Three | At Fifteen Years

5:15 am (Location: The Fort, a.k.a. Yzen's treehouse)

"Okay, idiots," Eric Jay rubbed his hands together, "Let's plan out the biggest birthday surprise ever."

He was sitting cross legged at the front of the treehouse, acting leader. Ravine was leaning against a wall with his arms crossed and by the window beside him was Julian. Eddie was lying down and playing with a stuffed toy and Lovely was fiddling with the hem of her shirt, thinking.

It wasn't an ordinary wooden treehouse. The Fort (what Gavin suggested to call it) was Julian's and it was the kind of treehouse you would expect from a rich kid. It had beanbag chairs, a microwave and a mini-refridgerator. Various knick knacks stood on shelves and it wasn't complete without the photographs of the group hung on the walls.

"Why did this come up suddenly?" Eddie asked, pinching Mr. Buns' nose.

"Be careful with my fluffy bunny," Julian scolded him.

Eric Jay ignored them. "Lovely?"

"It's my idea," she avoided everyone's gaze, "I just want to do something special for him now." She smiled just thinking about Gavin.

Back when they were fourteen, they had admitted their feelings to each other. They weren't dating - still too young for that - but Lovely knew that they were something more than friends. And at that time, that was everything for her.

Gavin became sweeter than she ever imagined. He gave her chocolates during her period, he helped her out in her homework, and when she felt anxious, he'd squeeze her hand in assurance.

Now, he's turning fifteen and she would return the favor.

"You're so-o in love with each other!" Eric Jay clapped his hands together. "You're so sweet."

Lovely grinned and blushed. Eric Jay was an expert in teasing her about her 'relationship'.

"So what do you have on mind?" Ravine spoke for the first time since they got to the Fort.

"That's what I wanted to ask you guys," Lovely fiddled with her fingers, "I don't know exactly how to do this."

"But how could you not know?" Julian asked, "He's your best friend. You should know him better than any of us."

"But still!" Lovely said, exasperated, "Guys, I really need your help."

"I know what gift you should give him," Eddie suggested, "A birthday kiss!"

"What!" Lovely blushed furiously, "I can't do that!"

"Ooh, innocent little Lovely is still a lip virgin!" Eddie teased.

"And you're not?" Ravine asked Eddie.

"That doesn't matter," Eddie avoided the topic, "My point is, you should try something different. Something he won't expect."

Lovely was stumped. Gavin seemed to know what she needed at a certain moment but right now, she had no clue how to plan his birthday party.

"Let's plan the basics first," Julian said, clasping his hands together, "The location, what kind of birthday party, exactly what time it will be, the guests, etcetera."

Everyone looked at Lovely, expecting her to start talking. She was the party planner and organizer after all.

"Okay," She blew out a breath, "Each of you give suggestions on what sort of party it'll be."

She looked at the bad boy, "Eddie?"

He set Mr. Buns down but was still fluffing him. "A pool party," he suggested, "It's pretty hot these days and I want to try out my new water machine gun."

Eric Jay snorted at the idea. Eddie gave him a dirty look, "Got a better idea, Newman?"

"Of course!" The boy's eyes lit up, "We should plan a little kiddie birthday party with balloons and stuff. We can play childhood games like Musical Chairs!" He was practically bouncing on his seat.

Lovely bit her lip, still thinking it over. She faced another boy, "Rav?"

Ravine shrugged, "Just a simple party when we invite a few others to the mall. We eat and watch movies and head over to the fair."

"That doesn't sound too bad," Lovely said.

"What! That's boring!" Julian whined, "I want to go skiing and trekking. Maybe we can go to an adventure park and try out skydiving."

Ravine sighed, "It's your pick, Lovely. It's your best friend's party after all."

Lovely shook her head, "I don't know."

She tried to remember things Gavin mentioned to her, about how he would like his birthday party. He mentioned having a multicolored cake with glow-in-the-dark figurines but that was it. She knew she'd feel bad if they'd screw up the party. No matter how much Gavin says it's okay, Lovely always felt guilty about something.

Multicolored . . . She thought . . . Lights . . . Glow-in-the-dark . . .

She snapped her fingers, "I've got it!" Lovely smiled from ear to ear, "Laser tag mixed with a paintball war! It's paintball but with mazes and lights off."

