You only turn 18 once.. [close friends only]

Abi was excited. Today was the day. As she heard her alarm beep its head off, on the table next to her. She rolled over and squinted, trying to read the time. It was much too early to be getting up, she shivered in the duvet, wrapping around her more tightly as she snuggled deeper into her pillow. "Argh" Abi moaned, "Don't want to" Her hand appeared from underneath the covers, reaching out and smashing its palm down onto the 'snooze' button. "Me first!" Abi was definitely going to be the first one in that shower, considering it was 7 am, far too early to be up at this hour she may as well do something. Let the others sleep in. Possibly jump on them later.

Abi flew off of her bed, sprinting across the room, toiletries in hand. She quickly turned on the shower, and began to relax, the steam calming her. Today was the day! 18! Not 17, not 16. 18. It was a scary thought. Abi had planned a little get together later on, watch a couple of films with some snacks with her close friends. Of course, she wanted it to just be close friends, any more and they wouldn't fit in the Lake House. Where the party was going to be held later on. Her close friends just consisted of her dorm mates, Darnell, Isaac and possibly a couple of others.

Emerging from the shower she spent the next thirty minutes getting ready, drying her hair and curling it slightly with the curling tongs. Abi grabbed her stuff and walked out of the bathroom, in a flurry of steam and went back over to her bed. "Next!" Abi shouted. Peering round all of the beds. She had received presents from her parents yesterday, obviously sent early to reach her in time. A couple of cards, probably from her grandparents and perhaps a few unknown relatives. Abi hurriedly ripped open the envelopes, smiling at the card and moving on to the next. She could take the presents down with her, but Abi wanted to read the cards now.

Moving on to her parents, a large red envelope with swirling writing addressed to her. Abi turned it over and opened it, pulling it out and staring at the cover. 'To our Darling Daughter...Happy 18th Birthday!', she rolled her eyes and flipped it open, ignoring the decoration covering the front.

To Abi,

Happy 18th Birthday! Hope you have a great day!

Lots of love,

Mom and Dad.

xx

Abi slipped it back in the envelope and looked at the presents stuffed at the end of her bed, with '18!' wrapping paper adorning most of it. It was very.. exaggerated. Abi decided not to take anything down with her, it would be far too embarassing and she was glad she had gone for a quiet party. Anything to keep as much to herself as possible, just for her birthday at least. It was strange, any other day she would've jumped at the chance to have everyone staring at her but not today.

The day was going so slowly, an amusing breakfast passed in seconds and then it was just 10am. They had ages! Abi had bought everything in advance. Popcorn, crisps - in a variety of flavours, and raided the stash of DVDs in the dormitory. Abi had no idea if she had left anything out, if she had, she was hoping that everything would go smoothly. No dramatics. Just a nice, normal evening, with her friends.

Finally, lunch came around and that was when she made the descision to go over to the Lake House, to set everything up. Move the chairs, squishy cushions at the front and the large soft couches at the back. The table filled with food to the side, all centered around the T.V. Abi didn't think the food would stay on the table for very long, expecting people to just take it to their seats for the film. A pile of cups at the end with a variety of soft-drinks. Abi really didn't think it was going to be that sort of party. At least not this one.

Placing the pile of DVDs next to the T.V, she was pleased that the groundskeeper had helped put the T.V and seats in there for her. She was very grateful. Checking the time, Abi realised it was already 5pm. Four hours had passed and only one remained! Abi looked around the room and was pleased she had brought her clothes with her. The lake house, was bigger than people thought, it would be cramped, but it was cosy. The groundskeeper knew that they were doing this, and Abi hadn't seen him around for a a couple of hours. She walked across two rooms until she found the bathroom and began getting changed. Redoing her make-up and sorting out her hair, she walked back into the room and slid over the side of the couch into it. Head first.

Darnell woke up with one thing on his mind. It wasn't a very obscure thing to be on his mind, though of course. And it wasn't a thing either- it wasn't even it- she- she was a she and her name was Abigail. Abigail Applebottom of course! The Applebottom of his eye.

It took him forever to get ready of course. And to get her gift wrapped- it was a surprise and he really really hoped that she liked it. It'd taken him waaay longer to pick it out than it took him to pick out what he was going to wear. He wasn't really sure what you wore to an eighteenth birthday party. Or a movie party for that matter. He settled on his nicest white shirt, the one that was absolutely stainless... well except for that little taco grease stain at the very bottom right corner but you could hardly see it, really! He put on some nice dark jeans, slipped his red jacket on over, grabbed the birthday tiara and flowers he'd gotten as a start of the party gift, and ran to grab El, who, being the fashionable one of the two, was told to critique, until he actually began critiquing at which point he was told to shut up, because Darnie had nothing better to wear, and this was just making him sweatier and nervous-er.

