Chapter 44
" One in a million. "
Rochelle Quinn's POV:
"It's not my birthday." I looked at everyone, raising my eyes in judgement at the vibrant clothes they were wearing.
What the actual fuck.
"I'm certain that it's your birthday." Alec deadpanned, blowing into the party horn to release an underwhelming sound.
I signed at him, Why the fuck do I even leave the house? "Give me calendar right fucki- Oh nevermind. It's my birthday. Woo hoo."
I made the most unenthusiastic sound ever, wishing that someone would just come and shoot me right now.
A sudden thought popped into my head, I looked at Alec. "Do you have cake?"
Sky pushed past him, looking at me as if I was stupid. "Are you joking? Of course we have cake."
Maybe this party won't be so bad after all.
I walked over to the dining room table, ignoring any of the others that tried to speak to me. I examined the cake closely.
Baskin robbins Oreo cookie cake.
My life just got 100x better.
I picked up the knife and cut the cake into fours, placing a piece onto the weird paper plates.
Grabbing a fork, I went to put a piece in my mouth when I noticed everyone staring at me. I narrowed my eyes, my voice taking a serious tone. "I'm eating this entire cake by myself and anyone who tries to stop me is going to get a fork in their eye."
"What about everyone else at your party?" Sky looked heartbroken at the fact I was practically stood in front of the cake and not letting anybody else even look at it.
I shrugged, "Not my issue if you didn't buy a second cake."
Duh.
Stupid idiots should've bought another cake if they wanted some.
Zach blinked at me, "There's no way you can eat all of that."
I narrowed my eyes at him further, scoffing out loud. "Fucking watch me."
And with that last sentence, I proved him wrong.
*****
Zach stared at me open mouthed, his eyes running over the cake crumbs scattered on my plate.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" I deadpanned, sending him an annoyed look.
"You just ate the entire cake." Fuck Sky looking heartbroken, Zach looked at me as if I'd just killed a puppy.
"I said I would." I shrugged, staring at the boy in disbelief.
You would've thought after knowing me for 8 years he would've stopped doubting me.
Ivan walked up to me, Jesse was basically stuck by his side. I'd never seen them look so happy.
"Reagan's just texted me saying he'll be here soon, and he has a massive birthday present for you." He smirked at me, did he know something that I don't?
"Tell me." I demanded instantly, "Is Bodhi coming?"
Alec's head shot up at the mention of his long lost best friend.
Jesse smiled at the ground, I saw his grip on Ivi's waist tighten. "Yeah but that isn't the present."
"Have you guys seen Bodhi?" I asked, noticing the excited look in Alec's eyes.
"No." He shook his head, unable to stop the smiling illuminating his face. "But we won't have long to wait."
I chuckled, I went to reply but my cell started ringing.
Kace.
"What's up, Kacey?" I questioned instantly, my voice quieting instantly.
" What's up?! What's up?!" He half shouted down the phone, "You've been missing for three days. We've all been phoning you none stop and then Kenzie told us a cop came and arrested you."
I pulled the phone away from my ear, knowing that every single person in the room could hear what he was saying.
"We've been worried sick, Rock! Where are you?"
I took a deep breath, shutting my eyes for a second. "I'm at Jesse's with everyone."
"Why?!"
"Well I crashed here for a few days and I was gonna come back to the house this morning but they decided to throw me a surprise birthday party."
He paused, "It's your birthday?"
I kissed my teeth, catching Ivi's eyes. "Unfortunately so."
"Come home now, Rocky." I huffed as Kace's tone left no room for argument, and quite frankly I can't be bothered arguing with anyone anymore.
"What about everyone? I've got a couple of friend's coming to see me here later." I ran a hand through my hair, Ivan instantly got his phone out and began typing at my words.
"Bring them home. All of them."
"But-" He cut me off.
"All of them, Rock." Kace hung up, leaving me to stare at my phone in shock.
"Reagan and Bodhi will meet us at your house, I texted them the address. We'll open presents when they show up." Ivan said, securing his cell in his back pocket.
-----------------
"Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday?" I opened the door to see all of the Jensen's lined up. I looked to Kenzie, taking his words in.
"I don't celebrate my birthday." I admitted nonchalantly, opening the door so the rest of the boys could come in.
"Tough." Kace raised an eyebrow at me, opening the dining room door so everyone could go through it to the living room.
I sat down on the couch, waiting for someone to talk.
Ivan was sat on the loveseat, with Jesse on his lap. I smiled at the sight, genuinely happy that they were finally back together.
"Reagan's here." Ivan announced, putting his phone down and standing up.
"Reagan?" Kane's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Bodhi and Reagan, they were at the group home when we were kids." I explained, knotting my fingers together as I stared at my lap.
