paper rings | h.s. x m.l. | sequel to love songs

3.

JANUARY 15, 2024

"I've said this already but happy birthday, Dove. I hope your day was amazing." Maggie said as she pulled her in for another hug, a much longer one than the ones she's given her other friends as they head out of her house

Today is her birthday and her friends threw her a huge party to celebrate. It was absolutely wonderful at first, but as the day went on, the excitement and happiness that she once felt about her special day had faded and she's just faking, forcing all the smiles she gives everyone

The reason her birthday is so terrible is all because of one thing — Lili hadn't been there

She tried to be understanding about it. Lili had to work today. She has a few projects going on and they're extremely important and, as much as she wanted to, she couldn't get out of working on them today

She told Dove she'd be here by late afternoon but time went on, now it's nearing midnight and she's still not home

"Call me tomorrow, okay?" Maggie asked as she pulled away from the hug "I'll see you soon."

Dove nodded and walked to the door, planning to close it behind her friend. But just as she walked out, Lili walked in

Dove's POV

I rolled my eyes when hers locked with mine and I began to storm off into another room as she walked into the now empty house, immediately explaining everything to me

"I'm so sorry that I missed it, Dove!" She said as she followed me around the house while I cleaned everything up "I wanted to be here, I truly did, but-."

"But what, Lili?" I asked in frustration, putting the stuff in my hands down on the table "You were busy? Things came up? You couldn't get out of it?"

She lowered her head in disappointment and shame

Of course, I knew what she was about to say. I feel as though I've heard it all before "I get it. You have a busy career, a busy life and things come up that are out of your control. I try to be understanding, Lili, I truly do. You know that I'm your biggest fan and supporter. But this is different. Today was my birthday and all I wanted was to be with you."

"I know, baby. I'm so sorry." She sighed as she reached out to take my hand into hers "I'll make it up to you, I promise. But, at least, you were around all of your friends today! That's great, right?"

"Yes, but all I hoped for the entire time they were around was that I'd see you walk through the door. I watched the door, hoping that it would open and you'd come in, kiss me and sing happy birthday to me with them. I wanted you. Not some big, fancy party. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful and I love my friends but... it wasn't the same. You weren't here." I said

She saw the tears in my eyes and tried to wipe them away but I shook my head and pulled away "Don't." I sniffled

"I'm sorry. I know that I let you down but not being here with you on your special day. I know sorry isn't enough-." Lili said

"You're right, it isn't."

She felt tears sting in her eyes as she tried to think of what to do and what to say. Her heart ached to see me fall apart like this, especially on my birthday "I will make this up to you." She promised as she tried to pull me in for a hug, only for me to shake my head