"Happy ! Happy birthday,
that's all I can say,
I wish you many happy returns." A song from Sunny Neji played on. I opened my eyes to see my friends and family all laughing. Seeing my raised head they shouted "SURPRISE".
"That was too expensive." I hissed and smiled.
"We're deeply sorry, we just wanted to make your day more beautiful." My dad apologized.
He came closer and embraced me.
Soon there was a heap of gifts and hugs.
"I feel very special, thank you." I over joyously cried, tears flowed freely. What have I given to deserve this? I thought.
"Waoh! you really are special." I turned to see the speaker while quickly swiping a lone tear on my cheek. A total stranger, maybe the son of one of my dad's friends or associates. I tried to turn away but something about him kept me fixed. What was it? He was not the only handsome man I have met. He has no extraordinary feature but something was definitely familiar.
"I am R. R." He stretched his hand grinning like a cat that had caught a mouse. I scrutinized him with my eyes from his hair to the toes.
"Thanks, Mr R. R." I replied as politely as I was disgusted. Who on earth does he think he is, trying to befriend me? Did he think I'm one of those hungry girls? I shook my head and walked away from him. From where I stood, I saw him check himself to see what fault I saw in him. he looked in my direction, smiled and went to my friend. I went upstairs, picked my phone and dialed my friend. She answered at the third ring.
"Hello" said the voice at the other end. It wasn't my friend. I kept cool.
"Tansho, is that you?"
"No it's R. R."
I was angry but controlled my emotions. "Where is Tansho?" I must speak to her at once.
"You can't"
"Why? by the way what right have you to answer her calls." I bursted. He laughed gently like I had said a joke.
" She's my neice and I will advise you calm your nerves."
"Calm my nerves? who said I'm worked up. just pass the phone to her. it's important." I resigned. He laughed and hung up. I was mad. I felt like gorging his eyes. I hated him that minute but whatever it was that felt familiar lingered and the only one to help me was my friend.
"Bec, come downstairs let's get the party started."
"Okay mum." I straightened myself and went downstairs.
"Bec, stop being so awesome. You might actually regret it someday." R.R smiled into my ear. I froze. Not because he knew my name. It was my birthday party and it would be strange not to have picked my name but he threatened me. I turned to look at his eyes. his eyes were serious despite his smile. I raised my finger, locked his gaze. "Don't threaten me or....."
"Or what? Dearie" He gently bent my finger, smiled and left.
Through the rest of the party, my mind was on this stranger and the familiar streak yet to be found. as familiar as it felt, my senses highlighted more danger. I shuddered each time our gazes lock. He spelt trouble in all ways.