Chapter 24 Sloane
Sloane
The days leading up to Eden’s birthday pool party have been considerably better than the past few weeks. As soon as I admitted I needed some help and a break, the clouds metaphorically cleared.
Mom took over the party like a pro. I got all the invites out over social. Becca came with me to the mall, but I couldn’t find anything. Bella saved my ass by introducing me to a guy she knows who custom prints clothing. I knew exactly what to get her then.
Mr. Roper backed off after Mom and Dad had a meeting with him the day after my mini-breakdown. I’m now back to a normal amount of algebra homework. That’s more than enough.
I’ve put college out of my mind for now.
I won’t hear anything for a few more weeks, and I’ve done all I can do.
Mr. Porter was so cool about Becca stepping up to help me out.
He was really happy about Eden’s idea of hosting a charity run.
I think his admiration for her has tripled. I don’t blame him, she’s pretty great.
We have a meeting with the principal on Monday to discuss everything, so Eden has until then to get a route together.
I doubt she’s figured it out. She could hardly walk on Thursday.
Yesterday was the first time in forty-eight hours she didn’t wince when moving.
I’m not worried, though. We can go for a walk on Sunday and map out some possibilities.
Surprisingly, Kiera has been super helpful, too.
She opted to help distribute sign-up sheets, and she’s got the soccer team to join in.
That should persuade a lot of other people to take part.
Kiera has quite a bit of sway at Holcroft.
Sadly, it’s down to her flexing her mean muscles nine times out of ten.
We had coffee, which was okay. She got a little close at times. A little handsy when talking, but it was only a brush of her fingers now and then. I can handle that. It’ll never go any further.
But back to today. The weather is gorgeous, and the pool is glistening, just begging to be used.
Dad has gone nuts with food for the grill, and Mom didn’t even try to hide her excitement about catering everything vegetarian.
I tried to get her to add in a couple of meat options, but there was no winning that argument.
Even Dad stopped pouting and got on board.
He’s been researching how to grill veggie kebabs for the past ten minutes.
Today is more than just a party, though.
Eden’s parents will be meeting mine for the first time, and I think that’s a pretty big deal.
A lot of people find my family intimidating.
It’s the name. Bishop Corp is huge. Dad is well known for being a shrewd businessman.
Unfortunately, people tend to think he’s like that all the time.
He isn’t. When he’s home, he’s just Dad.
I really hope Liz and Rick feel comfortable.
I know Mom will play hostess, and even that can sometimes come across as pretentious.
She’s not. Okay, sometimes when she’s organizing events for certain people and charities she is.
It’s par for the course. Rubbing shoulders with rich people, there is an element of snobbery that goes into it.
Once again, though, she’s not like that at home. My parents come from humble beginnings. They know who they are. That’s what they’ve instilled in me growing up. It’s why I work for what I want.
I’m rambling. Maybe because I just heard car doors slam shut and know Eden and her family are only a few seconds away. Mom hears the noise too and instantly straightens her hair and blouse. She’s possibly as nervous as I am, which is sweet.
The doorbell chimes, and Mom rushes to open it.
There is a chorus of “welcome” and “so nice to meet you.” Eden slips inside and heads straight for me.
Her smile is contagious, and I find myself mirroring it.
She pulls me into a hug. Her nose goes straight to my neck where she inhales deeply.
It’s her thing, and I love it. I’ve never wanted to smell nice so much in my life.
Pulling back, she captures my lips in a scorching kiss. I’m not even aware of anyone else when she takes me like this. I’m so fucking happy she’s staying over tonight. I’m in desperate need of her.
A wolf whistle pierces the moment. It seems our friends have also arrived. Pia cackles and Eden glares at her. Todd waves, and Bella grins at us both. Becca is trailing behind, holding Bella’s hand.
Mom wastes no time whisking Liz and Rick off to meet my dad, leaving the rest of us to hug and say hi.
I didn’t go nuts with the invite list. Eden is naturally introverted, and I know a lot of social interaction drains her.
It’s why I’ve got some movies ready to go in my room for when she needs a break.
We’re quick to get ourselves to the pool.
I’ve made sure all the best pool floats are out.
Bella looks particularly taken with the unicorn.
She strips off her clothes in record time and claims it.
Pia settles on a deck chair where Todd is waiting, ready to put sunscreen on her back.
