Ben
Birthday dinners with my family are the best. Mom always says that it always feels like yesterday when we were being brought home from the hospital, changing our diapers, or starting kindergarten. Dad always says how proud he is of the people we have become and to always remember where we came from, etc.
Now for us siblings, we usually hang out together. Since it is my birthday, both Bart and Billie played video games with me. We played Mario Kart and Bart was intentionally throwing his races to let our princess win.
Once dinner was served, we all sat down and started eating. Right as we were about to bring out the cake, we were visited by an unexpected visitor.
"Good evening, everyone," he said, "Hey, birthday boy." He walked over to me and hugged me as if he were my boyfriend. Good thing Bryce didn't come, otherwise, we would have to call the police.
"Sam, hi," my mother said, "How's everything going with your transfer?"
"Very well, mom," Sam answered, "I'll be starting school in the fall here."
Sam's news about his transfer surprised me to the point I nearly choked on my food.
"Who invited you?" asked Bart.
"Bartolo," my mother called, "Don't be rude. Sam is basically family."
"Thanks mom," Sam replied, "Besides, I couldn't miss Ben's big day."
"Well sorry to break it to you, Sammy," Bart started, "But my little brother is no longer available."
"Ahem," I clear my throat and signal to Bart not to say anymore, "Thanks for coming, Sam."
Sam handed me a gift bag, "Here you go, birthday boy."
"Sam," I said as I accepted the gift, "You don't have to get me gifts every year."
"That's only because you mean a lot to me, Ben."
"Then you shouldn't have broken it off with him and left for college," Bart muttered under his breath, "I mean, we're happy to have you here Sam." He said with false modesty.
"Anyway," my mom said to break apart the verbal war between Bart and Sam, "Let's bring out the cake and sing Happy Birthday to Ben."
This year was no different than the last four birthdays. Sam and Bart fight over me, mom breaks them up, dad is just sitting back and enjoying the show. All he needs is a bucket of popcorn when those two fight.
The one thing different this year was the gifts. Mom and Dad bought me a Mercedes GT Coupe, Bart got me some new clothes, and Sam got me a Rolex. Billie was excused since she's only seven but she did get me a cute birthday card. My family took pictures and the whole time I was wishing Bryce was here.
However, I was excited for his gift and what he planned for us.
Bryce
Since Ben was celebrating his birthday with his family, I decided to go out with the guys. Techno, Champ, Jack, and Terry went out with me to a movie and then dinner at a chinese buffet.
We all had stacked our plates and started talking about our plans for the coming semester. Techno was the only one that knew about my dating Ben so he was the one who brought up the fact that I was here with them and not with my boyfriend.
"Why are you here with us instead of celebrating with Ben?" he asked.
"Ben is celebrating with his family," I answered, "You think I'd follow him home?"
"Uhh, yeah," Techno said, "It's only right that you celebrate your significant other's birthday together."
"Use your brain, No," I told him, "Why would I go there?"
"How do I put it this way," Techno asked, "Your significant other's birthday is today…"
"Wait," Jack interrupted, "Ben and your girlfriend share the same birthday?"
I glared at Techno, telling him to shut up with my eyes.
"What girlfriend?" I asked.
"Yeah," Techno added, "With his mouth, who can stand him long enough to date him. Besides, you're hearing things."
"Nope," Terry said, "We all heard it."
"Same." Champ chimed in, his mouth full of General Tso's chicken.
"It's as Techno said," I replied, "Who'd want me? I'm too blunt and too harsh."
The others just looked like they all thought Sure, Bryce, while I glared at Techno while he mouthed a quick I'm sorry.
As we were filling up on our third trip to the buffet, I decided to check in on my boyfriend. I saw he was tagged on his brother's Instagram and saw a sweet Mercedes GT with Ben on one side. The caption read Happy Birthday, baby bro.
"Sweet," Techno said as he saw the picture from over my shoulder, "He got a Mercedes?"
I nodded, proudly showing my boyfriend's gifts from his family. Ben mentioned that his family was well off, but not filthy rich.
"Ben's family got him a Benz?" asked Jack.
Terry continued, "If his family was rich, why did he go to the dorms?"
