Chapter 23 :Emma's Birthday

                                    

                                          
3 months later
                          


                          
These 3 months after new year, had been like a hell for Emma and her friends. They had mid-test semester, preparation for college entrance then load of project and assignments. They barely enough time to play. When Emma got home, she stayed at her room for doing her assignments. Andrew keep contact with Emma as regular basis. Although the conversation not much due to their busy activities but they still keep in touch. 
                          
At the early morning of mid-April, someone splash cold water as cold as ice to her face. Emma jerked up on her bed, sat straight, gasping for air for sudden awaken, and saw there were 6 people grinned at her. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" they said in unison, whilst their expression showing they wanted to yell in loud voice but they couldn't do it due to it was still dawn
                          
Emma still drowsy, she rubbed her eyes. "What time is it?" she muttered while ignoring people that were surrounding her. Her friends giggled looking at her dumbfound and drowsy state. Then she looked at her phone. Its 5.00
                          
Then she looked at Dustin, Aaron, and Billy, " what are you guys doing here at this time? Its girl's dorm" she said plainly still not realizing what they said before.
                          
"Em.. Happy Birthday?" Billy said. She stilled. Then wave of realisation hit her, she closed her mouth with her hands. 
                          
" Awww.. thank you. I just realize what day is it," Emma said loudly. They hushed her. " Oops sorry". She said sheepishly. 
                          
" Thank you. Thank you," she squealed and hugged them one by one. They brought cupcake with 1 candle as replacement of the cake. She blushed and very happy with all the attention from her friends. She blew the candle and their cheered in quiet sound. After that, each one of them gave present for Emma. She almost squealed for every present that they gave. They talked for a few moments until the boys decided they had to go back to their dorm before anyone notice. She waved goodbye at them. She grinned ear to ear and could not get back to sleep because of the excitement.
                          
" Emma.. I'm waiting downstairs!" Maddie shouted from the doorway. 
                          
"I'm coming!" Emma took her duffle bag then walked to the door, step outside then locked the door. It's Friday and it's her birthday.
                          
 Its perfect! She said silently.
                          
She would celebrate at home with her mom, James, and Alex. She headed downstairs and walked to the front gate. She said goodbye to all her friends. She felt very excited and happy because all the school workload had been already finished so she could spend weekend peacefully. She searched for Alex then she stilled. She saw a figure that she though that she wouldn't meet in the next few months again. That guy smiled at her and approached her.
                          
" Hi Emma," Andrew greeted her. 
                          
" Hi, " she paused. " what are you doing here?"
                          
" I'm picking you up," he smiled at her then he took the bag from Emma. Emma still dumbfounded." Oh and happy birthday Emma," Andrew smiled at her then spun around while holding her bag.
                          
Then Andrew walked heading to his car but stopped when he realised that Emma did not follow him. " Come on Em," Emma was awaken from her dumbfounded state, nodded, and followed him.
                          
She followed him from behind. Andrew stole glance at her while walking toward his car, his face tried to muffle his chuckle. When arrived, Andrew unlocked the car and put the bag on the backseat. He opened the door for Emma, gestured her to get inside the car. Emma walked to the car and step inside.
                          
Andrew started the car and drove away from the parking lot. 
                          
"What's wrong Em?" he glanced at her then looked to the road ahead again.