|89| • Amelia
They were all here.
The more I looked around, the more tears welled up in my eyes.
Papa was here, Abel and Ramona too! Binta and Kaji were grinning from ear to ear while Arnold stood in between them. Gabe — Evie's friend was also here with the pretty lady I'd met. Willow Rue and some of Evie's friends from the workshop were also here!
They came all the way here for me?!
How? I couldn't even begin to imagine the journey they had to make to come here!
Why?! Was this all for me? Little old me?! It was just my birthday! Oh my, I didn't even know what to say, or what to think! My face was wet, thank God the makeup I had on was waterproof.
I hiccuped, sobbing into my palms.
"I told you she'd cry," Abel said and the rest laughed. Embarrassed, I hid my head in Evie's chest. Everest...he planned this all along? So he proposed going to the beach when they were already here? Evie put his hands around me, rubbing my head.
"Don't cry, baby." He cooed, rubbing my head. How couldn't I cry? They all came from God knows where all because of my birthday! This was one of the best birthdays I'd had and we hadn't even started the party! "C'mon, baby." Everest mused, holding my waist.
Sniffling, I nodded; turning back to face them. My hand clasped my mouth. "You guys! Thank you so much! I...I don't even know what to say! When did you all get here? And all of you! For me?"
I was rambling, not being able to form words. But how could I not?
"And Papa! You came all the way! I can't believe it! Abel too!" I ran words them. Papa steadied me in his arms, hugging me. "Happy birthday my girl." He said, kissing my forehead. I almost started bawling again. Seeing his smile warmed my heart. I hugged Abel as well, then Ramona.
"You came!"
"Of course I did, your man invited us." I blushed at her words.
So Evie planned this entire thing? I couldn't imagine how long it took him to plan this entire thing.
When I was done hugging Ramona, I went to Gabe and Penelope who wore beautiful smiles.
Gosh, how long had it been since I'd seen them?
"Gabe! Penelope! It's so lovely to see you both! " I squealed as they both hugged me.
"How's my sister-in-law doing?" Gabe teased and Penelope nudged him with an eye roll. My eyes trailed over the glistening diamond ring on her finger. Oh, they were engaged now? And sister-in-law? I blushed, admittedly taking in the thought. "I'm doing great! Thank you so much for coming!"
"Saving the best for last!" Binta uttered, giggling with Kaji and Willow Rue.
Of course, how could I forget them? Skipping over to them with a big smile, I practically jumped on Binta who would be able to carry my weight which she did, twirling me around.
"I didn't get any message from you all so I thought you forgot!
" I admit, getting down to hug the rest. Kaji snorted, "Forget?
How would we?" I hugged Arnold as well, thanking them all.
I couldn't imagine how far they had to drive because of this.
"Again, thank you all for coming. I appreciate it!" I said after going to stand behind Everest. They nodded and we all made our way to what seemed like a large set-up. It was a round table, along with a large umbrella giving us shade.
Still in awe, Evie intertwined our hands, smiling cheekily.
"I can't believe you did all this!" I whispered to him and he snickered.
"I hid it well, didn't I?" He said triumphantly and I nodded eagerly.
He did! At most, I thought it would be a cute dinner but this was far better!
All my closest people were with me. I couldn't ask for anything better.
"I'm pretty sure the birthday girl is still starstruck so how about we start with something light?" Ramona said, leaning in with a smirk. "I'm thinking we order some drinks and play a game!" Abel nodded in agreement.
"Now that you're fully legal, how about we celebrate with some shots?"
"Binta!" I scolded, hushing her. My papa was here! Besides, alcohol sucked; it tasted horrid and burned the back of my throat. Not to mention the bad memories I had with it. "Kidding, kidding! Cocktail sounds fine." She shrunk back, waving her hands. Arnold chuckled, shaking his head.
"I'll go get the cocktails," I said, getting up.
That was the least I could do. Evie sat me back down, "Don't even think about it.
You just stay here and have a swell time.
" He said, kissing my cheeks when I pouted at him.
I could already hear the cooing from Binta and Willow Rue; I assumed Kaji was already used to it until I saw her silently cooing as well.
Smiling to myself, my heart swelled at what a gentleman he was.
"Abel, come on, help me out?" Everest asked and Abel nodded, standing up. "I'll help too," Arnold said, walking away with them.
"So, father-in-law, how are you doing?" Ramona questioned, facing Papa who burst out laughing, a genuine smile on his face. I giggled as well, facing Binta and the girls.
"So, forgot huh?" Binta sassed. "Well, none of you called me.
" I defended, pouting. I was expecting a group video call or something of that sort but when none of them called, it kinda hurt.
But now I felt flushed. Of course, all three of them wouldn't forget at the same time!