"That's a good idea," someone said suddenly. Everyone's heads turned to see Marie's face popping into the door of the Fort. She climbed in and was soon followed by Sofie.

"Whatever you're talking about," Marie smiled and took a seat on one of the beanbag chairs.

Ravine scowled, "Why is she here?"

"Because she's still part of the group and I also need girly advice." Lovely reasoned out. Ravine only looked away.

Those two - Ravine and Marie - had unwavering hate for each other ever since they met. But tension (a romantic one, that is) began building up ever since the start of freshman year when they worked on a project together.

The two still bickered back and forth and the group was used to it. Lovely did hope that they would end up together someday.

Her eyes darted towards Sofie who was waving at Eddie. Them, too, she thought, they should end up together.

"Has anyone acknowledged the fact that we're at the Fort at five in the morning?" Marie said.

"It's genius actually," Eric Jay grinned, "Gavin would never expect us to meet up early in the morning so we steer clear from suspicion."

"And I bet you came up with the idea to meet at this time," Sofie said.

Eric Jay sat proudly, "Yep, I'm so brilliant."

"So Lovely," Marie faced the girl, "What were you up to?"

"Planning Gavin's birthday party," Lovely answered, "I thought of a grand Paintball-in-the-dark themed party."

Marie laughed, "I bet the boys' suggestions were stupid." That earned a grunt from Ravine.

"When is his birthday again?" Sofie suddenly asked.

"Tomorrow," said Eric Jay.

"And you're only planning for it now?" Marie's eyes were wide. Lovely cringed at that. Yes, maybe they had procrastinated about Gavin's birthday party.

"Yeah," She said, "But the plan's pretty good."

"Not to be the downer here - " Ravine suddenly spoke up.

"You're always the pessimist." Marie glared at him.

"- but how do you suppose we find a place to play in? The whole party venue? Invitations? Where do we get the guns, the paint, the safety gear?" Ravine asked, ignoring Marie's comment.

"And the food," Eric Jay added.

Lovely's face fell. How stupid of her to be so confident. Ravine always slaps sense into their crazy schemes. They couldn't manage this in one day.

Luckily, Julian came to the rescue, "I can handle the paintball materials. We'll just have to find the right place and I can rent it out."

"Yay for Julian's money!" Eric Jay cheered and Eddie laughed. Sofie was now hugging Mr. Buns which Eddie had tossed to her.

Hope rose in Lovely's chest. "We can actually do this," she said, looking at the others, "We'll send out invites online, help out his parents cook and order food and we can set up the venue ourselves."

Everyone burst out, calling dibs on their party roles. After arguments and agreements, it was settled that there was the Paintball Gamemaster (it was Ravine, who didn't want to join in), Food Organizer (Eric Jay, obviously), Guest Managers (Marie and Sofie), Funder (Julian, the rich one) and Decorator (Eddie, with the girls).

"Okay," Lovely sighed out, getting a bit overwhelmed of the jobs needed to be done. She began typing on Julian's laptop for the party plans.

"We have to get prepared as much as possible today," she said, pushing back a piece of hair. "Marie and Sofie, start sending out the invitations. Limited only to our few classmates and friends. Don't forget to remind them to wear something they don't mind getting dirty."

Marie nodded and got out her laptop.

"Eric Jay," said Lovely, "You and Eddie go to Gavin's and tell his parents our plans. Choose the food you want to be served and book delivery reservations. And head to the mall to buy the party essentials. I'll text you the cake specifics."

"Got it," Eric Jay threw an arm on Eddie's shoulders.

"And Ravine, Julian and I will look for the right venue. We'll meet back here at the Fort, four p.m."

After a hearty breakfast at Julian's house which consisted of bacon and pancakes, everybody set to work. Lovely's mind was spinning. Everything was so hectic.

Julian fished out his phone as the three of them walked through the street to search for the venue. "There might be a few empty lots around here," Julian said, "We could have walls set up inside a warehouse. Outside, we set the party."

"Where's the nearest?" Lovely asked.

Julian's eyes lit up as he stared at his phone, "There's one not too far away. And it looks like it's just near Gavin's house."

