Forever My Person

61. Lonely Birthday

Everly

• A Memory •

The smell of my favorite breakfast wakes me up. I stretch my limbs feeling the soft covers underneath my cold feet. The light from the window dances between the slits of the blinds casting shadows along the comforter.

There's still a chill to the air as I leave the fluffy fortress to go to the bathroom. I pull off my pajamas and jump into the shower. The warm water soothes my cold skin as I wash my hair and body. I make sure to exfoliate, deep condition and everything else I can do to prepare for the day. As I wrap myself in a towel I notice the pile of laundry stacking up next to the laundry basket. It bothers me just a little bit but I try shaking it off. We both been busy I understand,
With a roll of my eyes I throw it in the basket and walk to the vanity.

I feel good. My skin looks fresh and smooth. There's some faint circles under my eyes but nothing concealer can't camouflage. I brush my teeth and dry my hair and lightly dab some make up on. Today is going to be a great day I tell myself as I look back at my reflection. I let my hair air dry while I change into my favorite pair of jeans and long sleeve shirt. The smell from the kitchen makes my stomach rumble.

I head out to the kitchen letting the delicious aroma lead me. The clanking of utensils and the poping of oil gets louder as I make my way down the hall.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEST FRIEND!" Is yelled right when I step into my kitchen. Avery pounces on me and gives me a bear hug. As she sways me around I see Liam standing near the fridge pouring some orange juice.

Avery finally lets me go after Liam tells her to under his breath. I can't help but love how excited she gets when it comes to birthdays or anything special.

"Happy Birthday Ev." Liam says as I comes over to hug me.

"Thank you guys. I wasn't expecting you guys to be here." I smile at them both. They always make me feel special on my birthday.

"How could I not be the first face you see on your birthday!? I feel like it's a blessing to wake up and see this beautiful-ness especially on your birthday don't cha think?" She flips her hair back over her shoulder with a wink.

"You're too much. It smells so good in here. I'm starving. Who's cooking? I know it's not you Ave so where's Kyle?" I laugh. I walk over to the stove to see eggs,bacon and sausage all fried with some potatoes and fluffy blueberry pancakes. Ummm.. my favorite.

As I look back at both of them they look uncomfortable. There's something up and I can tell. Avery looks back at me with a smile as if she didn't look like she had a mini freak out in her head.

"Liam made you breakfast! He's the cook in this relationship you know that. I just made the coffee." She stutters as she holds up a blue coffee mug.

"I know that. We all know you can't cook for shit but what's going on? Where's Kyle? Did he go to work or something? I swear he came home late last night and he wasn't in the bed when I got up this morning."

I look over at Liam as I interrogate them. His eyes shift from the food to me then down to his glass of orange juice. He's trying not to tell me anything I know it. I ask him specifically where my fiancé is at seeing as they both work in the same base. They became close while we all attended college and both enlisted after we graduated but both of them being so busy only got to see each other if we all planned something as friends.

His hand tightens slightly against his glass as he stares at if hoping it will give him the answer I'm looking for.

"Ev, he left." Is all he mutters under his breath.