Picking Up The Pieces

ch.14

''Hey, bro, I think your girl left this,'' one of Theo's co-workers said to him. He hands over a bracelet with a written print of Chelsea's name on it.

Theo turned around at the sound of his voice and frowned. "My girl?"

"Your girl, the one who came with her friends that you were talking to. She sat with her friends some guys you seemed to know."

"I know who you're talking about, but why do you think she's my girl?"

''You know what I mean,'' he said laughing at him trying to cool Theo down to know that he was teasing. ''She left it here the other day with her friend.''

''Oh, okay,'' Theo responded in a dull tone.

Theo has been working at a local bar, for now, to save some money for his own goods and travel purposes.  He was so stressed out from working for so many works this past week; at this point, he is craving a cool beer.

Walking into the bar, Ben and Oliver came through and took a seat near the window. Without sitting down, Ben quickly went over to where Theo was as he was wiping down on a table.

''Theo,'' Ben said to him and Theo stopped giving his undivided attention.

''Yeah?'' He questioned.

''Listen, Chelsea's birthday is tomorrow. I'm sure you know this by now, but I was hoping if you could give me a solid.''

''Why? You're the boyfriend.''

''Yeah, but I figured you could give me some hints. Help a brother out?''

Theo sighed frustratedly and blinked at him thinking to himself how absurd this was. Why did he need some help if he is with Chelsea? And why ask me? Why not Phoebe?

After folding his arms, Theo responded ''Elephants.''

''Pardon?''

''Elephants. Give her a stuffed animal, necklace, or any references to elephants. Trust me, she'll be happy.'' Theo knew that at the top of his mind about Chelsea and he was not lying at all. Elephants have always been Chelsea's favorite animal in the world.

In the fifth grade, Theo gave Chelsea an Elephant earring that he got her for Christmas one time. Since then, she would wear it almost every day. Every time Theo sees that Chelsea wears it his heart flutters around like a little boy crushing hard for the first time.

It meant that Chelsea remembers and it really means a lot to her.

''Thanks,'' Ben said to Theo and he responded with a nod.

That following night, Phoebe had called Theo to see if he was going to Chelsea's birthday party. He was sitting on the edge of his bed while placing some lotion all over his tattoos. Phoebe begged Theo to come this time because she wanted it to be a surprise birthday.

''Fine,'' he responded. ''But I'm leaving within thirty minutes after.''

''Why?''

''I hate parties.''

''But you don't hate Chelsea,'' she sings and he rolled his eyes.

''You're right.''

''Please Theo just for once be supportive. Do it for her.''

He heaves a deep sigh and nods his head. ''Okay,'' Theo said. ''I'll come.''

♢♢

Loud music was beaming through the double doors at the venue that Phoebe hosted for Chelsea. Theo puts his helmet inside of his backpack and he walked inside to the party. There were familiar faces that he knew back on campus.

I'm sure half of the people were invited from Phoebe cause Theo knew Chelsea isn't a people person.

Phoebe came in with enthusiasm clapping her hands to see Theo.

''Eek! You came!" She said, hugging him tightly.

''I sure did.''

''Good, we're about to close the lights now. She's coming!" She shrieked with excitement and had everyone's attention to stay still for Chelsea to come. Theo backed out and leaned against the wall while everyone else simmered down and Phoebe slightly opened the door.

She whispered ''one, two three!'' Doors were opened and everyone exclaimed ''SURPRISE!"

Cheers and laughter came across with everyone's phone out. Chelsea looked so surprised, I really look like this was the first time in a long time she has ever come across this. She begins to cry for a minute and hugged Phoebe then a few friends of her classmates.

She walked past a few people and saw that Theo was there. She couldn't hold back but hug him tight and he hugged back even tighter.

''Happy birthday,'' Theo said handing her over a small box with her name on it. It was wrapped with blue and purple which he also knew were Chelsea's favorite colors.

''Thank you,'' she smiled and touched his face. But that ended quickly when Ben showed up. He surprised her with a giant stuffed Elephant with a shirt of her name printed on it.

''Happy birthday baby!'' He said to her, kissing her on the cheek.

''Oh my goodness! Elephants!" She said. ''Ben!''

''Yeah, I knew it was your favorite,'' he points to her ears referring to the earrings. ''It was my idea.''

''Baby, this is so sweet.''

Theo clenched his jaw tightly knowing in his mind that what Ben did right in front of him was wrong. He didn't let that get to him because today was a special day. Today was about Chelsea and he wanted to make sure it was only about her.

"So, what are we having?" Ben asked.

"Beer and shots," Chelsea said.

My brows rose. "Really?" Ben answered.

"Do you think we can't handle it?"

Theo met Ben's gaze and shook my head. "I think you can handle just about anything, Missy.''

"Good!"

Ben took her by her arm and made Chelsea walked with her. She quickly looked back to Theo hoping that he was okay. She smiled at him thinking maybe he is going to be okay at the party. Their eyes met once and Theo gave her a light nod with a thumbs up.

Chelsea smiled at him.

And Theo smiled at Chelsea.