Chapter 90 : A Surprise Guest
Ella
The drive back from the nature reserve is a blur of city lights and gentle hums from my new car's engine. The sky, once bright and full of life, now dims into a deep indigo as night claims the horizon.
The city looks magical at this time, with lights flickering like stars in the distance. I glance in the rearview mirror. Rachel, my brother, and my mom are following closely behind in their cars, their headlights illuminating the road.
I can still feel the joy of the day. It's been an incredible birthday—one for the books. Turning onto my street, I feel a sense of calm wash over me, as if this perfect day has left me floating. I put the car in park and kill the engine.
I hear Rachel's car door slam shut, and she skips over to my side.
"Seriously, Ella, how are you ever going to top this next year?" she asks with a mock-serious face, leaning on my car door.