They all lived in the same neighborhood, a big one. That makes it easier for them to head to each other's houses. Lovely herself was neighbors with Gavin and Marie.

"That's perfect," Lovely told Julian, "we need to check it out so I can tell Marie to gather the guests at Gavin's tomorrow and we lead them to the warehouse."

"Got it," Julian tapped a few times on his phone, "It's a ten minute walk from here."

While they walked, Julian busied himself with his phone (probably texting either Nadine or Asther). Lovely glanced at Ravine beside her who silently had his hands stuffed inside his pockets and his head down.

"Hey," she bumped him with her shoulder, "Something wrong?"

Ravine's vibrant green eyes looked up at her, "Sorry. I'm just thinking about something."

Lovely offered him a small smile, "Does this something go by the name of 'Marie'?"

When his face grew hot, Lovely knew she was right. "Rav," said she, "Don't torture yourself over her. The longer you hold back, the farther she'll pull away from you."

He chuckled humorlessly, "I'm not Gavin. I can't admit my feelings to a girl so easily."

When he was met with silence, he continued, "Plus, she hates me. So much. She won't bat an eye towards me when she likes someone else."

Lovely's eyes widened. She knew Ravine liked Marie, but not the fact that she liked someone else. She had a half mind that maybe her feelings were mutual with Ravine, but the idea had lots of things contradicting it.

"She likes someone?" She whispered, "Who?"

Ravine then looked at Julian, hurt evident in his eyes. Lovely then understood. Marie admired Julian and Ravine was out of the picture.

"But you did hint at it, didn't you?" She said softly, trying anything she can to make the situation better.

"I didn't think she even cared," Ravine told her, "That was a year ago. She probably forgot already."

Lovely lightly touched his shoulder, "She'll realize one day. Don't worry. Make her feel special and she'll warm up to you soon."

"I hope so," Ravine mumbled.

"Nadine's coming to the party," Julian spoke, not lifting his eyes from his phone, "So is Dani. Marie's already sent out invites, I think."

Lovely cleared her throat, "Speaking of girls, have you ever decided between Nadine and Asther?"

Julian seemed to be caught off guard by the question. "He hasn't," Ravine answered for him.

"Maybe I'll just settle for being friends with them for a while," Julian defended, "It's hard to decide . . . "

"Make up your mind soon," Lovely told him sternly, frowning, "It's not good leading people on, Yzen. Especially girls."

"I know!" Julian cringed.

"Is this the place?" They stopped as soon as Ravine said the words. They stood in front of an old warehouse which looked dull and insignificant, if not scary.

Julian glanced down on his phone, "Yup, I think this is the place."

They walked towards it as Julian explained that the owner lives next to it. Once they reached the aforementioned house, Lovely digged out her phone to find a message from Gavin:

At my piano lessons. What are you doing?

Her heart skipped a beat, knowing that he thought about her even when they were away. Quickly, she typed up a reply to him:

Just with my laptop at home. Good luck in your lessons :)

She bit her tongue for lying to her best friend. But she needed to; it was his birthday tomorrow after all. She hoped he wouldn't go looking for her later. So she texted him to make sure:

My parents are taking me out later. Look for me this afternoon.

Then came his instant reply:

Okay. See you later.

After the three talked to Rosaliyn, the owner, they opened the warehouse themselves. "This will take lots of work," Julian commented as they went in.

Lovely took her phone again when she felt a buzz of a message .

Lunch? Can we have lunch together later?

Lovely smiled. Then she answered, Sure. I'll meet you at McDonald's.

"We better get started right away," Lovely said to the two boys as she looked at the dust-coated empty warehouse, "I'm meeting Gavin for lunch and I'm coming back this afternoon."

So they set to work (but Julian promised some workers later to help them out).

= = = > < = = =

10:34 am (Location: the mall's grocery)

"What are you doing?" Eddie stared at his friend in mild horror. He was shoving pack after pack of pudding into the cart.

"We . . ." Throw "Need . . . " Throw "More . . ." Throw "Pudding!" Eddie was afraid Eric Jay would consume every stock.

Eddie glanced at the list in his hands. "We need to get the things on the list, idiot," he said, "Gavin's parents and Lovely sent us here, remember?"

