46~Cutie Patootie #2
"Oh!" Hanan slapped her forehead lightly. "I almost forgot."
She picked up the leather bag containing her white dress.
"Now let's go."
Together, they walked out of the house toward Hanan's car.
Just as Hanan was about to get in, Amira gently pulled her back.
"Why are you in such a hurry to leave?" She pouted.
Hanan couldn't help but laugh.
"I wish I could celebrate with you tomorrow." Amira smiled, holding both of Hanan's hands. "Make sure you enjoy every second of your birthday... Happy birthday, baby."
"I will." Hanan smiled warmly. "Thank you... and thank you so much for having me."
"Now you can go."
She stepped back as Hanan opened the car door.
Just before getting in, Hanan turned around with a mischievous smirk.
"The moment I get home, your Cutie Patootie is getting an earful. I won't spare him."
"Don't you dare, Hanan!" Amira pointed a warning finger at her. "And if you do, I'll find out and come after you!"
"Cutie Patootie?" Hanan repeated before bursting into laughter.
"That nickname is hilarious. And look at you already taking his side."
"I'm simply protecting him from you." Amira shot back, making Hanan laugh even harder.
"I still can't believe you two are actually together."
"Well, you better believe it." Amira grinned. "Because I'm coming to invade your house forever, just like you suggested. Once I move in, I'll disturb you every single day."
"Jokes on you." Hanan stuck out her tongue playfully. "I might already be wife up before then."
"Really?" Amira's eyes widened. "He proposed?!"
"Not yet." Hanan blushed. "But I have a feeling it'll happen very soon. He wants us to get married as soon as possible."
"Aww..." Amira squealed happily. "Our latest Amarya."
Hanan's cheeks flushed turning pink.
"Yes, bestie."
The two friends burst into laughter once again.
"I should get going."
"Okay, dear. Thanks for coming. And once you get home, call me."
"I will."
"Bye."
By 6 pm, Hanan was home.
She hurried into the house and headed straight for Abdul's room to return his car keys and to scold him as she had intended but found the room empty.
"Nanny Ann, where's Abdul?"
"He went out."
"Okay."
She was about to head to her room when she suddenly stopped.
"I found out that Amira and Abdul are secretly dating. Can you believe that?"
"Oh... they are." Nanny Ann sighed.
Her voice carried no hint of surprise, unlike what Hanan had expected. Instead, it was obvious that she already knew.
"You knew?"
"Hmm... yes, I did."
"Wow!" Hanan gasped.
She walked off toward her room in disappointment while Nanny Ann called after her.
"Don't ruin your mood. You know tomorrow is a special day, it's your birthday."
"Yeah, yeah." Hanan replied, shutting the door behind her.
She called Amira, and they chatted briefly before she went to shower.
After changing into her nightwear, she walked over to her wardrobe and began picking out the perfect accessories to match the dress she planned to wear for tomorrow's outing with Najib.
She was determined to look her absolute best for him.
Smiling to herself, she imagined how their date would be.
After several rounds of indecision, Hanan finally settled on a pair of black heels, a matching purse, and a white veil that perfectly complemented her dress.
The glittering earrings Amira had gifted her also made the list of things she planned to wear.
Unable to resist, she slipped into the dress and heels, then stood before the mirror, striking a few poses as she admired her reflection.
"I can't wait for tomorrow." She giggled.
Just then, Abdul walked in.
"It's Cutie Patootie." She sighed.
He laughed and pulled her into a side hug.
"Sorry. I swear, you traumatized me when you answered that call earlier."
She pulled away from the hug and shot him a hard glare.
"Everyone knew except me. Why didn't you tell me? Amira had her reasons, what's yours?"
"Honestly... I don't have one. I'm sorry." He mumbled.
"Hmm..." She sighed.
"I intended to scold you, but you're lucky I'm in a good mood." She smiled before turning back to admire herself in the mirror.
"I'm turning twenty two tomorrow, you know."
"It feels good seeing you excited about your birthday."
"Yeah. Normally, I hate my birthdays, but for some strange reason... this one makes me happy."
"Stay happy, dear."
He smiled before asking,
"So, what do you want to do for your birthday? How do you want to celebrate it?"
"Hmm... nothing grand. I just want a low key family celebration with you, Nanny Ann, and me. We can stream Netflix and order some food."
"That's all?"
"Yeah... because tomorrow evening, I'll be going out with Najib."
"Okay, I understand."
He smiled warmly.
"Time really flies. Little Hanan from yesterday is turning twenty two tomorrow."
"Yes, Cutie Patootie." She laughed, watching his face wrinkle in annoyance.
"The young shall grow."
"Don't call me that!" Abdul sighed.
"Cutie Patootie!"
"Cutie Patootie!"
"Cutie Patootie!"
By 12 am, Nanny Ann and Abdul quietly entered Hanan's room, singing a birthday song.
"Wake up, birthday girl! Happy Birthday to you!" Abdul smiled, gently tapping her shoulder.
She slowly opened her eyes, surprised and delighted to find a birthday cake sitting beside her, its twenty two candles glowing brightly.
A wave of joy washed over her.
She leaned forward and blew out every candle before listening to the heartfelt prayers and birthday wishes from Abdul and Nanny Ann.
The warmth of the moment made her eyes sting with tears.
"Thank you, Nanny Ann. Thank you, Abdul." She whispered, pulling them both into a tight hug.
"You're welcome, dear." Nanny Ann smiled.