Evermore - Cheradine

Chapter 23

Lunch with my family was delightful. I was genuinely touched that they'd made the effort to travel just to spend the day with me. I've always felt incredibly fortunate to have such a close-knit family. I know not everyone has that. Some families fall out, drift apart, and become little more than strangers, but I've been blessed to be surrounded by people who truly care.

Later, it was time for our first show in Leeds. I couldn't have been more excited to spend part of my birthday on stage, doing what I love, and sharing that experience with the fans. Having my birthday fall in the middle of our tour felt like a stroke of luck, and I knew it was going to be a memory I'd treasure forever.

My girl gave a speech that had everyone smiling. She playfully teased the crowd, admitting she wasn't sure if I was born in '85 or '87, but reassured them it made me a Gemini. Then, she got everyone to chant happy birthday to me. Her words were light-hearted, drawing laughter from the crowd, but the tenderness in her eyes spoke volumes. Later, as if that wasn't enough, the girls, the dancers, and the entire crew somehow managed to make my birthday even more extraordinary. Right in the middle of the stage, with the cheers of the crowd echoing around us, they surprised me with a cake. The entire arena burst into a chorus of 'Happy Birthday,' and in that moment, I felt like the most cherished person in the world. I couldn't hold back my tears. The affection and love radiating from everyone on that stage was overwhelming, filling me with a warmth that left me breathless.

The experience was made even more precious by the presence of my entire family, standing together in the crowd, beaming up at me. My daughter, Anaíya, was front and centre, her eyes wide with wonder and excitement. It was the first time she'd seen me perform live, and the look of pride on her little face is something I'll never forget. As the final notes of the show faded away and I stepped off the stage, Anaíya broke into a run, her feet pounding against the floor as she launched herself into my arms.

"Mummy, you were amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with awe and excitement. Her arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and I could feel the pure, unfiltered love and pride she had for me.

Hearing those words from her, feeling the comfort of her body against mine, meant more to me than anything else. It was as if everything I'd ever worked for, every moment of doubt or struggle, was worth it just to hear her say those words.

As I looked over at the rest of my family, their faces glowing with pride and love, I felt an immense sense of gratitude. To have them there, to share this incredible experience with them, made my birthday one of the most special days of my life.

After the show, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for my birthday dinner. I had already chosen the restaurant and asked Cheryl to arrange the reservation to accommodate everyone. I was in my hotel room, getting ready, while Anaíya lay sprawled on the bed, chatting away non-stop. It was one of the things I loved most about her. How she could fill the silence with her endless thoughts, jumping from one topic to the next with such enthusiasm. As I stood in front of the mirror, carefully putting on my earrings, I found myself nodding and responding to her in between tasks, half-listening but fully enjoying her company.

"Mum, can you show me the hotel's rooftop?" Anaíya suddenly asked, her voice breaking through my thoughts as she sat up on the bed.

"Of course, darling, I'll show you tomorrow," I replied, trying to focus on securing the other earring.

"Can you show me now?" she asked again, her tone shifting into that sweet, persuasive mode she used when she really wanted something.

"Now?" I glanced over at her, surprised by her persistence. "But we're about to go to dinner, remember? We'll have plenty of time tomorrow."