Chapter 26

Devon's POV

Brows knit together in confusion as he recognized the familiar voice. He turned his head to see his one and only friend, Parker Jenkins, making his way towards them.

Parker Jenkins, also around eighteen years of age, possessed a cheerful and lively disposition that lit up any room he entered.

With an average height, Parker stood at around 5 feet 8 inches. His jovial nature was reflected in his warm, sparkling blue eyes that radiated a playful and inviting charm and his black hair was slightly tousled in a carefree manner just like Devon. Many thought that they were actually brothers.

“What are you doing here?” Devon asked in confusion as he looked at the time, it was already five in the evening which was pretty late in their standard.

Parker typically visited by this time only when Devon specifically invited him, hence the inquiry.

Parker was caught off guard by the question, his expression reflecting surprise. "What am I doing here? Bro, it's your birthday! Let's have a celebration!" he exclaimed, his tone filled with enthusiasm.

Devon arched an eyebrow in response to Parker's statement, then shifted his gaze towards Eliza, who responded with a warm smile.

"Sure, let's head inside," Eliza declared, her tone carrying a hint of seriousness. "I have a gift for you. I must give you before the others. Promise me you'll open mine first."

Devon's interest was piqued, prompting him to nod in agreement. "Alright, let's go in," he replied.

As they went inside, Parker initiated a conversation.

“Hey, Devon, how are you doing with the interesting project given to us by Mrs. Gomez?” He asked as they entered the house.

Willow made a motion to rise from the couch to greet Devon, but Trevor intercepted her with a warning glare, causing her to concede without hesitation.

Willow Harris was the beautiful sixteen years old daughter of the family. Like her mother, she had chestnut curls and a striking shade of bright blue eyes. She had an average height for her age.

“You know we have to research and present on a historical figure who has had a significant impact on society. I've chosen to focus on Albert Einstein because his contributions to science and the theory of relativity have always fascinated me. Have you picked a historical figure yet?” Parker asked and Devon turned to look at him with a nonchalant gaze.

It was enough for Parker to know that that was the last thing Devon wanted to talk about. “Okay, Okay, sorry for throwing a wrench in the rocks. Seriously, mate, you seem kinda weird for a birthday boy. Did someone light a fire under your skin? Is it Trevor?” He inquired and they both looked at Trevor looking frustrated as he helped Willow.

“Oh, gee, Willow, come on, break it down. Just start by outlining your main points and then we’ll work on supporting evidence. It's that simple.”

“Okay, guys!! Not much but here is the cake!”

They all turned their heads and saw Eliza emerging from the kitchen with a smile. She was carefully holding a beautifully decorated cake. The sweet aroma wafted through the room, signaling that it was once again Devon's birthday.

Setting the cake down on a nearby table, Eliza carefully removed her gloves and beamed at Devon. "Oh, Devon, my dear, Happy Birthday! I made your favorite cake. Chocolate cake as you can see!"

"I told you I don't want any fuss, just something simple" Devon retorted bluntly, feeling the strong inclination to retreat to his room and begrudgingly attend to his silly school project.

Eliza let out a sigh and approached him. "Please, just come on," she urged, her voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and affection. "That's why I made the effort to bake you a cake. You're turning eighteen, and it's a milestone worth celebrating."

Devon swallowed hard, suppressing the surge of anger that threatened to consume him.

Nine years had passed since the Blackwood tragedy unfolded, and there was an eerie sense of symmetry as his birthday approached. It was as if the passage of time had circled back, bringing him to the same emotional space he inhabited on that fateful day.

At the age of nine, he had experienced the unimaginable, and now, on this day, it felt as if the weight of that tragedy pressed upon him once more, enveloping him in a haunting sense of déjà vu.

The synchronicity was undeniable. He had been a mere nine years old when the Blackwood tragedy unfolded, and now, on his birthday, it marked the completion of exactly nine years since that fateful event took place. The alignment of these significant dates created a remarkable coincidence, amplifying the weight and significance of the memories, leaving him with a sense of isolation.

No one understood him.

He had hoped that his grandfather would understand him, but it turned out to be an unfortunate mistake seeking solace in that direction.

Eliza gently grasped both of his hands, her smile radiating warmth. "Why don't we just enjoy the cake, Devon, and afterward, I'll present you with your gift."

Eliza's emphasis on the gift piqued Devon's curiosity even further. He grew increasingly eager to see what the gift held in store for him.

So he nodded and they proceeded to the dining area where a delectable spread awaited them. The table was adorned with a variety of mouthwatering dishes, with the birthday cake taking center stage.

Despite Trevor's disapproval, Willow eagerly made her way to the dining area and enveloped Devon in a joyful side hug. "Happy birthday brother!" she exclaimed.

Devon returned her smile before she hurriedly took her seat at the table.

“Trevor, come join us!" Eliza called out from the dining area.

Trevor contemplated refusing, his negative perception of Devon clouding his desire to celebrate. In his eyes, Devon's birthday was merely a reminder of his progression towards becoming a serial killer as he celebrates a year older and he couldn't shake off his pessimistic belief that it was an occasion unworthy of celebration.

However, hunger prevailed, and he reluctantly acknowledged that he needed to eat. After all, he couldn't escape the need for sustenance, regardless of his reservations.

Once they had finished their meal, Eliza retrieved a neatly wrapped gift box and handed it to Devon. "This belongs to your mother," she said with a hint of sentimentality in her voice.

Devon's brow furrowed in curiosity as he accepted the gift box from Eliza. With anticipation, he carefully unwrapped it and revealed its contents—a delicate necklace.