Solitude

Forty-One

I am pulled out of the idyllic grasp of sleep by the sweet scent of chocolate. A smile on my face, my eyes open to find a chocolate cake right in front of my face and my mom's sweet face grinning at me.

Behind her is my father who is grinning from ear to ear as he's singing happy birthday to me and if I didn't love him so much, I'd tell him how his singing is as awful as his cooking.

Beside me, Cece stirs and wakes up. She looks groggy before realization dawns on her and she throws her arms around me, a huge grin on her face as she joins my dad in his off-key rendition of happy birthday.

It's the perfect start to a rather perfect day.

On my cake which was no doubt made by my mother is two birthday candles that read 17. It's so surreal. By this time next year, I'll be writing exams and waiting for admission letters from university. Somehow, I'm not afraid of how fast time seems to be moving.

My therapist says it's something we cannot control and rather than be upset at how fleeting time is, we should learn to slow down and enjoy every moment. I plan to enjoy every second of today.

When they're done with their god-awful but beautiful singing, I blow out my candle and my wish is that the happy moments will not end. While I don't quite believe in birthday wishes, there is just something about today that makes me feel like even the laws of the universe can be defied. Everyone claps and cheers when the candle is out and I remember my therapist telling me to always count my blessing.

Blessing number one; I am surrounded by people who unconditionally love me.

"Do I really have to go to school today? It's my birthday!" I complain to my parents as mom holds the cake for dad to cut out a slice for me. I take the slice from him and before he can cut out another for Cece, I have shoved mine whole into my mouth, causing mom to shake her head in disapproval, but the smile on her face hasn't faltered.

"You're always looking for an excuse to skip school. Go to school, baby!" Dad tells me as he stretches a piece of cake to Cece who eagerly collects it.

"When you return, we'll have a mini celebration. I'll cook your favourite dish and we'll open all your gifts." Mom promises me.

Mason and Jonathan have other ideas in mind!

I am not too surprised when the doorbell rings and they basically force their way into the house and all but kidnap me and Cece. Mason waves goodbye to my parents as he shoves Cecelia into the back of the car after me and after promising my parents that they're up to no shenanigans, he's in the driver's seat and pulling out of my driveway.

When we are a reasonable distance from my house, Mason looks at us through the rearview mirror, a mischievous glint in those gorgeous eyes of his.

"Happy birthday, my love." He winks at me and I can't find words to answer him. My heart has basically melted into jelly and Cece cooing beside me isn't doing much to quell the butterflies tap dancing in my stomach.

"Thank you!" I mutter. I feel my cheeks flush red. Jonathan turns around and grins at me.

"I was going to serenade you, but I guess I'll have to do that later. For now, happy birthday, you lovely ray of sunshine. Also, the new hair suits you perfectly."

"Now, I was going to fly the crew to Barbados to celebrate –" Mason starts

"But your jet privileges have been revoked. Also, I think that's a little over the top, don't you?" Jonathan raises a brow at Mason who just shrugs.

"Hey!" Cece leans forward so she's between their seats. "I would love to go to Barbados for a day. Sounds absolutely relaxing."

"Doesn't it? Anyway, we're going to have to settle for a 24-hour party at one of dad's penthouse. And before you say it's physically impossible to have party for a whole day, you are wrong. I have rotated the guests and they include some of your favourite celebrities and influencers who have been told they're not allowed to post anything that doesn't have your face in it. Today is all about you."