Shaded Days 2

Birthday Girl

September 24 2018

"1... 2... 3.."

Naheel slowly counted, his eyes on Jeff, who stood by the door that would lean in to that room. He yelled '3' the moment Alice walked into the room, pushing the door open and even hitting Jeff on the nose as she did.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAYY!" Everyone yelled, the lights switching on and her friends in the room throwing confetti over the birthday girl. Alice let out a gasp of surprise, freezing for a second before regaining herself. She looked around at everyone in surprise. A birthday party or such, was really rare in such times. And this was not expected. She clapped her mouth on her hand. "No! You didn't have to!" She yelled, with an attempt to sound disapproving but instead it came out in sobs. Her eyes began to tear up as she saw Naheel walking over to her holding.. just a chocolate bar. But that itself meant so much to the girl. "Happy birthday love, you're 16 now! Of course we had to" Naheel gave her a warm smile, cupping her cheeks in his hand before pinching them. "Now come on, this ain't it!" He yelled, looking back excitedly at another 16 year old girl, a friend of Alices called 'Lisa'. They both nodded before Naheel turned to Alice, grabbing her wrist and beginning to pull her through the crowd.

A lot of hard work had gone into the surprise they had prepared for her. In the middle of the room on a table, sat a simple chocolate cake. The amount of effort that had gone into making that was unbelievable, but Naheel had to make it happen. Giving Alice a grin, he pushed her towards the table gently. Lisa walked up to her and wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug. "Happy birthday Alice~" She whispered into her ear before giving her a peck on the cheek. "T-.. Thank you!" Alice exclaimed, before breaking out in tears again. She hugged herself as she leaned her head on Lisa's shoulder.

"Alsooo~ We can't forget bout' her can we?" Naheel spoke, tapping Alices shoulder.
The moment he said "her" about everyone knew who he meant. She was all Alice and Naheel sobbed about when they had arrived there 7 years ago. Their best friend, and basically Alice's mother. Alices lips curled into a smile, thinking about the girl that had molded Alice into what she is now. Strong, smart, brave, and beautiful.

- - - Flashback - - -

(Alice POV)

My fearful eyes glanced at the slowly opening attic door. I grasped my hammer closer to my heart, holding my breath to be as quiet as possible. But I knew if she was in danger, her body would just shut down. She didn't nearly have the courage.

Slowly, a woman.. no, a girl, climbed up onto the dusty wooden boards of the attic, creeks following her as she stepped up. Dark brown, yet still bright eyes glanced around the dimly lit room. She was beautiful to say the least. Slightly puffy and pink cheeks only added to her beauty. Her long hair was beautifully braided behind her with a ribbon tied at the end.

I gulped. Was she nice? Would she... hurt me?

My body moved on its own as I slowly began to sneak out from behind the boxes I was hiding behind to show myself to the girl. The girl looked startled as she took a step back. But she quickly realized I was not a.. monster. Our eyes met, mine green and hers brown, and silence followed. I made an attempt to talk, parting my lips but no sound coming out, just violent coughing. My throat was too dry, and it hurt. I glanced up at the girl who coming to me now, kneeling down in front of me. "Shushh, shh baby.. It's fine, you're OK now..." Sweetly and soothingly she said to me, taking my hand and wrapping it in hers before pulling me onto her lap. I couldn't reply, but I did do something I hadn't done in a while. I smiled at her, my lips curling to make a cute crooked smile which the girl immediately returned.

"I'm Laala by the way, and don't worry, you're safe now" She said, and at that moment I did not know how much Laala would have an effect on my life.

- - - Flashback End - - -

(3rd Person POV)

Alice turned to the cake, then to the burning flame of the candle which Naheel had lit. The light reflected in her eyes as she began to smile without even realizing it. "Happy birthday Laala..~" She whispered before leaning closer to the cake and blowing out the candle, making her wish in her mind. Silence followed the room as she blew out the candle, only to be quickly broken by Lisa. "Well then! Don't we all have a party planned for her?! Let's all relax tonight right?!" She yelled, clapping her hands loudly. Everyone in the crowd cheered as Lisa grabbed Alices hand and took her to the other side of the room where they had set up a few speakers for music. Everyone moved there, leaving behind just Naheel, smiling at the backs of Lisa and Alice as they disappeared ahead of the crowd. It wasn't long before he heard music beginning to play. Maroon 5 payphone began to play, and immediately a smile appeared on his lips. Good old times. Memories flooded him of when he was in grade 6, playing these songs online in his class with his friends. How he missed those days.

His eyes darted over to look the window, the stars visible in the night sky. But maybe... maybe ridding earth of most humans was a good choice. He walked over to the window, his footsteps drowned out by the music and leaned against wall beside the window. But would he give away what he had now for what he had before? That choice left him baffled, but he decided not to dwell on it. He looked over his shoulder at the party. 'Let's just... relax!' He thought before letting a sigh escape her lips. He quickly began to jog towards them, yelling. "Hey! Don't start without me!"