Dedicated to all my lovely readers.
Hope you like it.
Happy reading!
-x-
Thought of the chapter:-
Sometimes the most shocking surprises are also the most beautiful ones.
- Lori Wilhite
-x-
STEVEN
My birthday is not something which deserves a celebration according to me. In reality, I was never born on this day but nobody cares about actualism. Mom and dad throw a party every year on this day 'cause it marked my arrival in the family.
I adjust my bowtie and the me in the mirror stares back at me. If only it could reflect the turmoil and battles I am combating in the confines of my mind.
My phone vibrates and I ignore it for the infinite time 'cause I seriously don't want a lecture from Avery on 'Time management when you attend parties'.
As soon as the tyres of my Tesla runs against the asphalt of the driveway, a series of dazzling lights blind me for a few moments.
Show time.
I step down from my car, facing the camera with a light plastic smile and confidence. The photographer takes a few shots as I make my way in.
"Steven. Happy birthday, darling." My mother hugs me, making a good show of public display of affection. My father wishes me next, followed by Aria and her husband Austin, then Avery who doesn't stop squealing about how excited she is. She tells me animatedly that she has arranged each and every object in accordance to my fine tastes.
"Where is Steph?" I ask, enquiring about my brother.
"Right here dude. A party is always imperfect without me and this," Stephen says, raising his flute. "Happy birthday, big brother."
He gives me his special one-sided hug and I muse a 'Thank you'.
"Okay. Now that everyone has wished, can we go inside?" asks a restless Avery.
We all step inside and Newsflash - Avery was right when she talked about the decorations.
The place seems heavenly, smells heavenly, feels heavenly... There is a mingle between the shades of torquise green and midnight blue with hints of jet black. A single-sided embellishment adorns the stage and the incandescence of the decor lights emphasize the surrounding, creating the effect of a handful of shooting stars thrown into the night sky. In the center of the round tables, a single flute vase sits with a bunch of gerbera daisies. The band is playing a soothing melody accentuating the air of a spectacle.
"Ladies and gentlemen, here comes the birthday boy." Avery announces.
As if on cue, the band softens the music and people start to wish me.
What am I... eight?
Yet, I shake some hands, accept the greetings and a handful of hugs, then finally settle on my table.
I catch Avery winking at someone and when I ask, she mouths, 'Surprise' with a wink.
My gaze lingers back towards the stage as the servers arrange the entrée with the complimentary wine and... here goes nothing.
Clad in a full-sleeve black blouse tucked in forest green tule skirt, she looks beguilingly beautiful.
She sits down on a stool with an acoustic guitar in hand. This girl is full of surprises. She doesn't bother to check the microphone or the strings of her guitar. Impressive.
YOU ARE READING
Minutes Before The Miracle
Romance"The first chance, you are broken. The second chance, you are dead." Dive into the lives of Steven Bradshaw and Emma Grey. Two souls separated by distance, connected by fate. Battling horrors of the past, they have come so far but what if the past t...