Eric Jay turned towards him, pouting. "Fine! We'll take three packs. But don't blame me if we run short of pudding for the party."

"You're the one obsessed with pudding," Eddie said. Sometimes, he can't understand him.

"Shut up," Eric Jay browsed through the grocery cart, "Do we need to get the paintball materials?"

"I don't think so," Eddie glanced at his phone, "Lovely texted me and said they'll borrow the materials after they fix up in the warehouse."

"In that case, let's get more junk food!" The two moved to another aisle, filled with chips and the like.

As Eric Jay began to pile the cart with junk food, Eddie had half the mind to strap him to the cart. "Do we even have enough money for that?" Eddie asked.

"I don't know," Eric Jay grinned wildly, "But Julian gave me a credit card so I guess we have enough."

"Eric," Eddie said firmly as his friend began sifting through the shelves again.

Eric Jay turned to him, glaring, "It's Eric Jay. My name is Eric Jay, okay?"

Eddie pursed his lips in annoyance. He began to regret agreeing to go with Eric Jay. But then again, maybe if he hadn't, Eric Jay would have bought the whole mall already.

Lovely and Gavin were best friends. Julian and Ravine were closer to each other, as well as Marie and Sofie. And so Eddie was all stuck with the hyperactive Eric Jay.

"Okay, I guess we're done here," Eric Jay put his hands on his hips. "We'll go now to - "

His sentence was never finished because his eyes widened and he froze when he saw . . . Her.

She walked down the aisle, handbag swinging from her shoulder and dress clinging to her body. Eric Jay couldn't help but to be hypnotized by her thick long hair and bright eyes. He wished . . . If only he could get closer.

"Snap out of it, man, you're drooling," Eddie punched him on the back. Hastily, he wiped the saliva on his chin.

"Eric Jay!" Darcy beamed as she went over to the two boys, "I never thought I'd see you here!"

Sweat dripped at the nape of his neck. Eric Jay gulped, "Yeah, we were just - uh - getting things for Gavin's party."

"Oh yes," Darcy nodded, "I already got an invitation from Marie."

"So you're coming?" From the corner of his eye, Eric Jay saw Eddie 'busily' browsing through the shelves behind them. What a great friend, that Lennon is.

"Of course!" Darcy said, "I wouldn't miss it."

"Great," he nervously (and awkwardly) laughed, "How's Tyron these days?"

A quick emotion flashed in her eyes, but he couldn't quite register it. Darcy had liked Tyron for a long time now, but she knew he didn't get her hints.

"He's fine," She answered softly.

"Darce," Eric Jay boldly took a step towards her, "You know, whatever it is, you can talk to me, right? I'm still your friend."

Friend. That sent a sting to his chest.

Darcy sighed, "I know. I'm not giving up on him, Jay." She gave him a weak smile.

Jay. That was her old nickname for him. And he missed it coming from her lips. Not Eric Jay. Not Eric. But Jay.

"I'll see you later then," She said, waving at them both, Eric Jay and Eddie.

When she walked away, Eric Jay released a breath. He knew then he would be dreaming of her tonight. It's both a dream and a nightmare, he thought.

Eddie looked at him funny as he went to the back of the cart to push it. "I thought it was Eric Jay," he said, following beside him.

Eric Jay huffed, waving him off, "Only Darce gets to call me that."

It was not until when they reached the next aisle that Eddie broke the thick silence between them. "You still like her," he stated bluntly.

Eric Jay only lamely attempted to deny it. "No, I don't." But his blush was a dead giveaway.

"You do," Eddie pressed on, "You think you're over her. You're convincing yourself that you're done with her but you're not. You wish she likes you, not Tyron. You wish she still has the same feelings for you. You wish you could get her ba - "

"Enough!" Eric Jay hissed, "I get it, okay? I want her back. I want her to feel the same but she doesn't! Forget it, Ed."

"No, but there's still a chance," Eddie shook his head, "I can see the way she looks at you. It feels like you're two people ready for each other but something's holding you back."

Eric Jay fell silent. He didn't want to admit it, but Eddie was right.

"Make a move. Girls always expect the guys to make the first move. She's just as afraid as you."

"Maybe then, you'll be like Lovely and Gavin," the piece of advice from his friend echoed in Eric Jay's head.

