“Your design will get done, but there might be a little delay.”
That’s fine, thank you. Here is the design broken down with colour swatches and other small notes. Would you like me to have these put aside safely for you?I ask, taking the signed contract from him.
“Sure. That’ll work,” he says, with a small nod.
Perfect. Thanks for your time.I turn just as the lights dim, and I realise a cake has been brought in.
“You missed your birthday, honey, so we thought you should at least get a cake,” Mama says as the spotlight shines on me and on a large cake that is lit with 17 candles.
My eyes widen slightly; I wasn’t expecting this. Soft music begins playing as I make my way to the front.
I smile at Mama, glancing down at the gorgeous cake that matches my dress. I smile at Mama, knowing she probably changed the colours according to what I chose.
Grandpa Marcel begins singing Happy Birthday and others join in. I smile gracefully as I stare at the glitteringcandles.
As they end the song, Mama places a hand on my arm.
“Make a wish,” she says as she holds my hair back. I gaze down at the candles before closing my eyes.
I wish that everyone always remains safe, and that no matter how hard the war becomes, we can return to our loved ones.
I open my eyes and blow out the candles.
“No fair, I want to,” Kaden says, pouting.
‘Sorry’,I mouth as I crouch down and kiss his cheek.
“I want cake.” He points at the cake as Mama passes me a knife, and I nod at him.
“Heaven will give you some cake, don’t you worry,” Mama says, ruffling his hair.
I cut the first slice, break a piece off and feed Kaden first. He grins happily before I then give Mama a bite, who takes a spoon, and breaking a bit off, feeds me.
Thank you for everything, Mama,I write before hugging her tightly.
Then it’s a blur as everyone in my family wants to feed me a piece.
“My turn!” Sienna says. I smile as I take a piece off and feed her. She feeds me a piece at the same time before hugging me.
Want some?I ask Allie, who shakes her head.
“No thanks,” she answers, before taking a clean spoon and breaking a bit off to feed me a spoonful. I smile at her, my eyes scanning the crowds.
He isn’t here… strange.
Why am I even looking for him? I shake my head, but I’m unable to stop myself from scanning the crowd. The rest of his family is here…
A sliver of worry flits through me when suddenly someone taps me on the shoulder. I turn to see none other than Holden.
Can I help you?I ask. You have the nerve to show up here after what you said about me. I may not write those words out, but my expression says that enough.
“Can we talk? Come on-”
No,I write.Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go freshen up,I lie, before I turn and walk away, leaving him standing there. He’ll find someone better suited to him, and I hope it’s soon so he can leave me alone.
“Hey.” I look at Ahren, who snuck up on me silently, priding myself for not getting startled.
What do you want?I ask suspiciously.
