Scars of Time

Chapter 61: "Birthday"

Jo's POV

In the warmth of his lap, I felt a sense of security and closeness. My hands naturally found their place around his neck, while our lips embarked on a passionate journey, creating a mesmerizing moment where time seemed to stand still. The inexplicable reason behind my decision to become his girlfriend lingered in my mind, but I resolved to give him a chance.

And I was about to tell him that it was my birthday if his phone didn't ring at that moment. He deftly picked it up, multitasking effortlessly by chatting on the phone while gently sweeping my hair away from my face and playfully twirling it between his fingers.

"Sorry I'll be a little late, but you can handle it until I arrive, right? ... Great then. I'm on my way."

As he ended the call, his gaze met mine, and I couldn't help but give him an irresistible puppy-eyed look. Deep down, I yearned for him to stay a little longer by my side. However, he broke the silence, uttering those words I didn't want to hear, "I have to leave." I didn't want to come across as overly clingy right from the start, so I masked my disappointment.

"It's my birthday though. And our first day together" I complained in my mind but nodded in agreement in front of him. He leaned in and planted a gentle peck on my cheek before getting up to leave.

I didn't feel like celebrating anymore. I have been looking forward to this day for months, but now that it's here, I feel empty and alone. It's not like I asked too much from him. I just wanted him to celebrate with me.

Feeling a wave of boredom wash over me, I made the impulsive decision to go for a walk. Little did I know that this aimless journey would lead me to the park where Alex and I had last met.

My last birthday was with him. Funny how time can change things.

A soft smile played on my lips as I delighted in the unintended pun that had slipped from my thoughts. Lost in my own musings, I settled onto a bench, only to be startled by a voice from behind uttering, "Happy Birthday."

I turned around to see Maya proudly displaying two ice creams, one in each hand.

"I figured you'd be here."

"How?"

"You miss Alex, don't you? Of course. It's not that easy to forget someone like him. I understand. You must feel lonely. Especially today. That's why I decided to come see you."

"What did you buy me?" I asked, so I could change the subject. That's not the reason I was here.

"Ice cream" she casually replied, taking my excitement away.

"I mean for my birthday."

"Ice creeaam."

"Did you really only buy me ice cream as a birthday gift?"

"Ungrateful! If you don't want it then I'll eat them both."

"Fine. Fine. It's not like I got something better from someone else. Thank you." I quickly took the ice cream from her hand before she had a chance to change her mind.

"So, how are you planning to celebrate now that you're single?" she asked not knowing the most recent news, which I was hesitant to share. But these news don't change anything anyway since I'm still alone, although I'm not single.

"I plan to go home and watch a movie. Wanna come over?"

"I'd really love to, but I have a date today."

"Of all days?"

"I'm really sorry. That's why I'm here right now."

"It's fine. It's going to be boring anyway."

"I'll make it up to you."

Engrossed in conversation, we found ourselves at the park for a while. However, when she mentioned her need to leave, I decided it was time for me to head home too.

I glanced at the clock and noticed it was already 4 pm. I guess he works even on weekends.

Anyway, I don't need someone to celebrate with me. I can celebrate by myself.

With that thought in mind, I turned up the music and began dancing with sheer abandon. However, exhaustion kicked in fast, so I plopped down and made up my mind to resume watching a series I had started ages ago but never got around to finishing. It instantly rekindled my interest, and episode after episode, I eventually completed the entire series. By the end, my eyes were swollen from shedding tears of joy due to its incredibly emotional and satisfying ending.

The credits rolled and I glanced at the clock, only to discover that it was well past midnight. It dawned on me that my birthday had officially ended. A weird feeling of disappointment took over me, although I don't know what I was even expecting. He doesn't even know my birthday.

I crashed into bed and I'm pretty sure I was sleeping when the doorbell startled me, sending me into a panic! I cautiously made my way towards the door, peeking through the peephole, only to find Time patiently waiting for me to let him in.

"What happened? What are you doing he...." he didn't even let me finish before wrapping his arms around me.

"Happy birthday."

....................

Time's POV

I had no choice but to make my way to the office today, even though it was weekend. I had already informed Ben to come in as well, because there was a mountain of unfinished tasks that needed attention. So, it wouldn't be fair to leave him alone, toiling away while I enjoyed my day off. What kind of boss would I be then?

By the time the day was over, exhaustion had settled in, but my determination to complete all the pending work was unwavering. I wanted to wrap up everything so that I could have a well-deserved break tomorrow. I want to go on a date with my girlfriend.

Even the thought of it was making me happy. "My girlfriend," I whispered to myself, and that was all the motivation I needed to keep working.

Unbeknownst to me, the clock had struck midnight while I was deeply engrossed in my computer. It was only when I finally decided to take a breather and check my phone that I realized the late hour. Surprisingly, there was a text message waiting for me from an unknown sender.

"Make sure you don't leave my friend alone today. It's her birthday."

I replied, "I think you've got the wrong number," even though it had been hours since their message, and I wasn't anticipating a response. However, they replied instantly.

"I'm Maya, we met the other day at lunch."

Hold on, is she saying it's Jo's birthday? I gave her a call, and she answered right away, even though she was in a really loud place, and we could barely make sense of each other's words.

"Is it Jo's birthday?" I asked as soon as she picked up.

"It was, but you didn't reply to my message. It's too late now."

"I'm wondering, what's the reason behind sharing this with me?"

"Because I know her, and she wouldn't mention it herself. And I heard that you like her a lot. So I thought maybe you could make her day special and put a smile on her face. But unfortunately, it's too late now. It's already past midnight and her birthday was yesterday."

I showed my appreciation to Maya for sharing this information, and without wasting a moment, I hurried downstairs. However, Ben appeared at the entrance, with food in his hands, effectively blocking my way.

"Did you finish your work? Let's eat something."

"I have to go. But thank you so much for coming today. I don't know if I would be able to get anything done if not for you. So you deserve a vacation."

"Really? Thank you so much Mr.Astor."

I rolled my eyes, and he smiled, before he could say it properly.

"Thank you Time."

"No problem. Now I have to go, enjoy your vacation."

"Thank you so much."

I wanted to buy something for her, but everything was already closed, leaving me with no choice but to visit her empty-handed. The sight of me at her doorstep, at such a late hour, caught her completely off guard. Without wasting a second, I pulled her into a tight embrace, wishing her a happy birthday.

"How did you know?" she asked curiously.

"Maya told me, and I'm sorry I'm late."

"Maya?! Weird."

"Why is it weird?"

"Because she doesn't like you."

"For real? Well, she didn't look happy about it, but she told me anyway. I guess she figured you'd like to spend your birthday with your boyfriend."

"Maybe" she agreed, but still looked as if she was trying to piece some things together.

Eventually, with a welcoming gesture, she made space for me to step inside before gently shutting the door behind us.

Seizing her hand, I drew her closer as I asked curiously, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to interrupt your work."

"There's nothing more important to me than you." I confessed and to my surprise, her cheeks turned a rosy shade. Maybe I'm being too straightforward since the first day.

"Do you want a drink?" She cleared her throat and took a small step backward.

"Actually, there is something else I wanted to do, if you allow me to" I said but by observing her reaction, the way she glanced at me and nervously swallowed, it became evident that she had misunderstood my intentions.

"Wh..what do you want to do?"

"Can I bake you a cake?"

"Huh?"

"I wasn't able to bring you a gift, so I want to do something for you."

"Well, if you're okay with it... Although I'm not sure if I have enough ingredients."

"We could try."

"Okay then. Come with me."