"Marcella, it's been an awful day. I'm tired. I smell like vomit. I'm starving. I just want to go home."
"Okay. Man, you're getting old. I'll get us a movie and meet you at home then, okay?"
"Sounds great." Cheyenne leaned back into her bus seat and sighed. It had been a terribly long day at the daycare and she was exhausted, going out seemed more effort than it was worth. Working with five babies under two was tiring. Mentally and physically. She wanted nothing more than a hot shower, something warm to eat, and her bed.
She stared out the murky windows of the city bus, eyeing the darkened streets. It was February in Texas and it was cold. Night came even sooner during the winter months and she hated it. Leaning her head against the window, she sighed.
Tomorrow was her birthday.
Of course she was working. Her boss wouldn't let her off. But one more day and the weekend would be here. She could relax and just putter around the apartment she shared with her friend, Marcella.
Just one more day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday.
It was as if the babies in Cheyenne's care knew she was longing for the weekend. Every one of them was needy and fussy. She sighed, pushing her black hair back into a loose pony tail. It wasn't even noon and she was already desperate for nap time. She played with, coddled, and loved on each of her wards as best she could. As soon as lunch was over, everyone went down for naps and Cheyenne sighed in relief. She glanced at the clock on the wall and calculated she had at least a good hour and a half before one of the older ones would wake up - most likely cranky.
She slid down into the floor, propping herself up against the pale blue wall. Opening her phone she smiled at the notification from Marcella.
"Happy Birthday!!! Don't get too tired because we're going out! I found this cute Korean restaurant. DON'T YOU DARE WORK LATE."
Cheyenne laughed softly. Her friend was the best. Crazy sweet and over protective. If Cheyenne even hinted at being aggravated with her work, Marcella was one breath away from threatening to burn the place down. Cheyenne smiled and laid her head back against the wall, closing her tired eyes.
A soft knock on the door brought her to her feet. She trudged over to the door and opened it slightly. She was puzzled as she was greeted with a small vase of various flowers.
"Delivery!" said the man holding the flowers. His voice was loud and bright.
Cheyenne grimaced and quickly shushed him. "Please! I have sleeping little ones in here," she scolded softly.
The man's eyebrows shot up and he quickly mouthed an apology. "I'm so sorry!"
Cheyenne stepped outside the room and into the narrow hallway. "Are these for me?"
"Are you Cheyenne?" The man's eyes crinkled into a smile.
Cheyenne blushed. He was kind of cute. His accent and how he mispronounced her name made her want to giggle but she held it back. "Yes, I believe so."
"And is today your birthday?" The man's smile grew even brighter.
Cheyenne was positive she was looking at the sun. The man's eyes and smile were bright and warm. She nodded her head gently. "Well...yes."
"Then yes! These are for you!" He handed her the flowers and asked for her signature on his worn out clipboard. "Ah..." he frowned slightly as he stared down at her name. "How do you pronounce your name?"