"Roccooooooo." Bodhi's voice echoed throughout the house, causing a laugh to erupt from my throat.
"Happy birthday, little boxer." He walked into the room, paying no mind to anyone other than me. He ruffled my hair, pulling me into a side hug.
Catching sight of Sky and Alec, Bodhi's face lit up.
"Alice, bro it's good to see you." Alec met Bodhi halfway, embracing him in one of the bro hugs. "Lyla, my little bestie." Sky shook his head at the old nickname but embraced him in the same manner as Alec, grinning at the reunion.
"Where's Reags?" I spoke up, brows furrowing at the absence of Bodhi's baby brother.
He smirked at me, eyes lighting up in mischief. "Don't worry, Rocco, he'll be here in a minute."
And at that moment, Reagan made his presence known at the door. But he wasn't alone.
"Hey Elle."
I stood up from my seat, staring at the girl in shock. I moved forward without realising, until I was melting into her awaiting arms.
I whispered, tears threatening to align my eyes. "Lana."
Lana Brooks was one in a million.
God had I missed her.
I pulled away from her, eyes skimming over the Jensen's.
"This is Bodhi, Reagan and Lana." I introduced, pointing each of them out. Kane's eyes appeared to be fixed on Lana, to which she responded with a slight smirk and incline of her head.
"This is Kace, Kane, Kenzie, Keegan and Kade." I pointed each other them out, watching each other them nod to each other.
Reagan bro-hugged Jess and Zach, sending a nod of acknowledgement to Alec and Sky. Whereas Bodhi hugged Jesse and Zach, sitting down next to Alec with his arm across the back of his chair.
Lana grinned at all of them, hugging every single one of them. Sky complained when she ruffled his hair, but you could tell he secretly cherished it.
Sky always craved a sister-brother relationship.
"You little shit, I heard you got locked up." She scoffed, pushing his head slightly to show she wasn't too happy.
"So did, Rock, go lecture her." Sky muttered under his breath, but everyone heard him.
"Shut your fucking mouth and don't be bitter just because you didn't get any cake." I shot back instantly, not appreciating the mention of my stint in Juvie in front of the Jensen's.
Especially seen as I had just been stuck in a station for 6 fucking hours.
Kane spoke up, noticing the tension in the room. "Present time?"
Alec handed me a massive bag, I took it silently and pulled them all out.
"The little book of rude words," I chuckled at the title, skimming through the first pages to see what was in it. "Thanks Zach, I really needed some new insults."
"Inflatable Jesus. Thank you Jess and Ivi, it was exactly what I wanted."
"Alec, you never fail to get me the normalest shit so thank you." I nodded at him in appreciation as I placed the books onto the pile of presents.
"Reagan, a strap on." I paused, trying to think of an appropriate response to the package. I blinked, "Thanks, I guess. I'll be sure to test it out."
"Bodhi and Lana, boxing gloves and hand wraps. Cheers." I smiled, throwing them onto the pile.
"Thanks guys." I said with sincerity and love, internally thanking the lord that everyone was back together.
It was the best birthday gift I ever could have got.
And the second best, the fact I can finally leave foster care and get my brother back.
Everyone was talking to each other, the Diamonds finally greeting and getting to know the Jensen's.
I sat in the corner, away from them all. Considering my options.
I need to talk to Doyle.
I don't care whether she thinks I need to stay for a couple more months, it isn't happening.
"Stop thinking so hard." I turned around to see Kenzie glancing at me, sitting down in the chair next to me.
He had bags under his eyes and looked like he hasn't slept for days.
And he stinks of coffee.
He's not been sleeping.
I kissed him.
"Don't tell me what to do, it's my birthday." I countered easily, taking a swig of my drink. The taste of guilt lingering on my tongue.
I didn't take long for me to notice Reagan staring at Kenzie from across the room, with an emotion in his eyes which I couldn't decipher.
"About that...I have something for you." He rushed out, continuing before I had the chance to say something. "I know you said you don't celebrate your birthday, but I realized that you won't have any inherited family heirlooms and things like that so I thought you might like this."
He pushed something into my hand. I stared at the box, biting my lip. My heart warmed at the consideration.
"It was my Grandmothers, a long time ago. She passed it onto me, and told me to give it to a girl who meant a lot to me. You've helped me a lot over the past few months, letting me stay with you every night to keep the nightmares away. I appreciate it."
Opening the box, I stared at the single diamond ring decorating the entirety of the box, only magnifying its beauty.
A sudden wave of realization hit me as I continued to gaze at the beautiful ring
I can't avoid this any longer.
I have to tell Kenzie.
******
So what do you guys think of the chapter? Good? Bad? Should she tell The Diamonds or Kenzie about what happened at the station?
Thank you all for reading!
All my love,
Laska xx