Imperfections

6 - Isla's Birthday

A dry cough came behind the black mask of Thomas’s. Allyana asked if something was wrong with Thomas but Thomas told her it was only a cough and it would be gone in no time. Allyana had no choice but to swallow it raw because Thomas didn’t give out anything else.

Thomas left right after he said sorry to both Allyana and Isla. Right after he got home giving out heavy dry coughs, he rushed to his tank and tube of oxygen which he hid when Allyana was here. He put on the mask resulting calming breaths of his. Not very long, Allyana also decided to pack her things and leave the small yet humble café belonged to her friend.

“Isla. I’m gonna go now. Be ready for tomorrow, ok?” Said Allyana.

“Bye Lyana.” Were the two words come out Isla’s mouth.

Allyana’s feet took her to the door of the café and on to the street outside. She came to a few stores before she finally reached home ordering Caramel to turn on the lights and the air conditioner.

“How was your day, boss?” Caramel asked.

“Amazing.”

After she tidied up herself and her house, she said good night to Caramel then went off to bed.

Nothing changed for Allyana’s morning except for the fact she no longer went to campus for extra points.

After she had breakfast, her hands got the things she bought yesterday before she got home. Inside the box were foil balloons with letters: I, S, L, and A. There were also several CDs of Isla’s favourite movies and a brand new wireless headphone. She put Isla’s presents in a box and wraped it with a yellow gift wrapper, her best friend’s favourite.

Off to the café she went to meet her best friend who was aging a year. Allyana came in with a big smile on her face and straight to the counter her feet took her.

“How had your day been, birthday girl?” Allyana asked.

“It’s been great.”

Allyana went around the counter and got inside straight to Isla. She gave Isla a big long hug with a happy birthday with her wishes for her best friend. The tied line of Isla’s apron was untied, both behind her neck and behind her waist before she put the apron on her and tied the lines back. Isla gave a gasp as a reaction for what her best friend did.

“Sit down. I’m going to take control.” Said Allyana with a wink.

Isla could do nothing but to accept what her best friend did. She would be forever grateful for this beautiful girl because no one had ever accepted herself the way this girl did. Everyone keep treating her different because she was not like any other girl who like to join gang and compete to be the leader. She didn’t compete for grades or ranks either because her life was already complicated even from the beginning.

But with Allyana, she felt herself and didn’t have a thing to hide from. Allyana accepted her for what she was and what she did and she would also be forever grateful for Isla was given to be her best friend on this planet.

Allyana served customers perfectly with smiles and with sweet words. The bell rang every time someone opened the door and this time Thomas was the one who made the bell ring. His feet tapped into the counter meeting Allyana.

“Hello. Good morning. May I take your order, Mr Hendley?”

“Black please, Ms Martin.” A smile added by Thomas.

“Be right up. Please wait.”

Thomas sat in Allyana’s seat where Isla was currently sitting and watching Allyana serving all the customers came through the door.

“She took your place?”

“Yeah.”

“And you just let it go?”

“Trust me. There is nothing you can do when she made her decision.”

Both Thomas and Isla’s eyes went back to Allyana who was enjoying what she was doing.

Hours have passed after the moment Thomas got his cup and went home.

The time was currently 5.47 p.m. Isla had closed the door before she and Allyana counted the money they got today.

“872.”

“Seriously!?” said Isla half-screaming.

“Yeah.”

“You brought good fortune to this place. I think you should stay and work here every day.”

“Only if I get paid.”

“Of course you will.”

“I’m just kidding dude. You bring more fortune to this place. It’s yours.” Allyana said checking the time.

“And I am super late for your ‘private dinner party’.” Allyana said again.

“Gotta go. Bye.” She said before ran leaving the café.

Allyana took a bath, put on a navy, long-sleeved, mid-thigh long dress, and did her hair. Then she left with a taxi after black heels was perfectly worn to her feet.

It was half past seven, meaning Isla’s birthday party was starting. Allyana, as her best friend came first at 7.30 sharp. Allyana screamed happy birthday when Isla opens the door revealing her and her gifts for Isla.

They both came in and sat on the sofa. Right after they touched the sofa, the doorbell rang and Isla opened the door revealing Thomas with a grey t-shirt, black leather jacket, and long jeans.

“Come in.” pleased Isla.

All three of them went to the kitchen where a full arranged table with foods on it were served after Thomas came in. They prayed and started the dinner. It was not fancy, spaghetti with minced meat and wine.

“Is it good?” Isla asked hopefully.

“It is.” Allyana answered.

“Really? Thomas. You answer. As the perspective from a stranger.”

“It is really good Isla, you don’t need to worry.” Thomas made sure.

Isla sighed as a sign of relieve. After they finished dinner and put the goods in the sink, they all sat on the sofa.

“Now, let’s go to the fair.” Isla said.

Let's go to the fair!!!
Darts, sweets, and a kiss? Perhaps?
See you real soon!!

-jojo❤