10) Surprise Party

The next few weeks were beyond explanation.  Ashton, being the sweetheart he was, got me a job at Publix, and made sure we could get the same work hours.  He was sweet to think of it, knowing I needed the extra cash anyway, but, honestly, working at Publix wasn't exactly my pride and joy.  It wasn't my dream to work in a bustling store, always putting things back in there rightful places, and trying to be patient with disagreeable customers.  For Ashton's sake, I could live with it.  But the best part of the day I looked forward to was going home each night, getting hugs and hello's from my playful sisters, pouring out a torrent of words about all the days happenings.

But one long night when I came home they weren't there to greet me with their smiling, dimpled faces, or did I hear the familiar sounds in the kitchen, telling me that dinner was being prepared.  Nor did I see my father in his usual comfy armchair, reading the afternoon paper, or the worn pages of the family Bible.  Instead, I came home to an empty silence.  Instantly, I began to panic.  Had something happened that I hadn't heard about?  Were they all just out somewhere, and would return soon?  I peeked my head in all the bedrooms, not finding anyone.

The first thought that came to my mind was to call Jordan.  She would be the most likely person to know where they might be.  I began to hurriedly dial the numbers, waiting for her to pick up.  When I heard the 'take a message' I hung up, annoyed and worried.  What was going on?  After making some quick calls to my parents, realizing that their phones were left at home, I half ran to the car, not stopping to realize I was still wearing my green Publix apron and name tag, and had my hair up in a ponytail, looking very business-like.

I drove around town, wondering where on earth they could be.  I eased my conscience in some ways, telling myself that Dad and Mom probably took Amy and Anne someplace special, and forgot the time.  But I knew it wasn't like Mom to do that.  She was always very plan-oriented, organizing things almost a month in advance, and always made sure I would knew the plans for the week.  She had never once mentioned going anywhere on a Friday night.

It was around six thirty when I finally pulled into our driveway, and jumped out of the car, hoping to find everyone back home again.  Instead, it was left just like it was before.  I was tempted to go to bed early, and forget it, but I was too restless to sleep, calling everyone over and over, but getting no answer.  Finally, I called up Ashton, who actually answered his phone.  I explained everything hurriedly, my voice cracking with emotion.  He immediately came over, telling me not to worry.

"Why don't we go walk around the beach, and get your mind off this whole thing?  You need a break anyway from working so long and hard today."

I smiled weakly, knowing he was really trying to help, and agreed somewhat reluctantly.  We were walking across the old dock, his coat around me, when all of a sudden all these familiar faces greeted me all shouting, "Surprise!"  I stood, frozen to the spot, completely bewildered.  There, in the midst of everyone, was Dad, Mom, Amy and Anne, Jordan, and all these other people.

"What on earth is going on?" I asked, then turned to Ashton.  I detected the lopsided grin on his face, knowing he was in on it all along.  "Well, what is all this?" I repeated.  

"It's a surprise party," Amy shouted, her eyes dancing in excitement.  "Don't you remember?  Your birthday is in a week.  We wanted to surprise you."

Then I began to laugh.  I have no idea why.  Maybe it was because all the worry had left me from a few minutes ago, or maybe it was because I finally realized the event.  I don't really know, but I laughed until tears came to my eyes.

"Oh, come here," I said, giving Amy and Anne both hugs.  "I missed you two.  I thought you had left me all to myself at home."

Their eyes grew wide.

Everything was soon forgotten as fireworks were lit, and lifted into the night sky.  We all ate cheesy popcorn as we watched them splash across the sky in a brilliant light just like we had done on every birthday of mine.  Technically, my birthday was September first, but setting off fireworks was a sort of habit every year for my birthday, and I hoped it would last for many more years to come.

I was surprised when I saw that among the group of family and friends, Austin was there.  

"Jordan," I whispered, "why on earth is Austin here?"

"I invited him."

"WHAT?!  Why?"

"Because, Jackie--"

But she couldn't finish her sentence because my cute younger cousin, Lillian, was  asking me if I wanted more ice cream.  Jordan never did get around to finishing what she was going to say, but I soon forgot about it.  He was here, so what?  Honestly, though, deep down in my heart, I felt a strange urging, and even caught myself looking at him a few times.  Whenever he met my eyes, I quickly turned away, my face red with embarrassment.  From then on, I forced myself to do other things than gawking over some handsome guy who meant nothing to me anymore.

