SAGE

Chapter 26

Sage Miller

"She really said that?" I asked. My eyebrows shot up joining my hairline.

"Yeah she did. She said she wanted it big and extravagant. So I'm surprised when you say she doesn't

like celebrating her birthday." Wren told me just as surprised.

"Wow." I exclaimed. "Do you know why she hates her birthday?"

I asked Wren.

I don't know what Eve was playing at because what she's doing is bizarre but at the same time its

exactly like her, she'll do anything to avoiding her pain.

"No I don't but my guess had to do with Mike's birthday." She said.

Eve and dad share the same birthday month but that isn't the only reason.

We were currently sitting in the kitchen island in her house drinking juice. She asked if she could talk to

me.

When she said that I didn't think she wanted is to talk about this. Eve hates her birthday. It's been like

that for almost six years.

Wren said Eve is not home. She went out to meet her friend, Victoria. I don't really like her but she's

her only friend right now except that fucking Mason.

"Yeah that but do you know on which day dad die?" She shook her head. "He died six day after his

birthday, a day before Eve's birthday. A year later Aunt Lauren killed herself on her birthday."

I explained slowly and as the words sank in, Wren's eyes widen in shock.

"That must've been horrible." She said and I nodded and said nothing.

Eve grew up liking big birthday parties while I didn't think much of it. Dad would give her everything she novelbin

wanted. If she wanted to go to Disney that's what she would get. She was his Princess and he spoiled

her and after everything that followed after dad's death I understood why she hated her birthday.

So before Dad died, he had organized a very big party for her. The biggest she has ever had.

When the police came that afternoon and told Clara that dad was hit by a car that afternoon.

Our world came crushing down and it was downhill from there and she started hated birthdays from

then.

Imagine starting your birthday with a heart ache of your dead hero and father. It was very hard on her,

on me. We were kids, so innocent, we needed dad so much.

"I don't know what she's playing at. I don't think she's over his death. I mean she still doesn't want to

visit his grace. She refuses to or even talk about dad yet she wants to do this." I told Wren my tone

harsher than I intended. I wasn't aware how angry this got me.

She was pissing me off. She might fool everyone by making them think she's okay and happy but I

know her.

I've known her all my life, I know her better than she knows herself. She's faking everything. She's not

okay. In fact she's far from it.

At first I thought I'd let her be until she came to me like she always does but now I won't. She needs a

wake up call.

And I'm that wake up call.

I said goodbye to Wren with a promise I'd have a talk with Eve.

I had Sebastian drop me off here because I knew I'd be driving back to the house in a Hennessey

Venom.

As I walked out and saw it sitting there, waiting for me. Every thought vanish. Every worry evaporated.

I was feeling frantic, unrestrained. The emotion was uncontrollable. My inside were jello.

I slowly walked up to it, like I was trying not to scare it away.

Back in Toronto when Grandma gave it to me, I was excited but it didn't feel real. It was like I'll leave

Toronto and leave it behind. It didn't sink in that it was really mine.

But seeing it here, in Miami. It made it feel real. It really sank in that this car, the Hennessey Venom is

really mine.

I ran my hand on the paint brushing it. I looked around to see if anyone was watching me.

The best things about this neighborhood is that neighbors aren't as nosey. They mind their own shit,

always inside and that the next house is close to quarter of a mile away.

Satisfied that no one was watching my crazed act, I walked around the car, admiring it.

I did a huge fist pump with a bit of a happy dance. I laughed at myself as I realized what I just did.

I couldn't wait to show it to everyone. I couldn't wait to show it off at school. I'll be the only one driving it.

I'd be the only kid driving a car that cost more than half a million. Even the teacher don't own such cars.

I got inside then breathed in the fresh smell of new leather and started it. The engine purred seductively

and I swear I almost got a boner.

Pure happiness, that's how I'd explain it.

I made sure to connect my phone to my car and search for the perfect song to be played first in my car.

At the moment I was obsessed with Ed Sheeran so I settled for beautiful people.

I swayed a little as I backed out of the driveway.

