Sharks

17- Candle

I looked at the single candle.

She didn't want anything. She didn't have time.

I blew out the candle and watched the smoke as it moved through the air.

"Happy birthday Rosa." I sighed.

I cut her a slice of the cake. She would eat it, she just wouldn't celebrate.

I walked into the office.

She was sitting in the middle of the room, papers surrounding her.

I walked through the small path she had made for me. "I brought you some cake."

"Oh, thanks." She smiled at me. "Why do we have cake?"

I frowned at her. "You're 18 today?"

She glanced at her watch. "Oh. I didn't realize the day had changed."

I kneeled beside her. "Rosa, this has to stop."

She grabbed the plate from me and set it on the floor. "Ana, you know I can't."

"You didn't even realize it was your birthday, how many more days have you missed? This can't go on." I grabbed her hand.

"Wait." She shook her head and the color drained from her face. "It's my birthday?"

"Yeah?" I half smiled at her.

She climbed over the papers and grabbed her phone.

She called someone, she looked terrified.

After a moment someone picked up. Tears welled up in her eyes. "I think I need an extension."

She moved the phone away from her ear. I could hear the yelling.

She pressed her palm to her forehead. "I lost track of time, I'm sorry."

Besides the tears threatening to fall, her face still remained emotionless. "Father, please."

"You leave her out of this." Her tone changed from pleading to firm.

"I wasn't even aware that Mother was here. I've been working non-stop." She glared at the floor as if it were Alonso himself.

"Two days?" She scoffed. "Your deadlines are too short to begin with, I need at least four."

She was silent for a long time. I watched her face as it changed rapidly. I could practically see her thinking.

"Last time I checked, you don't own me or my work." Her tone was harsh but she had fear in her eyes.

She gulped. "Or, how about I make you a deal. You get your plans when I finish them. There are no deadlines, and you stay the hell away from Ana."