The Beginning of Everything Book 1 [COMPLETE SERIES]

Untitled Part 11

Chapter X:

After a week filled with adventures and unforgettable moments in Hong Kong, Cali, Marcus, and Joseph found themselves savoring their last day in the city. They had spent the morning at Hong Kong Disneyland, letting their inner children run wild with thrilling rides, meeting beloved Disney characters, and marveling at enchanting parades and shows. The magic of Disneyland had brought them closer together, filling their hearts with joy and laughter that echoed through their conversations as they made their way to Repulse Bay.

The trio settled on the sandy beach, relishing the warmth of the sun and the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. They lounged under the shade of an umbrella, their relaxed expressions mirroring the tranquility of the bay. Reminiscing about their favorite moments from the trip, they exchanged anecdotes and laughed at shared jokes, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

"This has been the best summer ever," Cali remarked, her voice tinged with happiness.

Joseph nodded in agreement, his gaze drifting across the azure waters. "Absolutely. We've made memories that will last a lifetime."

Marcus smiled warmly at his two best friends, the affection evident in his eyes. "And this is just the beginning of our adventures. There are so many more places to explore and experiences to share."

As they watched the sun descend in a blaze of golden hues over the horizon, casting a mesmerizing glow over the water, Cali, Marcus, and Joseph felt a deep sense of contentment. Their time in Hong Kong had been transformative, strengthening their friendship and leaving them ready to face whatever the future held, secure in the knowledge that they had each other.

The next morning, as the sun cast its first rays over the bustling cityscape of Hong Kong, Cali woke with a mischievous grin. She reached for her phone and quickly texted Joseph, who occupied the room next to hers, urging him to meet her in the hotel lobby. They had a special mission: to surprise Marcus for his birthday.

Joseph emerged quietly from his room, careful not to disturb Marcus, and joined Cali downstairs. The two friends huddled together, their excitement palpable as they whispered animatedly about their plan.

"Okay, first things first, we need to grab a cake and some decorations," Cali said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "And Marcus loves those croissants from the bakery down the street. Let's pick those up too."

Joseph nodded enthusiastically, mentally noting down the tasks ahead. "I'll take care of the decorations and the cake. You go get the breakfast treats. We'll meet back here in an hour."

With a shared sense of purpose, they split up to execute their plan. Joseph made his way to a nearby party store, where he carefully selected colorful balloons, festive streamers, and a beautifully decorated cake that he knew would delight Marcus. Meanwhile, Cali headed to the quaint bakery down the street, where she picked out an assortment of pastries, including a dozen of Marcus's favorite croissants, along with a small bouquet of fresh flowers to add a touch of elegance to their surprise.

An hour later, laden with their supplies, Cali and Joseph reconvened in the hotel lobby, their smiles wide with satisfaction. They wasted no time, eager to set their plan in motion. With the decorations and breakfast treats in hand, they made their way to Marcus and Joseph's room, their excitement barely contained.

Gently pushing open the door, they found Marcus still asleep, his peaceful expression illuminated by the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Moving swiftly and quietly, they set about transforming the room into a festive birthday haven. Balloons and streamers adorned the walls, and the cake took pride of place on a small table, surrounded by the tempting array of pastries.

Cali arranged the breakfast treats with care, adding the fresh flowers as a finishing touch. Everything looked perfect, a testament to their planning and affection for their friend.

"Alright, now we just need to wake him up," Joseph whispered, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Cali nodded, her own excitement barely contained. "Let's do this."

Together, they approached Marcus's bedside, their voices low but filled with excitement as they prepared to surprise him.

"On the count of three," Cali whispered, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Joseph nodded, his hand poised to gently shake Marcus awake. "One, two, three—"

"Happy birthday, Marcus!" they exclaimed in unison, their voices carrying a blend of joy and affection.

Startled awake, Marcus blinked sleepily, momentarily disoriented by the sudden burst of festive energy in the room. As his gaze settled on the decorations, the cake, and the smiling faces of Cali and Joseph, a wide grin spread across his face.

"What—what's all this?" he stammered, his heart swelling with warmth.

Cali chuckled, handing him the tray of pastries. "It's your birthday surprise! We wanted to make it special for you."

Joseph added to the moment, placing a colorful party hat on Marcus's head with a playful flourish. "Happy birthday, buddy. We hope you like it."

Marcus looked around, his heart overflowing with gratitude and joy. "This is incredible. Thank you so much, both of you."

They spent the morning sharing laughter and stories, enjoying the delicious breakfast treats and indulging in slices of the cake. Marcus felt deeply touched by their gesture, appreciating not just the surprise itself but the effort and thoughtfulness that Cali and Joseph had poured into making his birthday memorable.

As they sat together, surrounded by warmth and friendship, Marcus couldn't help but reflect on how lucky he was to have Cali and Joseph in his life. Their bond had grown stronger during their time in Hong Kong, a testament to the enduring power of their friendship and the adventures that lay ahead for them.