Draya.
After stretching, I got out of my bed and walked into the bathroom, finger combing my hair. My uncle got my mirror fixed, so I stared back at my whole face, instead of bits and pieces of it.
For once in a long time, I smiled at my reflection. Not because I'm conceited, but because I look like I used to. Bright and cheerful.
It's my 18th birthday.
I started brushing my teeth and turned on the shower. After I finished brushing and had wrapped up my hair, I got in the shower. I used my Pure Seduction body wash and cleansed my body.
When I got out, I dried off and used the lotion. Because I was feeling simple today, I settled on a black and peach maxi dress. I paired it with a gold necklace, earrings, and bracelets.
I straightened my hair, which is something I rarely do. I fluffed it out a little, letting it fall down my back. I don't do make up on a regular, so I added a little bit. Standing up, I looked at myself in the mirror.
"Guys, I wish all of you were still here to celebrate this day with me. It's okay, I guess." I paused, trying not to cry. "I miss you guys, a lot. And I know that you guys wish I would've had been open and said something, but honestly I couldn't. I couldn't find the courage or the right person to go to."
I sniffled.
"Now I have a really good friend, who supports me and looks out for me. He brings me out of my shell and lightens up my day. I reconnected with Malanii, and she's doing good. Since I've been here, I haven't had friends, let alone a crush. I don't know, I hope I can get out of this stage in my life and open up to people. I have to go now, but know I never forgot about you." I wiped my eyes, and fixed my runny mascara.
After I calmed down, I grabbed my black Burberry purse and switched my stuff into it. I looked at my butt in the mirror and cursed myself because I knew August was about to have a field day.
I looked up at the sound of my door opening. At least today is a good reason for gifts. He sat down four gift bags, a briefcase, and a small box.
"Happy birthday Draya."
"Thank you." And with that, he walked out.
I looked at the bags and grabbed the small box and opened it. In the box was four rings I knew all to well.
My mother and father's, and my grandparents' wedding rings.
It brought tears to my eyes, and for once in three years, I want to hug him. "Torian." He stuck his head in my room. I opened my arms to him, and he hesitantly accepted my hug. When he left out again, I took my mothers ring and put in on my right hand. I know they say when people die, they're always with you in your heart, but this just made me feel a lot closer to my mom.
I walked down the stairs, and was greeted by food. I sat my bags down and went into the kitchen. There was an already fixed plate waiting on me so I sat down and ate.
I picked up my glass of juice, and grabbed my prenatal vitamins, and took them. I cleared my plate, grabbed my keys and bags, and left the house.
- - -
I pulled into my usual spot next to August, and grabbed my stuff. I walked into the building and went towards my locker. When I got to it, it was covered in balloons and streamers, with a card on it. I smiled widely, then opened it. In it sat flowers, a big teddy bear and a necklace with a big 'A' around the bear's neck.
"A for August." I chuckled to myself. The bell rang and the halls filled with people. People I had never talked to a day in my life, were wishing me a happy birthday. I grabbed my phone and binder, then closed my locker. I turned into August. "Stop being creepy." He laughed. "Thanks."
