𝓕𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓕𝓵𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓼 ~ 𝓙𝓲𝓪𝓻𝓪

𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 35

Kiara woke up in a haze. The scent of cinnamon forced its way underneath her door as the sun made its way inside. Once her eyes adjusted to where she was, she stared over at her closet seeing the blue and white floral dress.

Out of all the years and days her birthday has fallen on, Kiara couldn't help but feel thrilled about this particular one. She always believed it to be the bane of her existence as it was just another day that didn't need to be imperative. But knowing that finally, after years, her parents are staying,it gave a new perspective about the whole idea.

Knocks were made at the door before it was slowly opened. Sarah peaked her head inside with the cheesiest smile Kiara had ever seen.

"Happy birthday!" She held a pink sparkly bag coming inside.

"Thank you. Is that for me?"

She made a who-else-would-be-for face, "No, it's for Santa. Yes it's for you."

Kiara sat up, "Can I see?"

"Nope, not until everyone else is here."

"Why do I have to wait till everyone else?"

"Because that's how birthday parties go. I know you have refused to have one since forever so I'll fill you in, once all of your presents are here then you can open it."

"I know how it goes."

"Good so get dressed and meet me downstairs," she instructed, setting the bag on the dresser, "Oh and make sure to wear open toe shoes."

"Why?"

"Um it'll go great with your dress," she smiled before leaving.

Kiara removed the blanket from her as she creeped over to her dresser.

"And don't think about touching that bag, Carrera!"

She smacked her teeth and rolled her eyes going to the bathroom.
***
JJ tied the box shut into a lopsided bow. He stared at the small, royal blue box in front of him. Everything felt weird. Not weirdly uncomfortable, no. It was the quickness of his pulse that was weird. The temptation of taking the box and chucking it across the room. The ceaseless doubt in the back of his mind that maybe his present wasn't good enough. It was weird for him to be this indulged with the idea of her perception. He hated it, but he loved her.

"All set?" Mary asked from the doorway

"Yeah, I just need to collect my sanity."

She chuckled, "Know the feeling."

"Do you think she'll like it? The present I mean."

"Of course she'll like it. I know she'll like it. Now come on, we're on a tight schedule,"she left as quickly as she came in.

JJ never planned to be her friend. The reservation of his heart falling for her was never in the cards either.

***

The duo sat in the big, comfortable chairs as their feet rested in the warm water. Two ladies held each of their feet, painting them the colors they desired.

"You could've just told me we were getting a mani pedi. Would've been more prepared for the color I was getting."

"I was not going to spoil the surprise. Besides, frenchies are cute on the toes."

"I know right!"

"So your parents finally decided to stay this time?"

"Yeah, I honestly had no hope in them anymore but this past month has changed my mind."

"I'm just relieved that I don't have to call them out again."

They both laughed.

"I remember the last time."