At the end of the street I saw a yellow Larbogini and immediately realized who it belonged to. With all

those custom rims. It only belonged to one person, Smurf.

I'm reminded that she lives a couple of houses away from here.

Not too long another car followed and I knew exactly who it belonged to, her boyfriend.

He didn't recognize me or my car. Not that he had a reason to.

My mood almost turned sour. Almost.

I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts in my head.

I won't let anyone ruin my mood today. I have a new expensive car. I'm happy. That's final.

With that decision, I called Sebastian to tell him to meet me at my house.

"Of course Connor will be there but at least this time I'll be there to stop him from bashing your face." I

snorted and heard him grumble. "I still don't believe Connor gave you a nasty black eye."

Part of me wanted to see for myself if Connor will punch Sebastian. I don't believe he did that. I mean

he's such a softie that I really don't believe he did that.

"I don't think I should go. It'll turn messy." Sebastian sighed on the other end of the line.

"Of course you should come. I want both my friends there to congratulate me and watch me as I gloat

about my expensive car." I guess I was being insensitive but I was tired.

Tired of their shit. I use to have both of them at the same time at the same place but now I don't have

that and it's tiring.

"He doesn't wanna see me Sage." He said a bit annoyed but I didn't care.

I brushed him off.

"See you at my house." I said firmly and hung up on him.

I drove to my house a bit annoyed. I just wanted my two friends. Was that too much to ask for.

As soon as I turned on my driveway, I started to hit the hooter. I had my music on full blast. Driving

really slow as if to savor the moment.

I saw the door open, Connor and a girl I didn't know stepped out.

My white Audi was parked on my driveway too.

As soon as I stepped out of the car Connor's eyes widen and his jaw dropped.

I smirked as I closed the door real gently. I brushed the widow as if I was wiping dust off.

"Holy. Hell." He said once he picked up his jaw from the floor.

His lady friend was soon forgotten as he walked up to me.

"So it was true. You were telling the truth." He exclaimed. His hand in his head.

My ego was twice the size of Wren's house. At that moment and that's saying a lot considering Wren

lives in a freaking mansion.

I always had a huge ego but driving that car is about to make it worse.

"So you really think I'd lie about this." I mused.

"Yeah... no... argh I just thought... argh... I believed you but seeing it right now makes me believe you

even more." He explained.

"That doesn't even make any sense." I told him.

"I know.... well it did in my head. So.." he trailed off.

I chuckled and went inside the house. His friend was still standing on the porch.

I say his friend because I know for a fact he doesn't have a girlfriend and I don't know what they are.

I greeted her and went inside. I went straight to the kitchen and grabbed an arm chair then a cooler and

some beers.

Looks like I'm turning this into a BBQ and my car into a sound system.

I went outside and soon Connor followed suite with my plan and we got the griller out and some beef.

We took so many pics with my car and I posted most of them but there was still no Sebastian in sight

and he was pissing me off.

"No one is driving my car." I said chuckling but I meant every word.

Connor's friend was soon introduced to me as Gemma. She was assigned to make salads and cook

some pap.

I also asked her to invite two of her friends. One for me and one for Sebastian. In case he showed up.

I was still hoping he will. I had hope that he wouldn't disappoint me, not when he knew how excited I

was about having both my friends together again. I'm not insensitive but they should be considerate

too.

Her friends were now with her in the kitchen helping her. And I also got that their name were Chloe and

Tracey.

Their all visiting Miami for the summer and their from California.

"We need more beers." Connor boomed from the house. But I did agree with him. Totally.

If were turning this into a party we needed more beers.

"You pointed it out. You go get them." I shouted back to him.

"Way ahead of you man. I knew you wouldn't want to go." He said coming out of the house.

The girls came out with containers and place them on the table we placed outside.

"We're almost done. We just need a few things." Gemma told both me and Connor. "Since you're going

to the shop anyway we'll just tell you what we need."

"Um.... why don't you just come with?" Connor suggested to them.

"Um... yeah sure." She said.

"I'll just take your car man." He told me.

"I hope you mean the Audi not my baby." I said to him. He laughed.