Finally he stood in front of the lake house doors. He'd yelled at El [not really, he never yelled at El, this is just him being exaggeratory] not to be late. Seven o'clock. He was showing up early to see if he could help out with anything. And... well... just to be around Abi of course.

He knocked on the door and waited for it to be opened. In the meantime, he held his bouquet of 12 daisies in one hand, the birthday tiara in the other, and felt the weight of Abi's gift in his backpocket. He felt about ready to fall over. But that was less the weight of things, and more the plan he had for the night. He couldn't do it... he couldn't do it...

El arrived fives minutes before hand, carrying a small rectangular box in his hands wrapped in pink wrapping paper. He had been wanting to buy a necklace, but thought to go with the less noticable thing so that Darnell could (and most likey) be in the spotlight with Abi. He had been wanting to help, but he knew that his best friend could do it on his own. So, in his typical way of walking- El had made his way to the lakehouse and then stood at the door; knocking on it and then patiently waiting for someone to answer. He was happy that Nikki was coming, and hoped to see her soon.

Stretching one of his arms out wide and then the other, El made sure not to drop the present in his hand which happened to have an extremely good straightener in it. It'd be hell if it broke, mostly because El had actually put a lot of thought into it.

Nikki was nervous. It was just a birthday party, Abi's birthday party, so she shouldn't be nervous, right? Wrong, it was also the first time that she was going to one of Abi's parties with a boyfriend. The girls had been supportive when she had told them of her encounter with El, but now they were going to be together with all their friends. It was going to be weird, in a good sort of way. She already had Abi's present wrapped in silver gray paper with a big pink bow. She just had to decide what to wear. She wanted to impress El, though that wouldn't be hard. So there she stood, damp from the shower, trying to decide on which dress to wear. She finally decided on a dress and then threw it on the bed as totally unsuitable, everything she owned was either too casual, too formal or too plain. She wanted a little sexy, but not too much and just the right touch of casual, without being too plain. She finally settled on a dress and sliding on her thigh high hose under it, she found her high heeled sandals that went with it. She carefully did her hair, like El had showed her how to do it, and put on way more makeup than she usually wore. El liked makeup on women, so she started with a base, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara. She topped it up with a wonderful shade of red lipstick that went well with her hair. Grabbing her coat, she would want it later, her present to Abi, and her purse, she headed out to the lake house.

The Lake House was quiet so far, but then again she was early, Abi wouldn't mind, that way she could take her time getting ready, and Nikki could entertain any of the early guests. She knocked on the door and got ready to greet her friend.

Abi had asked Darnell to come early, to finish up everything with her and hopefully double check that she hadn't forgotten anything obvious. As soon as she heard a knock on the door, she lifted her head up from the couch. Staring straight over, she smiled, hoping it was Darnell. Sliding off of the couch, she bounded over to the Lake House door in a few steps, pulling the door open. "Darnell!" As soon as Abi realised it was him, she noticed the daisies he held in one hand and a tiara in the other. She took a step forward, to embrace him "It's my birthday!" She said happily. Abi felt happier now that Darnell was here, she probably should have asked some of the others to come down with her, but it didn't matter.

Abi looked at what he was wearing, it was the jeans and the shirt! She loved the jeans, he looked so .. it was hard to describe. "Is the tiara for me?!" She eyed it carefull in all its sparkling glory. Abi was glad he was the first one arriving, even just to help. "Cute daisies"Abi smiled, "Come on, I think everything's just about ready" She turned around, walking back through the door, until she was in the center of the room. Abi glanced around, "I don't think anything's missing. What do you think?"

Darnell smiled as Abi greeted him at the door. He laughed softly at her exclamation.

"Way to state the obvious, Abs- but hey- considering it's your birthday, I'll let it slide." He walked in, closing the door behind him and feeling just a little bit better than he did when he was standing out there a few seconds ago. "Yeah, this goes right here," he reached forward and placed the tiara on Abi's head for her, his smile never leaving his face. "I found it at some old thrift store and it just made me think of you," he admitted, blush flaming across his face. He turned his head and pretended to cough. How embarrassing... and oh! The flowers, "Yeah and uh- I tried to get eighteen of them- but uhh, I was like... two dollars short. Twelve's a way better number anyway- hope you don't mind..." He cleared his throat.

