HARMONY IN BLOOM

Chapter-2

"Hey Erin, can I ask you something?" I say as Erin walks into the studio. We're waiting for the producer.

"Sure. What's up?" she nods.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"Well, I can't if you don't ask me." Damn. That's a good point.

"Good point."

"So?" My voice is stuck in my throat.
"Would you mind if I bought a cat?" Her expression is so confusing. In fact, she looks confused.

I spent my last three days of holidays thinking about Erin's birthday gift.

Then she smiles, but it's a tight smile, not the warm one I expected. "Sienna, that's... very trivial."

I feel my heart sink. Trivial? Is that what she thinks of my desire for companionship? "Oh... I see," I murmur, trying to mask my disappointment.

Erin must sense my deflation because she quickly adds, "It's not that I don't think cats are cute or anything. It's just... with everything going on, I guess I expected you to have bigger concerns."

Her words sting, but I nod, understanding where she's coming from. "Yeah, you're right. Sorry for bothering you with something so small."

Erin's expression softens, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand. "Hey, it's not a bother. I just want you to focus on what's important right now."

I force a smile, though it feels strained. "Thanks, Erin. I appreciate your honesty."

••••

The disappointment lingers as we resume our conversation, overshadowing the anticipation I've been holding onto for Erin's birthday. I had planned something special for her, something that now feels insignificant in the face of her reaction to my suggestion about getting a cat.

But before I can dwell on it further, Erin's phone buzzes with a notification. She glances at the screen, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh my goodness, Sienna, you didn't have to do this!"

Confused, I follow her gaze to see her phone displaying a message about a surprise birthday party. Realization dawns on me as I remember the plans I had set in motion weeks ago.

"Surprise!" I exclaim, trying to sound cheerful despite the lingering disappointment from our earlier conversation.

Erin's face lights up with genuine delight, and I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt for doubting her reaction. "You remembered my birthday?"

"Of course I did!" I reply, mustering up as much enthusiasm as I can. "I may have a lot on my plate, but I'd never forget your special day."

We exchange a hug, and I breathe a sigh of relief as I feel the tension between us melt away. Maybe this party will be just what we need to lift our spirits.

••••

Fast forward to the evening, and Erin is still buzzing with excitement as we arrive at the restaurant for her surprise birthday party.

The venue, "Hib-Hub," is dimly lit with soft, ambient lighting, casting a warm glow over the cozy space. I can hear the faint hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses as we step inside.

Erin's eyes are wide in surprise as she takes in the scene before her. She's wearing a black dress that brings out the blue in her eyes.

"Wow, Sienna, you really outdid yourself. You didn't have to" she exclaims, her gaze sweeping over the room.

I grin, feeling a sense of satisfaction at her reaction. "Well, what are friends for, right?"
We make our way to a reserved table in the corner, where a small group of our closest friends are already gathered, eagerly awaiting Erin's arrival. As we approach, they erupt into cheers and applause, making Erin blush with embarrassment.