"I meant the red one but the Audi is just fine." He teased but he didn't realize how serious this matter is.

No one is ever driving my car.

No one. I mean no one gets to drive my car. No one.

I chuckled nervously but then realized something.

"Hey wait.... you're all going?" I asked frowning. "You'll leave me all alone. Tracey should at least stay

behind."

I suggested to them.

"Umm yeah sure." She said already coming back.

I made sure to say from the the moment they got here to show my interest in her. So it was no surprise

she agreed so fast. She was also interested.

The trio left and soon I was left with Tracey.

"So.. um.. what... should we do while they go to the shop?" She asked innocently.

I liked that she wasn't shy but she wasn't too forward either. She was just in the middle.

"I could think of many things to do." I said suggestively.

"Oh yeah like what?" She giggled and I got up and went to her.

I pulled her with me and sat down placing her in my on my lap. I snaked my hands around her waist.

"I could kiss you right here." I said pushing her hair and kissing her collar bone. "Or here. Then right

here."

I moved to her neck then her jaw. She was heaving hard.

"We're outside." She said breathless.

"So." I said against her skin sucking and I was proud of myself when she let out a moan.

"Your neighbors." She moaned out.

"So what? I'm just kissing you." I said and pull back. "Or we could go upstairs. I could think of many

things I could do to you in my bed and I'm sure your friend already used the couch with Connor."

She surprised me by laughing.

"Yes she did." She said laughing and I joined her.

"Really?" I asked dumbfounded. I was just kidding I didn't think they did use it.

Now I'm gonna hate the couch and I have to throw it away.

"Yeah she told us when we were in the kitchen."

Ew.

"Did they only do it there or should there be some other place I should stay clear from?" I asked.

Disgust evident in my voice.

She laughed at how disgusted I was.

"Narh. Just the couch." I sighed in relief at that.

I opened my mouth to say something probably perverted but stopped as soon as I saw a familiar car

pull in on my driveway.

Better late than never right? I sighed in relief when Sebastian stepped out. I almost thought he wasn't

gonna show up.

"You're late." I deadpanned. Of course he ignored me and walked to my car.

I was on my feet in a flash.

"So you really were telling the truth. I didn't believe you then but when I saw the pics in Snapchat. I just

had to come and see it for myself. Pics can be Photoshopped you know."

He was near my car when u shouted.

"Sebastian. Step away from the car." He stopped dead in his track. "Back up."

"Oh come on." He said whining. "I won't leave a scratch."

I know I should let him at least touch it but someone scratching made me nervous as hell.

"Oh yeah.... umm.. sure." I heard Tracy snort behind me and I shot her a playful glare.

He inspected my car while I inspected him. I just had to make sure. It's not like I don't trust him but

accidents happen.

His zipper could scratch the paint when he gets to close. Who knows.

I'm probably paranoid but better safe than sorry.

"So where is he?" He asked and I knew who he was talking about.

"He's at the shop. He'll be back soon." I informed him.

I quickly texted Connor telling him to buy more beer I'll give him the money when he comes back.

He quickly said it's okay. Today it's on him.

I had to admit. I was a bit nervous about today.

Today could either go horribly wrong or very amazing. Depends in which sides the gods prefer.

Sebastian did mention he got him a peace offering. Gummy bears. Freaky gummy bears but you can't

argue with gummy bears when it comes to Connor, He's addicted to that shit.

I'm sure Connor already bought himself some from the shop but more can't hurt, right.

The music was mildly loud and I had my face in Tracey's tits. That were so huge.

Sebastian was working the grill. He's the best at that. More than Connor and me. Maybe its because

that he has to cook for himself. He started from a young age.

While me on the other hand, I couldn't be bothered by anything related to cooking.

I'm that horrible. I can manage food that only I can eat.

"What the fuck is he doing here?" A voice boomed which I knew very well who it belonged go.

I didn't even hear the car pull up.

I sighed my face still stuffed in Tracey's tits.

I stood up and place Tracey down gently.

"Calm down Connor he's here because I called him." I calmly explained eyeing Connor.

