Roommates

chapter 13

Zola

"Happy birthday to you!" I hid my smile and buried my face deeper in the soft pillows.

"Happy birthday dear, Zola!" The heavy comforter was pulled away from me and I sighed loudly.

"Happy birthday to you!"

Everyone stood by the king-sized bed with smiles plastered on their faces. My mother kneeled by the bedside holding a stack of strawberry pancakes with a candle on top of them.

"Blow it out, bear." Elaine hollered behind her phone.

I took the stack and blew it out, I don't need to take my mom out with my morning breath.

"Thank you." I smiled, standing to hug my mom and dad.

I hobbled over to Elaine and Rome, then Lee who slightly lifted me.

"Happy birthday, mama."

"Thank you, baby." I sneakily kissed his cheek and felt myself be put down.

"Get dressed so we can give you gifts before Lee takes you out, bug." I turned to face Lee who nodded with a smile.

"Okay!" I smiled and ran to the bathroom.

I've always loved my birthday.

Celebrating my birth and making it through another year of life has always lifted my spirits, it's encouraging to me. This year, I'm excited to see what Lee's gonna do. He knows how much I love my birthday and promised to make the most of my first birthday with him.

I took a shower and freshened up, then I threw on a floral romper and matching velvet heels, I even slipped Lee's chain on. I never gave it back.

Originally, I didn't give it back because seeing or touching it triggered me, now I can touch it and even wear it without having an attack.

I entered the room and Lee playfully howled, snatching his phone out.

"Look at my baby, my lil mini-me, wearing my chains and shit! It's her birthday, show 'em it's your birthday, mama." I twirled and twerked a little for his camera.

"Aye, throw it back, mama!" I laughed, causing Lee to laugh and end the video.

He posted the video on his story then kissed me and pulled me into his lap. The pancakes were already cut up and a porcelain cup of strawberries sat next to them.

Lee forked a little up and lifted it towards my mouth.

"Oh, you're feeding me?" I smiled and took it in.

"Yes, ma'am, I'm feeding you."

"Okay, I see you, Lee thee Servant."

Lee sucked his teeth and shook his head, continuing to feed me nonetheless.

I finished breakfast with Lee and spent time replying to birthday wishes until around noon. Lee and I watch several videos from Lennox, Daya, and his friends.

Each of them wished me happy birthday in goofy ways, even Vaughn.

We entered the house and confetti poppers went off. I jumped, then laughed at my dad. He always pops something for birthdays.

"From yours truly." Elaine pointed towards herself and Rome, they both sent childish chuckles my way.

I peered into the gift bag and fell into a fit of laughter. I pulled out three pairs of socks, one pair had Elaine's face printed on them, the other had Rome's face, and the last had both of their faces.