WEDNESDAY
It’s my birthday
I’ma do what I like
I’ma eat what I like
I’ma kiss who I like
It’s my birthday
I’ma do what I like
I’ma wear what I like
I’ma party tonight
Goddamn, it’s my birthday
Everybody love me
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Look at me, give me money
Damn, it’s my birthday
Everybody love me
And I ain’t thinkin’ ’bout you
I took off my earphone when I heard a knock on my door. Today’s Wednesday evening. Two days passed like a jet and here I’m, wearing my new dress and applying a little make-up.
Pearl’s surprise for my birthday was not what I expected and never even wanted or imagined it. Do you know what she did? she invited some of my classmates. I only know their names and talked once or twice or the number will be in countable times. But she did this to get my mind off that issue which I’m dealing with. Of, course, Patrick isn’t invited. That’s a relief. So, the other things which Pearl did were arranging a photo booth for the guests and mani-pedi for girls. I hope it’s not going to be bad. I’m not practised being the centre of attention which makes me nervous. She planned a dinner outside my house. She clearly told the number of classmates won’t cross the number ten. So, I can deal with it. I don’t want her to spend for today’s expenses all by her. But she insisted and I failed in convincing her.
” Can I come in, Em? Are you still dressing?” I heard Pearl’s voice outside the door.
” Nope. It’s open. Get in.”
” Good. So, I wanted to say that I… wow… you look amazing.” Pearl’s voice changed once she looked at me. I didn’t imagine this reaction from my best friend. What will be the reaction if Jason or Ryder sees…
” I never realized, you had this hidden beauty. Red suits you. I’m glad I found this dress for you.” She said as I turned towards the mirror to see myself in it. I do love this elegant red dress, the light make-up, my flawless skin and loose hair.
” All thanks to you, Pearl. I do like your selection.” I tucked my hair behind my ear as I watched myself in the mirror.
” Good. Let’s go. Ryder’s came early before anyone. He’s with his brother I think.” Pearl said, opening the door. I walked down the stairs as I watched my mom decorating the cake.
” Well, my birthday girl is stunning like every other day. Maybe a little more today…” My mom told as she planted a kiss on my forehead. I smiled and walked to the front door to find Ryder.
At first, he was speechless. No wishes. No greetings. All he did was staring until I started the conversation.
” Hi, get in,” I told him and his brother. Before you could speak, Shawn wished me.
” Happy birthday, Emily. Thanks for inviting me. I got you a gift.” he told as he eagerly took something from the bag he got.
” Thanks, Shawn. But it would be nice if you get inside first.” I told so he won’t be standing outside like a stranger.
” Right. I don’t think you will really appreciate my gift. It can be easily found anywhere here but I couldn’t really think of something better than what I got for you. So, enjoy it because it may vanish in some minutes.” he blabbered as he got inside the hall followed by Pearl. He does get excited like children. Now, I can’t see who’s the elder brother here.
” Hey, sweetheart, happy birthday. You made me speechless by your looks. Give me a warning when you are going to be too hot that I can’t handle it.” Ryder said as he kissed my cheeks. I’m only capable of saying ‘thanks’ and blushed.
” So, will you give me a warning next time?” he asked as he leaned closer to kiss me.
” No. I like it when you are speechless.” I replied as I kept my finger on his lips. I can’t let my mom see Ryder kissing me.
” Don’t you wanna see my gift, Emily,” I heard Shawn’s voice.
” Urghh, he’s seriously irritation me. He bought a box of pizza for you. It’s not that amazing, right?” Ryder broke the surprise in a second.
” You ruined your brother’s surprise,” I complained as I went inside my hall.
” What’s done is done.” Ryder seated himself in the couch. Shawn took the box of pizza and gave it to me. Pearl giggled while he gave it without control.
” What’s there to laugh, minion?” he directed the question, Pearl.
” First of all, I’m not a minion. Then, do you think Emily’s a foodie?”
” Umm… Well, I met her with a pie cake so I thought I could give something eatable. Nothing’s wrong with it.” he argued.
” Cut it off. Both of you. We are gonna share and eat this before other’s arrival.” I announced as I equally shared the pieces to everyone including my mom. Then, there’s another knock on the door while I’m chewing the pizza.
” It’s open,” Pearl walked some steps and said loud enough to be heard by them. If someone’s arrived early, it could be someone I knew.
” I told you to call me before leaving your home. You don’t have a habit of listening to my words, Ryder.” that’s the first word Dylan said, once he entered.
” She’s my girl-next-door. I don’t need to wait for you. I can come at any time. Even at midnight which I…” Ryder spoke in a flow without releasing my mom is in the same room now. My eyes widened. I kicked his foot inside the table.
” Which… which I never done and never do. Anyways, don’t you want to wish her? What are you waiting for?” he changed the line in a minute with a little hesitation. I hope no one gives attention to his words.
” Happy birthday, sister. I may not know you as Ryder do. But I do know what you like. So, this might be useful for you.” Dylan said, giving me a card. It looks like a card. Now, I’m eager. All I think of is a credit card, debit card which I’m not expecting from anyone.
” An amazon gift card….”
” Yep, you can buy as many books as you like until you run out of this $200.”
” Oh, my god. You didn’t need to do this, Dylan. I mean I really appreciate it. Thank you.” I was too bad at showing gratitude. I do get too many surprises continuously. Who knows how grateful I’m gonna feel until the very end of this
day? I feel like something big is waiting for me today. It’s not a guess but an intuition.