Forest City 4 Chapter 11 -Party planning-

    The fourth rolled around a lot sooner than expected, it was Saturday and the city was buzzing. Mom had dropped me off at Hazel's house. The two of us began setting up for the welcome home party for Mac. A part of me felt excited and also nervous, like more than usual nervous. I had invited a few people to the party that most definitely wouldn't show up. I had a feeling that it was because of me that they wouldn't show up, but I had a feeling that because the party was for Mac, most of the people I invited would show up for them.

    Hazel had been cooking in the kitchen for the majority of the day and once the afternoon had passed, the whole entire house smelled of baked goods and soup. I made my way into the saturated yellow kitchen (big mistake) to find Hazel with one hand on her hip looking accomplished.

    "I haven't cooked this much since the last time a kid lived in my house," Hazel began.

    "Yeah, it's been a long time since I've been to a house party myself," I replied.

    "When was that?" Hazel questioned.

    "My dad's second marriage," my voice trailed off as I gazed out the window, the sun began to creep behind the tall skyscrapers in the distance, the sky was turning a deep lavender color with orange highlights. "Nice view," I remarked.

    "It's not a cheap one either," Hazel responded.

    The doorbell rang and Hazel hurried her way through the hallway to greet whoever was at the door. I glanced around at the kitchen, it was funny how different this house was compared to mine. They were the same shape, same layout, and same exterior, except for the one window in my room being on the opposite wall. It was funny to think about how one's personality could influence their interior design decisions.

    "Cobalt's here!" I heard a familiar voice shout from the other side of the apartment.

    "Yes, he's in the-" Hazel tried to speak, but was cut off.

    I felt a giant bear hug coming and braced for impact. Almost falling flat on my back I saw the familiar brown arms of Mac. They turned me around and pushed their face into my chest.

    "I missed you so much!" they squealed.

    "Yeah, you're going to have to update me on your time at home," I replied.

    "Oh you won't believe it, so much has changed, and I think it's getting better at the farm, dad even corrected my sister who used the wrong pronouns and-" Mac cut themselves off and asked, "Any updates on Monty, I heard there was a thing between you two..."

    I tried my hardest to not make an awkward expression, but my physical discomfort explained it all to them. It was tricky to try and explain what happened, but it never was resolved.

    "You might want to think again," Hazel interrupted pointing at the door.

    Mac and I both peeked our heads out from behind the archway that separated kitchen from the hallway. Monty stood in the doorway with a tray lined up with colorful flowers. He smiled slightly.