Sebastian stood by the griller shifting awkwardly under Connor's piercing glare. I knew it wasn't

because he was afraid of Connor but only because he was feeling remorse.

"You invited him." He sneered. "And you're telling me to calm down. You know exactly why I can't

stand him. He ruined my relationship with mom."

"I already apologized for that. It was wrong of me for doing what I did. Here's a peace offering." It

wasn't me who answered Connor.

Sebastian handed him a pack of gummy bears.

Connor sent me a dead glare that caused Tracey to whimper behind me.

"A peace offering. You shitting with me right now. Am I suppose to thank you now. Your sorry isn't

gonna fix anything Sebastian. You can't break a glass then piece it together with glue and expect it to

look the same as before."

He walked to Sebastian and snatched the gummy bears from Sebastian's grip.

I released my breath thinking that it was all okay until Connor's fist connected with Sebastian's jaw.

Everyone took in a sharp breath as Sebastian stumbled back.

Holy. Fucking. Hell. Those are three words that doesn't belong together. At all. And those are the words

that describe what I just saw perfectly well.

Connor's fist was powerful. Those are some words I never thought I'd say, ever, not together like that.

How in the hell did he learn how to throw a punch like that?

"If he's staying then I'm leaving." Connor stated as he walked away from Sebastian.

I felt my blood boiling as he walked down the driveway.

"Like hell you are." I stopped him. "Don't dare ruin this for me. Don't you dare."

I didn't know I was this angry at them till I started talking.

"You already ruined my summer. Both of you." I turned to the ladies. "They ruined my summer. I had

this plan on how we'll spent our summer. We were gonna hit every party we could get into. Use our

fake Id which cost a small fortune to get into clubs. We were gonna find different girls-"

I gave them an apologetically look and continued.

"-sorry girls. This was gonna be the best summer I've had in six years. It was going to be perfect and

we were gonna do things we couldn't even remember but it was gonna be okay because you would've

knew we had fun. You both knew how excited I was. I spent months talking about it. It was gonna be

the three of us but instead you both ruined it.-"

"It wasn't me-" Connor was about to defend himself but I wasn't having nom of it.

"Shut it. I was trying not to be insensitive and allowed you to be angry because you need to but you

were selfish. Don't you think I suffered from your feud. I had to have separate times for the both of you

and I ended up not doing anything I had planned instead I ended hanging out with-"

I stopped myself as I realized I was about to involve Styles in this whole thing. I almost said gang

related stuff.

"-that doesn't even matter because both of you ruined my summer. I get that you're angry Connor but

the fact that that son of a bitch right there-" I pointed at Sebastian by the griller who was nursing his

jaw.

"-came all the way and said sorry is a huge step. He's one son of a bitch that doesn't know the word

sorry. He hates apologizing and the fact that he's doing it is a huge deal. And don't you dare get your

undies in a twist because I don't condone what Sebastian did. I hate it even. I've told both of you that

but that doesn't erase the fact that he's my friend and so are you. I don't have to choose. I don't wanna

choose. Today was suppose to be my day. I was suppose to be happy. This BBQ was suppose to be

peaceful and I wasn't suppose to choose a friend over the other."

I finished my speech and strode towards the house. I needed a smoke. I felt footsteps following closely

behind.

I knew they weren't Connor or Sebastian's because they were too light to belong to either of them.

I heard Connor's mumble followed by Sebastian's.

"I didn't say you should choose."

"I'm sorry."

I could actually see Connor pout and Sebastian's scowl as he said sorry.

But I was too angry to even turn around.

"Are you okay?" Trace asked as I tried slammed to the door shut but she stopped it.

"Yeah I just need a smoke and calm down." I said searching the cabinets for one smoke but found

none.

I sighed in frustration.

I rarely smoke. I only did it when I was stressed or extremely angry.

Between Chris's death this morning and being stressed about Eve then those two.

I was overwhelmed and my emotions are all over the place.

"Here." Tracey handed me a lighter and a ciggarate.

I raised one eyebrow but didn't question anything. I took it from her wit the lighter and lit it..

"Mind if I join?" She asked.

"Not at all."