Love and destiny

21

It was June and my favourite month of the year because it is my birth month. I hummed along a song that was stuck in my head. I began to clean my room and start organizing my stuffs. I looked through the box I put at the corner of my room. It was a box in light blue color and it had a label 'Memories.' There were many gifts from my friends during my birthday from the past years and graduation from high school. I still kept Wendy's gift with me.

I picked up the photo album of the three of us, Wendy, Linda and I. There are a few pictures of us throughout our school years, starting from Year 7 until Year 12. Time flies and we really do grow up. The both of them really do have a major glow up as puberty hit them like a truck. Meanwhile, I still look kind of the same back when I was 13 until now. I really hope I will get my glow up soon.

Later in the evening, I had a quick video call session with them to catch up with the latest life updates and any interesting stories to tell each other. It had been a while since we video call each other. Perhaps, a few months ago?

"Hey girls! It's been a while." I waved at them. Wendy waved back at me and Linda smiled. Both of them had a new hairstyles recently. Wendy cut her hair into a shoulder length and dye her hair light brown. It really suits her and accentuates her features. Meanwhile, Linda kept her long hair, but she added bangs and highlights her hair with dark brown. I still have the same hairstyle since last year since I cannot be bothered to cut my hair. I kept my hair long for at least 6 months. Now it already reached my chest and I brushed my bangs to the side making it look like a side bangs instead it already grow so fast.

Linda was brushing her hair and asked, 'Hey, Alice. How are you doing? What's the latest story updates and how's Aaron?' I shrugged and told them everything that has been happening throughout the past months including Mila's return and how I reacted around her.

Wendy gasped and asked, 'Wait a second, so she's back? That mean girl is back in your life? Omg I can't believe this.' She looked shocked, sighing heavily. I nodded and said, 'But she seems alright now. I know I should be more careful around her. However, I believe that everyone deserves a second chance, right?'

Linda shrugged and said, 'Yes, just be careful and try to resolve your past conflicts with her as soon as you can. I think that's the best for you.'

We spent hours talking about our daily routines during quarantine period. Linda told me about her assignments that she needs to done meanwhile Wendy told me all those thing related to her course and the studies she need to be revising for her upcoming internship session. It had been 2 hours of us video calling each other which is a good way to catch up with my long-distance best friends.

"It was great talking to you guys and sharing all my worries with you two." I said to them.

"Yes, it was. But, Alice, just remember that we can give other people chances. However, make sure they really do deserve a second chance. I just don't want you to get hurt." Both of them reminded me once again.

"Yes, thank you, guys. You are the best." I smiled, nodded in agreement. Linda smiled and replied, 'No need to say thank you. That's what best friends are for, right?' meanwhile Wendy nods in agreement.

After the call, I had a thought about Mila. 'Hmm.. Mila.. I wonder what is going on in her life though.' I said to myself. I shrugged and shook my head to get out of this unnecessary thoughts. 'I wanted to delay all the complicated thoughts because I am too lazy and tired today.' I mumbled to myself. I put on my headphone and listened to a calm song to release my mind from all these tensions going on in my life at the moment.

I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep, dreaming about food perhaps. I usually dream about food a lot. Alice + Food = True love. Well, sorry, Aaron. Just kidding.

Fast forward and it was already 15th June which is another 2 weeks left for my birthday. I really cannot wait and I am going to be 21 in 2 weeks. I wondered if Aaron actually remembers my birthday like I did and if he thinks birthday present is not a big deal. It does not matter to me if he doesn't give me anything on my birthday. Just his wishes and thoughts are enough for me. I scrolled through pictures of Aaron that I saved in an album named 'Aaron with a bear emoji'. He actually reminds me of a bear because of a polar bear sticker he always used whenever we chat our each other. He really looked like the bear and I missed his hugs which resembles a bear hug. Our last bear hug was almost 7 months ago. I smiled looking at each one of his picture. Funny how I always smile whenever I see his face. Does this what love makes you feel like?

Ring! An incoming call from Aaron. I nearly jumped out of my bed, feeling shocked as I was thinking about him just now. I picked up the call, stuttered, "H..He.Hello." Aaron replied in a concern tone, 'Baby? Are you okay? Why are you stuttering? It sounds like you are panic and shock.' I took a deep breath, calming myself.

I cleared my throat and told him the truth, 'I am fine. I was just looking at your old photos and all of a sudden, your name just pop out of my screen. It does cause me to nearly jump out of my bed, though.' A few seconds later, I laughed at how silly I was. Aaron laughed out loud, giving a cheeky comment, 'Are you thinking about me? I know I am the best boyfriend ever.' I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment, 'Well, no. I look at other celebrities pictures too.' He huffed, 'Well, too bad for them. You are mine forever. And this great boyfriend of yours want to ask something important right now.'

I raised an eyebrow, feeling curious and said, 'Something important? What is it?' Aaron then asked, 'What do you want for your birthday, darling? Do you actually think I am not going to get anything for you on your special day? I would not dare to do that for my girl.' My eyes became teary and I blinked my tears trying to gain my posture. 'Baby, are you okay?' He asks.

I laughed once again and replied to him, 'Nothing, it's just me being silly and touched with what you just said. But honestly, I don't mind. You can give anything to me. But it must be cheap. Please don't buy expensive stuffs for me.' A few seconds later, I added, 'Oh! How about the sunflower necklace I was going to buy the other day? It only costs 3 dollars from an online shopping site. You can buy that for me.'

'But 3 dollars is far too cheap for a birthday gift especially for someone special like you. Don't worry I will find a pretty and suitable necklace for a sweet girl like you. Just give me your home address later, okay?' He said. I nodded and remind him for one more time, 'Well, it was a good suggestion though. But don't forget, buy cheap ones okay.' He laughed and said, 'Yes, don't worry about it. I will let you now once I find the right one for you.