 minutes after we started eating, Mom and Aunt Jade are collecting the dishes.
Austin immediately hopped up to help.
"No, sit down." Aunt Tori said.
"I can't help?" He immediately said.
"Nope. You can't." Dad said, taking the two plates he had from him.
He stood there for a second, and then sat back down meekly.
"Ok."
"Aga!" Olivia said, and then whacked her high chair.
"No. Don't hit your high chair." Tori said.
Olivia giggled and kicked her feet.
"No, not funny. Listen." Mom said.
Olivia just giggled again.
Austin then simply got down on Olivia's level and said "Listen to mommy. Ok?"
She immediately turned away from him and was a good girl, causing everyone to laugh.
"Why do you always listen to him, but be so grouchy with us?" Her mom asked, lifting her out of her high chair.
"Aga!"
"We know that, silly girl. Let's get you some presents." Her mom smiled.
Olivia let off a high pitched giggle and danced again.
I hop up and follow everyone to the living room, where there are two piles of presents, clearly labeled.
Olivia and Austin.
"Ok. Birthday girl sit here. Birthday boy, next to your girlfriend." Aunt Jade said.
"Got it."
Everybody piled onto the couches except for Dad, who is apparently on picture duty, and Olivia and her mom, who are on the floor.
Olivia showed she wanted to start by escaping from her mom's grip and making a beeline for the gifts.
One problem though.
She went to Austin's pile instead of hers.
Her mom quickly caught her and said "Silly girl, those aren't yours. Those are his!"
Olivia just grabbed for his gifts until Tori grabbed the top one off her pile.
"Look! It's from Beck and Jade!"
Olivia's giggle made everyone laugh as Tori opened the package.
"Ooh, look! Some dolls for you to play with!"
Olivia squealed and pulled the box away from her mom, and smashed her face into it and giggled.
"That is not how you play with them." Matt smiled at her, getting some more laughs.
Before long, Olivia was bored and wanted her next present.
"Alright…from Robbie and Aunt Cat!"
Olivia just smiled and clapped.
"Yay!" Mom smiled.
…
"Oh no." Austin said, once it became apparent what she had gotten.
"Now you don't have to mess up Mommy's makeup! You can mess your own up!" Mom smiled.
Olivia clapped her approval, but immediately wanted her next gift.
"I think she likes the unwrapping." Uncle Beck said, as Tori unwrapped Ellie and I's gift.
"Clothes! Oh how cute!" Her mom said happily.
Olivia, however, frowned.
Beside me Austin bit his lip and smiled at me.
"You're welcome too Olivia." Ellie said sarcastically, but still smiling.
"Say thank you!" Tori told Olivia.
Olivia just waved to me, and then turned back for another present.
"Let's see…Austin's then me and your mommy's. Let's do that." Uncle Andre said, as Austin handed Aunt Tori his box.
"It's big! Lucky!" She smiled at Olivia, who looked ecstatic.
…
"Ooh! It's a horsey playset! And…"
Suddenly Olivia just grabbed the shirt and everyone laughed.
"Now that's not fair…" I say, as Olivia is smiling at her mom.
"I hope you don't mind. I thought she might like it."
It's a white shirt that's blank on the front, but has an 8 on the back and says Harper above it.
"It's great. Thank you. One of these days she'll have to come see you play." Aunt Tori smiled.
"Can't wait. That'll be fun." Austin smiled.
Then Uncle Andre got up and walked over to the closet.
There aren't any more gifts for her out, so it must be in there.
Olivia is silent and watching as he opened the door and grabbed…something.
Then she let out a harsh squeal and started bouncing.
Everybody laughed, and Olivia fought her way onto the floor and flew to her dad's feet.
"Okay! This is from me and your mom ok?"
Olivia is just sitting and smiling.
I look over and see that my dad has a great angle for pictures.
Andre and Tori started taking off the wrapping, but obviously not fast enough for Olivia's liking because she grabbed the closest piece and ripped it off.
"We're going we're going!" Her mom chimed happily.
"That's a big box." Corey said.
"I call a playpen." Matt said.
"Swing." Kevin said.
"Nah, it's a slide." Austin said dismissively, as a joke.
Until the box actually showed it's a slide.
Austin just bit his lip and smiled.
"NOT FAIR!" Kevin yelped.
"You knew! Didn't you!" Corey demanded.
"Nope." He said.
"Lucky guess." Beck said.
"No kidding." Austin said.
"Aga!" Olivia called out.
"Yes, you're right Olivia. It's Austin's turn." Mom smiled.
Corey, Kevin and Matt cheered as Austin got up and walked over to his pile.
Olivia immediately joined him.
"Are you going to help me? Thank you!" He smiled.
Olivia grabbed for his present.
"Alright…first one is from…nope. That's last. From Sydney."
When Austin put it aside, Olivia made a loud sound.
"Shh sweetie." Her mom said.
"I think she wants to know what you're doing passing on a present." Andre said.
"If so I agree." Aunt Jade joked, causing everybody's parents to laugh.
"Here Olivia. It's from your mom and dad."
She clapped happily, and Austin unwrapped it.
"Oh sweet." Austin immediately said, pulling the box out.
It's one of those digital picture frames.
They're not cheap.
