It's been about a month and a half since the incident. Owen and I continued to live into the bungalow until we finally found a place. Zach and Gray had to go back to Madison, Wisconsin, and I was right, Claire went with them. I guess she's staying with them until she finds a new job and can get her own place.

I remember the goodbye very well, and it was sad. It was later that afternoon.

***

I was hobbling around on my crutch helping people. I was in need of a shower. I was covered in dirt and my hair was a mess. I eventually met the Mitchell's. They were very sweet and emotional. It just made me miss mine more. A person behind me cleared their throat and tapped me shoulder. I glanced behind me and found myself facing Zach and Gray.

"Hey." I greeted. They looked a little sad. I think it was time.

"We're leaving now, Jess" Gray informed me. I nodded sadly. Upset that we never got to talk. I haven't seen them since last night and now they're leaving. He ran forward and nearly knocked me over in a hug. "Thanks." He said.

"Bye Gray." I told him, let him go. Gray sadly smiled at me and walked back off towards his parents who were waiting by the enterance with Claire. Zach still stood in front of me. I had expected him to go back with Gray, and I was glad he didn't. "Bye, Zach." I sadly waved. He rubbed the back of his neck and stood nervously.

"I- I know both our phones are ruined, so I'm doing this the old fashioned way." I didn't quite understand until he grabbed my arm and a marker. Zach carefully wrote numbers down. "If you ever want to talk, or text, that's my number."

I smiled. I haven't texted anyone other than Owen in a long time. "Yeah! Uh- have a safe trip home." I told him. Zach gave a tiny smile and walked away. I waved goodbye to Claire, who caught my eyes. I knew I'd see her again. Claire and Owen won't leave things in the open after today.

***

So then Claire had called Owen one day while we were trying to figuring things out in our little house.  Claire had been looking for her own place when she found a small house a few streets away from the Mitchell's, perfect for Owen and I. We had a few savings from work, extra money from the accident, and money from our parents that would last us a while until Owen could find work.

When I had heard the news, I was trilled! It took a month for us to work out the paperwork, and move ourselves in. My leg was healed long by that time, although there is a frightening scar. There was a welcome cook out, hosted by the Mitchell's, where many of our new neighbors were invited. I wasn't too fond of it, but I got to see Zach and Gray again for the first time in weeks.

We talk all the time and I see them alot. I've grown so close to the two of them. Just last week I admitted it to myself, that I possibly liked Zach Mitchell. 

As for, Owen and Claire, they've had a lot more dates and I think they have all ended well. I know Claire has finally gotten an apartment and found a job as the assistant to an interior designer. I suits her perfectly, organized and stylish. Owen is currently jumping between jobs. But I know he wants to join the police force. He hasn't mentioned it to me, yet.

It's summer, the middle of June. My birthday is tomorrow and I'll finally be 16. I hope to pass my driver's test, unlike Zach. Although he is retaking the classes. Owen is continuing to homeschool me, just so the move isn't too stressful and we can still bond.

I had woken up the next day, June 17th. Happy Sweet 16 to me. I stretched and threw my legs over the side of the bed onto my black fuzzy rug. Owen and I had painted all the rooms with the Mitchell's last week. My room had been done with a light blue and I painted one wall in a chalkboard type thing. I looked around my room looking for my phone. I found it on top of my dresser. I noticed something new was written on that chalkboard wall. Happy 16th Jess! I smiled and headed out he door, down the hall and towards the kitchen to make some coffee.

I was startled by the sound of a high-pitched noise. I looked up to see Claire holding a teddy bear and balloons, and my brother holding a plate of chocolate chip waffles and a party horn in his mouth, both smiling at me. I couldn't help but feel loved, and smile back.

"Happy birthday Jess." Owen said to me. The three of us sat at the table and at the delicous meal Owen baked for me.

"Did you spend the night here?" I questioned Claire. Her faced got flustered and red, as well as my brother's. I laughed at them. "And you didn't want a second date." I reminded, finding the situation very funny.

"Laugh it up, Jess." Owen mocked me while carrying the dirty dishes into our sink. "Now, take those balloons in your room, and get ready for a busy day." He ordered. I got curious and complied. I got up from the table and grabbed the teddy bear attached to my multi-colored balloons. When I entered my room, I set them down, rather quickly, on the dresser causing them to fall.

But when they fell, I heard a strange noise. Like a rattling. I shook a few balloons until one of them made that sound and felt kind of heavy. Curious, I took a pen out of my jar and stabbed the balloon, creating a loud pop. Keys fell from it. Car keys. I sat there for a minute or two, until I got it. I gasped and ran from my room and out to where Owen and Claire were having coffee.

"Owen?" I questioned, out of breath while holding up the keys on my fingers. He smirked and pointed his thumb outside. I ran to the door and threw it open, steppign out on the patio. In the driveway, parked, was my dream car. A 1969 Chevy Camaro convertible, blue. I didn't know what to do. I felt hands clamp onto my shoulders.

"What do you think?" Owen asked, excited and nervous. I turned to face my brother and attacted him with a hug.

"Thank you, thank you! You're the best brother ever. Oh my gosh, Owen! How did you even find one of these?" I asked him smiling huge. He laughed.

