I checked the clock display on my phone after I was awakened by the sun's rays that is reflected on the glass window. Due to laziness, I forgot to untie the curtain which serves as its cover, that's why instead of the alarm clock the sun kissed my face making me awake.
I fixed my bed first and arranged the pillows at the other side. Rubbing my eyes, I yawned repeatedly. Today is a very special day for me, that's why even when I'm still sleepy I did my best to get up.
My room is a total mess, since I'm a lazy ass woman and cleaning is not my thing. I don't act like a girl, right? Wearing make up, sexy clothes, spending time to fix myself… is a no-no for me. And maybe that's the reason Shan can't love me back. Because I'm not a girl that he dream of having.
Whatever. I'm not gonna change myself just because of love. I'm patient to wait and I will never be that kind of desperate. Patience is a virtue. Girls are gold. Never beg. That is my PRINCIPLE.
“One. Two. Three…” I halted in front of my room's door when they started counting. I was startled, but I did my best to act chill since this is a very special day for me. My smile grew wider, seeing the most important people in my life before me. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARI!!” I was greeted by a defeaning noise and, of course, confetti. Oh my god… these people are melting my heart.
January 22, 2022. This will be a very memorable day for me. I'm a baby born in 2003 and today's my 19th birthday.
Yes! Today's my birthday, people. I'm so happy to wake up, celebrating another year of my life. I just hope that this day will be filled with only happiness.
“Thank you, guys!” I dramatically wiped my tears away as I walked toward them.
This is a surprise, to be honest. But seeing them complete in front of me is more fulfilling than any surprises. Shaine, mom and dad, and of course… Shan. I always celebrate my special day with the four important people in my life. They meant everything to me. My birthday will never be complete without them.
“I'm afraid you'll not be surprised anymore since we always do this thing in your birthday,” Shaine chuckled, holding a party popper in her right hand. I know it's her idea to rain me with confetti because it's her favorite thing to do.
“It doesn't matter anymore how much you surprised me. What's more significant is that you guys are here to join me in my special day,” I replied with a smile.
They even prepared. They decorated the wall with a pink foil curtain with a happy birthday banner. A red couch was placed before the foil curtain, where Shaine asked me to sit for the photoshoot after I changed my clothes. Of course, my mom will not going to miss the fairy lights. Then at my side, in a small glass table, was a hot air balloon with chocolates.
“Take a pose, Ari,” Shaine ordered, assisting me what to do. She asked me to hold the foil number balloon as she's trying to catch a perfect angle for me. It looks like a professional photographer, huh? I love the balloon! It's rose gold and it brings the number 19.
I almost didn't survive from that photoshoot. After my couch shots, she asked mom and dad to accompany me on the couch with the foil curtain as our background. As long as she was satisfied, she called for Shan and captured the two of us using her camera. The hell, friend. She even demanded him to put his hand on my waist.
The next shots featured me and Shaine. Shan insisted on holding the camera as my friend made her best to look gorgeous on the screen. Me, on the other hand, just maintained a smile. For the last shot, dad told me to hold the hot air balloon. Shaine even asked for some chocolates after the photoshoot was done.
“Good morning, Ari. Happy 19th birthday. I wish nothing but all the best for you. Have a splendid day ahead.” Shan smiled at me, and I was quick to reciprocate it. That was a brief message to greet me a happy birthday, but it's worth it. Playing in my ears like a sweet melody.
“Sweetie…” Mom gave me a hug and dad followed it by planting soft kisses on my forehead. Shocks! My heart is really melting.
“Thank you!” I grinned from ear to ear, thanking them through a very meaningful smile.
“What are we waiting for? Ari, blow your candle now!” Shaine excitedly said as she leads me to the table where the two layered chocolate cake is placed.
This is just a very simple celebration, but it meant so much to me. Mom and dad will be attending an important business meeting today, that's why instead of dinner, we celebrated it early in the morning. We also need to attend our class later at 8 am. I told them last day that it's fine if we're just gonna celebrate it this weekend. But mom disagree so as dad. According to them, the day I was born was worth to be celebrated, no matter how busy they are. They don't like to postpone it.
I'm hopefully 19 now, and that is what I need to thank for. Thanking god for this blessing… for reaching this age.
“Make a wish, Ari,” Shan said, making me turn to him. Oh, man. You are the wish! I already blow many candles, but my wish is not yet granted. But I'm still thankful that you're here on my birthday… celebrating with us.
I closed my eyes and lend a moment to state my wish that only myself can hear.
