Chapter 19: Ashley's Birthday

Over the following few days, I fixed up my car. I went shopping and did the work myself. I changed the brake fluid and replaced the two worn-out tires.Reparing my own car was a very useful skill. I was able to avoid mechanics who tried to con me out of my money.

I went out on the morning of June 21st to pick out a gift for Ashley.

Walking into the clothing store I'd visited twice before, I spotted the same friendly blonde lady behind the counter.

"Hey there! Back again?" She greeted me with a smile.

"Yeah, but this time I am not looking for anything for myself." I replied. "Would you recommend a summer dress that would look great on a young lady?""

"Absolutely," she said cheerfully. "Let's see what we have." She led me through racks of dresses, pointing out different styles as we went along.

"Got someone special in mind?" She added playfully as she showed me a stylish denim minidress with embroidered details.

I chuckled. "Just buying it for a friend's birthday."

"I see..." she said as she pulled out a floral print sundress."Well, you're picking out a great gift. Here's something cute and flirty. It's perfect for summer parties or hanging out with friends. "

I considered how Ashley might like it. "I think she'd love something like this," I said.

The lady smiled approvingly. "That's a great choice! This floral print is very popular right now."

"Yeah, she'll look amazing in it," I replied.

Just as she finished wrapping the dress, I spotted a stylish summer straw hat displayed nearby.

I grabbed it and placed it on the counter. "And add this hat as well, please."

The lady nodded with a grin. "She's going to adore these."

After she wrapped everything up nicely, I thanked her warmly before heading out.

Ashley had reserved a hall for her birthday, conveniently close to her house.

Around 7pm, I drove over in my car.

A lot of girls and guys were already gathering at the front when I pulled up. I think they were waiting for more people to arrive so they could all go in together.

As I pulled up, they noticed my car. The first person to walk up to me was actually Jacob, who seemed to have a knack for finding his way to any party.

I didn't know if I was supposed to be happy for him or not.

It only took a small change; that one single party that we went to and his life changed dramatically.

At the moment, he was living his best life, but who knew where he would end up?

It quickly became apparent why Jacob was there when I saw Lucy right behind him. She was his girlfriend, and it was clear Ashley had invited her.

She was wearing the same exposed getup as last time, with the difference that I think her t-shirt was cropped even higher because I could see the half circle of underboob.

As soon as I got out of my car and shut the door, Jacob flipped out and looked at me with awe. "Yo, dude, when'd you score this ride?"

"Right, we haven't seen each other since graduation." I said as I leaned casually against the Mustang. "It is not my fault that you seem to have been preoccupied by something... or someone," I said as I glanced over at Lucy.

Jacob ran a hand over the sleek lines of the car. "Damn, dude, it's tight. Bet it turns heads."

Lucy smiled, her gaze lingering on the car. "Nice car. Will you give me a ride?"

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"Maybe later," I replied with a grin. (I had no plans to do that.)

"Where's the party at?" I asked.

"Right there," Jacob said, pointing towards the hall. "Let's head in. Lucy's dying to see Ashley."

I picked up my neatly packed present, closed the Mustang's doors and followed Jacob and Lucy.

Walking up to the group outside the hall, I saw Ashley's cheerleader friends, as well as the foxy Julie Carter in a minidress waving at me enthusiastically.

I greeted some classmates and gave hugs to a few girls I knew.

A few football players were joking around.

Also, I had no idea that Ashley was friends with him, but Mark Johnson from the class nextdoor, the guy that would die as a marine, was there too.

'Maybe I should tell him?' I thought.

When we finally got inside the hall, I immediately spotted Ashley, the star of the event.

She strutted over to us, looking sassy and cute in her little black dress with spaghetti straps. Her dress reached mid-thigh, and she rocked white Converse sneakers paired with white high socks.

She had her blonde hair styled up in a bun.

When it was my turn to give her my wishes, Ashley gave me a tight hug.

"Tonight is for you, Ashley. Enjoy your gift and happy birthday," I said, handing her the package.

"Thank you so much, Jack!" Ashley beamed, her face breaking into the widest smile I'd ever seen on her.

She seemed to be running on copious amounts of happiness tonight.

A few people were already inside, possibly relatives.

Some of the guys were the first to pour drinks, but while the soft music played in the background, Ashley decided it was a good time to open presents.

The gifts were placed in the middle of the dance floor, and she sat down on a chair between them, starting to unwrap each gift.

For some of them, she had to use her teeth to tear open the wrapping.

The first few gifts had some alcohol and money in them.

Then, she opened a package with her cheerleader friend's name on it. "Oh, that's from Julie!" Ashley said.

"That's me!" Julie stuck out her hand with a beer in it, grinning mischievously.

With an amused expression, Ashley pulled out a pair of red panties and a pack of condoms.

As part of the deal, she had to show each gift to everyone. So she raised the gifts up to show them off and blushed a little before laughing it off.

Next, there were clothes from the other girls, but the guys typically gifted money or more alcohol.

Finally, Ashley reached my present. She unwrapped it carefully, her eyes widening with a simple "Woow!"

I think she liked it.

Then, excitedly, she picked up the summer hat and playfully placed it on her head before turning around in a circle with a grin on her face, striking a sexy pose with a hand at her hips and with her butt slightly raised.

Everyone laughed and cheered at her quirkiness.