Yours Truly, Callie

8. Birthday Plans

Callie lowered the ceramic teacup containing the essence of autumn from her lips. Out of all the things she expected to enjoy that's mainstream, a pumpkin spice latte wasn't one of them. She couldn't believe it was already the end of October, and her birthday was a month away. Elena and Chrissy sat directly across from her in their favorite cafe tucked away in the cozy neighborhood of Boreum Hill. 

"Okay so, thoughts on what we're doing for your 23rd?" Chrissy sipped on her iced latte. 

"I'm thinking club-hopping like we did in London for your 21st," Elena suggested. 

Ah, yes. Those were the days when the three of them decided to study abroad in England for their last year of senior year in college. There, Callie fell in love with the British accents and realized how much she enjoyed having high-tea. Although the one time she did get to kiss a British guy he ended up being a horrific kisser and thought it was a tongue fencing competition. 

"I think it's a bit too late to make international travel plans, especially with it being a week away," Callie took another sip of her pumpkin spiced latte. "How about we go for brunch in the morning, then head to Output at night?" 

"I heard the headliner for Output on your birthday is up and coming," Elena's ears perked up. 

"Sounds like a plan, and I'll finally be able to wear that dress I was going to put on for your 23rd," Callie took the last sip of her drink before putting her jacket on. They were already at the cafe for two hours catching up on work, daily life, and most of all - she found out her ex, John was dating again. Callie tried to ignore the pit in her stomach for the rest of the train ride home. 

***

Swinging open her apartment door to reveal Ryan asleep on the couch with another one of his science fiction shows with Kiko on his lap, Callie tiptoed to her room. She changed out of her grey chunky sweater and black pants ensemble and into her favorite pair of sweats. It was a Saturday evening and she did promise Katie that she'll help her run dungeons until she hit level 55, like Callie. Like clockwork, Callie turned on her computer, opened the Discord application, and joined the Lotus channel. 

"Pyx, there you are!" Katie's voice greeted her with enthusiasm. "Or should I say, Callie?" 

Callie groaned playfully. "My identity is no longer a secret, huh?" 

"Nope, Nat couldn't stop talking about how cute your name is," Katie giggled. 

"Is it short for something?" Nat asked. 

"Yep," Callie answered. "You'll never guess what though, it's not exactly a popular name."

"California?!" She heard Phantom shout in excitement. 

"Yes, my parents named me after a state that has no meaning to them," Callie responded with dry sarcasm.

"Caroline?" Nat asked, unsure. 

"Nope. Looks like you'll only know me as Callie," she playfully replied. 

"Well, Callie, are you going to participate in the V for Valoria challenge?" Nat asked with mouse clicks and keyboard typing in the background. It was clear she was currently running a dungeon with the team. 

Callie hesitated to answer. She wasn't sure herself. The challenge was still a couple of months away. She still needed to get to level 60 herself to qualify, and then train for the event with Raeyn if his offer still stands. 

"It's the biggest event of the year, it's fun if you decide to join," James's voice snapped her back into reality. 

"I may. I haven't made up my mind yet. If Raeyn has the time to train me, I don't mind giving it a shot." Callie responded.