SEBASTIAN
The date was weeks ago yet I still felt giddy inside. We had developed a steady and comfortable rhythm after that, coexisting with ease.
Every morning I would wake up and get ready, then Audrey and I would have breakfast together. We moved to the living room over time because Audrey felt uncomfortable eating face to face, she said it reminded her of her parent's house and it made her nervous.
I would make sure I had everything before leaving for work. Once I arrive I would make a list of things I had to do and slowly work my way to completion. I would rejoice when it hit one o' clock, lunch break.
At six I would leave and make my way home, greeting Audrey when I get home if she's there and making dinner for her if she isn't. We would eat and talk about our day, once again in front of the TV in the living room. We would sit somewhere in the house and talk about anything, or watch a movie, or something else.
Did I bore you? Well, considering my entire world practically revolves around Audrey at the moment, I wouldn't be surprised if you got bored every time you had to read my point of view but you see, this mundane life with Audrey is what keeps me going.
Which is why when I got an anonymous text out of the blue to meet someone I felt misplaced, and I felt even worse when they told me to bring Audrey. They gave me a time and the address of a local cafe, at least it was in public so that made me feel better.
"Are you ready?" I asked, knocking on Audrey's door.
I heard some shuffling before the door was thrown open. "I am. Sorry for taking so long."
"Don't worry about it. You look beautiful." I couldn't hide the smile on my face. She chose a white dress and a pair of light pink pumps to match her pink handbag and a heavy brown coat to top it off with her grey scarf.
"It's sunny outside so I went for white to reflect the sunlight off of it and the bonus is I don't overheat." Smiled so brightly, giggling quietly to herself. Oh, how I wish she didn't try to hide her laugh.
"You can take the girl out of physics but you can't take the physics out of the girl. Plus, it's cold so you're going to be wearing a coat over it." I joked, nudging her with my elbow. I then noticed my mistake. "Wait."
"Shhhhh, we're just going to ignore that fact, and plus you cannot take the girl out of physics or the physics out of the girl. It's impossible, physics is everywhere." She covered her mouth as she laughed.
I took her hand in mine so that her mouth was uncovered. "You have a beautiful laugh and a beautiful mouth. Please don't hide them."
At this, her cheeks blossomed with red and she refused to look me in the eye. "Shut up." She whispered. She was embarrassed.
"Did I make the Audrey Parkinson blush? I think I did." I boasted, turning her face towards despite her protests. I held her face and placed a quick kiss on her forehead and then on her cheeks.
"Sebastian," she whined, holding onto my hands.
"Beautiful," I whispered. I almost got lost in her eyes but I quickly broke myself free from their trance and let go of her face, making my way to the garage. "But if we don't leave soon we're going to be late."
I drove us to the destination, parking in a nearby parking space. I felt the nerves build up as we made our way inside, the waves of confusion quickly washing over me when we entered into the empty cafe.
"It's empty?"
"I'm confu-"
"Surprise!" A chorus of voices boomed all at once, causing me to jump.
We looked to the counter where a group of people stood, proud of their plan's perfect execution.
"Libby!" Audrey squealed, running to the girl who came through the staff door.
Libby embraced her in a hug, disregarding a lovesick James behind her. "Hey girl, sorry I kept this a secret but I wanted it to be a surprise."
"Which we can't believe worked because Libby can't keep her mouth shut." This time it was Margo who walked through the door.
"Yeah, and who knew it would be so easy to get someone's number. Come on Sebastian, you stupid man." Marcus came charging at me followed by Luke.
"That was you? Dude, that's not okay. You can't text people to come to meet you somewhere, that has serial killer vibes all over it." I returned his hug and patted his back.
"No, serial killers make you trust them first before killing you. What I sent wasn't trustworthy at all."
"Whatever. What are you all doing here?" I asked once the room quieted a little.
"Well first off, I missed Audrey so I needed to visit. I'm sorry Sebastian, I love you but I love Audrey so much more."
"And how could you forget Audrey's birthday?" Rachel came out with a cake, followed by Oliver.
"Wait, it's my birthday already?" Audrey's brows were furrows in confusion, a small pout on her face.