= = = > < = = =

11:56 am (Location: the Mays Residence)

Sofie stared at the number of invites they had sent. Twenty-four were sent, and out of that, nineteen had responded yes, three were uncertain, and two had declined the invitation. Among those who had said yes were Nadine, Daniella, Darcy, Asther and Tyron.

After they had told Lovely that all the invites needed were sent, she told them to check on Eric Jay and Eddie and to rent the paintball materials online. So far, they both knew that the two boys were still shopping and they had rented out the materials using Julian's account.

Marie entered the room with two chocolate drinks in her hand and a piece of cake for them to share. "What do we do now?" She asked her friend as she set the food down and sat on her bed beside Sofie.

Marie picked up her laptop and opened a song. That would keep the boring atmosphere alive.

"Do you think we'll ever have a Perseus in our lives?" The question fell from Sofie's lips.

"Please," Marie chuckled, "Nobody can ever replace Percy in my heart."

"True," Sofie smiled, "But do you think we could ever find the ones for us?"

"I think you have yours all sorted out," Marie said, shoving cake in her mouth.

Sofie turned to her, wide-eyed. "What are you saying? I haven't found him!"

Her friend shook her head, "Maybe you have found him but you just don't realize it's him."

"I could say that for you!"

Now it was Marie's turn to be confused.

Sofie's cheeks flamed, "I don't know what you're talking about . . . About my right guy. Who do you even think it is?"

"Eddie, obviously," Marie said it like it was common sense.

Sofie's heart beat rapidly at the mention of him. "Marie . . . How could you even think . . . ?"

"Don't think I couldn't see it," Marie said, "He likes you. You should keep him."

Sofie gulped, not wanting more than to change the subject. "What about you and Julian, huh?"

Marie laughed, as if it was the most ridiculous thing in the world. But Sofie thought they looked pretty good together. "Me and him?" Marie chuckled, "Julian will never go for me. He has lots of girls chasing after him - he'll be too busy to notice me."

Sofie snorted. She begged to differ. "Okay," she said, "What about Ravine then?"

Marie looked like she was ready to spit out her drink. Her cheeks were red and her eyes in a daze. "When was . . . " she blew out a breath, "When was he even an option?"

Sofie stared at Marie, "Really? I can see you two like each other. Just in a . . . Hateful sort of way."

Marie glared at the thought of him. "We hate each other, Sof. And I'm pretty sure 'archenemy' doesn't translate to 'crush'."

"Yeah," Sofie frowned, "But didn't he say he liked you?"

Marie wished she could escape or disappear into thin air. Perhaps even wear Annabeth's baseball cap. "He didn't directly say it," said she, "Plus, that was a year ago. Maybe he likes a different girl now."

Sofie wasn't convinced. She took Marie's laptop, opened up Facebook, and typed in the search box: Ravine Rellemont

His profile immediately popped up. Ravine only sometimes updated his Facebook. Mostly, its purpose to him was to contact classmates for a project or group work.

"What are you doing?" Marie peered at what her friend was up to.

"Stalking Rav," Sofie replied casually. She scrolled down to look at some photos.

They came across a picture taken when they were fourteen: it was in the beach. All of them were there - Marie and Sofie were holding hands, Julian's arms were slung across Ravine and Eric Jay's shoulders, Gavin was holding a laughing Lovely and Eddie had bunny ears on Eric Jay.

Marie took a closer look at Ravine. He had a half-smile, but his green eyes showed amusement. There was the way his hair fell softly above his eyes -

Marie wanted to slap herself. Thinking like this? About the person she hates? Snap out of it, she told herself.

"Give me that," she snatched her laptop from her friend and took control. Next, she typed Eddie's name in: Eddie Gabe Lennon.

His profile was emptier, with a few posts from meme pages and tagged photos from friends. Marie began scrolling down as Sofie tensed beside her.

"Look!" Sofie pointed to the screen as Marie stopped scrolling. The photo showed the boys plus Lovely in their seven-year-old selves.

Sofie focused on Eddie's beaming face. He was grinning widely, showing a missing tooth. His brown hair was tousled and messy in an adorable way. "He was so cute as a kid!" Sofie exclaimed.

Marie faced her with a smirk. "What?" Sofie said, "I'm just stating the facts."

