Enemy Basis | COMPLETE

33| birthday surprise

Dorran's behaviour was decidedly off-kilter all week. But this time, the edge to his personality wasn't fuelled by anger or resentment. It was more... friendly, a glint in his eyes that suggested he was plotting something, something designed to get back at me for embarrassing him.

Despite the light-hearted nature, I was still scared. Dorran was unpredictable and I had no idea what he had up his sleeve and to be quite frank, I didn't want to find out.

But there was another event looming on the horizon: my birthday and it was tomorrow.

While others might plan elaborate celebrations, I preferred the quiet intimacy of birthdays past – just Lennox, Grace, and me. I've never been one for grand displays, for the forced attention that often accompanied such occasions. Birthdays, to me, felt like a manufactured celebration, a contrived attempt to make someone feel special. I didn't understand the appeal.

But I guess my thinking probably stemmed from my childhood, from the lack of attention, the absence of genuine celebration. My mother had taught me that birthdays were not something to be cherished, that they were insignificant milestones in the grand scheme of things.

Today was a lazy Saturday and I lay on my bed, trying to distract myself from the boredom that I was feeling as I watched my ceiling wall in fascination like it wasn't my viewpoint every time I had gone to sleep. My room smelt like fresh fabric softener and along with the calmed breeze that flew in through my slightly opened window, I couldn't help as my eyes closed, waiting to drift off to sleep in the lulling environment around me.

My mind became drowsier by the second and for some reason, Dorran's face with those grey eyes of his came into mind, so fierce and steely but blank and emotionless. The image in my head both relaxed me further and livened me up, debating with each other whether I was going to sleep or not.

But that matter was decided when my phone pinged on the bedside table next to me, not giving me the chance to doze off.

Lennox:

Grace and I want to do something for your birthday later. We bought a dress for the occasion and it's under your bed. I'm picking you up at 11:30. Don't be late.

I sighed as I read the message.

I had told him and Grace that I never wanted to do anything special for my birthday, that I'd rather pretend it was a normal day but every year, they managed to put together a little something. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do but accept and play along. He threw a fit last year when he had planned something and I didn't cooperate and I just wouldn't be bothered to try and fight it for the second time.

Curious and no longer able to nap, I jumped off the bed and got to my knees as I peered underneath my bed.

When I caught sight of a box, I grabbed it and pulled it out, slightly worried at the weight of it. I'd seriously kill Lennox if he went all out; I seriously would.

I waited in anticipation as I stared at the box, almost scared to see what was inside it but curiosity won this battle and my hand eagerly but cautiously lifted the lid.

I ruffled through the thin paper sheets and when I got to the item or the three items in the box, my heart stopped in my chest with admiration and horror.

I wasn't the girliest person but seeing such a beautiful midnight black dress that lurked in the box that was silky smooth to the touch with its satin material, I could only stare at it with appreciation. It was a very beautiful dress.