Take Your Pick

Ch.5 ~ Birthday Blues (Part 1)

~ 'Part of recovery is relapse. I dust myself off and move forward again'. ~

"Kami turn this way man and smile—"

"—Kami turn bruvvvv—"

"Oiii, sexy gal ya full of curvesss—"

These lot did not fail to finish me, I don't know why they were shouting because I wasn't far from where they were standing but it didn't stop the corners of my lips from rising to the point they hurt from holding them in the same position.

"Kay, if you don't turn your fat forehead in this direction..."

Kieran.

He had gone the extra mile of throwing me a surprise birthday party at our house for my 15th. Random number, I know but I was ever so grateful for it.

Once the pictures had been taken, everyone dispersed back again around the house doing their own thing, mum & dad had left shortly before and were due to arrive with my cake soon according to Shan. The day had been great but my heart ached that Miles' face wasn't found amongst the crowd of people present, Kieran assured me he had invited him but I guess he wasn't the least interested in me. I sulked my way to the kitchen to fix myself a snack but mostly to engulf myself in my own sorrow.

The door clicked open shortly after and I turned to find Kieran sending me a look of empathy.

"I'm not sad if that's what you're thinking, I'm actually quite thankful that you did this for me" a small smile made a way to my lips.

" I know that, Kay, but I also know you're disappointed Miles hasn't turned up,"

He had now left his position by the door and placed himself next to me so that we were both leaning on the counter.

"Don't let him take away this happiness you deserve to have today"

I looked to the floor knowing he was right. I was being childish and inconsiderate of not only my family & friends' feelings but mine also.

"I don't know who made you a qualified guru but thanks for that"

I laughed as he kissed his teeth,

"Whatever man, this is why he hasn't asked you out yet"

He chuckled as I gasped and pushed his head which only caused the top half of his body to shift and not entirely move.

"Nah but for real tho,"

All laughter had ceased and his neutral face came back—no sign of creases,

"Even though he may not be here, I will always be."

I smiled and hugged him,

"Thank you, lazy cow"

"Happy birthday, shaggy dog"

*End of Flashback*

That was 3 months before he was murdered.

I forced the tears back that threatened to drop as I sat in front of the mirror having finished moisturising my natural hair. Shan was meant to be here for 3pm to help install my wig--I looked to my digital clock on the nightstand--3:30pm. This girl could never be on time with anything. Sighing, I picked up my phone and dialed her number, the sound of my freshly secured acrylics hitting the screen as I did so.

"So check this, the bus times sai--"

She had already begun her story, no greeting, no question, nothing. I tried to keep a straight face knowing I was meant to be mad at her for being late but I couldn't help the smile that crept its way onto my face. It was a good thing we were on the phone and not face to face, otherwise she wouldn't take me seriously if I told her off