"Okay, let's go to Julian," and so Marie typed in: Julian Yzen Anderson. She knew he used his Facebook very often, for social and self-interest purposes.

As she scrolled down to look at his activity, Sofie made a face, "Why is his profile full of selfies of him and girls?"

Marie then decided to go back to her newsfeed before the pain in her emotions grew. She believed it from the start - Julian had too many girls wanting him to even notice someone like her.

"We'll find our Percys in the future," Marie sighed, "For now, it's safer to fawn over fictional guys."

Suddenly her phone rang in her pocket. Marie took it out and put Lovely on loudspeaker.

"Hey, Lovely," Sofie greeted.

"Hi, girls," came their friend's voice from the other line, "Are you done with everything? The invitations?"

"Yeah," Marie said in confirmation, "Most of them said yes. The paintball materials are all set, too, and they'll be delivered to the warehouse. Do you need anything else?"

"Unfortunately," Lovely's tired voice spoke. They knew she had been working at the warehouse with the two boys all morning. "I'm on my way to McDonald's to have lunch with Gavin."

"So what do you want us to do?" Sofie asked.

"Can you rent tables and chairs online? A few sets will do, plus two long tables for the buffet. Gavin's parents told me to, since they don't have time. They'll help out later on."

"Sure, that's easy. We've got it covered." Marie assured her as Sofie started going to work with the laptop.

"One more thing," Lovely said, "you can go to the warehouse and bring lunch for the guys."

"We know the address." They bid goodbye to each other and hung up.

Marie turned back to her friend to see her wearing a sly smile. "You get to see Julian," she teased, "and Ravine, too."

Marie's cheeks grew red hot, as she thought about a certain green-eyed boy.

= = = > < = = =

2:08 pm (Location: the mall's department store)

He partly wished it wasn't his birthday tomorrow.

Then if it wasn't, his mother wouldn't be dragging him to the mall, to pick out his gift. His parents didn't anymore give him presents all wrapped up; they took him to the mall and let him buy whatever he wanted instead.

The problem is, Gavin couldn't pick out a gift he liked. And he would rather be spending his time with Lovely.

Lovely. They had met up for lunch a while back after his piano lessons. She talked to him as they ate, but when he spaced out, she teasingly said, "Gavin Tyler Forque, do you not like me already?"

But his like for her will never fade out. It would be growing - blossoming. "No, I'm thinking about you," Gavin had said in reply to her.

And she blushed. She was cute when she blushed.

"You should see something you like," his mother said, snapping him out of his thoughts of Lovely.

Gavin looked around the busy store. First, his mom insisted on a toy, then brand new shoes, then a videogame, then new clothes. Gavin declined all of those options.

"It's fine, Mom," he told her, heaving out a sigh.

"This is your birthday, sweetheart," she rubbed his shoulder, "you should treat yourself."

Gavin wasn't used to the spotlight on him. Usually, he was the one giving (especially to Lovely) not the one being given.

After his mother's insisting, he went over to the shelves to browse on things.

"Do you think . . . When we're older, we'd be together? Like a real couple?" They were at the roof of Gavin's house, in the late sunset. Lovely asked that question that caught him off-guard.

He looked at her. His long-time best friend, long-time crush, his everything. "Of course," he said, "Why not?"

"Will we even last long?" She asked next, more softly this time.

"I hope so. There's no telling, Love, but I hope so." He liked calling her Love. He was his Love and no one else's.

They sat there, in utter silence, each comfortable with each other and their own thoughts.

"Gavin!" His mother interrupted his thoughts again. She was clutching his wrist tightly. "Isn't that girl from school?"

He looked towards the direction she was pointing to. Yes, that girl was from school but he didn't feel like talking to her. "Crystal," he mumbled.

She made fun of Lovely all the time.

"Why don't you say 'hi' to her? Invite her to your birthday party?" His mother's eyes lit up.

"It's not a birthday party, Mom," Gavin reasoned out, "And she's probably busy."

It was true; it's not a birthday party. It was just a few friends coming over to eat and give presents. That was what they did each year.

As he looked out again, he saw two heads from the aisle beside them. Gavin narrowed his eyes. Those two looked familiar.

