Seeing Through

Chapter 21: The Birthday Concert

A week had passed since Aaron, Hope, and Sarah made plans for the concert. On the evening of the event, Sarah was on the phone with Jen, trying to decide which dress to wear. Her room was a whirlwind of options, dresses draped over every available surface.

"What about the blue one?" Jen suggested. "You always look great in blue."

Sarah held the dress up in front of the mirror. "You think so? It does feel like a special occasion dress."

"It's perfect for a concert at Madison Square Garden on your birthday," Jen affirmed. "And remember, you're going to have an amazing time. You deserve it after everything with John."

Sarah smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude for her friend. She had kept Jen updated on the various goings-on in her life, including the pain of being shut out by John. Jen's support had been a constant source of comfort.

"Thanks, Jen. I'll go with the blue one," Sarah said, hanging the dress on the closet door. "I should get going. Aaron and Hope will be here soon."

"Have fun, Sarah. And happy birthday again! Can't wait to hear all about it," Jen said warmly.

After ending the call, Sarah quickly finished getting ready. She told her parents she was heading to the concert, and they smiled, wishing her the best and telling her to enjoy her birthday.

As she opened the door, she found Aaron and Hope waiting for her. Aaron looked sharp in a casual yet stylish outfit, and Hope was beaming with excitement.

"Ready to go?" Aaron asked, his eyes lighting up as he saw Sarah in her dress.

"Absolutely," Sarah replied, her own excitement bubbling over.

The trio made their way to Madison Square Garden, the air buzzing with anticipation. The energy of the crowd was palpable as they found their front-row seats, courtesy of Aaron's dad. The lights dimmed, and the first band, Coldplay, took the stage.

As the music filled the arena, Sarah felt a wave of happiness wash over her. She sang along to the songs, her smile never fading. Aaron, although the bands were playing right in front of him, couldn't take his eyes off Sarah. Seeing her smile and laugh brought him immense joy. He realized just how much her happiness meant to him.

Hope, enjoying herself, glanced toward Sarah and Aaron for a while. She saw the way Aaron looked at Sarah, the adoration clear in his eyes. Hope couldn't help but wish that they would end up together someday.

During a break between sets, Sarah turned to Aaron, her face glowing with excitement. "This is the best birthday ever, Aaron. Thank you so much."

Aaron smiled, his heart swelling with emotion. "I'm glad you're having a good time. You deserve it."

Green Day took the stage next, and the crowd went wild. Sarah was in her element, singing along to every word. Aaron watched her, his own happiness intertwined with hers. He thought to himself, "Although it's Sarah's birthday, I wish I can always keep her happy like this."

The concert continued, each moment more electrifying than the last. The three friends danced and sang, lost in the magic of the music and the night. For Sarah, it was a night of pure joy and celebration, a stark contrast to the sadness she had felt weeks before.

As the final song echoed through the arena, Sarah turned to Aaron and Hope, her heart full. "Thank you both. This has been amazing."

Hope hugged her, "Happy birthday, Sarah. We're so glad we could share this with you."

As they made their way out of the concert, Aaron walked beside Sarah, feeling a deep sense of contentment. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew he wanted to be there for Sarah, to see her smile like this every day.

Hope, walking a few steps behind, watched them with a hopeful heart. She believed that one day, Sarah and Aaron would realize just how perfect they were for each other. For now, she was content to see her friends happy, knowing that this night was just the beginning of many more wonderful memories together.