The Girl With Red Hair

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

"Jade, come to the marquee for a second so we can cut the cake!" I heard my dad shout to me. I was standing in the sea, the water coming to my knees, Kyle standing securely behind me with his arms snaked around my waist. The wind was gently blowing our hair as we looked to the sun set. Tiki lamps were stuck in the sand in several paces, so we needn't worry about darkness. "Come on." I mumbled to Kyle. He kissed the top of my hand before giving me space to turn around. He took my hand and held it as we went against the slow current to the marquee.

I stood by the entrance and looked at a heart shaped cake. In red icing was 'happy birthday, Jade!' I smiled. It was a chocolate cake, which was my favourite. Two numbered candles were above the writing. The fiery glow illuminated most of the little marquee, giving the room a warmer touch.

"Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Jade,
Happy birthday to you!" everyone sang slightly out of tune. I grinned as I blew the candles out, my dad taking a picture. We all cheered as the smoke floated from the candles. Clay took the candles out and put them on the side and then handed me a knife. "This is for the cake, Jade." he said, patronising me. I laughed and said "thank you Mr. obvious."

I cut the first slice of cake and scooped it into a plate. I out it on one side so I could cut the rest of the cake for the others.

Once everyone had a bowl, we all sat by a little fire Clay had made. foldable chairs were arranged around it. Kyle was on my left while Clay and dad sat opposite me behind the fire. I took the first bite of my cake and melted in my seat. The chocolate oozed onto my tongue from between the spongy layers. I let out a satisfied moan and smiled happily to myself. 

"Jade, I promised I would bring my guitar..." Clay began as he jumped up and jogged to a corner of the marquee. He returned with a beautiful acoustic guitar in hand. "I never break a promise." He said excitedly as he sat down. Randomly plucking at the strings. "I am a bit rusty but bear with me." He said with a breathy laugh. I sat up eagerly. I loved music! Nothing would calm my moods like music when I was younger, and I would still listen to my favourite artists now and then; especially when I need art inspirations.

Clay strummed a few strings to warm up and then looked at me. "I wrote a song for you..." He said shyly. "I hope you like it." My heart leapt in my chest and a slight bit of heat rose to my cheeks. "That's so sweet." I said truthfully. 

He cleared his throat, adjusted himself in his chair and looked at the strings. Readying his fingers on the chords, he began quietly singing.

"You are mine, my best friend, The one I can confide in, until the end. The one who has seen every tear, Whose hands boldly hold all of my fears. You are mine, my other half that makes me complete, Who never lets me feel like I am going through defeat. You're the one who has always been there, To show me how much that you truly care. You are mine, my happiness in me, Who's opened my eyes and really made me see. Your compassion and love has shone through the clouds,Leaving me with no more fears or doubts. You are mine, an angel for me,Whose smile is sent to make me happy.The one who always has faith in your heart, To make sure that I don't fall apart. You are mine, without any question,Giving me lots of hugs and affection, You are mine, my best friend,Whom I will always love until the very end!"

I smiled as I felt my heart melt and a tear reach my eye. Never before had someone actually made me a song for me. Clay looked at me in the eyes and smiled sincerely. "Did you like it?" He asked nervously. I jumped up and walked over to him. I hugged him as tight as I could. "Thank you so much, Clay. That was beautiful." He laughed and hugged me back. "Are you crying?" He asked jokingly. I nodded my head "Uh huh." I lifted my head and swiped at my tears. He laughed again. I gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek and stood up to return to my seat. Dad started clapping, along with Cory and a reluctant Kyle. I looked at him and raised an eyebrow, but he didn't look my way.

"I suppose it's my turn to give you your present." Dad said with a giddy smile on his face. I smiled at him as he reached for under his chair, where he pulled out a small box. I hadn't noticed that there before. "This is a very special present that I want you to look after. I've been saving this for this exact day." He said as he stood up to give me the small box. 

It was a fabricated little jewelery box which looked like it held a bracelet. I looked at my Dad with a smile before opening the box. Inside was a beautiful golden bracelet with mini golden charms. I gently removed it from the box and held it up. The sun's dying rays shimmered off of the charms and glinted at some little rubies which were embedded in a few charms. "It was your mother's." Dad explained. I smiled happily, though I felt slightly sad inside. I imagined mum wearing this when she was younger, and her giving it to me today - hugging Dad's shoulder as she watched me examine it.

"Thank you so much Dad." I said gratefully. This has got to be the most amazing present ever. I slipped it onto my wrist - a perfect fit. "I love it." I looked at Dad, he was smiling proudly at me. I let out a happy sigh and sat up in my chair, admiring the bracelet on my wrist.

"I have a little something for you." Cory spoke up. I looked at him, a smile upon my face. "It's not much but..." He handed me a small rectangular box. I opened it to reveal a very expensive looking perfume. I rotated it and looked on the bottom, where I just managed to spot a little message 'To a special sister. Love Cory. xxx'. My smile grew bigger as I thanked Cory for his present.

Kyle stood up and walked to my chair where he gently pulled me up. "I got you something simple." He said. He rotated his finger in a circle, wanting me to turn around. I did as I was instructed and faced away from him. "When I saw this, I thought of you." He placed a chain over my head and did the lock up. I looked down at it to find a beautiful golden heart. It rested perfectly on my heart. I smiled warmly and turned around. I looked him square in the eyes, displaying as much love as I could in mine and said "I love you so much." I placed a gentle kiss on his lips, aware that my family was around. I smiled at him as we returned to our seats. I chose to sit on his lap, his arms enveloped me and warmth was spread throughout my upper body.