For Ever

eight

dear ever,

it's now may twenty-five, happy birthday! i just wanted to say that before i forget. remember the first time we celebrated your birthday? you asked me out for dinner, sadly at that time i didn't know it was your birthday. so, i told you i was busy. i liked playing hard to get.

"I can't believe we'll have our finals next week, Bree we're officially going to be sophomore's after next week," I gleamed hugging my textbooks. Bree looked my way and glared at me.

"Oops sorry, I forgot. You have a hangover, I'll talk softly," I said then I bit my lip trying to repress a laugh. We were on our way to Sana Hall, we had our Chemistry relocated there because another class used our classroom. Bree still massaging her head and muttering curses that was intended for Kalix. As we went to our new assigned room, I saw you. You were wiping the white board, Ever. From the looks of it, you were wiping off the notes from anatomy that the teacher scribbled on. You looked my way and saw me, you waved your hand and I did the same. You went near me as I sat next to Bree.

"Fucking Kalix," she muttered looking at her phone. You shot me a confused look and I gave you a gesture saying that Bree's hangover.

"I have to ask you something," you started and then sat next to me. I nodded and listened.

"So, uhm. My parents reserved a table for two at La Vie, the one in uphill," you started and I looked at you with confusion, where were you going with this Ever?

"Uhm, they had an emergency so they couldn't go, they gave me the reservation instead. Want to go? At seven tonight, if it's alright with you?" you asked. I was about to say yes but I remembered all the studying I needed to catch up to.

"I would love to but I'm busy, I'm sorry. Maybe next time?" I asked again and you nodded with a grin. You were so understanding, Ever. I don't know if you were genuinely this nice or if you were just a pushover. If I were to be rejected as much as I did with you, I would've given up already. But you didn't. You stood up and took your bag. You muttered your goodbye to both Bree and I and then exited the room.

Bree's phone kept on ringing and she groaned again, "Fucking Kalix."

I took her phone and answered for her, "Kalix it's Tanisha, Bree is really hangover, call later when she's in a better mood."

"Oh Tani, just the girl I was looking for. So, it's Ever's birthday an-," Kalix was explaining and I zoned out immediately when he told em the news. I just rejected you on your birthday. I'm horrible. At that time Ever I was overthinking. I thought about all the possible outcomes that can come out of this rejection.

"Hello? Tanisha? Hello?" I heard Kalix said on the phone and I snapped out of my thoughts.

"Oh sorry, I was distracted. What was that again?"  I said, trying to focus on what he'll say. Ever, you know that I hate celebrating any kind of events. But your birthday is an exception. For the first time in my life, I actually looked forward to celebrating something. You're changing me Ever.

"After you and Ever go to La Vie, tell him that you want to stop by at school before he takes you home. Drag him to the botanical, we'll be there waiting with his surprise," Kalix explained, getting all excited. You have nice friends, Ever.

"Kalix, I said no to La Vie," I told him, feeling guilty. Kalix shouted and then laughed.

"I didn't know you were this heartless, Tanisha. Wow, the first girl after her and then you do this. Ever, has bad luck in love. You can't have everything, afterall," Kalix muttered. He said goodbye to me and said that he'll think of something else but before he could hang up I told him to leave it to me. I can make you go to the botanical. He thanked me and then ended the call. I placed the phone on Bree's desk trying not to wake her up.

I took my phone and then texted you, Ever. I asked you if I can borrow back your notes. You told me that you'll just drop it off to my dorm after class and I agreed.

The Chemistry class felt longer than it usually was. Maybe because I was anticipating what's about to come. Our teacher handed us some handouts that we needed to study for next week and then dismissed us.

"Bree, I'm gonna go buy something. When Ever comes to the dorm distract him, don't let him leave if I'm not back yet," I instructed then I immediately got my bag and ran out of the room leaving Bree behind.

I took a taxi and went to the nearest mall that's near my University. I remember you said you liked cheesecakes so I took the liberty of buying you one. Hopefully this can make up for the rejection. Then I went back home.

I saw Bree and you talking, Ever. From the looks of it you were about to leave since you were outside the building. I bet Bree talked about nonsense, again. I prepared the cake I have in my hand, lighting the candles for you. I tapped your shoulder and you looked back to see me. A shocked expression formed on my face. Your eyes shifted to the cake then back to me.

"Is it too late to say yes to your dinner invitation?" I asked. You laughed and smiled, with teary eyes.

"Nothings too late for you, Tani," you said with full conviction.