And finally, he looked around. He'd never really been in the lake house before- he'd had no reason to go there, so it was all new to him, and it all looked really nice.

"Nahh," He replied, watching her as she bounced around in that way that only she did. "Nah- looks- uh-" he swallowed hard, "looks beautiful." The sigh [quickly disguised as a cough] that followed was not, in fact, inspired whatsoever by the lake house.

"That's good of you" Abi shook her head, sarcastically. Darnell took a step forward, the tiara she had spotted earlier in his hands was now being adjusted on her head. Abi smiled, lifting her hands up to check it was in and wouldn't fly off anywhere. "Aw! Little ol' me" She smiled, "I love it" Abi added honestly. When she had seen it, it looked so cute! Especially since it came from Darnell. She stopped short, Darnell? Abi tried to shake the thought away, it wasn't exactly how she viewed her friend.

Darnell cleared his throat, handing her a bunch of flowers, muttering something about being a few flowers short. Abi knew she wouldn't have noticed, there wasn't a terrible difference to 12 and 18. It wasn't that important, they were flowers all the same and to sound corny - it was the thought that counted. She smiled as he gave his opinion on the appearance on the room, "Great!" Abi turned around and walked over to the DVD pile, now to choose. "Ok. There's a bunch of DVDs to choose from, so I don't know whether to make the descision for everyone or wait until everyone's here?" Abi turned to face Darnell again, wondering what she should do.

A quick sharp knock sounded against the door, Abi, still pondering on the question she had proposed to Darnell ran past him to open the door. She hoped it would be one of her room mates, and considering there was a pretty good chance, Abi was also hoping she was right. Pulling the door open, Abi smiled, "El! Nikki!" She really wanted to know what had gone on between those two, "El!? How did I miss this?" She asked quietly, a big smile upon her face. Although she couldn't help being happy for her friend, El was cool. Abi only knew him through Darnell and those two were a laugh together, but it was strange thinking of him with El. She would have to grill Nikki later..

Darnell felt as though things were going pretty smoothly. Well, he couldn't complain at least. The flowers, the tiara, they'd all done their jobs- Abi seemed happy with them- she'd said she loved it- and with how the party was getting set up. There really wasn't anything for him to do.

She posed a question to him that he was about to answer, when the knocks on the door were heard. "Well, might as well wait for these people to come in." He stepped out of the way of the door so she could answer it. Nikki... and El. Ooooh. Haha. Darnell's face lit up, and he met El at the door to pound his fist in that oh-so-manly way that they did it. "Hey, El! Good timing." He pulled his friend aside and whispered, "She liked the flowers and the tiara... which makes me happy, but... now I have no freaking idea what to do?!" He was trying to keep it cool, but he could feel his palms getting all sweaty. Thankfully, El was there, and he'd save the day, as only he could. "By the way- congrats again, man- Nikki looks so happy." It was true, and no doubt Abi was about to totally grill her about what had happened with her and El, those girls always talked about those things... they talked about everything... maybe even they could talk about him? Nah... Darnie wasn't going to plant things. Nah, that'd be lame.

Nikki was surprised when El arrived at the door about the same time she did. They were both let in at the same time and it looked to Abi and Darnell that they had come together. It couldn't have been better if they planned it. After they got in, Nikki grabbed Abi by the arm, "Kitchen now," she hissed quietly. "Boys we're going to check on things in the kitchen, we'll be right back." she called to the two boys and hustled Abi into the kitchen. "I knew you would want to know what happened, so here is the story. She explained how they had run into each other in the hallway and how their doing shakespeare together led to their kiss and how El had admitted that he really liked her. All of the story told in whispers so as not to let the boys know what they were talking about. "So now what do I do? I haven't ever had a real boyfriend, like this. I mean I've gone out with some guys, but never anything serious. I don't know if I should kiss him when I first see him or what. I don't want to seem easy but I don't want him to think that I'm too prudish either. I mean we were friends, and I let him cut my hair and do my makeup when I go on stage. But now he and I will be going to the ball together. I really need some advice from a fellow senior."

