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I followed them outside, my eyes almost bugging when I saw the pristine Tesla sitting in the drive. “Wow, it’s beautiful,” I said. “And expensive.” My eyes flicked to Dad and he shrugged.
“You deserve it, sweetheart. It’s safe, economical, and green. Only the best for our Lily Star.”
He never called me that, so the fact he just had, only made the emotion welling in my chest spill over.
“Thank you,” I said again, staring at the glittering silver car.
“Holy shit,” Poppy’s voice pierced the air. “You got her a Tesla, a freaking Tesla.” She ran out of the house and straight to the car. “This is amazing.”
“I’m glad someone is excited.” Dad caught my eyes, but I only found teasing there.
It didn’t stop the ache in my heart though. I wanted to be the kind of daughter who got excited about the regular things, but I wasn’t sure I would ever be that girl.
“I love it, Dad,” I said, sliding my arm around his waist and tucking myself into his body. “I’m just not sure—”
“I know, sweetheart. But I needed to do this for you. It’s a dad’s right.”
I peered up at him. “That isn’t a thing.”
“Sure, it is.” He smiled. “Buying your kid their first car. Giving them shit about their first serious boyfriend, then paying for the wedding.” His smile morphed into an amused grin. “I want all those firsts, Lily. No matter how much I’ll hate some of them.” He gave me a pointed look, and guilt coiled around my heart.
Thankfully, Peyton chose that moment to surface, bursting out of the house with her hands full of balloons and gift bags. “Happy birthday,” she declared, and I smothered a smile.
“What is all this?” I asked, untangling myself from Dad and going to her.
“It’s your birthday, silly. The day we get to celebrate one of the best people I know. Happy Birthday, Lily. I love you.” She threw her hands around me and hugged me tight. “I’ll miss you so much when I’m gone.”
I eased back to meet her sad gaze. “You mean—”
She nodded. “I’ve been giving it some thought, and I should be there for her. I need to be there.”
“Are you sure?” I didn’t like the idea of her moving back in with her mom, even if she was clean.
“It’s just something I need to do.”
She swiped a rogue tear away with her thumb. “But today isn’t about me, it’s about you. And I have gifts.”
* * *
When we arrived at school,Peyton and Poppy could barely contain their excitement.
“What did you do?” I asked, eyeing them suspiciously.
“You’ll see.” Peyton winked, and the knot in my stomach twisted.
“Please tell me you haven’t done something stupid?”
“Relax, Lil,” Ashleigh said. “It’s nothing that bad.”
“Ugh. You guys know I don’t like surprises.”
“Just give us this,” Peyton said. “Besides, I have it on good authority you’ll like it.”
“Fine.” I glanced between them as we approached school. They were both wearing secretive smiles that did nothing to ease the nervous energy vibrating under my skin.
“You still go to the library for your free period, right?”
“Yeah.”
