The next night, Brian showed up at AJ's house saying that Kevin literally threw him out of the house. "What do you mean he threw you out of the house?" asked AJ.
"He told me to go play basketball for three hours and don't come back till then," replied Brian.
"Uh huh.... didn't Kevin want us over at about that time?" asked AJ.
"I think so," replied Brian.
The doorbell rang and AJ went to get the door. It was Nick and Tomi. "What's up guys?" asked Tomi.
"Well I see you're better," said AJ.
"Yep, much better. Thanks guys," said Tomi.
"Sure no problem. Whenever you need a good tickle, call me," said Brian, reaching his hand out.
"Get away from me," said Tomi.
"Hey I was thinking maybe we should go over a little earlier," said Nick.
"I doubt we're gonna be able to do that," said AJ.
"Why?" asked Nick.
"Because Kevin sort of threw me out of the house till we're supposed to be over there," said Brian, "And to make sure I do that, he has the keys to my jeep..."
"Hey by the way, where's Howie?" asked AJ.
"I don't know...hmmm something's up," said Brian.
"Oh well, let's just chill here till we're supposed to go over there," said Tomi. They went down to the rec room and shot a little pool when AJ's phone rang about an hour later.
"Hello?" answered AJ, "Hey Kev, what's up? Oh, so you're gonna pick us up now? Alright, well we're all over here at my place. Alrighty, bye." He hung up the phone. "He said he'll be here in a few minutes."
"I wonder what he's got planned?" asked Nick.
"I don't know, it's not like it's any of our birthdays or anything. It's like the beginning of February," said AJ.
"Who knows. Maybe it's just a party," said Tomi.
"If it was just a party, why did he throw me out of the apartment?" asked Brian. Right then, AJ's doorbell rang. The four went up to answer the door and standing there was Kevin.
"Ready to go?" asked Kevin.
"Yeah I guess," said AJ.
"How are we all going to fit in the jeep?" asked Brian.
"I didn't bring the jeep. I borrowed Angel's car," said Kevin.
"Ah okay, so Angel's over too?" asked Brian.
"Yep. Come on, let's go," said Kevin, leading them out to the car. Angel was Kevin's longtime girlfriend. It was about a ten minute drive over to Kevin's apartment. Nick, AJ and Tomi were squeezed into the backseat and once they got to the apartment, AJ and Nick almost fell out from both sides of the car when they openned the doors. The five walked to Kevin's apartment. Kevin and Brian had a simple two bedroom apartment. They were lucky because they got the apartment right next to the pool so they got easy access to it. Kevin openned up the door and let them in. The room was pitch dark.
Kevin shut the door behind him and AJ said, "Yo Kevin, you might want to turn on some lights."
Right then, the lights flipped on and they heard "SURPRISE!!" AJ, Brian, and Nick were startled. The whole apartment was decorated in birthday decorations, balloons, and streamers. Inside, stood Angel and Howie.
"Ummmm just one question," said Brian.
"What? asked Kevin.
"Did ya'll just forget our birthdays because AJ and Nick's has passed and mine's a few weeks away," said Brian.
"Well we thought we'd have a joint party for all three of you, that way you'd be more surprised," explained Kevin.
"So that's why no one got me any presents on my birthday," said Nick.
"Happy Birthday boys," said Angel, kissing each on the cheek. Brian collapsed on purpose and Angel giggled.
"Who's idea was this?" asked Nick.
"It was all of ours, all of us meaning me, Howie, Angel and Tomi," said Kevin.
The three turned around and faced Tomi, who was smiling. "You were in on this too?" asked Nick.
"Yep!" said Tomi, "Now go sit! It's your day today boys!" The three took a seat on the couch.
Kevin brought out a table with three birthday cakes on it, one for each boy. "Happy Birthday you guys," he said as they started to sing happy birthday. After they were done, the boys blew out the candles.
"Now let's eat!" said Howie.
"I think I like that idea," said AJ. Angel and Tomi brought out plates, forks, and a knife. They all started to eat and just chill and once they were done, it was time for the presents.
"We all pitched in for the presents," said Kevin. "Happy 18th birthday Brian," he said handing Brian a box.
Brian started to unwrap the box. He openned the box and inside, were two other boxes. "Ooh, gee thanks guys. Just what I always wanted, boxes. I'll put it right up on my shielf and..." rambled Brian.