Jay sat on the edge of her dorm bed, folding up the hem of the pair of dark jeans that she was wearing underneath her cute blue baby doll dress. The weather was almost too cold and windy for such an outfit, but since Jay would be inside with a large group of her good friends, she supposed that wearing jeans underneath would be good enough for now. Besides, she wanted to look at least a little dressed up for the special occasion! After all, Abi was the first of the Senior girls to hit the age of legality, and it was really really exciting for Jay. She wasn't going to bundle up and end up looking like an eskimo just for the walk from the main building to the lake house! No! Jay was going to run very very fast to the beach house, then deal with the cold-induced goosebumps once she got there.

She scooped up the red and yellow wrapped box that held Abi's plethora of inappropriate presents (which she just had to get for Abi, no matter how awkward it was to ask her mom to mail some of them to her), and then wrapped her free hand around the strings of the bunch of birthday balloons she'd gotten for the occasion. They would probably end up right back where they were, in the corner of their shared dorm room, but they needed to make an appearance at the party as much as Jay did. With both present and balloon bunch in hand, Jay slipped on her dark blue flats and marched out of the dorm room. In minutes her quick, wind-hastened gait brought her to the door of the lake house. Careful not to accidentally release the balloons into the blustery Maine atmosphere, she edged open the door and let herself in. She came in just in time to see Nikki hustle Abi into the kitchen, and followed them without a second thought.

Once she was in, she realized that Nikki had brought Abi in there to talk privately, but she didn't let that bother her. It was probably something Nikki would have let Jay in on anyways. Hopefully.

This assumption turned out to be right, and a huge smile lit up Jay's face. "So that's who the mystery boyfriend is, eh Nikki?" She nudged her friend gently in the ribs and looked back at the closed kitchen door. "In my humble opinion, I think you should march right back out there and plant a smooch smack in the middle of that handsome face." She grinned, then turned to Abi, hadning her the present and the balloons. "Happy eighteenth, you old geezer, you!" She hugged Abi for good measure, the turned her attention back to Nikki's dilemma. "In all seriousness, though, do what feel right to you. I know I'm not really one to talk, but if you overthink stuff, the moment tends to pass."

El couldn't help but smile when he saw Nikki, and as the door was opened for them he laughed lightly at both Abigail and Darnell. Returning Darnell's fist bump, he grinned at his friend "just go with the flow, it'll be fine- I swear." At his second commment though, El couldn't help but blush at little bit "You're making it sound like I proposed to her," with those words he sounded both horrified and extremely nervous. Leaning back on his heels a little bit, El attempted to look at Nikki but realized that would be impossible at this point. Instead, El simply returned his attention back to his best friend; "Don't force anything, and just go with your instincts and like I said before I'm sure you'll be fine."

"Thanks, I'm just a bit nervous, this just happened, and I'm not too sure of what to do." She was happy that her best friends appeared to approve, it would make things easier. "So you think I should just go in there and kiss him? I wouldn't have a problem with that, he kisses really well, but in front of Darnell, what will he think? Gods, I'm doing it again, overthinking, wondering what other people will think. Mom would tell me to follow my heart and damn what other people think. So come back out with me? If there are lots of people, then there will be a distraction so it isn't quite so obvious." She needed to get a grip on herself and just go with the flow.

She went back out to the main room, hoping that the girls would follow her. She walked up beside El, and slid her arm around his waist in sort of a sideways hug. "Sorry about that but I had to talk to Abi about something. Glad to see that you made it." She stood up on tiptoe and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. That was safe enough, she didn't really want to embarass either him or herself.

Nikki grabbed Abi by the arm, dragging her into the kitchen, Abi held onto her tiara tightly making sure it didn't fall off her head. She began to explain everything, the sweet story, a light smile appeared on Abi's face as she nodded at the right interval. A flurry of 'Aw!'s and 'oh's later the story was just about finished. She blinked overwhelmed with it all, it was terribly sweet bordering on too much but it was definitely dramatic. Abi frowned at Nikki's next question, how on Earth was she supposed to know the answer to something that meant so much to her friend? She nodded firmly, "If you're boyfriend and girlfriend. Just go for it! He probably feels just as awkward, right?" Abi looked to Jay who had suddenly sneaked in. "Jay!!" Abi squealed, embracing her dorm mate.