"Thank you. That's really nice of you."
"No problem. Thought you could use one for pictures of you and Sydney."
Austin smiled, and put it aside.
Only for Olivia to already be holding out a present her dad just gave her.
"Wait…" Austin took it from her. "You got me a present?"
Olivia giggled and clapped.
…
"It's a gift card to the ice cream place…you're so smart. Thank you." Austin smiled at her.
Olivia surprisingly didn't giggle. She just clapped.
"Alright…Let's try Sydney's mom and dad. Uh oh." He said darkly, causing everyone to laugh.
"That's right. Be afraid." Dad joked, getting a few more laughs from people.
It's a card, so it was a lot simpler to open.
…
Austin smiled. "Looks like I'll have a chance to get Ellie back at go karts. Thanks."
"No problem. Happy birthday." Mom smiled.
"Us next!" Corey said.
"Ok. From Corey, Kevin and Matt…"
Austin pulled open another envelope and smiled.
"I'm in."
All three guys said "Yes!"
"What is it?" I ask.
"A tour of Dodger Stadium. Locker Rooms, on the field, whole 9 yards. Thanks guys."
"You're welcome." Kevin chimed back.
"Aga!"
"I know, not as many boxes!" Austin said to Olivia, who was grabbing at the next one.
Austin took it and said "It's from Beck and Jade. Oliver, not West."
Both of them laughed.
"How'd you know that?" Jade asked.
"The picture in the auditorium has your name on it. But that was before you got married."
"Do people really go look at it?" Aunt Tori asked.
"Oh yeah. Some people go every day. It kind of motivates them I think."
I turn to Mom and see her smiling.
"That's great." She said.
Austin nodded, tore off the paper and opened the box.
"I…have no clue what this is." Austin said, then shifting to his knees.
Immediately my brothers and Matt come look, and I join them.
It's a bunch of pieces of metal with holes in it.
But there's wheels and an helicopter blade inside also.
"I have no clue what that is."
"It's a pieces to a kit. It can become different things, and you make what you want. The instruction booklet is at the bottom." Jade said.
"We were thinking you keep it here and put it together as a project. Just a fun thing."
Austin looked to me and said "You told them about my RC thing huh."
I smile.
"Yeah, but it was months ago. And I didn't know they'd get this."
"What's RC?" Corey asked.
"RC is short for remote controlled. Like a helicopter or a plane you fly by remote."
"Ooh!" Matt lit up.
"Can we help?" Corey asked.
"Sure, I think I'll need the help." Austin said.
"Kevin, can you put the box upstairs please?" Mom asked.
"Got it." He said, then grabbed the box and started upstairs.
"And the last gift…the one I hid from you…Sydney's gift."
Olivia giggled as he grabbed it and tore it open.
…
"Huh?" Was the general sound once he got the small box open.
"A…flash drive?" He looked to me, smiling in confusion.
"That is the only place all my songs are at right now. Everything I've recorded is on there."
"Whoa." Uncle Beck said, looking impressed.
"Go Sissy." Corey smiled.
"Fafa?" Olivia said, reaching for the flash drive.
"You said you wouldn't give it all to me until you were satisfied with it." Austin said to me.
"I changed my mind. I'm happy with 90% of it, but I couldn't keep it from you any longer."
"Well good." He said, then came and hugged me.
I try to ignore Dad's picture, which I knew would be coming.
"Well, thank you everyone. I really appreciate the surprise party and the gifts."
"No problem Austin." Mom said.
"Hold on, what about Ellie's present?"
Austin froze, then turned to look at her.
"Yeah!"
She smiled and said "My present is the cake."
"Cake? You got me a cake?" Austin blurted out.
"Wrong." Dad said.
"I made you the cake."
Austin blinked, then said to me "You're behind this again. Aren't you."
"Nope. I can't bake to save my life. This is all her." I say
"She has a gift. A gift for making ridiculously sweet and awesome desserts." Her dad smiled.
"And cakes." Ellie said, already in the kitchen.
Austin led the way to the island, and then his jaw dropped.
"What…"
"Did I mention she's good with icing?" I joke, getting a few more laughs.
"Hey, remember what I said about not knowing what I want to do with my life? I was thinking, maybe this?" Ellie said to me.
"Maybe. Looks great sweetheart." Beck hugged her.
"You seriously did this? It looks professionally done." Austin looked at the two level cake.
"Yup. All her." Her mom smiled.
"I won't be able to throw you into the pool after this now will I?"
"Nope. Just as I planned." Ellie beamed.
"There's always a motive. Always. Watch out." Dad joked, causing Austin to laugh and look to me.
"I don't have one. Just be happy." I say.
"Oh trust me. I am." He replied.
"Light it!" Corey smiled.
Mom simply clicked on the lighter.
…
"Ok…everybody away from the birthday people." Dad said, causing everyone to scramble away, leaving Austin holding Olivia.
Mom lit the candles, and Olivia just stared at the glow.
"Happy birthday to you…Happy birthday to you…Happy birthday Austin and Olivia…Happy birthday to you..!"
Everyone cheered, and Olivia squealed.
"Yeah. Now let's have cake." Austin said.
"Cake! Cake! Cake! Cake! Cake! Cake! Cake!" Kevin, Corey and Matt cheered.