For my 19th birthday, I will be saying not just one but many wishes. Dear God, may you give us good health and a meaningful long life. Always guide us to the right path, and please be at our side. Please bless our family to be happy always and my friendship with Shaine to remain resilient through thick and thin, to be in each other’s side, no matter what happens, through the bad times, as well as the good.
I don't know what are your plans for me. But as long as there is love in my heart, I will never stop loving the guy I admire the most. Please give me more strength to love him and more patience to endure the pain. I just can't let go of him, you know how much I love this guy. If he is not the one meant for me, at least allow me to continue admiring him… even without chances.
In the count of three, I opened my eyes and blow the candle with delight on my heart. Nothing can ever beat the feeling when you're taking another one step in your life. From 18, I'm now 19. Look how time flies so fast. Before I was deeply in love with Shan, now the feeling get crazier. Oh, stop it. Today's my day and I want myself to have fun.
“Let's eat!” mom happily declared, serving the utensils in our plates. I was seated beside my best friend, Shan occupied the other half, while dad and mom was seated at both ends of the rectangular table.
“Ari, can I taste the icing?” Shaine whispered to me, her chuckles making her more cute.
I nodded my head. “Of course you can.”
To celebrate my birthday, mom, and dad prepared our favorite desserts just like mango float and macaroni salad. My mom also cooked her specialty, which is the pork adobo. Shan ordered two boxes of Hawaiian pizza and our favorite strawberry ice cream. Shaine bought chicken nuggets and other dishes was served on the table too. This is simple yet a complete celebration.
After eating, Shaine and I rode in my car while Shan drove on his own since he brought his car with him. We met in front of the gate and part ways in reaching the hallway.
“How awkward it is being in the same table with your crush. Your birthday wish is for him to love you back, I guess?”
“There is no such thing, Shaine.” I shook my head and continued pacing. I realized after all these years that wishing someone to love you back is absurd. As you wait and wait for that time to come, you are slowly creating the desperate figure on you.
As I said on my birthday wish, at least allow me to love him… even without chances.
Many of my classmates greeted me when we arrived at our classroom. I happily reciprocated their greetings with a smile as I walk toward my chair.
“Hi, Ari!” I held my chest, so startled of Raven's presence. I didn't expect to see him seating in my chair like shit, is this your classroom? You belong to the other section.
“And what are you doin' here? Get out of my chair.” I did my best to control my voice, not raising it. Duh, today is my day. I should be good to people even just for a day but seems like he's making me a bad person.
“Relax. Why not share the chair with me? You know, share your blessings to other people who are in need,” he chuckled, his legs crossed like he owned my seat.
“There are too many chairs out there. Why need to take mine? And one more thing, I don't like to share.”
“Greed, hmm?” he remarked, shaking his head. “That's not good, Ari.”
“I don't care.” I rolled my eyes, shooting a glance on Shaine who is teasing me from a distance. Eff, this best friend of mine. Why not help me in getting rid of this guy?
“By the way, I heard from Shaine that today's your 19th birthday.” He straightened his posture and remove his legs from being crossed.
“And?”
“And because of that… I have a gift for you.” He smiled and slid his hand into his pants. After some seconds, he revealed a small red box, rotating it for me to see the full view. He then dramatically opened it, letting me see what's there inside.
“A diamond ring, huh?” I shrugged my shoulders, my simple way of saying no to his gift. But it seems like he didn't get what that gesture means.
“I want you to shine bright like a diamond, Ari. You're as special as jewel, that's why you deserved to receive this one.” He grinned from ear to ear as he handed the box to me. “Here, take this.”
I received a new pair of shoes from mom and dad. Shan gave me a bouquet of flowers and Shaine bought a cute dress for me. Those gifts are already enough.
I don't need extra presents to be certain.
“No, thanks.”
He smiled at me with no hint of disappointment on his face. “C'mon, Ari. If you're not going to accept me as your friend, at least accept this gift.”
I went silent. It was like I can be easily drowned by the smiles in his lips. I can't believe how long his patience is to endure me. He can leave without minding me, but he is always checking up on me. He never gets tired of talking to me, despite how blunt my treatment is.
My eyes blinked. “And why would I?”
He heaved a deep sigh, looking away. “Because I love you. And I'm willing to love you more… even without chances.”
Why does that word sounded so familiar to me?
Geez. He is saying the same words I wished on my birthday. Was that an art of coincidence?
“C'mon, Ari. He made an effort just to give you a gift. It's your birthday, and you should be nice to people, friends or not,” Shaine whispered to me. My eyes darted at Raven, who was still waiting for me to accept his gift. Am I so bad?
Fine. This is because of guilt, that's why I'm accepting his gift.