V3 ch24

After a few more words, Jeremy left and I went back inside the room. Zeke was sitting up the whole time until I entered the room and closed the door behind me. I lightly walked to my side of the bed I shared with Noah and placed the bat against the wall. 

The next morning, Noah woke me up to ask about the sudden appearance of the bat. After explaining where it came from, he frowned. 

"I didn't...get you anything." He rubbed the back of his neck like he was stressed. 

I shrugged. "I don't need anything."

"Jake's too easy to please." Rhys laughed as he put his socks and shoes on. "Besides, birthdays aren't about the gifts. It's just a celebration."

I smiled. "Yesterday was the best birthday I ever had."

Noah wasn't convinced. "I have until Thursday to come up with something."

"What's happening Thursday?" Rhys asked.