My phone buzzes on the table next to me. I set my highlighter and sticky notes down, and answer the phone. "Hello?" I ask before continuing to take notes on some passages for my English Lit class. "Hey Christina. How are you?" Harry says. I smile brightly at the sound of my boyfriend's voice.
"I'm good. How are you?" I say, deciding to take a break from my coursework. "I'm alright. I've, um, got some bad news for you," Harry replies. By the tone of his voice, I can imagine him pacing a room, tugging on his curls. "What's wrong, Haz?" I ask, immediately worrying. "You know how I was going to get time off to fly back and see you for your birthday?" he begins. "Yeah...," I say.
"Management won't let me come see you, and they aren't letting me fly you out here," he says. I run a hand through my hair in exasperation. "Did they at least give you a reason?" I ask, my voice small. I can tell Harry feels the same way. "Something about how the band is taking off in this new location, and how we now have to play four extra shows there. I just want to see you on your special day. Is that too much to ask?" Harry rants.
"It'll be okay Haz. 'M sorry, but I have to finish some homework. You can Skype with me as long as you don't distract me," I say. Harry responds, "See you in a few minutes. Love you!" With a smile on my face, I say, "Love you too," and hang up.
A few moments later, Harry appears on the screen of my laptop. "What are you working on love?" he asks, taking in my notes and textbooks that are spread across the table. "I'm doing some literary analysis work on contemporary fiction passages and articles, making flashcards, and taking some notes," I say. I look up fro, my pile of things to meet Harry's gaze, only to find his eyes on his phone. Was he cheating on me?
"So how's tour?" I ask, hoping my thoughts aren't true. Harry looks up from his phone. "It's alright. I really miss you though. 'M sorry, I have to go. Bye, love," he says, blowing me a kiss. I pretend to catch it and press it to my lips. "Bye, Harry," I say, sending one back to him.
My birthday quickly approaches. My friends Zoey, Megan, and Catalina call me, confirming plans to take me to a club on my birthday. I agree, only because I know that I can't mope around all day. On the morning of my birthday, I'm eating a piece of toast when the doorbell rings. When I answer it, I find my best friends standing there with bulging bags of clothes, shoes and makeup.
"Um, hi?" I say, trying to remember if I've invited them over. Megan walks in, her eyes bright. "We are going to get you ready for the party of your dreams," she says, putting down her bags of makeup. I sigh softly, taking a seat on the couch, my chin in my hands. "Well, the party of my dreams currently requires Harry to be there," I mumble into my palms.
Zoey and Catalina hug me tightly. Zoey lightly scolds, "You know what we talked about. Harry wouldn't want you to be moping around on your birthday." I nod in agreement, but say, "I'm not sure that he'd care. I... I think he's cheating on me." Catalina shakes her head in disbelief. "Well if he is, then he sucks! Now c'mon. We've got to get you ready."
We spend the morning picking out an outfit for me to wear. I end up in a purple sleeveless dress with a pair of scalloped black flats. Megan straightens my hair so that it cascades down my back, and does my makeup, which consists of mascara, subtle red lip-gloss and taupe eyeshadow.
I help my friends get ready as well. Megan wears a black dress and silver flats, Zoey dresses in a green high-low dress with black booties, and Catalina puts on a coral dress with brown suede wedges. Then, we get into the car and drive to the club. For some odd reason, the club appears to be closed. I turn to my friends, uncertain. "Are you guys sure that this club is open?" I ask. Zoey nods and gets out of the car. I follow her to the entrance and try the door handle. The door opens, and we walk in.
"SURPRISE!" My family and friends pop up, some holding drinks in their hands. The dance floor lights up as a DJ begins playing music, the squares changing color in time to the beat. An hour later, a cupcake cake made of panda bear cupcakes with buttercream frosting appears. I blow out the candles, wishing for Harry to be able to be here with me. When I attempt to look up, a hand covers my eyes. Lips hover at my ear, and murmur, "Happy Birthday, kitten."
I spin around to see Harry standing behind me in a button down shirt and black skinny jeans. Harry smiles and pulls me in for a kiss. When we break apart, he says, "I like your dress." I blush, and say, "How are you here?" Harry says, "Screw whatever management says. You are more important."
I smile and suddenly feel sick. "Harry, I need to ask you something. Are you cheating on me?" Harry looks worried and we walk over to an empty booth.
"Christina, I would never cheat on you. When we were Skyping, I was texting your friends to ask if they could help me plan this party for you," he says, handing me a small wrapped box. I open it and find a beautiful diamond necklace. My jaw drops. Harry smiles and fastens the necklace around my neck. "I hope you like the party of your dreams," he says, kissing me.
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