"Yeah, we were busy planning all of this, and we wanted to surprise you.
" Kaji pointed out, waving to the pretty decoration that beautified the benches and umbrella we sat under.
"And calling you would defeat the purpose considering how much of a curious cat you are," Binta added, making me gasp. "Am I that much of a curious cat?"
"Not to talk of how persistent you can be.
Everest already asked to keep this bit a secret.
" Kaji said, . Sighing, I nodded. Regardless of them not calling before (admittedly putting my mind into a loop) it was all good now.
"I admit, you outdid yourselves," I said after some thought; the fact that they all came together with Evie was amazing!
I couldn't imagine a better birthday bash!
Kaji grinned, rubbing my shoulders. "I know." She whispered cockily. I rolled my eyes, turning to the quiet one amongst us. Willow Rue grinned on contact.
"And Willow Rue! Thank you for coming!"
"Oh, the honour is all mine! How could I miss out on this?"
She teased, smiling at me. The love I felt right now was overwhelming, it was so hard not to burst out crying.
"When Evie called us a week ago, I was more than happy to oblige.
Girl, you have yourself a man." Kaji told me, leaning into the table.
"Yeah, for a second I thought Kaji and her big mouth would ruin it," Binta said and Kaji gasped, nudging her.
"Hey! I am excellent at keeping secrets!
" I giggled at the pair. So, Evie had been planning this for that long?
How amazing was that?! Yet he says not to "worry" about his. I would make him cry tears of joy.
"We got cocktails!" Arnold called out eagerly, making the four of us look up.
"And another small surprise..." I heard Evie trail, his smile making me blush before my eyes darted to what he was holding.
"Oh..." I gasped, almost tearing up again!
It was a cute cake with pink whipped cream and two candles on it.
Everyone began to clap their hands, their focus on me.
Shifting in my seat, I looked around smiling as they began to sing.
"Happy birthday to you..." Their voices merged into a lovely harmony, I watched in awe as Evie placed the cake in front of me.
'Happy birthday sweetheart, I love you, we all do.
' was neatly scribbled in white, making it pop.
A tear slid down my eyes, gosh, I was probably puffy-eyed by now.
"You guys..." I sniffed, holding my hand to my mouth.
This was the best, feeling so loved. I was undeserving of this, but I accepted it.
Why wouldn't I? The birthday song finished and Everest took my hand in his, it was then I snapped out of my thoughts.
"This is amazing," I whispered to him softly while he caressed the back of my palms with this thumb.
"Say a prayer, sweetheart." He said, cooly.
I could tell he was equally emotional because his eyes were glossier than before yet he still managed to keep his composure.
Noding, I closed my eyes and a tear dropped once more.
'Thank you, Jesus, for an awesome birthday, I pray we all are alive to celebrate more and more birthdays.
' It was a short prayer but that was my desire.
I blew out the candles in one puff and they all clapped. Laughing, I clapped as well. "Thank you all so much for this! I can imagine how much effort this took and I want to let you all know that I'm incredibly grateful."
"You're welcome, my sweet girl," Papa said in one of his hearty peals of laughter. His laughter made me laugh as well, I could remember when our relationship wasn't so good, where he'd get frustrated at my unwillingness to work. I was anxious! I didn't know if working would be a good idea.
Thinking about this made me realise how Godsend Evie was.
Gosh, take a deep breath Amelia.
"Well then, can we get this party started?
" Abel asked, handing cocktails around. Ramona nudged him but cheered nevertheless, passing the drinks around.
Music began to play from the speakers as we all started to move our bodies.
"Let's dance!" I tell my friends, taking a sip of the cocktail before leading them to the dancefloor.
Kaji agreed, twirling me around when we reached a spacious area.
Squealing, I held her hands tighter. We moved against each other, taking turns to twirl.
Binta swayed her hips, dancing with Willow Rue.
"I'm so proud of you, Amelia!" Kaji said above the music. Hearing her say this melted my heart. Proud? Of me? "You...are?" I wanted to know why, so I asked and she didn't hesitate to continue speaking.
"Well, I can see how much you've grown. When we met, you were so soft, but now.
..gosh you're so better now. Not to mention bold.
I don't know many ladies who'd go ahead with therapy as you've done.
That takes boldness. And, I'm glad you have such lovely people around you.
" Her eyes conveyed her genuineness as she said this, smiling at the end.
"And I'm so glad to be your friend in this lifetime." I told Kaji, turning to Binta "Yours as well." I say and they both almost destabilised me with a crushing hug. "Group hug...?" I squeal out, laughing. Willow Rue jumped at us too, joining in. "Don't leave me out of it!"
We laughed more.
