The guilt surfaces, causing me to cast my eyes downward. “I’m really sorry. I never meant to keep you away. I just didn’t want you seeing me like this. I guess I needed some time. I haven’t even looked at my phone yet.”
Matthew’s face softens as he takes a hold of my hand. “That’s okay, I understand. I just don’t like all this. I can’t understand any of it. I think my dad feels he has to look after your mom as she’s … well … you know.”
I nod my head, understanding his meaning and grateful he didn’t voice it out loud. He leans back against the car he’s standing by, and it’s only then I notice it—a navy Golf GTI. “Is this yours?”
A big smirk raises his cheeks as he nods his head triumphantly. “I passed my test on Friday, and Dad did promise he would get me a car if I had straight A’s. He bought it for me today. I think it’s a guilt present, but I’ll take it anyway,” he says, giving me a wink.
“Congratulations on passing!” I squeal, practically jumping up and down with delight. “Well done, and all in time for your birthday soon as well. That’s next week, isn’t it?” The realization hits me that I haven’t even bought him a present yet.
“Yeah, this is my present. I nagged Dad to get it early for me. I’ve got something for you too.”
I frown and shake my head. “No, Matthew, you shouldn’t have,” I exclaim.
“I know it’s your birthday tomorrow, and I’m not leaving until you take the present.”
He opens his door, reaches in, and grabs a wrapped, red box from out of the glove compartment. He hands it to me then tells me to open it. “But it’s not my birthday yet,” I half protest, smiling.
“I don’t know when I’ll get to see you again, so I want you to open it now. Besides, it’s nearly your birthday anyway. Only about thirty minutes to go. Please, I want to see you open it.”
Feeling rather excited, I quickly unwrap the present revealing to me a little jewelry box. I halt for a moment and flit a ‘what have you done’ look at Matthew before glancing back down. When I open it up there is a pair of sparkling diamond earrings staring back at me. I gasp, covering my mouth. “Matthew, they’re beautiful.”
He lets out a relieved breath. “Thank fuck, I didn’t know whether you’d like them.”
I raise my eyebrow at his swearing, but I grin widely too. “Like them, Matthew? I love them! But they’re too much. You didn’t need to spend your money on me.”
He shakes his head and smiles but looks down a moment like he’s guilty of something. “Well, I would love to say that it was me who paid for them, but I’m kind of out of a job right now.”
I smile back and give him a big hug. “I know, Matthew, but it’s the thought that counts. They’re beautiful, thank you.”
“No problem. You got any plans tomorrow?”
Thinking about work, I bite my lip. “I’m not sure yet. Michael mentioned something about going to the movies since Jessie will be out with Jerry tomorrow night. It gets me out of the house, and to tell you the truth, I don’t want it to be a big fuss. It’s just a birthday, nothing special.”
He makes a tutting sound under his breath. “You’re telling me nobody knows?”
“No, as I said, it’s not a big deal.” He rolls his eyes at me, so I nudge him. “Hey, what’s that for?”
“You’re being a martyr.”
I gasp. “I am not.”
“Yes, you are. But I’m not going to argue with you. Just make sure you do something, okay?”
Nodding my head, he hugs me again before opening the door to his car. “Well, I better get going, school tomorrow and everything. I love you, Ana, and please keep in touch.”
I grab his arm and squeeze him lightly. “I will. And I’m sorry I never answered your calls. I will from now on. Promise.” He plants a kiss on my cheek before easing himself into his car. “Oh, and love you, too, you big lummox,” I remember to respond. I then wink at him. “And by the way … nice wheels.” He laughs and starts his engine up. He waves at me as he passes, and I watch him leave the parking lot.
Once he’s disappeared from sight, I look at the earrings again, and another