Sorry, Not Sorry

-27

My stomach warm from dinner and my eyes in desperate need to rest, I stand up from the table. "Ah-" Mum hesitates, as the wooden chair screeches along the floor, "Are you... Going to bed so early?" She asks, placing her cup back on the table.

"Uh, Yeah." My fingers grip the wooden chair. "Why, is there-"

"No! Just... have you took your meds?" She asks, but I can tell it's not what she wanted to say.

"Mhm." I mumble, tucking the chair in gently with on hand. "I'm going to have to go into town tomorrow and get more, though." I look at my reflection in the window, ruffling my own hair.

"Oh, don't worry about it. I can pick them up for you."

"Really? Thanks." I lean forwards to kiss her on the top of her head, but she leans back.

"Are you sure you're not forgetting something?" She says, sort of eyeing the calendar hung on the wall.

"The date? It's the 11th of December... I don't see what's different about..." I cut off my sentence. "Uhh..." I trail off. "I mean, my birthday's tomorrow," My eye twitches as I stare at the wall, "I definitely remembered that." I pause, "That's something I should remember."

She smiles smally. "Sure you did, buddy. Maybe it's best you do go get some sleep, but first, I just wanted to say I'm taking the day off tomorrow, but you're still welcome to spend it with your friends, if you'd like." Mum sighs. "It's good for me to have a break, anyway. Animals are exhausting..." She trails off

"My friends don't even know it's my birthday." I say, "I'd rather just spend time with you."

"Why don't you invite Max over, or one of your other friends?"

"I'd rather not really, besides..." I trial off.

"Besides what?" Mum asks.

I sigh, "I have work tomorrow." I shrug. "I totally forgot."

She squints her eyes at me, analysing my face, but eventually gives in. "Goodnight, then."

"Night, Mum." I say, disappearing into my room.

I scroll through my phone as I walk to work in the morning, yawning. I have to admit that being 'forced' to go to work on my birthday isn't the best way for me to spend the day, but since none of my friends even know it's my birthday, it's not like I have anything better to do. Besides, work at the café has definitely been racking in cash for me, and my co-workers and customers have all been kind so far.

I squint my eyes to read the small text of a post, hardly noticing the person heading straight towards me. Apparently she wasn't looking either, because both of us startle and she looks up at me, confused. "Oh, It's you." She seems to think for a second, checking her watch.

"Mmh. Good to see you." I say.

"Yep. Anyways, isn't it your birthday..? I was going to mention it yesterday, but..." Nicole crosses her arms smugly.

"Uh, Yeah. How did you even remember that?"

She shrugs. "I'm good with stuff like that. Either way, Happy Birthday." She checks her phone. "I figured Max would be with you." She sighs.

"Hmm? Whys that?" I ask.

"Oh, I don't know. He just told me he was going somewhere today."

"Mhm." It's awkward between us, but it seems like she's making an effort to be nice, so I will too.

"I really thought he'd be here..." She bites her nail anxiously, "Ugh. Bye, Xavier." She storms off with a huff.

I'm totally confused, but I need to get to work anyway, so I start half-running-half-walking to the store. I rush in the door, the bell ringing above my head to announce my arrival. "Oh, I was starting to worry you wouldn't come." The blonde pixie cut girl said, "Glad to see you came." She smiles.