Scarlett's POV
The morning of my birthday dawned bright and perfect. The world seemed to hum in celebration of me, as it should. But what made the day truly special wasn't the elaborate decorations Daddy had arranged or the pile of gifts waiting downstairs-it was Sam.
She looked stunning in the matching outfit I'd picked out for us-a soft, flowy dress in a pale shade of lavender. I could tell she hated it, the way her hands fidgeted with the hem, her eyes downcast. But she wore it, and that was all that mattered.
"Come on, Sammi," I cooed, taking her hand and leading her to the center of the living room where the cake awaited.
"It's time to celebrate."
Her shoulders tensed, and I could see the hesitation in her eyes, but she nodded. She always obeyed, eventually. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The cake was beautiful-four tiers of lavender frosting, adorned with delicate sugar flowers. My name was written across the top in elegant cursive. I'd been looking forward to this moment all morning.
"Sing for me, Sammi," I said, settling into the chair beside the table.
Her voice trembled as she began to sing, her eyes darting nervously between me and the cake. The melody of *"Happy Birthday"* filled the room, soft and hesitant. It was imperfect, shaky, but to me, it was beautiful.
When she finished, I pulled her into a quick hug, planting a kiss on her forehead.
"You did so well, baby," I murmured. "I knew you'd make my day perfect."
---I sliced into the cake, the scent of vanilla filling the air. Taking a forkful, I handed it to Sam.
"Feed me," I commanded gently.
Her hands trembled as she held the fork, guiding it to my mouth. I smiled as I took the bite, savoring the sweetness.
"Perfect," I said, taking the fork from her hand. "Now watch me enjoy the rest."
I ate slice after slice, delighting in the way she watched, her face a mix of discomfort and resignation. This was my day, and everything about it had to be exactly as I wanted.
---Daddy and Mom entered as I finished the last bite, carrying a small velvet box. My excitement soared.
"This is from us," Daddy said, handing me the box.
I opened it to reveal a locket-a delicate gold heart with intricate engravings. Inside was a tiny photo of me and Sam, smiling side by side. My heart swelled with pride and joy.
"It's perfect," I said, throwing my arms around both of them. "Thank you, Daddy. Thank you, Mom."
Fastening the locket around my neck, I turned to Sam, who was still sitting silently in her chair. I couldn't contain my excitement, rushing over to her and cupping her face in my hands.
"Look, Sammi," I said, kissing her cheeks, her nose, her lips. "Now you'll always have me close to your heart. Isn't it perfect?"
She didn't respond, but I didn't care. Her flushed cheeks and wide eyes were enough.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As the day wound down, Sam was quieter than usual. She sat on the edge of the bed, her head bowed, tears silently falling down her cheeks.
"Sammi," I said softly, sitting beside her. "What's wrong?"
She sniffled, her hands clenching in her lap.
"I... I didn't get you a present," she whispered.
"I'm sorry, Scarlett. I didn't know what to do."
For a moment, I stared at her, then I burst out laughing. The sound made her flinch, and I quickly pulled her into my arms.
"Oh, Sammi," I murmured, stroking her hair. "
You're so silly. Don't you know? You're my gift."
Her body tensed, but I didn't let her pull away. I tightened my arms around her, pressing a kiss to her temple. "You don't need to give me anything. Just being here with me is enough." Tears spilled down her cheeks, and I kissed them away, one by one
.
"You're mine, Sammi," I whispered, tucking her against my chest. "That's the best present I could ever ask for."
She didn't say anything, just cried softly in my arms. I held her until her tears subsided until her breathing evened out and her body relaxed against mine.
As she drifted off to sleep, I smiled, running my fingers through her hair.
She was mine. Forever. And this birthday, like every day with her, had been perfect.