"Of course silly." Libby smiled, motioning to Rachel to set down the cake. "So you rent out a cafe for your best friends birthday, as you do."
"Uh...no, I don't," Marcus commented, causing us to laugh.
"Make a wish sweetheart." Margo smiled, watching her little sister make a wish before blowing out the candles.
We all cheered as the smoke rose from the now extinguished candle. We ordered food and drinks from the staff, deciding it would be best to keep the cake for later.
"Present time!" Rachel squealed. I have no idea when she and Audrey became so friendly but I'm happy.
I'm happy. I'm home.
AUDREY
Here I am, sitting in a cafe surrounded by the people I love. I ignored the fact that I had no contact from my parents and stayed in the present.
"Make a wish sweetheart." So I did. I closed my eyes and wished. I really shouldn't say in case it doesn't come true but...is it silly to wish for happiness?
I blew the candle out and opened my eyes to everybody cheering. I couldn't stop the smile that made its way onto my face, so much so that my cheeks began to hurt and the waiter took pity on me.
We ate our food and drank our beverages before cutting the cake.
"Present time!" Rachel darted to the back followed by everyone else to get their presents. I waited with Sebastian for everyone's return, he said his present for me was at home.
"Me first!" Libby demanded, placing a box in front of me.
I slowly unwrapped it to reveal a notebook covered in constellations.
"I know your company does everything by computer but it was too pretty not to get." Libby smiled, looking slightly nervous.
"Thank you, I love it so much." I was in awe of the beauty of this notebook.
"Me next, here." Rachel handed me her present. "I heard how much you liked space so..."
I lifted off the lid, smiling at the bracelet inside. It was a delicate gold chain with three small golden stars in the middle. "Thank you, it's beautiful." I smiled and asked Sebastian to help me put it on. He smiled and gently rubbed my wrist once the bracelet was on, sliding his hand down to hold my own.
"Our turn." Marcus and Luke got me a Starbucks gift card, considering the number of times I go there a week it's safe to say I was extremely grateful. Oliver got me a beautiful batik tapestry and a fluffy blanket, which he felt really awkward about but soon became happy when I smothered my face in it because it was so soft. James got me a book voucher with a generous limit on it, I tried to refuse but he just smiled and wrapped his arm around Libby.
By the time we left, the stars were out, our stomachs were full of food and cake and our cheeks hurt from smiling too much. They were staying for the week so we all agreed to go to our respective shelters for the night.
Once we entered the house I sprinted upstairs with all my presents, eager to change into my pyjamas and wrap myself in my new fluffy blanket. Once I returned to the living room I sat on the sofa and put the movie Sebastian and I had discussed in the car. I heard the soft thud of his footsteps and looked up to see Sebastian decked out in his own pyjamas.
"We got a delivery earlier on," He said, motioning to the massive bouquet on the kitchen counter. How did I not see that before?
I got up and read the note.
'Happy Birthday Audrey!
Happy birthday my baby girl. I hope that all your birthday wishes come true and that you have an amazing day.
Love mama and papa.'
I returned to the comfy couch, feeling a little happier now that I know my parents didn't forget my birthday when Sebastian came over.
"Happy birthday Audrey." He handed me a long rectangular box. Inside lay a necklace so beautiful that I gasped. It was gold like the bracelet from Rachel with a dainty chain and resting on the bottom was a small gold rectangle. On one side it had my star sign with minuscule diamonds as the stars, on the other side was writing.
"You are my moon and stars." I read aloud, looking up at Sebastian.
"It's taken me a while to say this, actually I planned to tell you the day you left." He looked extremely anxious. I reached for his hands and pulled him down beside me.
"It's okay, you can tell me," I mumbled, holding his hands in mine.
"I'm in, I'm in love with you." He rushed, getting it out in the open. "I love you, Audrey."
I chuckled, rubbing his freezing cold hands. "I know." His eyes widened but I continued before he could say anything. "I love you too."
He brought my hands up to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on both of them. "I love you," he mumbled against them.
I giggled and kissed his cheek. "I love you too."