Luck of a Chubby Girl

Chapter 21

Today was a special day. I was giddy, excited and nervous all at the same time. I was wondering what I should do for weeks. I finally decided to do something small but sweet and joyful. I bought everything I needed, maybe a bit too much, and found a safe place. I set everything up during lunch time, hoping today I could take a bit of his time this afternoon when they got back.

It was Aiden's birthday today. Unfortunately, because it was such a busy and important time for the group, with the album being out for two weeks and already planning a world tour, that the boys barely got any free time anymore. They had gone on a bunch of interviews and shows to perform this morning and didn't come back until after lunch time.

Usually, the team would celebrate this day with everyone, making a bit of a party themselves. However, this year that didn't seem to be an option. They were all in the practice room having an in-depth conversation with Mr. Phillips and Jefferson about the future. But I didn't want to just skip the day like it was just another one. I wanted to celebrate the day with him, make him feel as special as he always made me feel.

And so, here I was, on top of a chair, on the staircase of the Unike building that no one ever used, hanging the last decorations against a big window on the second floor. There was a banner saying 'Happy Birthday!' above the window, some confetti glued to the walls around it, making it more colorful, a present carefully wrapped on top of the windowsill, a small cake with two candles with the numbers 2 and 3, still unlit. I also bought some balloons to top it all off, in all the shades of the rainbow.

As I examined my work, I wondered if maybe I went too overboard. I hoped Aiden would find it heartwarming instead of weird. That made me feel nervous, but still I left it as it was.

I picked my phone and send a text to him, hoping he would see it quickly, telling him to meet me at the staircase of the building as soon as he could. If he didn't come in, I would have to either wait until he had a free minute – which could take a lot of time – or give up on this idea completely. Thankfully, the 'read' check popped up just in a few seconds. Eagerly, I picked up a small manual confetti launcher and waited beside the door, listening for any footsteps.

As soon as I heard him, I bit my smiling lip to keep from laughing before he opens the door. But as soon as he did, I just popped the confetti all over him and jumped in front of him, as the heavy door closed behind us.

- Happy birthday! – I shout with the biggest smile, laughing at the surprised and confused look on his face.

- What... is this? – he asks, confetti all over his hair and workout clothes, his expression turning into a smile.

I ran to the cake, picking up the lighter and burning the candles, then carrying the cake just a few feet next to me, to Aiden, while singing him the happy birthday song shyly.

As I sang, I saw his expression soften, the light in his emerald eyes get warmer as his smile grew. When I finished, he took a deep breath and blew out the candles.

- Don't forget to make a wish! – I warned him, but he just laughed.

- No need – he responded, taking the cake from my hand and placing it back on the windowsill. – So, what is all of this? – he asked, crossing his arms and looking at me.

- I wanted to celebrate your birthday – I confessed, a bit embarrassed. – Did I took it too far? I'm sorry, maybe this was silly after all...

But as the insecurities were taking over and I was getting nervous, Aiden's arm surrounded me and hug me tightly against his chest, melting all my doubts away and bringing back my elated state.