Adventures of Sinbad and Layla

Layla and Esra's Birthday

"Good morning!"

Layla squinted open her eyes and shot a glare at Sinbad's smiling face. He was beaming because it was a very special day to him. He was up and ready to get the day started. It was special for her as well but it was only 3am. She closed her eyes again and tucked herself under the blanket to sleep.

"Get up, Layla!" he laughed as he pulled on the blanket.
She clung onto it for dear life. "I swear I am going to murder you."
He let go. "But today is-"
"I know what day it is. I don't care if it's our birthday. I will kill you. The party doesn't start until 3pm."
"But I want to celebrate the whole day with you!" He jumped onto the bed and lay down beside her, which made Layla growl under her breath. "Do you know why today is extra special for me?"
She sighed and buried her face into the pillow. "Because Esra is 1 today?"
"That is special but not specifically that."
"Because I'm 30?"
"You turned 30 last year."
"Shut up."
He laughed. "Guess again."

She tried to think for a while but couldn't come up with anything.

"I honestly don't know. Tell me."
He smiled softly. "This day is extra special to me because not only did I become a father, but it's also the day I was given you again."

Layla finally lifted her head and looked at him. That day last year, she had died but she came back again. Sinbad was so grateful to God for giving him a second chance of a lifetime with her and that's why that day was so important to him.

"Sin..."

She scooted over to him and he instantly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her on top of him. She smiled at him warmly as she gazed into his warm eyes.

"I love you so much," she whispered.
He brushed his fingers through her hair. "I love you so much too, baby girl. And I'm so grateful that you were given back to me." He breathed out and frowned sadly as he held her tighter. "Everyone was preparing to bury you..."
"Hey. Don't think about that, okay? I told you that I'll always be with you and I mean it."
He smiled. "I know."

She kissed him softly, which he returned. They parted after a few seconds as Layla smiled at him.

"What would you like to do?" she asked him.
"Well, I've already organised it with Jafar and he's going to babysit Esra until we return. She doesn't wake up until 12."
She raised a brow. "Return from where?"
"Your island," he told her. "Our rowboat is ready at the port and we'll be back before midday."
She couldn't help but smile. "Okay. Let's go."

They got up and got ready for the day. Sinbad surprised her yet again by "hiding" her gift. As always, she found it under the bed. She opened the box to find not one, but two gorgeous outfits. One was for her to wear to the island and the other was to wear at the party.

Those gifts themselves earned him a hot kiss, which was just a taster for the island. After wearing the outfit, she put a kaftan on top so no one else could see it. Once Jafar arrived to watch over Esra, they left.

Since it was only 4am, the palace and the kingdom were still sleeping. They hid their faces with scarves before sneaking out quietly on horseback. The streets were lined with decorations to celebrate the queen's and princess' birthdays and only some citizens were beginning to wake to set up their businesses for the day.

Once they made it to the port, Sinbad climbed off before helping Layla down. They handed the horse over to the man on the port, who was the one who arranged their boat. Soon, they both took off their scarves and sailed away towards Layladria's Island.

"Doesn't this bring back memories?" Layla asked as she sat opposite him.
He nodded as he rowed with the paddles. "It sure does. Can you believe we had our first date there 15 years ago?"
"I feel so old when you say it like that..."
"Well, you look old," he joked.
She glared at him. "Do you want me to kill you on my birthday?"
"I'm kidding," he laughed. "You're as beautiful as always."
She smiled shyly as she blushed. "Thank you."