New Life (Book 4)

Chapter 15

St. Bernard's Hospital

Thursday, 9 October

14.54hrs

My work colleagues all gathered around the office just as I had shut down my computer and was midway through preparing my bag to leave. They started to sing me "Happy Birthday" which I can't say I was surprised at but it still came as a nice gesture.

They know my birthday is actually tomorrow but since I requested leave for Friday they got together to sing for me before I finished for the day.

'Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Kyle, Happy Birthday to you!'

I couldn't help but fluster as they cheered me at the end of the song, clapping their hands loudly it echoed through the office. They came up individually to shake my hand and personally wish me happy birthday.

'Happy birthday for tomorrow, mate,' said one of my colleagues as he shook my hand.

'Happy birthday,' said a female colleague reaching out to hug me. 'Hope you enjoy it tomorrow with your girlfriend.'

'Thank guys,' I said to them as they continued to come up one by one to send me their wishes.

Amongst the crowd of colleagues I spotted Lauren stood in back. She sat leaning against one of the desks with her arms folded, wearing a smile.

I walked up to her and she opened her arms up as I neared, reaching out to hug me.

'Happy birthday, Kyle,' she said followed by a kiss to the cheek. 'Con felicidad on your day tomorrow y que se disfruten.'

'Thank you, I appreciate it,' I smiled back.

'So have you got any plans for your birthday?'

'To be honest, I have no idea,' I said shrugging my shoulders. 'Fatima said she's got something planned for me but I have no idea what.'

'Aww, que mono,' Lauren giggled. 'In for a surprise then?'

'Quite possibly,' I said nodding my head.

I chuckled to myself thinking about how excited Fatima was when she mentioned the surprise she had in store for me the other day.

Despite telling her she didn't have to go all out for me, Fatima was as determined as ever to make the day special for me. I really can't believe how lucky I am to have someone like her; it only helps to boost my intentions of asking her to marry me.

I knew the best time to ask her would be tomorrow on my actual birthday – the greatest birthday gift she can give you is her hand in marriage, I smiled to myself.

'Bueno, I'm sure you'll have a lovely time with her, nonetheless.'

'Thanks,' I replied leaning in for another hug. 'I'll see you on Monday.'

Lauren gave a wave of her hand.

'Ja, enjoy your long weekend.'

Giving final goodbyes to everyone else I grabbed my bag and walked out the office, making my way down the corridors towards the main entrance of the hospital.

Rain was pouring down heavily outside soaking everything and anything getting caught in it, I'm just glad I brought an umbrella with me in my bag and I literally live five minutes away from here which is a bonus.

After opening up the umbrella I walked down the ramp and along Europort towards Edinburgh Estate. I hurried down until I arrived at my house but my even then the bottom of my trousers below the knee still managed to get soaked from the rain. My legs were already feeling numb from the cold water seeping into my work trousers.