FALLING [social media serie] PAUSED.

79: reality

Claudia parked the car at the entrance. "The movie was surprisingly good," I said, as I hopped down the Jeep.

"I told you it was a good movie !" Vinnie said, closing the door. I nodded and looked around. It was extremely quiet. "Huh, I don't think the boys are back yet," Claudia said.

It sucked that the boys had a meeting on my birthday, but it's okay because I know they've worked hard to get where they are. I understand their lives involved a lot of business meetings, modeling contracts, etc. But, come on, m on my birthday? And, they're still gone? Again, it sucks.

I unlocked the door, and as soon I as walked in I turned to switch on the lights, but someone beat me to it. "SURPRISE!"

I yelled at the top of my lungs in front of all my friends. The boys were in front holding up poppers, balloons, and champagne bottles. Bryce, Blake, Noah, Kouvr, Tabs, Mike, Alex, Josh, David, SJ, the Mian Twins, holy shit!

I ran towards Jacob and kissed him hard, "Thank you for this."

—

The backyard was filled with balloons and twinkle lights. The tables were arranged in sections where everyone could see each other and share a good meal. The food looked amazing, everyone was enjoying the food and themselves.

I scanned the food table until I spotted a very familiar meal. "Jacob, who made this ?"

He smiled and reached for something behind him. "I think you'll understand if you open this gift."

I looked at him suspiciously, grabbing the beautifully wrapped box. I took the card first. I almost died seeing the neat handwriting.

"My dearest Sarah-Jade, I want to wish you the happiest of birthdays. I miss you every day, and I am sorry for not being available on this day. I wish I was. However, I have a sense that you have a wonderful circle of friends. Cherish those people. This gift was always going to be yours, and now I think it is the perfect time to give it to you. I love you, always...signed, Auntie." I couldn't help the tears. I ripped open the box and cried even harder. It was my mother's casserole, the one she used to make her traditional BBQ dish.

"I can't believe you did this," I breathed out. "I love it. I love you, thank you, Jacob." 

I was still admiring the casserole, when the whole crowd went completely quiet. All my friends circled me, while Bene approached me in the center with a cake trolley. They all started singing Happy Birthday. There was no mirror outside, but I knew that I was red. From shyness, but mostly, alcohol. I started laughing, joining hands with Jacob. 

"Make a wish, baby," Jacob suddenly whispered. I smiled and did just that.