Five Words

Chapter 20

~Ace

Two years earlier...

Sarah and I have been dating for almost a year now. Ever since Sarah has been in my life, I have been happier, a little more cheerful. I love the change in me because of her. My parents have noticed the change in me. I can't describe what she does to me, but it is something. We have been hanging out more constantly now. She is either at my house, or I am at hers. But what mostly happens is that she stays over at our house. She sometimes sleeps in, but of course, my parents don't know what she does.

After our argument about Daniel, she officially introduced us to each other. He has been...friendly enough. I don't really care what he does with her as long as he keeps his distance, and uses friendly language. And she has to inform me if she ever meets up with him, or calls him, or even texts him. She invites me over whenever they meet up, and I try my best to be polite and respectful of their friendship. I don't hate him nor do I dislike him, and I guess he is not that bad.

But what annoys me the most is that he is the son of one of my father's rivals. I doubt that Daniel knows that because I have never been to his house, and his father never saw me. He is the son of Robert Smith, the man whose company went bankrupt because my father exposed his side businesses to one of the shareholders that my father wanted for his own company. He said that he had to do what he had to do to get this client. I just hope that he doesn't know about this so that he won't cause problems. Sarah won't handle any problems right now, and she wouldn't handle us having issues against each other.

Lately, she has been an emotional wreck. In the beginning, I thought she was on her period that is why she was getting emotional more often. But then days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months, and she keeps everything in her. She says the only thing she needs is to be in my arms. This soothes me, and it assures me that it is not me who is upsetting her. But I wish if she could tell me what is on her mind, why she is hurting. I want to relieve her from the pain. I love her too much for my own good, but I am glad that she is still with me till now.

Today is 5th of January. Her birthday. I have brought her a special present, a piece of jewelry, and nothing makes Sarah happier more than jewelry. And Eric has helped me in arranging a surprise party for her. I have invited her close friends, or who I guess are her close friends, cause she has stopped hanging out with any of her friends except Daniel which worries me.

"Hey, baby." I smile at her broadly as I take in her outfit.

She is wearing a royal blue summer dress under a black coat, and a pair of white Adidas shoes.

"Hi, Ace." She gives me a small smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.

She immediately wraps her arms around me once she reaches me. I hug her back with equal eagerness.

"Happy Birthday, Sarah." I whisper in her ear.

She doesn't respond verbally, but she tightens her grip around me.

"I am yours today till three, then after that, my surprises begin."

She shakes her head but never lets go of me.

"I don't want to go anywhere, Ace. Please just take me to your house." She whispers.

"Sarah--"

"Please.." She breathes and slowly steps back, "Your parents are out of town and I want to spend my day with you, only you. I don't want to talk to anyone, meet anyone. I just want you today."

"But it is your birthday." I argue, "I want to make you happy, because lately.."

I don't continue because I know that she understands what I mean.