As Jay gave her opinion on the matter, Abi quickly agreed with her. She quickly laughed at Jay's comment, just because she was one of the oldest, "Old geezer?!" Abi opened her mouth pretending to be shocked at the comment, "I'm one of the prettiest old geezers you've ever seen then Jay!" Abi smiled, tilting her head and giving a little wink as she received a present and the balloons. "Yes! Just barge right in there!" She rolled her eyes, did the girl need directions!? "Just ignore Darnell" Abi said firmly. Holding tightly onto the balloons as they bounced above her head. Nikki was worrying about everything, she followed Nikki out of the kitchen, her eyes watching her walk up to El as she turned her head to face Jay, "I wonder what you got me?" She asked curious, giving the box a little shake. Leaning in the doorway, Abi gave a quick glance over to Nikki seeing them smiling at each other.

Darnell took a few deep breaths and he was fine. It wasn't like him to get so nervous- but then again, he wasn't often infatuated at this level, either. So, it was acceptable. He smiled, and even got out a laugh as El awkwardly encouraged him. He was happy El had had his success. Now... it was his turn- he hoped.

As Nikki came back in and kissed El, Darnell couldn't help but turn to look towards Abi. He smiled and waved the two off, "Ugh, get a room how 'bout it," he clearly teased. "I'll be right back- just gonna see if Abi needs any help with anything."

He ran off to where Abi was, and swinging in the doorway, waved a hello to Jay as well. "Hey gals, what's shaking in here? Or is this a no Y-chromosome zone?" His eyebrows rose suspiciously.

El blushed even more as Nikki came up to give him a small hug, he moved slightly as she gave him a small peck on the cheek- and secretly wanted to give her a kiss back, but decided that it wasn't the best time because of the company. Although as Darnell walked away from them, he laughed quietly and turned back to Nikki "You don't mind if I kiss you on the lips infront of poeple, right?" he asked her quietly so that she was the only who could hear him. He didn't want to embarass her if that was the case.

"I'm not ashamed of you El. Feel free especially in front of my friends. I've told them all so they will sorta expect it. In fact I am sorta getting to expect it. I think Darnell is just jealous that he doesn't have someone to kiss. Maybe we ought to help him find a girl." she turned so she was standing in front of him instead of to the side. While they were almost alone in the room, she wanted to take advantage of the situation. That was one reason she had decided to wear the dress that she did. She wanted to feel his hands on her bare skin, and the halter dress provided lots of area for him to touch.

Abi tried not to laugh as Els cheeks became a light pink, something moved in her peripheral vision, her eyes turning to see Darnell looking at her. He quickly walked towards them, "Hey gals, what's shaking in here? Or is this a no Y-chromosome zone?" Abi gave a sharp nod. "Yep. Stay that side of the door"She grinned, putting the present on the side table, "and there won't be any trouble" Abi glanced between Darnell and Jay, "Should I open presents first, or later?" Eyebrow raised, as she asked both Darnell and Jay, Abi didn't know which films people wanted to watch first.

Leaning back on her foot, she looked past Darnell towards the seats, "I'm so calling the couch later on" Abi could just picture it, seats would go quick, "Are there going to be enough seats?" She didn't know if she was just being dumb or if there genuinely wouldn't be enough seats, if it was the latter then.. people would have to squidge up or sit on the floor, and then she would feel guilty.

"Right. What film is everyone wanting to watch?" Abi asked loudly, across from the kitchen, as she leant past Darnell, peeking past him, smiling.

Darnell pouted at Abi's reply. His bottom lip stuck out and his all wide, he made the lower lip tremble just slightly. "But- but- but-" Oh, this was too much- he broke and began to laugh. "Ugh- fine. And later! It's always best to save the best for last!" Really, he just wanted to have time to think of what to say when he handed her his gift. He was starting to feel a little weird about it. He thought she'd love it... but it was kind of small... and other people were bringing things in like real boxes with real weight... his just fit in his pocket...

"I call the seat beside the birthday girl," Darnie managed to call out- no one'd be suspicious of him... right? Well... except El of course. But he knew the deal. "Sure- and if not I'll sit on the floor- it's no biggie." He smiled, glad he could offer some help of some sort.

As Abi leant past Darnell, Darnie couldn't help but take in his breath a little... he wondered if Jay could see his face turning redder. He really really wanted to just give her a hug now that she was so close- but that'd be sooo awkward. He controlled himself.

Abi had to resist the pout upon Darnells face, he was a very good actor, just as she was about to say 'no!', he laughed and told her to leave it until later. "Ok! Film first" She grinned as he said he was calling the seat beside her, and then he said he would sit on the floor if there weren't enough seats. Abi hoped there would be enough, it'd be a shame for Darnell to sit on the floor, it was uncomfortable and more importantly, he wouldn't be sitting next to her. There were a few scary films in that pile, if they picked one of them she'd be jumping out of her seat, and Darnell calmed her down, just whenever he was around.