Me, Becca, and Eden take a little more time discarding our clothes.
I take more time than either of them because I’m too busy looking at Eden.
I wonder if she realizes how much her body has changed since she started working out.
She was gorgeous before. She’s gorgeous now, but with a bit more definition. I just love looking at her, and I can’t wait to get my hands on her this evening.
Jenna has so far kept herself to herself. That is until Bryce shows up and her eyes practically turn into hearts. Thankfully Eden didn’t notice, I can’t imagine the drama that would’ve erupted if she’d teased her sister over a very clear crush.
Bryce high-fives everyone, including Jenna. She looks like she might faint. He turns to Eden and envelops her in a hug, singing happy birthday out of tune. Eden blushes and then laughs. He hands over a gift before whipping off his shirt and dive-bombing Bella.
Eden laughs as she unfurls another printed muscle tank. This one reads “Just Call me UK” then in brackets “Unbelievably Kickass” and has a picture of a corgi jogging. It’s even got a sweat band around its head.
A few more people turn up and the party is well underway. Mom and Dad are laughing with Liz and Rick by the grill. Now and then Mom rushes to the kitchen to do something. She also brings out a tray of mocktails for us all.
The last person to show is Kiera. She sort of invited herself, but Eden said she didn’t care. I guess it’s nice if they find a way to get along. I’m not exactly besties with Kiera, but I think it’s cool to end our time at Holcroft as a group of friends.
When Mom calls us all to the outside table there are ripples of appreciation, Eden being the most appreciative.
“Wow, Mrs. Bishop, this looks incredible.”
“Less of the Mrs. Bishop, Eden. You know you can call me Beth. And you are welcome. You only turn eighteen once, sweetie.”
Rick raises his beer and shouts, “Hear, hear!”
“If it’s okay with you, Liz, I thought we could open a bottle of Champagne. I know none of you are of age, but one small glass won’t hurt.”
Liz is already opening the bottle, which was waiting in a bucket of ice. Mom laughs at her enthusiasm. They’re definitely getting along. We all shuffle around and grab a glass. Mom defers to Liz with a wink.
“Eden, my baby.”
That earns a groan from Eden and chuckles from everyone else.
“You entered this world without a care. No screaming, just laid-back little puffs of breath. You gave your dad and me a heart attack when you didn’t cry. It took the nurses several minutes to convince us you were okay.”
Eden is rubbing the back of her neck, which is as red as her face. Her mom continues despite the very obvious embarrassment her eldest child is feeling.
“You’ve continued breezing through life with the same amount of calm, ready to face anything with unwavering confidence and a maturity way beyond your years.
You’ve known who you are since you could form thoughts, and we are so proud of you.
Your passion and creativity will set this world alight, and we will be in your corner every step of the way. ”
Jesus, I can feel the tears pooling.
“You may be a legal adult now, but you will always be our baby.”
“Mum,” Eden groans.
“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, kiddo.” Her mom laughs. “We love you, and can’t wait to see what comes next. Happy birthday my love.”
The crowd hoists their glasses and a chorus of “Happy Birthday” echoes around the yard.
“Speech!” Bryce yells.
It takes a few moments for Eden to step forward. She’s not one for public speaking, so Bryce has earned the scowl she’s shooting his way. He returns with a lopsided smile.
“Right, um, thanks,” she begins. I squeeze her hand in encouragement, which seems to work. “First, I’d like to say thank you to Mrs. and Mr. Bishop. The party is beyond. I really appreciate it.”
Mom and Dad raise their flutes in silent acknowledgement.
“Next, to everyone here. Thanks for coming. It’s been a blast. You’re all good people and I’m happy to call you my friends. Mum, Dad, thanks for, you know…making me. Pretty pleased about being alive.”
We all chuckle.
Eden turns to me. “Sloane. Thank you for everything. These past few months have been…dare I say…magical.”
“Barff,” Jenna calls out.
Eden rolls her eyes. “Whatever. Just thanks for all of this. There, can we get back to the party now?”
Deciding she’s been tortured enough, I pull her over to the pool and throw her in. That gets everyone moving. Eden resurfaces, laughing as our friends jump in after her. Mom, Dad, Liz, and Rick all laugh.
I think it’s been a successful day.
The evening draws in, and the party winds down. Everyone is still here, chatting and enjoying the copious amount of food my mom prepared. The fire pit is lit, and people are bundled under blankets with faux cocktails.
