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Part 27 – Birthday Eve
The night before Anna's eighteenth birthday, the whole atmosphere around her shifted. Ethan had been planning something for weeks, and everyone in their circle knew it was going to be big. He wanted Anna's transition into adulthood to feel like a dream come true, something unforgettable.
Anna's friends buzzed with excitement, whispering about decorations, the guest list, and what Ethan had in store. And Anna, though she smiled, couldn't shake the nerves inside her chest. Eighteen—it felt heavy, like she was stepping into a world she wasn't fully ready for.
That afternoon, as she was leaving the school gates with Ethan, someone called her name softly.
It was Nick.
He didn't look intense or broken the way he once had. Instead, he stood casually against his motorcycle, a bouquet of fresh flowers in his hand, and a small gift bag dangling from his wrist.
Anna froze for a moment. Ethan had gone to grab his car, leaving them alone. She hesitated, but Nick walked up and placed the flowers gently in her hands.
"Happy early birthday," he said, his voice calm, steady, almost warm. He handed her the small package. Inside was a framed picture—of them, laughing together at last year's school carnival. For a moment, Anna's heart clenched.
Attached to the flowers was a note:
"We're always friends. No matter what. –Nick"
Anna blinked, unsure what to say. "Nick… I—"
But he cut her off with a small smile. "Relax, Anna. I'm not here to make things complicated. You've made your choice. I respect it."
Before she could reply, Ethan pulled up with his car. Nick gave her a little nod and walked away, slipping on his leather jacket.
That evening, at the pre-birthday celebration Ethan had arranged, Nick showed up too—invited by mutual friends. The moment he stepped into the party, heads turned. His confidence radiated as if nothing in the past had ever touched him. Music thumped through the speakers, and soon enough, Nick was on the dance floor.
Not with Anna. Not even looking at her.
Instead, he danced with two girls from the cheer squad, spinning one while the other clung to his arm. His laugh echoed above the music, carefree and effortless. More girls joined in, and soon, Nick was the center of attention, moving like the king of the floor, every eye on him.
Anna couldn't stop herself from glancing at him. Part of her was relieved—he wasn't the dangerous, unpredictable Nick anymore. He wasn't chasing her, wasn't trying to pull her away from Ethan. He was just… Nick Carter, the boy everyone wanted but couldn't hold.
Beside her, Ethan slipped his arm around her waist, whispering, "Tomorrow is all about you, baby. Just wait—you'll see how much I love you."
Anna forced a smile, but her eyes flickered one last time toward Nick. He caught her gaze for a brief second across the room, lifted his soda in a mock toast, and then turned back to the girls laughing around him.
For the first time, Anna realized—Nick truly had let go.
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