Chapter 9

18th Birthday

“Happy Birthday, sweetheart!”

Alice giggled excitedly as she tried to keep her eyes open. She had just woken up from sleep, and the room was too bright for her sleepy eyes. “Thanks, mom.”

“These are for you, and there’s someone that wants to see you out in the living room,” Linda said, handing her the bouquet of roses. “These are from your father,” she added when Alice wouldn’t budge. 

She grabbed the bouquet and smiled. 

“They’re beautiful,” she commented, sniffing the freshly picked flowers. “And who is in the living room, if I may ask?” She had an empty vase in her room. She unwrapped the roses and filled the vase with them. 

“It’s not Dominic, and hurry up. He doesn’t have all day to waste.” Linda left the room. 

Alice breath