Then came the time when everyone passed their gifts to me, faces anxious to see what I'd think.  I smiled softly, carefully unwrapping the gifts, one by one.  Each one was special and heartfelt, some homemade, and others bought.  What really brought tears to my eyes was Amy and Anne's small gift.  They excitedly handed me a frame that had been dotted with colorful seashells that they had most likely carefully glued.  And the photo was of us, laughing together on the beach.  I hugged them both, telling them I would put it on my desk as soon as I got home.  They smiled at each other, glad I liked it.

The rest of the night was filled with small, meaningful memories I knew I'd always treasure.  Some cake spilled on my lap though, though thankfully nothing was stained.  Many pictures were taken as well as some hilarious, awkward ones, but the best of all was having my whole family and friends together.  Having them close, laughing about old times, made me feel so close to them all.  

The time passed quickly, and there was a round of hugs and good-byes, promising many more birthdays together in the future.  Ashton walked me home, wanting to have some few moments to ourselves.  

"I got you something."

"Oh?" 

I had noticed that he hadn't given me anything in the circle of opening gifts which had left me in question, but I was somewhat relieved to know he hadn't forgotten.  I reminded myself that gifts aren't everything though, and that I shouldn't always expect them.

He pulled out a heart shaped necklace.  It was studded in tiny diamonds, and was absolutely stunning.  My breath caught. 

"Why, it's absolutely-- just-- stunning."

He gave me one of his breathtaking smiles, and slowly fastened it on.  We were at my doorstep, now, and I knew I better go in, and climb into bed.  I was already exhausted from the long, amazing day.

"Thank you," I whispered, and kissed him softly on the cheek.  "It must of cost you a fortune."

He laughed softly.  "Money is no object when it comes to you."

I frowned slightly, hoping he couldn't see in the darkness.  Money wasn't everything, I wished to whisper.  Love is how you show it.  But I didn't whisper any of those things, but held my tongue.  He was just trying to be thoughtful, I reasoned.

He slipped away, then, in the darkness.  I was turning to go in, when a soft voice surprised me.  I turned, recognizing Austin.  I felt my heart flutter inside, wondering what he wished to speak to me about.

"Do you need something?" I asked softly.

"No," he replied slowly, then admitted softly, "but, then again, I guess I do."

"Shoot," I replied, leaning on the door, waiting for him to go on.

"Jackie." He sighed, stepping closer.

"Look, Austin," I interrupted, my back stiffening, "if you came over here to apologize, you can just go back where you came from.  I'm not going to forgive you for what you caused me.  You don't know what it was like when you left--"  My voice choked at the words, and I stopped, tears clinging to my heart.

Even in the darkness I could see the hurt in his eyes, paining my heart to see it.

"I only came to give you this," he whispered softly, and handed me a folded note.  Before I could say anything else, he was gone.  Just like that.

I bit my lip, and hurried inside, passing the kitchen, and hurrying to my bedroom.  I fell to my bed where I unfolded the note carefully.

"Dear Jackie,

I love you.  I said that a long time ago, and meant it just as much as I do, now.  I left because I thought you didn't love me back.  I left because I thought you wanted to pursue your dreams, and I didn't think that those dreams included me.  And I left because I thought I had to get away, and think things over.  I was a jerk, I know, and I'm so sorry.  I've never been more sorry in my whole life.  It was the biggest mistake I could've ever made, but I'm back, now.  I know you don't expect me to be any different than before, but God has truly opened my heart.  I have never prayed so hard, and long, hoping that you'd take me back.  I would've come back sooner if I had the courage, but every time I was close to doing it, I told myself that you probably had forgotten all about me.  When I came back, and realized that this was most likely true, I felt like just leaving again, but then realized I'd only be making the same mistake again.  But all I want is your happiness.  If you don't want me here, I understand.  I'm ready to make any plans to go back to Rhode Island, if that's what you'd like.  I just wanted to tell you one last time that you mean more to me than anything in the world.  I'll never forget you.  I never have."  

Author's Note

Sooo... I hope you liked this chapter, and that it wasn't too detailed or too fast. :)

*This chapter was inspired by my sister, Molly, and watching fireworks on the beach with she and her friends as well as a long time ago with her boyfriend. :)

Reviews

[Missy Moooooo]

This chapter brought tears to my eyes. Great write

[~Lizzy♬]

Oh my goodness! This chapter was absolutely perfect. You kept great pace and didn't rush or slow it too much. The beauty of Ashton and Jackie is so amazing! I love Jordan cuz she reminds me of myself so much. xD Anyway, I love the chapter and it is very well put together. I can't wait for the next one. :)

~Lizzard~

[Krystal Nicole]

This chapter was soo sweet!! I Loved it! Great job kelly!

[Short.Nerd]

Awww... it was cute and sweet :D Nice jojb!