Many Stories High

Little Black Book

She will be 25 years old tomorrow. Staring in the bathroom mirror in disbelief, she runs her hands through her damp hair, then over her freshly washed face. She checks her forehead for age lines and her eyes for youthfulness. She inhales then exhales very slowly. Before opening the cabinet she pushes away the steam from the mirror. She removes her purple toothbrush and coconut toothpaste. After brushing, she runs her tongue over her clean teeth. A low sigh is released as she takes one last look at herself before heading to her bedroom.

The coolness of the wooden floor reminds her to buy a new pair of slippers because she wore her last pair until they literally fell apart. Her room is brightly lit by huge bay windows, that span the entire wall of her room, which invites in the slowly setting sun. The windows are cracked open enough to allow a breeze to push through the space. She's relaxed by a slow burning inscent.

Her apartment buzzer startles her. She hustles to her front door and presses a button.

"Yes?" Questioning the small speaker.

"I have a package here for 718. You want me to bring it up or leave it?" The delivery man inquires.

"Could you bring it up, please?" Asking politely. She presses the buzzer to allow him access to the building.

Thinking what it could be and who it could be from? Figuring it's a gift of some sort because she's consciously been refraining from online shopping. A short moment later, there's a knock at the door. Only then realizing she's still only wearing a towel, bashfulness takes over. She wants to rush and change but doesn't want to hold him up from his next delivery. Hiding behind the door as she cracks it open.

"Sorry, I just got out of the shower." Her face is flushed and the delivery guy blushes.

"It's, uh, no problem. I'll, um, just leave it here." He looks to the floor while placing the package and backup to her, avoiding eye contact.

"I appreciate you bringing it up here." Giving him a soft smile.

"Have a nice day." Anxiety reaching its max as he hustles to the elevator.

As soon as she hears the elevator door close, she's in the clear to bend over and pick it up. The package is light and smaller in size. Maybe 3 pounds, she guesses. She gives it a little shake but nothing moves.

*Bing* Her phone chimes. She sets the package down on the coffee table and heads back to her bedroom. She picks up her phone and glides her password across the screen.

Excited for tonight. We will all be there around 730ish. Uncle is bringing his girlfriend so mind your manners. I love you. See you soon.

From Momma Dukes. The 'mind your manners' part makes her giggle. Last time Uncle brought a girlfriend, she made sure Uncle would become single again. That was her uncle and that was that. It's been years since the scolding of said old girlfriend but they have never let her live it down.

She pushes through her hangers looking for her favorite slip dress. Tonight's her birthday dinner with her family, which is always exciting. Especially in this case. Her granddad with be there. She hasn't seen him since she graduated to become a medic. She stares at a picture from that day which includes herself, Granddad, Dad, Mom and Uncle. All smiles and all happy. Genuine happiness. Not the forced smile because someone yelled 'smile' right before they took the picture. A happiness that stemmed from hard work and perseverance. Grit is what granddad called their resiliency. Each had their own struggles but together as a family, they always got through them.

She finishes getting ready by blow-drying her hair, putting on a little eyeshadow that matches her light purple dress, some mascara and some light brown lip-gloss to match her eyes. She got a manicure the day before and her toes have matching white polish. With it being summer, she grabs a shall to wrap around her bare shoulders. She gathers her phone, keys, ID, debit and credit cards, lip-gloss and places them all in a small hand purse.