"There was a old car shop a few miles away. I bought it, got it repainted and fixed it up. So don't get worried about it breaking down." He explained, proudly.

"Owen, I don't get my license for another week." I complained.

"Then I guess, we'll both have to ride around in it." I laughed at him, once more.

***

Owen had treated me to lunch as well. Of course we drove my new car. And it was everything I hoped and more. I was putting in my mom's old earrings. Owen had told me to get ready for tonight and dress like I was ready to have fun. I haven't heard from the boys all day, which disappionted me a lot, but it shouldn't. I don't think I ever even told them when my birthday was. I was wearing  the new sandals from Claire which looked super cute on me. I thought I looked super nice, for once.

"Let's go Jess!" Owen's voice rang out. I flew out the door, ready to face whatever surprise Owen has planned.

"Alright," Owen started, climbing into my car. "Before we go, you have to put this on." Owen held a bandana in his hand. I took it and looked at him weird. "It's not a long ride, so calm down." I still didn't get why he wanted me to wear this. Owen shoved me to the side, where my head turned. He also took back and bandana and started to tie to over my eyes. "Jess, you are not allowed to see anything." He instructed.

"I don't want to wear this." I complained. I felt the car get into motion.

"Just give it two minutes, okay?" He told me. I sighed and sat back. The car slowed down. That was a short drive. I heard Owen run and then my door open. I felt my brother guide me out of the car and up some steps. "Okay, almost." He mumbled. Owen opened a door and guided me inside.

"Am I being executed?" I asked, disappointed.

"Who knows?" He retorted, joking. I hope. "Alright, now you can take it off." He gave me the go. I tore the bandana off my eyes to reveal the Mitchell's and some of our close neighbors, and a few kids I didn't know.

"Surprise!" Everyone shouted. I laughed and hugged Owen. Zach and Gray were the first to greet me.

"Happy Birthday!" Gray hugged me.

"Thank you." I thanked. Zach pulled me into a small hug.

"Happy Birthday. So how does it feel to finally be 16?" He asked.

"No different than 15, yet. Finally," I started smiling. "You and I are the same age." I realized.

"Not really." He smiled back. This is the best day ever.

The evening consisted of cake, dancing, and me meeting some of the Mitchell's friends. I was pulled away from a very boring conversation about a man who collects rocks by Zach.

"Thank you for that." He handed me a small box right away. 'What's this?"

"Open it to find out." Zach instructed. I lifted the lid off to reveal a small, gold chain with my name ingraved on it. I smiled. "I didn't really know what to get you-"

"I love it." I held it out to him "Could you?" I asked. He nodded rapidly and took my wrist.

Zach focused on it and attached the present to my arm. I smiled at him for a long time, until we were interupted by Gray.

"Jess! Here's your gift." He held out a box with a big ribbon.

"Gray I didn't need anything, but thank you." I slid the ribbon off and opened it. I laughed before pulling out a stuffed dinosaur. Not sure which type but it was cute.

"They didn't sell raptor ones, but this one is a-" He started to explain. I was sure I was about to learn all about my new gift.

"Gray, I'm sure Jess doesn't want to hear about her new dinosaur. You can tell her later." Zach told his brother. Gray gave me an apology smile and ran back to a few boys his age I met eariler.

The night went on and on. The people started to leave, and I was relieved to be alone with the Mitchell's, Claire and my brother.

"Jess, we better get going if you want to do it." Owen prompted me. I stood up and got ready to go, I didn't want to miss this.

"Do what?" Gray asked curiously.

"It's this tradition we do every year on our birthdays." I explained. Our parents started it, so Owen and I continued it. I said thank you and goodbye to everyone. Zach was acting very sweet tonight and it made me feel weird but happy, and he walked me to the door. Owen went out to the car, ready to go. "Thanks for the bracelet." I smiled.

"You're welcome. Happy Birthday, Jess." He said once more, leaned forward and gave my cheek a light kiss. It was dark out, and I was blushing like crazy, so he couldn't see that. I waved goodbye. Zach shut the door and I headed out to Owen and the car.

He drove us home and got the supplies. I waiting in the backyard on a lawn chair with my jacket on. we had to adapt to the cold and even during the summer, we had chilly nights. Owen came out, and handed me my lantern and a lighter.

"Ready?" He checked.

"Ready. One-" I clicked the lighter, lighting my lantern.

"Two-" Owen lit his. We looked at each other for the go.

"Three" We both said, together and I watched my hand let it go. The lanterns flew up into the night, lighting up the night. Owen pulled me into a side hug, and we stayed like that watching our lanterns.

"Mom and Dad would have loved the woman you've grown to be. I hope you know that Jess." Owen reminded me. It made me feel good inside, happy,  and confident. My eyes started to sting with tears.

"Thanks, Owen." What he said really put the cherry on top of my day.

"So, did you have a good day?" I smiled to myself.

"Just about the best." Only I didn't realize the mess we were about to get caught in.

***

Honestly I barely rewrote this. I just fixed tiny details!

Anyway, enjoy 2015. It's just about over :/

;)