"Just open it!" said Kevin. Brian openned the bigger box first and inside was a black cap with the word "Frick" written in silver on front.
"Hey cool," said Brian, putting on the cap, "Thanks guys."
Tomi then threw something at him and he caught it. He looked down to see what exactly it was that he caught. It was a basketball with a ribbon on it. "We thought the other one was getting a bit worn out so we thought you might need another one," said Tomi.
"Cool," said Brian, bouncing the ball.
"Now open up the last box," said Howie.
Brian openned the small box and it revealed a thick gold chain and hanging from the chain, was the word "B-Rok" in gold. Brian stared at the necklace in astonishment.
"Well put it on," said Howie. Brian did so and kept staring at his new necklace.
"Looks good on you Bri, it was about time you got a new collar," said AJ. At once, everyone besides Angel took a smack at AJ. "OW!!! I'm just kidding! Jeez."
"I don't know what to say guys. I love it. Thanks alot," said Brian.
"And now smartass, here's your present," said Tomi, handing AJ a box.
AJ unwrapped the box and openned it. In the box, was a black baseball cap and two other boxes. AJ pulled out the cap and it had Dopey of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" sticking his tounge out and "Dopey" written on the side. "Hell yeah, said AJ, putting on the cap.
"What else for a Dopey, but Dopey," said Howie, with a smile.
AJ openned up the smaller one of the boxes and inside, was a thick silver ring with the word "Bone" written on it and also two silver hoop earrings. AJ put them on and asked, "What do you think?"
"Well at least now you don't have to borrow your Mom's earrings," said Brian.
"....Okay, I deserved that one," said AJ.
"No but I'm serious," said Brian.
"Oh shut up!" said AJ, openning up the last box. Inside, was a pair of brand new oakleys.
"Howie said that you've been wanting those for a while," said Kevin.
"And he's right. Thanks alot you guys," said AJ, "but there is one bad part in all of this."
"What's that?" asked Howie.
"Well the next time I get into a fight, the word "Bone" is gonna be engraved into someone's head so they know who to look for...but oh well," said AJ with a smile.
"And now, here you go Nick," said Howie, handing him a box. Nick unwrapped it and inside, like the others, were more boxes. Nick openned the biggest one first. Inside was a black cap with "Frack" written in silver on the front.
"Hey cool, Frick and Frack," said Nick, putting the cap on.
"Looks good on you guys," said Kevin.
Nick continued with another box. Inside, was a bottle of "gravity" cologne. "Good timing, I was running out," said Nick.
And finally, he openned the smallest box. Inside, was a gold chain and hanging from the gold chain was the word "Kaos" in gold. "Alright!!" cried Nick, putting it on.
"Tomi picked it out," said Howie.
"Yeah well...I thought he'd probably like that," said Tomi, blushing a bit.
"Thanks alot you guys," said Nick.
"And now, let's have a party~!!" said Kevin, turning up the music in the room. He went up to Angel and started to dance with her. Brian, AJ, and Nick looked at their new possesions for a little bit more then put them safely back into the boxes because they knew if they kept it on, something was gonna happen to them. They all just chilled for a bit and danced. Then, Brian decided to get a little bit sneaky.
He grabbed a handful of cake and went up to AJ and tapped him on the back. "Oh AJ," he said. AJ turned around only to have cake in his face. "HAHA!" said Brian
"Oh sh..." laughed Tomi.
AJ wiped the cake away from his eyes so that he could open them. He then licked the frosting off his lips and said, "Oh Brian, come here." He grabbed a handful of cake himself and went after Brian.
"Hey don't get any on my carpet!" shouted Kevin. Brian and AJ ran outside.
Nick was still sitting on the couch laughing and Tomi came up to him. "Those two will never grow up," she said. The next thing she knew, she had cake smashed onto her face. She wiped some off so she could see and speak. Nick was laughing hysterically. "And aparently, niether will you!" Nick knew he was in trouble so he started to run. Tomi grabbed a handful of cake and said, "Nicholas Gene Carter!! Come here!" She started to run after him.
"Just keep it off my carpet!" shouted Kevin again. Howie decided to see what was going on outside but he shouldn't have because he also got some cake on his face.
The guilty one was AJ. "Got ya D!" he laughed.
