Last Teardrop

Chapter 22: Tonight

Months had passed by. It was fast and happy. I know that Daniel was mainly the reason why I turned positive towards life. We have been together for a while, but not one moment that we told each other what we feel – that I love him and if he feels the same. And I woke up the one day, pleased and contented with my life. It was my birthday, and I just turned 18. I know Dad won’t remember. I have not expected it too. Maybe, it took me a lot of practice not to feel down every time he forgets my birthday. But I am okay now. 17 years of being miserable passed. And now, I am starting my life.

I wonder if Daniel knew about today. I was so excited that I reached school early. Everyone started greeting me. It was one moment of your life that you feel special. I looked around, but I didn’t see Dan. I have not received any messages from him. What’s taking him so long this time?

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!” Patrick and Jasmine shouted from behind.

Pat grabbed some icing and placed it on my face. I laughed, grabbed some too, and ran after him. We ate together and it was fun – except for the fact that my dear Daniel didn’t show up.

It was already dark. I needed to go home. Patrick wanted to bring me home, but I said that I prefer to go home alone. It was frustrating how he forgot my birthday. I don’t know if I have the right to feel down.

Though I told them I wanted to be alone, Pat and Jasmine insisted. So I just let them because there’d be no point arguing this matter. And besides, I’m not in the mood.

On the corner of the street, one light suddenly brightened. And there was a kid holding a single white rose. He gave it to me. Attached to the rose was a note.

                --“I never believed in Magic – until the day I accidentally bumped into someone at the burger shop. She was angry, but there was something in her eyes that tells me that there is something magical in this world, and that one person – if it’s the right person, could turn this world into paradise.”

I continued to walk to look for Daniel, but instead, another kid came rushing to me, and gave me another rose. And in it, lies another note.

                --“When you walked away, I knew I must see you again. At the library – sitting was the prettiest girl I ever laid my eyes on. I found the guts to approach her, even though I knew that she’s upset at me. And seeing her made my heart stop for a while. She caught my breath, now she caught my heart.”

I smiled. I remember this quite well. I looked around. Where the hell is this guy? I looked at Jasmine and Patrick and both are smiling. They helped me look for Dan. And in the shadows, another kid jumped out and handed me another rose.

                --“I saw her at the club and helped her with her dad. I saw how she cared, and my heart melted. There were worries and full of pain in her eyes. And I wished I could take them all away. I wondered if those moments that I was constantly thinking of her was normal, but as days passed by, I thought to myself if this was what they called love. This must be it.”

I started crying. I love him. I really do. And I wanted to tell him that. As I turned around, a kid handed me a note, and there was no rose. Puzzled, I took the note in his hands, and he ran as fast as he could.

                                --“Life is not a series of meaningless accidents. When things are bound to happen, they certainly will. My life had been a mess, but I never regret yesterday. Because one yesterday, I was bound to meet you. And if you ask me what I feel for you - I’ll be taking your hand and fill every gaps between your fingers, hold it tight, and erase all the uncertainties in your heart – for you to believe me that I love you.”

And I wiped my tears, smiled at the last note, looked up and saw the same guy who loves me – holding a bouquet and handed it to me while saying..

“Happy Birthday, Love.”