Chapter 4:The Birthday Message
580 Words
It was nearly the end of the workday, Ms. Harper, the team leader, walked in with a bright smile. She stood at the entrance for a moment, surveying the room, and then addressed everyone with an air of casual authority.
“Since it’s Amelia’s birthday,” she began, “I’ve made reservations for a team dinner tonight.”
Laura, always the most enthusiastic, clapped her hands together in joy.
Amelia, sitting nearby, chuckled softly, her cheeks flushing slightly at the attention.“Oh, you guys didn’t have to do that just for my birthday,” she protested with a modest smile, but it was clear that the gesture warmed her heart.
Mr. Evans, never one to shy away from humor, chimed in with a playful grin. “What are you talking about? A team’s got to stick together. You’re buying, right?”
The room burst into laughter, and Amelia couldn’t help but laugh along, though her mind was already drifting. She reached for her phone, and as her fingers tapped across the screen, a message popped up. Her face lit up as she read it aloud, though just for herself: “Happy Birthday, can you swing by? I have something for you.” The message was from Victor, the man who had been the object of her affection for years, the one who had always remained just out of reach.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly glanced around the room to make sure no one noticed the change in her demeanor. With a small, guilty smile, she scooted her chair a little closer to Ms. Harper’s desk and leaned in to whisper.
“Ms. Harper,” Amelia said, her voice barely above a whisper, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can make it to the team dinner tonight.”
Ms. Harper raised an eyebrow, her sharp eyes observing Amelia's subtle shift in mood. “Why? What’s going on? Is it a guy?”
Amelia’s eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting in a soft gasp. “How did you know?” she asked, her voice tinged with genuine wonder. Ms. Harper’s knowing smirk only widened as she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with the ease of someone who had seen it all.
“Because,” she said, her tone matter of fact, “your soulless eyes are suddenly sparkling. That’s how. Okay, go on.”
Amelia couldn’t help but laugh, the embarrassment and joy mixing in a rush of color across her cheeks. She quickly stood up, grabbing her bag from the back of her chair.
“Well, I guess it looks like we’ll have to celebrate Amelia’s birthday without the birthday girl,” Ms. Harper said, rising from her desk and giving the room a playful, but knowing, look.
Laura, who had been bouncing in her seat in excitement, suddenly deflated. “An inauguration without the CEO and a birthday without the birthday girl? What’s going on?” she asked, her voice dripping with dramatic disappointment.
Mr Evans, ever the realist, added with a sigh, “Seriously. This is like celebrating Thanksgiving without a turkey.”
Amelia felt the weight of their disappointment but couldn't help the rush of excitement that Victor’s message brought. She turned toward the door, her hand on the handle, her voice soft but filled with sincerity.
“I’m really sorry,” she said, meeting each of their gazes. “I promise, the next dinner is on me".
- Writer
