Suffocation.

My birthday is approaching at rapid speed. Everyone, especially Denise and Frankie wants to do something big, since I'm turning eighteen, but the only thing I'm looking forward to is that Graham and I can now legally date, despite him still being my teacher, but I only have a two more months until I graduate.

Denise settled for a nice night out at the ritzy Country Club that my dad frequents with some of his work friends and where Denise hosts her annual parties. I had never been there but Bobby often raves about the food and Daphne and Melanie really like some of the tennis coaches that the club provides.

More good news; I am officially crutches free, and minus the occasional limp, I am walking just like I used to. Frankie was more excited by this than I was, her wedding is only two weeks away and after we had the final fitting of our dresses, she's been more of a 'bridezilla' than ever.

Daphne let me borrow one of her short, chiffon floral dresses to wear to my birthday dinner. Despite what my doctors say, I buckle the straps of my high heels around my ankles and stand up from my bed. It feels weird to be walking around this high up from the ground, but at least now I look older than a twelve year old.

My dad said that I could invite some friends so I asked Lola to come, and I invited A.J. to please Daphne. And when we picked up Lola, she is standing outside her house, wig free, and in the only dress she probably owns.

"Hey slut," she greets me once she opens up the back door. She looks toward the third row to greet Daphne and A.J. "Hey love birds."

Graham is waiting for us just inside the main building of the country club when we arrived. I had never seen him this dressed up; black slacks, black dress shoes and a matching belt and a simple white button up with the sleeves casually rolled up.

We greet each other with a small hug and Graham kisses my temple then turns his attention to Daphne, Frankie then finally to Bobby.

"Should I call you Graham or stick to Mr. Rhodes?" Lola asked.

"Uh, Graham is fine, that's what Lennon, Daphne, and A.J. call me," he answers awkwardly.

"Come on, our table is ready," my dad interrupted our conversations.

The table seats five on each side and one at the head of the table. My dad ushers me to the front of the table then places a small tiara on my head as I take my seat. Lola sits to my left and Graham takes the seat to my right as everyone else fills around the table.

"Order whatever you like," my dad said ordering a glass of wine.

"Can I have the entire bottle of the most expensive vodka you have?" Lola asked scanning the alcohol menu with her finger.

My dad laughed lightly, "Anything with the exception of alcohol from the six people underage."

Lola settled on a Diet Coke. I knew that she has a flask in her giant bag that she could spike her drink with, but she wasn't thinking. Bobby was right; they have the best food I've ever tasted, but their desserts is what loved the most. I ordered the chocolate fudge cheesecake and when Lola asked for a bite, I refused to share.

After saying goodnight to my dad and the rest of the family I headed into my room. Just as I turned on my overhead light, my phone rang. The caller ID showed that it was Graham.

"Hey," I smile into the phone after answering on the first ring.

"Open the door," he tells me. I furrow my brow in confusion and open the door I just came from. "No not that door."

I walk to the French doors that lead out onto the deck and slide the curtains back to reveal Graham holding his cell phone up to his ear with one hand and a box with the other.

"What are you doing here?" I ask in a whisper once I open the door.

"I had to give you your present, but I didn't want to bring it to the restaurant."

Graham hands me the square box and I take the top off to see something wrapped delicately in tissue paper. I push the paper aside and my mouth drops open once I see my present. It is an autographed copy to the Abbey Road album with every one of the Beatles member’s signatures. I had curiously looked up the prices of signed memorabilia a long time ago, and I know that this came at a cost.

"Graham, oh my god," is all I can say.

"Do you like it?"

"Like it? I love it, but I can't accept this, you had to have paid a fortune for this."

"It's fine, really. I knew that you'd love it and that it would mean something to you."

"How, where did you get the money? You're a teacher."

"I have a very cushy trust fund," he smiled.

"Still, I wasn't expecting a gift. I can't-"

"Lennon, this is yours. I bought it for you, end of story."

"I think I love you," I blurt out, immediately turning red.

"Really?" he questions.

I begin to stutter before finally saying, "I don't know but I have very strong feelings for you."

Graham takes the album and sets it on my desk before pressing against me. "I have very strong feelings for you too," he says against my lips.

"Really?"

"Yes, and it terrifies me."

"I'm terrified too."

I wrap my arms around Graham's neck, fingering his hair. I show him gratitude the best way I know how, crashing our lips together until we can no longer breathe. I may be terrified but there is no place I'd rather be.