Under the Stars |✓

20

As we left our own light to shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do same.

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I put on a yellow tee shirt that reached below my waist and wore matching pajama pants.

I left my almost dry hair down and began to take out my clothes from my bag and suitcase, putting them in the drawers.

As I was doing this, someone knocked on the door and it opened, Dennis' head popping in and his eyes wandering to me.

"You ready?" He asked, coming in.

I nodded my head. "Yeah. I'm just packing my clothes."

"Leave your clothes and come with me." He said, holding out his hands for me.

I willingly took his hand and got up from the bed. Using my other hand, I brushed a piece of my now dry hair behind my ears.

"Dennis, thank y-" I began but he placed a finger on my lips to stop me from saying anymore.

"Save that for later. Just follow me, please." He begged.

A smile fought itself unto my face and I nodded, letting him lead the way. We reached the dining table that was next to the kitchen and I was dumbfounded at what I saw.

There on the dining table was a medium sized cake with white creamed icing. On the top was written the words, 'Happy birthday Lisa' in cursive writing, written with purple icing.

Around the cake was a plate of roasted chicken with salad around it as garnish, a large bowl of vanilla and strawberry ice cream, buttered scones and donuts with sprinkles, fruit salad and a whole load of other stuffs that filled the four-cornered rectangular table.

I glanced at Dennis and the smiling faces of the rest of the family before looking back at the dining table. It was almost nine o'clock in the night and the table was filled with scrumptious food and snacks, especially my favorite dishes that I remembered telling Dennis.

Did he do all this for me?

"Surprise!" Dennis said beside me. I remained silent and it caused Dennis to frown a little.

Willing myself to speak and break the long silence, I said, "Uh... Isn't this too much for a weird stranger like me?"

Dennis cracked a smile. " It's the least we could do for you."

Tears began to form in my eyes against my will. If I cried right now, that would make it twice tonight.

"You mean lil ole me?" I sniffled, my hands covering my face, hiding my embarrassment. My voice came out muffled because of my hands against my face.

I heard his mother laugh and Dennis chuckled lowly, removing my hand from my face and staring at me.

"Yes. And no more of that crying now Lisa. You've done enough of that already." He advised.

I couldn't help but let out a light laugh. I wiped a lone tear that had escaped. I was happy that's for sure. I've never experienced this with my family, and celebrating my birthday with total strangers who have been nothing but nice and sweet to me, really left me flabbergasted.

"You all really shouldn't have gone through all that trouble. It's enough for all of you to let me into your house, but planning a birthday dinner for me is just too much."

"Tut tut. It's no big deal. " The young boy said, his hands in his pocket, trying to act cool. I saw Dennis give him a disapproving look making me giggle.

"Come here darling." His mother cheered, opening her arms at me. I gladly hugged her, and the rest of the family, thanking all of them wholeheartedly.

Afterwards we went on to celebrating my birthday in the most pleasurable way I've ever experienced in my entire life.