"Okay, now this is war!" said Howie, running after AJ.
Tomi had cornered Nick at the pool. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry Tomi," said Nick, out of breath. Tomi surprisingly dropped the piece of cake. "Wow, it was that easy?"
"Hmmmm not quite," said Tomi, pushing Nick into the pool.
Nick floated to the surface and shouted, "Hey!! No fair."
"Whoops, my bad," laughed Tomi.
Back inside, they could hear all the screaming and laughing but then Kevin heard the phone ring. "Hey guys, keep it down for a sec," said Kevin, closing the door for a moment. Angel sat down on the couch. He picked up the phone and said, "Hello? Oh hi Dr. Cooper." Angel knew that name and looked up at Kevin. Kevin suddenly turned totally serious. All he did was listen for about two minutes and then he finally said, "Alright. I'll bring him down first thing tomorrow morning. Thank you... bye." Kevin hung up the phone.
"Is it about Brian?" asked Angel.
"...Yeah. Dr. Cooper wants to see him tomorrow morning," replied Kevin.
Outside, the other five were still having fun. They were playing in the pool just fooling around. "Are you going to talk to him now?" asked Angel.
"Not yet. Later, when the other guys are gone," replied Kevin, "He doesn't need to hear it right now. Let's let them have fun."
"Kev! Come on out here! The water's fine!" shouted Brian. Kevin stepped outside.
He smiled and yelled, "Here comes the train!" he shouted, jumping into the pool, splashing everyone around him.
"Angel, aren't you gonna come in?" asked AJ.
"No it's okay," replied Angel.
"Oh yes you are," said Kevin, pulling her in. She screamed as she fell into the pool. The others laughed and continued to fool around. At about 11PM, the party broke up and everyone said their goodbyes and Kevin drove them all home. Once he got back, Brian was already asleep.
"Are you going to tell him tonight?" asked Angel.
Kevin sighed. "I'll just wake him up early tomorrow," he answered, "This was his night. I don't want to spoil it."
So the next morning came around. Kevin went to Brian's room and woke him up. "It's only 7AM Kev. What are you waking me up this early for?" asked Brian sleeplily.
"Dr. Cooper called last night," replied Kevin.
Brian suddenly woke up fully, "What did he say?"
"He want's you to come in," replied Kevin.
"....Alright," said Brian, getting out of bed.
About an hour later, they were both in Dr. Cooper's office. Brian was sitting on stool that spinned so he was spinning himself around while Kevin was sitting quietly in a chair, both waiting for Dr. Cooper to arrive. Then there was a knock at the door and a slightly old man came in. "Hello boys," he greeted.
"Hey Doc, what's up?" asked Brian, cheerful as ever.
"It's good to see you're bright as ever Brian. How are you feeling lately?" he asked.
"Alright I guess. But I have been a bit tired lately, but that's from lack of sleep," replied Brian.
"Well, your heart seems to be doing alright as of now, but you still need that surgery. So try not to overwork yourself. Meaning not as many sports," said Dr. Cooper.
"You're telling me I can't play basketball till I get this surgery done?" asked Brian, hoping the answer was "no".
"I wouldn't ask you that because I know that'd be impossible. All I'm saying is take it easy. You can still play sports of course but don't overwork yourself and don't stress out too much," replied Dr. Cooper.
"Dr. Cooper, we almost have enough money for Brian to have his surgery," said Kevin.
"That's good. The sooner, the better," said Dr. Cooper, "But, just keep in mind Brian, don't do anything to stress yourself out. Meaning no trips anytime soon, not too much sports, you got it?"
"Gotcha doc," replied Brian.
"Alright. Well, you know my number if you need me," said Dr. Cooper.
"Thanks Dr. Cooper," said Kevin, as they walked out of the office.
On the way back from the hospital, Brian asked Kevin, "Hey, can you drop me off at the park?"
"Didn't you hear a word Dr. Cooper said?" asked Kevin.
"Well I'm not overworking myself... I haven't played ball once yet today," replied Brian.
Kevin couldn't help but smile, "Alright. But just for a little while alright?"
"Alright," said Brian. Kevin did drive Brian down to the park and they played a little one on one. Then after about an hour, Kevin told Brian that they should head back, afterall Dr. Cooper did warn them and he didn't want to take any chances. Brian finally agreed and they went home...