"I'll be right back. I think I see something there," Gavin told his mom and walked to the next aisle.

Immediately, as he neared them, they ran up to him, eyes wide and frantic. "Don't you dare think about inviting her to the party," Eric Jay loudly whispered.

"What?" Gavin frowned, "Were you eavesdropping - "

"That doesn't matter!" It was Eddie this time, "She can't be at your birthday!"

"And why not?"

"Lovely hates her, idiot," Eric Jay said, "She'll just ruin you both."

Eddie nodded in agreement, "She makes Lovely look bad and insecure."

Gavin knew this, of course. But he was still confused as to why his two friends suddenly popped up to make his decisions.

"What are you even doing here?" Gavin asked.

"We're, uh - " Eric Jay started but Eddie slapped a hand on his mouth.

"We're shopping!" Eddie exclaimed, "Eric Jay had to buy some things and he dragged me along."

"So we'll see you around, bro!" They both started walking away, "And don't invite her to the party!"

But it was too late.

Gavin turned to the aisle where he was just in. His mother and Crystal were talking and no doubt she has already invited her.

She caught his gaze and smirked. Gavin gulped.

= = = > < = = =

It was Gavin's birthday.

Lovely sat on his bed in a simple white tee and stained jeans. Her mother had bought her a pretty party dress, but Lovely declined it, knowing it would just get dirty.

She played with the hem of her shirt as usual, the habit she had whenever she was thinking.

She saw the back of the warehouse and the warehouse itself in its results. The setting looked amazing, but she still had doubts in her. Would Gavin like it? Will it be enough for s birthday party?

"Love?" Gavin walked in his bedroom, carrying shopping bags. His father took him out to eat and talk, and his mother sugggested that Lovely surprise him when he gets home.

"Happy Birthday, Gavin," she smiled at him as he crossed the room to get to his bed.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, "There's nothing prepared downstairs, so I guess they'll start later - "

"There is a party," Lovely cut him off with a laugh, "And I'm taking you there."

She stood up and grabbed his hand, leading him out of the room and down the stairs. Finally, when they arrived just outside his house, Gavin stopped her.

"What's going on?" He asked her.

Lovely laughed nervously. When she innocently smiled as a response, Gavin said, "You threw me a surprise birthday party, didn't you?"

She broke into a grin, "You always see through me. I don't deny it."

Gavin pulled her closer and wrapped her in a hug. Now she was completely aware of the rapid beating of their hearts, his scent and warmth fillinf her senses. Hugs from Gavin were a 'sometimes' thing. And she enjoyed everything when it happened.

"Thank you," he said softly, "Rarely anyone do these kind of things for me, but thank you."

"Come on," she tugged him along, grabbing his hand again, "The guests are waiting."

He looked back at his house, "But I need to change."

"Trust me, you don't need to," she said, taking in his simple t-shirt and jeans.

They walked to the warehouse and to the back of it, hand in hand. Once they saw the set-up, Lovely heard Gavin's intake of breath.

She couldn't blame him for being amazed. Eric Jay and Marie had outdone themselves with the lanterns hanging. The food was beautifully laid out on a purple cloth, prepared by Eddie. The music was perfect and the atmosphere fitting.

Gavin squeezed her hand, "I love it." He was grinning. It made her warm all over.

A chorus of 'Happy Birthday's came when people saw them arrive. Lovely beamed at her friends. They really did an amazing job.

"Happy Birthday, Gavin," a sickly sweet voice from behind them said. Lovely froze and turned around. She knew that voice.

What is she doing here? She thought as she gazed at Crystal, all dressed up.

She made eye contact with Marie, who was shaking her head frantically, trying to say that they didn't invite her.

"Thank you," Gavin said to Crystal as she walked away. He turned to his best friend.

"I'm really sorry, she's here," he grabbed her shoulders, "Mom invited her yesterday and - "

"I don't care," Lovely said firmly, "I won't let her ruin this for me."

Gavin smiled at her again, pride twinkling in his eyes. Lovely wished it would last, but she knew all good things come to an end.

= = = > < = = =

Marie was leaning against the buffet table, looking around. Everyone seemed to be having fun around her. She wasn't a party person, but seeing these other people happy made her happy, too.