It’s nice to snuggle up to Eden. Although we’ve been around each other all day, I’ve missed the intimacy. Her arms hold me securely to her body. My back rests against her front and her thighs bracket my own closely.
“Thank you,” she whispers in my ear. Her nose nuzzles my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “This has been the best birthday.”
“You’re welcome,” I reply, turning my head enough so our lips can meet. Honestly, I’m ready for everyone to leave so I can have her to myself. In my bed.
“Has anyone gotten their acceptance letters yet?” Kiera says. There have been a few conversations about college throughout the day.
Bella raises her hand. “I’m officially going to MIT.”
Becca kisses her cheek, and I can see she’s genuinely happy for Bella even though I know she’s still worried about what it will mean for them.
Everyone offers their congratulations. Bryce gives her an enthusiastic hug, making everyone laugh. He’s like an excitable puppy.
The rest of us grumble at the lack of acceptance letters. In reality, we still have a week or so before they’ll turn up.
“Have you lot thought about what you’re gonna do?” Kiera asks, her question thrown into the mix like a bomb. I think I know where she’s going with this.
“Meaning?” Pia asks.
Kiera shrugs. “How you’re gonna cope being so far away from each other. Anyone doing long distance?”
An unease settles over the group. Bryce is the only one who doesn’t seem perturbed.
“I’m glad I’m single,” he says. “I can’t wait to experience college.” He laughs with a wink.
“Oh my god, Bryce, you’re such a caveman sometimes,” Pia shoots back.
“What? Not all of us get to meet our people in high school, ya know.”
Pia leans into Todd. “We’re obviously doing long distance. Although it’s still a possibility that we’ll end up close to each other.”
“Yeah, I’m not worried,” Todd says, leaning down to kiss Pia’s hair.
“I commend you,” Kiera says. “The statistics of high school couples staying together are like two percent.”
Two percent? Is that it?
“But if you make it ten years the percentage is like forty-six, so that’s good,” she tacks on.
I see Becca’s face fall, and Bella’s hand holds her a little tighter. I press Eden’s thigh, needing her to ground me. She responds by tightening her arms around my chest.
“Thing is, we have no idea what’s going to happen,” Eden begins. “If we spent our time worried about things that ‘could happen’ we’d all be wrecks. One day at a time is my motto.”
“Oh totally,” Kiera says. “And I’m sure you and Sloane will be fine. All of you will.”
I can’t tell if she’s being genuine or not.
What I do know is that there’s a ball of tension securely lodged in my chest now.
Two percent. It’s such a tiny figure. My mind thinks of all the couples at Holcroft.
Of all the possible broken hearts that are predestined because of distance and a statistic that is so bleak, it makes my belly hurt.
The conversation moves on, but I can’t. Now I really wish everyone was gone. I’m not sure if I can keep being a good hostess when I have dread and two percent rolling around my head making me feel nauseous.
I waited too long to tell Eden how I felt. So many wasted years.
“Hey, babe. Relax,” Eden whispers in my ear. I nod but don’t answer.
Mom saves the day by reminding everyone how late it’s getting.
The next few minutes are spent hugging and laughing as the group leaves.
Kiera hugs both Eden and me. She doesn’t look like she was being mean.
In fact, she’s really tried with Eden today.
Maybe she didn’t realize how her words would affect us all. Or maybe she’s just being realistic.
I know long distance is going to be a challenge. Now I’m wondering if it’s doomed to fail. Am I not giving enough credit to Eden and my relationship? We’re good together. She’s the one I want to be with.
Dammit. Why did Kiera have to say that shit?
Eden whisks me up to my room as soon as Mom gives us the go-ahead. I’m still firmly locked in my head when she pulls me into her chest. We’re finally alone, and I’m crying.
Not the way I wanted her birthday to end.
“Hey,” she says, palming my cheeks, forcing me to look at her. “I have faith in us, Sloane.”
God, that makes me feel worse. Eden is so sure about us. Why can’t I be like her? Why does it only take one remark to throw me off balance completely? Here I am questioning if we’re doomed, and there Eden is telling me she has faith in us.
“Sloane, get out of your head. I’m here. Talk to me. We’re in this together, babe.”
I let the timbre of her voice fill me. Taking a deep breath, I let her closeness and faith chase away the unease and uncertainty. I can’t let today end like this.