Page 86 of Remember Me

My parents couldn’t make it, which has bummed me out, but I get it. They called me this morning to wish me a happy birthday, but it’s not the same as having them here.

Jake barrels into my bedroom with an iced coffee in one hand and a cupcake in the other, and starts to sing to me. He’s done this every year since I moved to San Diego, and as much as he can’t sing for shit, I do enjoy the fuss he makes.

“Are you ready for your day of fun, Lotts?” he says as he puts my coffee and cake on the side.

“Day of fun? What are we doing? I didn’t realize we had plans.” I thought we were going to stay in all day and hang. Apparently not.

“Yup, we’re going out. Get caffeinated and then we’re off.” With that, he saunters out of my room in those jeans that mold perfectly to his ass and thighs.

We’re in Jake’s truck, driving to God knows where. He’s vibrating with excitement, so I’m intrigued as to what we’re doing.

“Are you going to give me a clue?” I ask hopefully.

The side of his face twitches. “Nope, you’ll see when we get there. Be patient.”

Folding my arms over my chest, I’m looking out the window for clues as to our destination when we pull into a parking lot for the animal shelter. I’ve been volunteering here every so often, and I love all the animals here, but I do have a favorite.

She’s the tiniest Italian greyhound puppy I have ever seen, and her fur is the most unusual beige color. Me and her are kindred spirits, and she gets so excited every time she sees me. I’m surprised no one has snapped her up yet, she’s only a baby.

When we walk into the reception, I hear, "Surprise" being shouted at me as my mom and dad rush to greet me. I’m so taken aback I instantly start crying. I can’t believe they’re here.

We walk through the kennels together and I tell them about all the amazing animals here and their stories. And then we get to my favorite girl. She’s so excited to see me, her tail is thumping away when I notice the sign that states “Adopted.”

It’s bittersweet. I’m so happy for her, she’s getting a forever home, but I’m sure going to miss her.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” my mom says. “Do you like your present?”

“W-what?” It’s then that I look closer at the adoption paperwork hanging in front of the kennel—it has my name on it.

“Oh my god. She’s mine? I get to take her home?” I sniffle.

“Are you happy?” Mom says, eyes shining and clinging onto my dad.

“This is the best day of my life! Thank you so much!” I can feel the tears welling up. “She’s the best gift I’ve ever received.”

Jake wraps an arm around me. “What are you going to name her?”

I look into the puppy’s soulful eyes and make my decision. “Bella, I’m going to call her Bella.” She seems to like that and gives me big kisses all over my face.

“It’s time to give you one of my presents,” Jake says as he pulls a package out of his bag.

I tear into the packaging, and it’s not what I was expecting. Inside the box is a small, knitted sweater—just like the one on my beloved Harry Potter bear—but with the letter B on it. How did he remember what I would call a dog if I ever got one? I am speechless, staring at the sweater, and I realize I haven’t said a word in a really long time. “How did you know what I’d name her?”

“I know you, Lottie. Plus, you mentioned it a while back and I committed it to memory.” He taps his head with his finger.

“How did you arrange all of this? It was a complete surprise to me”

“Ah, a magician never reveals his secrets.”

“It’s beautiful, Jake, I love it so much”

“My mom made it for you. She said it’s probably as close as she will ever get to a baby, so she was happy to knit it.” He laughs awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“This is one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received, and I know Bella will love it. Shall I try it on her for size? Although, it may be something she grows into.”

“Go for it.”

I go and get Bella and push the sweater over her head. It’s definitely too big at the moment, but I can tell in a few months or so it’ll fit perfectly. “Here, how does she look?”