"Because," I answered, "He didn't want to rely on his parents too much."
"Wow, you're so lucky." said Techno.
"I am," I said, completely forgetting the fact that Techno and I were not alone, "I am so lucky to have him."
"How are you lucky?" asked Terry.
Oh shit, how do I explain this without coming out to them?
"Because," Techno jumped in, "He's got a rich friend."
"That's stupid, No," Terry continued, "Having a rich friend doesn't mean shit. Unless you're dating him. I hate that rich people are snobs and always think they're better than anyone who's poor. Always flashing their expensive clothes, gadgets, and money like we can't have any of it."
I couldn't help myself. I set down my chopsticks and said to Terry, "Terry, Ben is nothing like that. You guys know him. You know what kind of person he is. I don't like that you think he can be anything like you just said. So what, he's got money? It's not his fault he's well off. And besides, I'm with him because he's a great person, not for his money."
Shit, I outed myself. I was in complete shock that I basically said that we are dating. Champ, Jack, and Terry just looked at me like I was a crazy person claiming to be abducted by aliens.
"Yo Bryce," Champ said, "We know Ben's a great guy. And Terry didn't say he was like that. He just said some rich people are like that. Thankfully, Ben is not one of them."
"Right," Terry answered, "He's nice, down to earth, and very responsible. I'm glad you're friends with him."
Wait, did he miss the part where I said I was with him, or did he interpret what I said in terms of friendship. I didn't want to think anymore so I excused myself to go to the bathroom.
I can't believe I let myself slip like that. But I couldn't let them think or talk about Ben that way. After we finished, we went bowling for a couple games and went home. I was about to take a shower when Techno called in a panic.
"Dude, did you check out the photo Ben was tagged in," he asked, "Who's the hot guy next to him?"
"Hold on," I checked the post he was talking about. In it were two older people which I assume are his parents, a guy holding a little girl, which I believe are his older brother and younger sister since they look like him, my boyfriend, Ben, and next to him was a guy I don't recognize. "I don't know, I know Ben has two siblings."
"Maybe he's a cousin," Techno guessed, "But just in case, what did you get Ben?"
"I got him something I know he'll love," I answered, "Something only he and I can use."
"Oooh," Techno beamed with curiosity, "Tell me."
"Mind your damn business perv," I answered, "Maybe if you got more action, you wouldn't be so nosy."
I hung up the call and proceeded to take my shower and celebrate my boyfriend's birthday when he got home.
Ben
I came home and heard the shower running and knew Bryce was home. I saw a gift box on the bed along with a 20 ounce bottle of root beer. The box had a note attached that read, Sorry, the store was out of Dr Pepper, Hope your blood sugar spikes, haha. HBD my Butterfly.
I opened the box and saw that there were packets of condoms, lube and a toy Bryce was dying to try out.
"You like?" asked Bryce as he emerged from the bathroom.
"I do," I answered, "I can't wait to try them on you." My devilish grin was matched by his and knew that this was the best birthday so far.
"Well, I'm already naked."
"Let me put away the food first so you can eat it later." I said. I took out several plates and put them in the fridge along with a slice of my birthday cake.
I was about to close the door when I heard Bryce ask, "What's this?" He was holding the box that contained the Rolex Sam gave me. Then he read aloud the card on the gift tag. "HBD. Years may pass, but you'll always be important to me. Love, Sam? Who's Sam? That guy in the photo with you and your family?!"
"Yeah," I answered, "He's just a friend though. You don't have to worry about him."
"Oh, but he got you a really nice and expensive present. Mine surely doesn't matter I guess."
He gets so cute when he's pouty and furious. "Bryce, your present is the one that means the most to me and by far my favorite one."
I tried to put my arms around him but he shrugged me off. "Wait," I said, "Are you jealous?"
"Fuck no," he said unconvincingly, "You think I'd be jealous of you? Dream on." He went back to the bathroom and got dressed for bed. "I'm going to sleep, I'm not in the mood anymore."
If I didn't love him and find these tantrums of his cute, I would be really mad about the situation. I just chuckled and shook my head knowing that my boyfriend felt threatened over nothing.