It's been a week since Andrew fell ill, but fortunately, he recovered quickly. Today, I have an exam, and I spent the entire night studying. I dozed off around 3:30 AM and woke up at 6:30. I made breakfast for Andrew and myself, but he wasn't at home. I went to class feeling quite down, as I had hoped he would be the first to congratulate me.
Standing at the school entrance, I spot Rosa arriving.
"Happy birthday," she yells, running to embrace me, and I reciprocate with genuine affection.
"Elizabeth, happy birthday," shout Maria and Daisy as they arrive, literally jumping on me.
"Thank you, girls," I reply with a beaming smile.
"Here's my gift," says Daisy, handing me a beautifully wrapped bag.
"Mine," adds Maria, giving me a ribbon-covered box.
"And mine," says Rosa, presenting me with another bag.
I thank each with a hug and kiss. We head into class; there's an exam, so no time to waste on the doorway.
After class, the girls suggest we go out to eat, which I accept with pleasure. As we're discussing school matters on the way, a boy intercepts my path.
"Simon..." I utter, a bit nervous.
"Hi Elizabeth," he says, with what seems like a flirtatious tone - "Happy birthday." I'm surprised, and even blush a little.
"How did he know it's our birthday?"
"Thanks..." I manage to say.
"I TOLD YOU!!" Daisy exclaims, causing laughter from all except Simon, who looks perplexed.
"We're going to eat; would you like to join?" I ask.
"Yes, I'd love to," he responds with a charming smile. We all head to the cafeteria we always eat in, ordering burgers and fries. After the meal, they bring me a chocolate cake and sing "Happy Birthday," making me feel content with my friends, though I wish Andrew could be here with me.
We're still at the cafeteria with Simon, who keeps cracking jokes and making us laugh. I notice the girls exchanging knowing glances.
"Let's go to the restroom," Maria tells the girls.
"You stay," says Daisy. Rosa gives me a tender smile and follows them.
"Elizabeth... I wanted to give you this," Simon says, slightly blushing but not as much as I do upon seeing a box with a note attached. I take it and read:
Happy birthday to the prettiest girl.
Fondly: Simon
To: Elizabeth
My cheeks redden as I open the box to find a star-shaped necklace and matching earrings.
"Does this mean he likes me?"
"Thank you so much," I say, throwing my arms around him and planting a kiss for his kind gesture. He reciprocates.
I arrive home with a piece of cake that I stash in the fridge, scour the house, but Andrew's not there. I take a shower and change into more comfortable clothes. The phone rings - it's my parents and grandfather wishing me a happy birthday. After a nice, lengthy talk, I say goodbye, telling them I'll visit over the weekend to celebrate, which they happily agree to.
I'm not in the mood to cook today - it's a special day for me. In my room, I lay out all the gifts on my bed. I open the first one from Daisy.
The natural woman's beauty is most radiant, but a chic blouse and stylish trousers will certainly take men's breath away. Happy Birthday Elizabeth with affection from your friend Daisy.
Her note makes me laugh as I inspect her gift: a lovely red blouse and elegant black trousers, superbly tasteful indeed. Next, I check the note attached to Maria's box.
May you step over any man you wish, but always with grace. Happy Birthday Lizzy, with much love.
Inside the box are beautiful black high-heeled shoes, matching the blouse and trousers perfectly. I set them all out together - yes, it looks perfect. Rosa's gift is last, and I read her note first.
To be a good wife one must be the best at it. Love you lots Elizabeth,
From your best friend Rosa.
Unbelievably, it's sexy lingerie; I know Rosa has a great taste, but I never expected this: a very sheer mini shorts and a tank top of the same color. I blush at the thought of Andrew seeing me in it.
"How could he resist?"
"Hi Liz," - I turn around with a startled yelp.
"You scared me," I state the obvious.
"What's all this?" he inquires, eyeing Rosa's sexy gift, which I swiftly snatch from the bed and stash in my dresser.
"Just presents," I reply, somewhat deflated.
"Your birthday... Liz, I'm sorry, I forgot," he says, regretfully.
"It's okay," I say, as I turn to put away my presents. But he stops me, grabbing my arm and spinning me towards him to embrace me.
"I promise I'll make it up to you," he whispers, planting a kiss on my head.
"Don't promise what you can't deliver," I tease playfully, attempting to tickle him, which is his Achilles heel. He gently topples on me, and I land on the bed; our gazes lock for an eternal moment, at least to me. He retaliates with tickles, and, as my resistance is worse than his, I squirm helplessly on the bed, unintentionally knocking over the high heels and the necklace box.
"Stop! Please stop," I plead, earning his mercy. Sitting up to catch my breath, he reclines and picks up one of the notes from my bed.
"To tread on any man you want, but with elegance…" he questions, his sexy look deepening.
"The one who gave me the heels," I shrug with a laugh.
"To be a good wife, you must be the best at it," his eyes widen, and his cheeks flush.
"It's just a joke from Rosa," I quickly excuse myself, turning my gaze away in embarrassment.
"Did Rosa give you the lingerie I saw?" he insists, his question confirming the obvious, to which I nod without looking at him.
"Happy birthday, to the prettiest girl, from... Simon," he frowns, confused. "Who is Simon?" he inquires.
"Just a friend," I conclude. He continues to furrow his brows, seemingly upset, no, impossible.
"I'll make dinner, are you hungry?" he asks, standing up.
"Of course!" I respond with a smile, and we both head to the kitchen.
"Today I'll make you the best meal you've ever had," he claims, donning an apron, his confidence taking me aback.
"What are you making?" I ask, settling at the dining table with a clear view of the kitchen.
"Arepas!" he exclaims, as though it's the most obvious choice. I can't help but burst into laughter.
"I'll help; otherwise, you might burn them," I tease, joining him and grabbing a cup for water.
"Tonight, I'll cook for you," he insists, taking the cup from me.
"What will I do then?" I ask, to which he approaches, lifts me up, interlocking my hands around his neck and his hands around my waist, pulling my legs around him. Once again, our eyes meet, sending an electric shock through my body, a sensation I've never experienced. I avert my gaze, and he carries me over to a table adjacent to the kitchen, placing me down with my feet dangling in the air.
"Just sit there until I'm finished cooking," he orders playfully, and I nod, laughing.
He forgot my birthday, and we didn't spend the entire day together, but my special day ended with the man I love. Yes, I know he doesn't love me back, but being with him feels right.
"And your pride? Where do you leave it?"
*I know\, I know.*
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