Back to December Book 2

Chapter 22: Turning 27.

It's a typical Tuesday afternoon at work. Many of my colleages already went home. I'm technically done with work but I still have few more things that I could do like printing, or work on my slides.

But the air conditioner in the staff room is killing me, making me want to bring my pillow to work and snuggle a bit.

I slouched down in my swivel chair, bored out of my mind. Today had been a particularly slow day. I snapped my head up when the office phone rang. I didn't know I could answer the phone that fast.

"A client is here to see you." my colleague who worked in the office said to me. I sat up. I wasn't supposed to meet anyone today, at all.

"Hi sir, I'm sorry but I didn't know we had a meeti-" I said as I smoothed out my outfit but as I look up, it was Alfie.

"Oh so sorry, Miss. I forgot to book a meeting with you." he replied as he tightened his tie.

"What are you doing here? Don't you still have work to do? It's 6."

"Well. I finished my work early today. Today is your special day, of course I had to see you now."

What day. What.

"Huh? What are you talking about?" I asked, confused.

"Felisha. It's your birthday. Did you forgot?"

"What. Did you really forgot your own birthday? No you didn't. You're turning 27 not 71, Fel." He adds.

My phone was on "do not disturb."

Well, it's always on it. I didn't realize the birthday wishes that people has send me. I also had a few missed calls. Plus, birthdays are not a huge deal to me. God damnit.

"Oh god. I really did forget." I replied as I face palm myself hard.

"Okay grandma, go take your bag and let's grab dinner."

I quickly ran to my table, took my bag and rushed out. I took my lipstick out of my bag and re-applied some on.

"So, where are we going?" I asked.

"I can't tell you. It's a secret. I would blindfold you but you'd fall asleep. I need your full energy."

It's true. I love sleep. Alot.

He opened the car door and lead me to his "suprise." I walked in, as he followed from behind.

There was a pathway that said, "Fel." And I was instructed to follow the arrows. As I followed the arrows, there were 6 tables.

Every table had a bouquet of flowers, candles, a photo frame and an envelope. It had fairy lights all over the tent. The place was so beautiful. I looked at Alfie while covering my mouth, I was truly at loss of words. He slowly turned my body and led me to the first table.

I walked over to the first table and there was a photo of me when I was a baby. I had no hair at all, my brown eyes actually looked kind of green. I was a chubby baby.

Fel, this was a photo of you right when you born. I asked mom for the photos. You were so adorable as a baby. Mom said that you were an 'easy going kid.' right when you were born. Ah, easy going kid. Not so easy now, huh?

I smiled at Alfie and rolled my eyes while I read the last sentence. Next table, it was a photo of dad & I.

This was when dad tried teaching you how to ride a bike. But you just couldn't. Dad told me you were a hopeless case when it came to physical activities. You prefered painting and reading books. I know your relationship with dad hasn't been easy over the years. But you forgave him, and you still love him. You're a fighter. You're stronger than you think.

The third table had a picture of Alfie & I when were in the same french class. We were only 9. We were always in the same class, same school. But we weren't really friends, until we were sat beside each other during 8th grade.

I've always noticed you in class. You were that one girl, that was always in the same french class as me every year. When you walked pass the basketball court with your friends, I always notice how different you are from other girls. We'd always have little talks, but we weren't really friends. But when we sat together in class, we actually started talking. I don't know what we talked about, but we instantly clicked. You always had bruises on your arms, but I didn't want to ask. I've always wanted to help you, but you'd always cover it up. At that age, you're so determained that things will get better, and when I was depressed you knew the right words to say to me. You saved me.

I looked at Alfie with tears brimming.

The next table had a picture of us when we started dating. We were about 15. He had his fringe emo hair, and I had my braces on.

This was when we started dating. It's funny because it was a natural thing. I didn't have to ask you to be my girlfriend. It was automatic. We were at the treehouse, and we just knew it. We soon had our first kiss. I was grateful to have you as my bestfriend, and also my lover. Our first kiss was magical. Literally. I still remember it till this day.

The fifth table had a picture of us when I visited him in Switzerland.

Here's us in Switzerland when you visited me. I suprised you with mcdonalds. I was just a student, what did you expect right. I'm sorry we had to go through all that pain, when we were in the long distance relationship. I'm sorry you had to wait for 4 years for me to come back. Nobody said it was easy. It was really difficult. But we made it. Alot happened when we were far apart from each other. And I came back with my degree, and also with a ring. I was so nervous the entire flight back home. But, you said yes. I've never felt so much joy when I put the ring on you.

The last table, of course had our wedding photos.

Lastly, I want to tell you that you're truly an amazing person. When we started dating, you made me so happy. We grew up together. You were my best friend. We also went through a long distance relationship for 4 years. I'm so grateful we made it through. Getting married to you was the best decision I ever made in my life. You were my first true love. I treasured every moment we had together. The good, and the bad. You were always there for me. You'd always hide your tears because you were insecure about how you looked. But in fact, I've seen you at your lowest, and I still think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever met. Happy birthday my love. I love you so much, and I can't wait what's next for us.

I felt so blessed. I was not expecting this at all. I walked further, to see a candle light dinner, with Alfie waiting for me. He pulled the chair for me, and he sat down soon after that.

I covered my face and wiped my tears off. Happy tears. "Alfie... I don't know what to say.... It was beautiful. It truly was. I can't believe you did that."

"Maybe you can thank me, you know for being the best husband ever." he replied jokingly.

He raised his glass up, "To turning 27."

"Thank you babe. You didn't have to. It was really beautiful. I can't believe you still have those photos when we started dating."

"I always keep those photographs." he replied.

The waiter soon came with our food. It was my favourite, grilled salmon. And Alfie had some lamb chop.

"Hey guys." a familiar voice said. I looked to the side to see my favourite band. It was He Is We. "Happy birthday Felisha. Your beloved husband, has invited us again to sing for you. I hope you enjoy."

"May I?" Alfie said as he offered to dance.

Take my hand, I'll teach you to dance.
I'll spin you around, won't let you fall down. Would you let me lead? You can step on my feet. Give it a try, it'll be alright.

"Hey. I love you. Thank you for everything." I said while I kissed him whilst we dance.

Take it in,  feel it all and hold it. Eyes on you, eyes on me. We're doing this right. 'Cause lovers dance when they're feeling in love, spotlight's shining. It's all about us.

"I love you too. Happy birthday."