The Devil In Disguise

Birthday Flames

            The soft glow of twilight blanketed the town, casting a warm, amber light on the windows of La Bella Notte, the only restaurant in town with an upscale charm. Jordan had reserved a private room, hoping to make Gianina's 19th birthday special—a night of laughter and friendship to distract her from the dark memories that seemed to follow her every step. The Masquerade Ball was only a week away, but tonight was about celebrating Gianina and giving her a rare escape from everything they'd been through.

As Gianina entered, her heart fluttered, taking in the sight of her friends around the candlelit table. Jordan stood up, her eyes twinkling as she clapped her hands together.

"Happy Birthday, GG!" she squealed, rushing to hug her.

The others joined in, each offering their own version of a "Happy Birthday" that filled the room with warmth. Marcus, his arm already around her waist, leaned down and whispered, "I'm so glad you're here, GG. Tonight, it's all about you."

They ushered her into the seat of honor, right by the large window with its sweeping view of the town square, lit up by the gentle glow of old-fashioned street lamps. Mary, sitting beside her, handed Gianina a dainty gift bag wrapped in light pink tissue paper. "I know we said no presents, but, well, I couldn't resist," she said with a mischievous grin.

The evening's warmth had settled into the streets as Gianina walked into La Bella Notte, where her friends Jordan, Mary, Marcus, Cal, and Rufus awaited her with wide smiles and laughter in their eyes. It was her 19th birthday, a night meant to push away the shadows that had clung to her lately. The restaurant was dimly lit, elegant in a way that felt like stepping into a whole new world, a world where laughter and friends filled the space, if only for tonight.

"Happy Birthday, GG!" Her friends' voices filled the room, and she was quickly enveloped in hugs and grins. Marcus held her close, whispering in her ear, "Tonight is all about you, GG. We've got a night planned that'll make you forget everything else."

Gianina smiled as she settled in at the table, Jordan and Cal fussing over her to make sure she was right in the center. Mary handed her a gift bag first, excitedly grinning as Gianina reached inside to pull out a cozy, oversized hoodie in her favorite color.

"For those nights when you just want to relax," Mary explained, winking. "And so you can think of us even when we're not there."

Gianina hugged her, feeling a swell of gratitude. Then came Jordan, who handed her a pair of trendy ankle boots that she'd been eyeing for weeks but hadn't wanted to splurge on herself. Gianina laughed, pulling Jordan into a quick hug.

"You're the best!" she said, admiring the boots.

Rufus shyly handed over a sleek journal, the cover embossed with a subtle floral design. "For writing everything down, GG. You know, if you want to." He looked away, blushing, but Gianina could tell he'd put a lot of thought into it.

Finally, Cal handed her a gift card to her favorite bookstore, with a note that read, Get as many murder mysteries as your dark little heart desires.

The laughter, the thoughtful gifts—it all felt perfect. But just as she was soaking it in, her phone vibrated in her bag. She pulled it out and froze, her heart sinking at the message lighting up her screen:

Happy Birthday, GG. Don't think I've forgotten about you.

Her stomach churned, and she scanned the room, almost expecting to see him lurking in the shadows. Marcus noticed her expression, his brow furrowing with concern.