Fall to Pieces

Birthday

I awaken to Eddy shaking me. Its Wednesday, and that means there's only three more days until the dance competition.
"Wake up, Ana. You can't sleep you're life away." Eddy murmurs.
Squinting, I look at the time.
"Shit!" Its 9:55, and I'm in full panic mode. My God, its late! "Eddy!" I practically scream, after brushing my teeth. "What is wrong with you? Do you not see the damn time? Do you know what your mother is thinking about me? That I'm like every other North American that sleeps in late when they have responsibilities!" I look at him. He's standing there, looking smug. "Why are you just standing there?"
"You're cute under pressure."
I throw my deodorant at him, and he starts to laugh. "Ana. Please calm down. I can explain."
I cross my arms, and look at him for an explanation. "I'm listening."
"Okay. So, remember last month, when it was my birthday, and you got me a cake and everything?" I remember. It was last month, June 12th, and it was Eddy's birthday. I had thrown a little party for him, and watched every Marvel film existing. "And remember how I asked you when you're birthday was and you said don't worry about it? I did worry, because I knew that with your selfless personality, you wouldn't want people to know. That's why, when you're dad came, I asked him when you're birthday was."
I sigh, knowing exactly where this was going. Today was July 11th, my birthday. I'm twenty four today. Yay.
I raise my eyebrow. "When it was you're birthday, you didn't sleep in. And you still had to teach and stuff. So why am I being excused?"
Eddy wraps me in his arms. "Oh, Ana. Come on, get ready, freshen up. Its your birthday, and we are going to have fun, okay? Frankie is with the girls. Let's go."
"Why?"
He kisses me on my forehead. "You're birthday only comes once a year. And I want to be able to spoil you."

* * *

Spoil me he did. He took me out to breakfast and lunch, and now were at dinner. Adding to the list is a shopping spree, a tour of Nicaragua, and so much more fun.

"So, I have one last gift," Eddy tells me, pulling out a small box. My mouth drops open. "Eddy..."
"Relax. Its not what you think it is." I roll my eyes, and he opens the box, presenting a small ruby ring. Its absolutely gorgeous.
Gushing, I whisper, "Oh, Eddy. I don't know what to say. I can't accept that."
He slides it unto my ring finger. "Its a promise ring, Anastasia. Ever since Natalie I've been so lifeless, so angry at the world. I'm sure God sent you in my life for a reason, Ana. I love you. I love you so much that I would die for you, Ana. I know you only have a little over a month left, but I'm willing to make it work if you are."
Sniffling, I wipe away my tears. "I love you, too, Eddy. More than words can say."
"Happy birthday, Anastasia."
"You gave me the best."

Even after my mom passed away, I still used to receive gifts from her. Tonight is no exception. When Eddy and I walk in, Mama Celestia embraces us into a hug, and gives me a small silver and pink box. "When you're papa was here, he told me to give this to you." She puts another gift bag in my hand. "That gift is from all of us, to you."
"I'll open them in my room," I whisper, kissing her on her cheek. In Eddy's room, I open the box first. There's a letter.
Dear my darling Anastasia, if you are reading this, it means that its been nine years since I left you and your brother. I pray that you are in good health, and are happy. Of course, I can't continue giving you gifts forever, so next year, sadly, I am cutting you off from my gifts. I hope that by now, you have found peace, and that you and the rest of the family have moved on. God bless you, I love you forever, XOXO.
Mom.
Sniffing, I reach down into the box and pick up a Pandora bracelet that used to belong to my mom. Gasping, I realize that this was her favorite bracelet, the one she used to wear to every event. And now, she passed it to me. That's not all. Along with the bracelet is a necklace, and I notice that it has a little locket attached, revealing a photo of the family before my mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. All of us smiling, laughing, a natural happiness. I remember that. I remember that feeling. And it dawns on me that being happy is a choice. You can choose to allow yourself to be happy, instead of being in life full of sorrow. I frown. Why did it take me so long to realize this? God, I'm an idiot. I place the necklace and bracelet aside, and open the gift bag. There's a large blanket, hand made by Mama, and decorated by the all the kids and volunteers at the orphanage. I'm touched. "Its beautiful!" I exclaim, delighted.
"Really, its nothing." Eddy yawns, climbing into bed. "My gift was better, was it not?"
I sigh and shake my head my head. "I loved all my gifts."
And the truth was, I did. I loved all my gifts. I loved these people too much. How was I ever going to leave Nicaragua?