"I wish I was this loved when I was your age." I heard Everest say, when had he snuck in? Excited to see him like we weren't just together a minute ago (don't you dare call me clingy), I jumped on him, sharing the love I'd just received from this heart warming group hug.
The girls laughed and Everest wrapped a hand around my waist, kissing my hair — since I still had make up on and hugging me back.
"Well grandpa, you'll receive all the love now." Binta snickered and Kaji giggled. Gasping, I glared at them playfully. "He is not a grandpa!" Kaji's giggle doubled over into a whole hearted laughter. "Well he sure talks like one."
"We're not too far in age you know? Grandma Binta."
Binta gasped, shoving him lightly, pushing a laughter out of him. I giggled as well. I had to admit, I loved the growing friendship we all were having.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to borrow Amelia here a bit. You don't mind, do you?" Everest asked politely, almost making me giggle. It was nice to see my missing him was being silently reciprocated at his corner.
Kaji waved her hand. "Of course we don't, just bring her back soon. Don't take her all to yourself now." They spoke as though I wasn't there. "I mean, I'd have to resist not keeping this precious lady to myself." Blushing, I rolled my eyes, looking away.
"Y'all are too adorable." Binta snorted, dragging Kaji away to continue dancing with Willow Rue. Evie chuckled, intertwining our hands. I looked up at him, curious. "Where are we going?" I asked. He kissed my hair again.
"Thought I'd have a private moment with Miss Birthday girl."
Smiling, I nodded leading him to a spot I saw before.
It was a swing set beside our set up and they were children there before now they'd gone, giving us a chance to swing as well.
Soon enough, we were both sitting on the other swing that contained us both with a bit of space left.
He rocked us to and fro while I gently swung my leg back and forth, humming the tune that was being played at the party.
"Did I...do good? I mean, are you having a good time?" He asked almost nervously. Did he do good? I thought me bawling my eyes out was proof enough. Look at Binta saying he spoke like a grandpa, he looked like a little kid right now. Chuckling, I hugged him waist tight.
"Evie you did amazing. I can't even begin to imagine how much calling you had to do to get them all here.
And the decorations? The reservations are you kidding?
This is all breathtaking!" I told him, standing on my feet.
Everest rose his brow but I was just adamant to drill the point in.
Holding his head, I looked him dead in the eye.
"This day couldn't be any more perfect. I'm having the best day.
Thank you." I thanked and kissed his cheek.
I felt like a girl confessing her feeling to her crush on a swing set in school.
He looked up at me, having a triumphant smile on his face.
"I just wanted to hear you say it." He said, making me laugh.
Evie pulled me back to the swing. "I was about to say it to you until it stuck." I joked and he chuckled as well. "I have to admit, it's rewarding hearing you say you love this. I was a bit nervous putting it all together." Taking his hand in mine, I caressed it.
We stayed in each other's silence, listening to those unsaid words as I leaned on him, and him on me. It was nice to have this moment with him, away from the music.
"You know..." Evie began, making me hum, taking a break from inhaling his scent — wait, never mind that.
"I never thought I'd choose to love with a woman again.
I kinda thought I'd end up adopting a child when the time was right.
" He said quietly. I stayed quiet, but nodding to let him know that I was listening.
He was referring to after Florescent I guess.
I could only imagine being engaged to someone only for them to dump you the next day.
Yikes. Even I would be depressed for a bit.
I was proud of him, because he handled it.
It didn't matter how long he took, but he ended up healing.
"I'm proud of you, you know? You healed from it pretty well. " I decided to chip in.
Evie squeezed my hands which told me he heard me.
"Thank you." He said, bringing my hand up to his lips to kiss it.
My heart warmed at his actions. I noticed he said chose to love, unlike what I heard from other people who 'fell in love'.
"And I choose to love you too." I say, inching up to kiss his cheeks.
He grinned. "My princess pays attention, huh?" Everest said softly. "If you keep kissing my cheeks I'm afraid I'm going to become a blushing mess.
This made me laugh, throwing my head back.
"I don't mind, my prince." I said and he looked at me, almost surprised before looking away, and indeed his cheeks became a tad bit pink. Snickering under my breath, I leaned into him again. He was so adorable to tease. Would you look at that, I was calling the 'military' man adorable.
"I can't wait to make you-" He began coughing before completing his words. I turned quickly, concerned. "Are you okay?"
He became jittery. "Huh? Fine, absolutely perfect. You didn't hear— I mean, it sounds like they are having fun out there. We should join in."
Huh?
Looking back, I saw them all laughing, it seemed like they were playing a game. It did look fun. Still suspicious, I let him pull me up. "Sure...let's go."
He smiled, leading me back to our friends and family, but my mind went back to what he said. He can't wait for what?
Shrugging, I decided to let it go, knowing he'd tel me at his own time.