"Ok" Although, Abi couldn't exactly say no, she'd make everyone squidge up, even if there wasn't even any elbow room. "Ok. Let's go, I'm going out of the no-go zone now" She smiled, straightening up as she walked out of the kitchen towards the large tv. "There's a whole list of films, so...everyone sit down and then just shout out which category and I'll go through them all" Abi sat down in front of the tv, cross-legged, the pile of DVDs sitting next to her, waiting for the shouting of 'romcom', 'horror', 'action', 'romance' or 'romcom' to hit her.

She had of course, grabbed lots of different sorts of films, but Abi was expecting either action or horror to dominate the rest, especially with the loving leader of Cinema Awesome! club - Jay.

El grinned at Nikki, finding her words amusing "A girl? He's already got someone in mind- You don't have to worry," he said to her with a small wink. "Enough about that though," with those words he leaned forward and with one hand on her chin; he angled her face upwards for a deep kiss. His other hand was just above her butt, and in an attempt to save them both what little embarrasement they had left he pulled back about a minute later. As Abi asked for everyone's opinion about a movie, El moved slightly away from Nikki but still kept his arm around her waist "I'm alright with whatever everyone decides one." He then turned back to Nikki with a small smile "Where would you like to sit?"

"Why don't we sit over there," she gestured to a small couch. "Just enough room for two," she winked up at him. "We wouldn't want to crowd the birthday girl. So what kind of movie should we watch? Something classic or totally cheesy? Or for classic cheese we could always watch "Plan 9 from Outer Space" and make up our own dialog or do like our own MST3K version." she suggested, "Or something totally chick flick as it is Abi's birthday. Abi it is your birthday, you pick the first film. The rest of us will have fun one way or another, either we will love it or we will sit around making rude comments, or both!" Of course she and El always had another option, they could completely ignore the movie and concentrate on each other.

Darnell moved quickly, running and jumping onto and therefore securing the corner couch seat. The one that'd be right by Abi, of course. He sifted carefully through his back pocket- making sure the gift was still there and intact. Darn him, he really needed to be more careful when he carried gifts in his jeans... but the present was okay, so it was alright and he could relax.

"I pick whatever Abi's favorite movie is since it is her birthday!" He shouted rather rapidly so all the words kind of mushed together. "Which is hopefully Stranger than Fiction, I haven't seen that in a while & it's funny." He followed up his suggestion with a grin.

She laughed as Darnell leapt onto the couch, half-scaring Abi at the sudden movement. "I pick whatever Abi's favorite movie is since it is her birthday!" She looked at the back of the couch weirdly for a moment, trying to decipher the bundle of words erupting from his mouth. Smiling, she realised people were leaving the choice up to her when she couldn't even decide!! Abi nodded, "Stranger than Fiction then?" She looked around the room, walking towards the tv to put in the DVD. Sitting on the wooden floor, her legs crossed as she sorted through the pile, to find the DVD Darnell wanted to watch, with a flick of her hand, as she leaned forward, her hair flipped up to rest on her shoulder, as she pressed the correct buttons to start the film.

Slotting it in the machine, and clicking it in, Abi stood up and turned to the couch, to sit down next to Darnell. Stranger than Fiction, was a weird film, that Abi had finally fully understood the second time she watched it. She loved how complicated it was, even if it made her think and concentrate a little bit harder than normal.

"Grab a seat everyone!" Abi shouted behind her shoulder, shifting on the couch, as it creaked quietly. She leant against the back, getting comfortable as the film started running through the credits. Abi tucked her feet up against the side, as she leaned towards the right slightly, tucking them under herself.

This was a good movie... Stranger than Fiction... but Darnell couldn't keep his mind on it. The present tucked into his back pocket was practically burning a hole through his pants- he couldn't stop thinking about it. He really really just wanted to give it to Abi and see her face- she'd be so happy... he hoped. Ahh, but he wanted to give it to her alone...

Clearing his throat, Darnell got up from the couch, hunched over so as not to block anyone's view or anything even though no one was behind him- it was just a movie-goer habit, he guessed. Anyway, he crept around behind the couch and sat there for a second, before edging up behind Abi and tapping on her shoulder.

"Pst, birthday girl- c'mere." His whispers were purposefully so soft. He didn't want anyone to notice they were leaving. Standing up carefully, he tip-toed toward the back door- turning and signaling once more for Abi to follow as he did.