BIRTHDAY PREP
“This must be a joke” I screamed! my heart thumping loudly.
I locked eyes with my parents, and they were dead serious, they went silent, they definitely meant every word they had just said to me.
My things were packed. Were they trying to sell me already? All my life I’ve never been a burden, so why would they do this to me? I said to myself, tears almost welling up in my eyes.
I turned around, and my eyes met this robust figure staring at me. He had a unique blend of features, I couldn’t really place my finger around it. Not like I cared either. He also had this annoying smirk on his lips, like that of achievement and determination. He squinted his eyes. As though he was trying to impress me. Maybe it was the alcohol effect because I didn’t just see him trying to wink at me.
How is it that I’m getting married? To a man I’ve never seen my entire life. An arranged marriage?
“Papa! He looks quite your age! You guys can’t do this to me. I’m sorry, I promise to be on my best behavior, papa. I was almost sobbing.
“Happy Birthday my Angel”. A voice chimes in. I looked over to his side and caught him grinning.
“A happy birthday indeed!” I snorted.
The audacity to even speak to me. I spluttered for more words and I couldn’t find any. Then the lights began to twitch, the room becoming faint. I could only see the twitching shadows of my parents' sad faces and flickering lights. What is going on? Am I losing grip? I asked myself, and struggled to find my balance. A pause, followed by darkness and an inner peace within me. Whatever was happening felt good. I hit the ground and fainted.
*****The night before******
“ What’s on your birthday wish list, Stephanie ? Mariah inquired.
I gazed at her whilst taking in her dark gray piercing eyes and sharp jawline.
She wore a slight smile on her lips, coupled with a smirk, as if a multitude of thoughts were racing through her mind.
I had my thoughts as well. It’s my birthday tomorrow, the year I’ve always wanted to become.
The great thing about anticipation is that it takes away the excitement as the days go by. Now, I’m just anxious. Hoping that I have a fun birthday this time. The last time I celebrated was when I turned three, ever since my parents weren’t able to throw a party for me and, I’m always seen in my little corner on my birthdays.
"Stephanie”. She almost screamed. Did you fall into a trance or something?
“I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“Well, I was able to make a reservation by 8p.m at the Moon and bar’s restaurant, we would be having dinner with friends”.
Mariah was my best girl. She was fierce. She was energy itself. I met her in school when we got enrolled, to study the same course. She brings out the fun side of me. I never get to think of anything bothering me whenever she’s around me. She was my lucky charm.
My lucky moment and I was blessed.
I smiled “Ugh, I don’t really think I would like to be outside”, I said while squeezing up my chin a little bit in a pouting manner. Like I needed her to somewhat agree with me.
“Let me finish up, Girl, you will be 20 by tomorrow. ”I can’t let you have a sucked up birthday just like you always do” She moved closer to me, stretching her hands forward to reach mine. That’s the thing with Mariah. She’s extroverted, and I’m just the opposite of her.
“I have absolutely nothing to wear to my own dinner tomorrow” I murmured. Hoping that she buys my second excuse for the night.
“Stephanie, you know you’ve got me, you will be looking like a snack by the time I'm done” she said while smacking her fingers in excitement, dragging me along.
I could sense her enthusiasm. She really enjoys styling me, and she always nailed it, picking the perfect dress to show off my curves and features. At 5’6 in height, with long shapely legs and killer cleavage, I usually kept my hair up in a bun to flaunt my captivating blue eyes and naturally lined lips. I knew I looked good. I never stressed about it, it just came naturally.
“I already shared the location with Michael and his friends” Mariah informed me and I gleaned with excitement. Now that’s good news.
Michael, my boyfriend, had a very dramatic nose, yet he was the perfect tanned caramel skin you would ever come across. His mouth is sweet. His hair was black and waving. He was always really affectionate, always with me, like I had just met him. People always admired our love, always yearning for a connection like ours and wondered when they’d ever be in a relationship. Although, I’m not quite sure if they admire what we have going on, or whether they simply admire Michael himself. I have seen the way girls drool over him in school, and I am super excited to always flaunt him. If he was going to be there, at my birthday dinner? Then I would definitely show up for my birthday too. I chuckled silently.
Mariah turned away from the shelf we were organizing for a moment, delved into her pocket, and took out a white peppermint candy. Unwrapping it, she gently placed it in my mouth. She is sugar, curiosity, and she is rain.
*********
I had to whip up breakfast the next day and prepare for school in my cozy little bedroom that seemed a bit out of place. Honestly, there's no greater means of relaxation when you're munching on chicken soup late at night or dozing off in between after a stressful day. I finished the last bite of bread, gazing at the front door. It was my birthday today, and it didn’t feel like it even when I hadn’t stepped out yet. I let out a loud sigh. Then I felt this ting within my ribs. I quickly jerked.
“Mama!” I screamed.
She let out a loud laugh. “You’re so ticklish. My little Angel is 20 today, it still feels like yesterday when you wobbled your feet. You were so cute and tiny.
She smiled while dragging both sides of my chin.
“Ow, that hurts”, I managed to let out, and she released me, giving me a peck on my forehead. She looks thinner by the day, and it’s as though a new line appears on her cheeks every day. I was getting younger and she was getting older. It has to be the hardest part of reality to deal with. Watching your parents grow old.
“Now hurry, before you'll be late.”
“Yes mama. I pecked her and made my way to the door.
“Be back on time too!” She screamed.
“Of course, I will.”
“It is not glamorous that I can't drive a car” I muttered as I headed out, and my inner voice chimed in sarcastically, "Can't you drive or just car-less?"
"Ugh, whatever!" I retorted.
I tagged along with Mariah after classes. It was past noon, and we were done for the day. She nudged me and took the books I was holding.
“Why are you trying to be nice all of a sudden”? I inquired.
"Come on, Stephanie, I'm nice!" she teased, sticking out her tongue. "But hey, promise me this, if I'm on my deathbed, you'll give a speech about how amazing I am."
“What? Mariah! I chuckled. That's the silliest thing I've ever heard today. Although, you can never tell. You might be the one preparing a speech for me tomorrow. Who knows? Why are we even talking about death? It's like the Grim Reaper is hanging around somewhere. I'm as good as gone tonight anyway.” I added, almost muttering the last words, and she laughed.
We finally got to the store. I settled for a black gown with intricate beading and a sleek silhouette that accentuates my curves alongside silver heels.
Mariah chose a sleek black jumpsuit with exquisite lace detailing and statement accessories that reflected her daring personality.
Something about these dresses tonight gave me those excitement chills and, for once, it felt like it was really my 20th birthday, even when I wasn’t celebrating.
”Don’t worry, I will be paying. Consider it my love for you“. She said as she stretched her card to the cashier.
“You really do love me”, I giggled because I love her too!