Lovely and Gavin were sitting at a table, sharing a multicolored piece of cake. To her left, she saw Eric Jay and Julian arguing if it was better to eat first before paintballing and vice versa. To her right, Eddie was pigging out with the chocolate fountain. Sofie was all around, mingling with people.

And she even risked a glance at Ravine, who she saw was going over the rules for the paintball game later - he was the gamemaster for tonight.

"A drink?" Julian appeared suddenly beside her, offering her a shake. She thanked him and took it, heart fluttering in her chest.

"Not much for parties?" Julian asked, taking a sip of his own drink.

"No," Marie answered breathily, "But they're okay."

"You should be proud," Julian looked around, "You did a great job with this party."

"Hey, you did something, too," said Marie.

"I'm looking forward to the paintball game," she said, "I'm so going to win this."

She looked at Julian, and saw that his gaze was flickering back and forth from her and something else. Marie followed his gaze and saw that he was looking at Asther, who had just arrived.

"Excuse me," Julian set his drink down and left Marie. Her heart did that painful thing again inside her.

"There goes my Perseus," she whispered softly.

Suddenly, Marie felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped, turning around. Her eyes met vibrant green ones.

She immediately glared and shrugged off his hand. "You scared me half to death!"

"He's not worth it," Ravine told her bluntly.

"And why are you telling me that?"

"Because I feel the need to save you from hoping for nothing," He said to her firmly, "Look at Julian. He's after Nadine and Asther. You don't deserve someone who will never look at you that way."

Something pricked on her chest, "Oh yeah? Well who do I deserve then? What's wrong with him?"

Ravine shook his head, "Julian's fit for someone else, I know that. And you . . . You will find your Percy someday, that guy who will be with you in Olympus and Tartarus, the guy who will accompany you in every quest, the guy who will be the 'Seaweed Brain' to your 'Wise Girl'. You just have to wait."

Marie felt washed with so many emotions. She gaped, surprised that he had dropped those references to her favorite books ever. And somehow, that made her heart roar loudly in her veins. A reader, a genius, and gorgeous, he's the full package!

Marie pinched herself. What was happening to her? "I know," she mumbled and turned away, flustered.

Gavin's father had just announced the paintball game. As everyone stood up to get ready, Marie saw alliances forming. Lovely and Gavin stuck together as always, Eric Jay was with Julian and even Eddie was hand in hand with Sofie, who sent her an apologetic smile.

"They're all teaming up?" Marie mumbled.

"Of course," Ravine said behind her, "It's a good strategy and it's not really against the rules."

"What?" Marie squeaked, "But how can I win without . . . "

He grabbed her hand and led her to the tables where everyone was putting on their protective gear. "I'll tell you how you win," he said to her, helping her gear up.

"Take advantage of the glow-in-the-dark gun," he looked into her eyes, "the less hits you take, the more focused you will be. To navigate the maze, keep your hand on a wall and follow it. Trust your wits, Athena."

Lastly, Marie clutched her paintball gun tightly. "I would give you some golden thread," Ravine said, winking, "But we wouldn't want the myth to repeat itself." Marie smiled at the reference and thanked him.

And then she was off.

= = = > < = = =

Lovely got home, smiling crazily. In the paintball game a while ago, she couldn't think of anything else but Gavin. Even as Ravine's voice rang throughout the warehouse (or arena, as they called it) she couldn't get him out of her mind.

He and Lovely navigated through the maze, watching each other's backs. Crystal tried to hit her a few times, but Gavin was always there to protect her.

Ever since the beginning, she thought.

They didn't win, but Lovely couldn't care less. Marie won, and she knew it was because Ravine helped her out, that sly boy.

After the game, some cleaned up and a few went back to the buffet table. They had a present-opening event, just their circle of friends.

Gavin walked with her to her home and hugged her good night. She couldn't forget his words, "As long as you're there, it's already the best birthday party ever."

"How was the party?" She was startled, hearing her mother's voice from the kitchen as she stopped climbing the stairs.

"It was great." She replied truthfully.

"Have you told them yet?"

Lovely sucked in a breath. Her parents told her a few days back, but this was something she was dreading on telling her friends. Especially Gavin.

"Not yet."

"You have to, soon."

Soon. That seemed so near to her.

Soon.