The picnics get away helped strengthen my friendship with Francesca, built my trust in her and I began to enjoy this experience more than I did at the onset. We had become sisters and quite inseparable. I have become a happier soul than I have ever been or tried to be. Finally I have started to open up myself to some type of relationship with the world. This compromise was worth it in the end.
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Towards the beginning of my third year of studies, something happened which had never happened to me. My birthday was around the corner and it made me so happy; I love to celebrate my birthday because it marks a milestone crossed amidst all that I go through every year and how strong I have stood to storm the weather. Therefore no matter how the celebration was, big or small I always bought myself a gift.
This year was going to be a little different, I would be celebrating without my family but hey, that's what growing up is all about; new experiences, self-sufficiency and self discovery, one cannot always be with family at all times. This time it is going to be just I and Francie who by the way has been elated more so than I, the celebrant. She has been, going on and on about what we would do to commemorate the day. As we were walking to class one day an idea crept in her head
"Aha! I just had an idea for your birthday. Let's throw a party for you"
"Parties are meant to be attended who would be attending this party of yours or are you throwing a party for just the two of us?"
"I'll attend the party" a voice said behind us.
Reflexively, we turned to find out who it was. It turned out to be Alfonzo, a classmate of ours. He isn't exactly what you call popular amongst the students but he was quite known especially for his beautiful face and fine physique. He is among the intelligent ones in the class. He's superficially what a lady wants in a man.
"Now that's one person and a fine one too" Francie said with a big grin
"That's sweet but there has to be a party first for you to attend" I chuckled
"I'm sure there will be one" he said smiling
"Alright" I said as I walked away with Francie
"A party is pointless, we don't have any other friends that we could invite, and it can't be just the two of us at the party. We'll just have dinner together and any other fun stuff you think of"
"Alright love, as you wish, I just thought it would be better and more fun to have a party"
We ended the conversation as we walked into the class. In class, I wondered why I hadn't taken cognisance of him until now and about what Francesca had said; He was truly handsome - just then the lecturer's words spun me back to reality.
As days drew by I became more elated about my birthday. A few more days to go and Francie started worrying about our outfits.
"Hey Ola you do wear heels right? I've never seen you in one"
"Of course I do, I just don't wear it often. I find flats more comfortable"
"Good, because we will be wearing one to the dinner we have planned for your birthday"
"Yes ma'am. I'll wear a lemon dress, what about you?"
"I'll be wearing whatever colour you pick. The shoes will be black right"
"Yeah, black is alright"
"Okay, then its settled" she giggled.
We arrived at Moonshine hotel at 7:00 pm for the dinner. I had reserved a table for the two of us. I approached the receptionist to show us to our table instead we were pointed to a direction but that wasn't the restaurant's dining area.
"I'm sorry but I think there has been a mistake, lady. I reserved a table for two with the hotel that's what I'm requesting for"
"Yes ma'am, I'm aware of that but we had saved the spot for a private dinner for you since it's your birthday. Courtesy of the house"
"Oh I see, thank you so much" I said smiling at the receptionist.
"If you please, I'd love to show you to the room" said the porter
"Yes please" we both replied
He walked us to a door down the lobby. The area was very quiet and I seemed to love it already. With a smile on his face, he pointed to the door, ushered us into the room and left
"Do enjoy your stay" he said as he left
"Thank you" we said in unison
We walked into the room; it was dark but lit with candles. I was surprised but I loved the scenery.
"Francie did you do this" I laughed
"Well it wasn't just me, I had a little help" she said smiling
Just then the lights came on and I heard people screaming surprise. My classmates were all here.
"What!! Oh my god you are all here?"
"Yes I told you there'll definitely be a party" Alfonzo said walking up to me.
"You too, really!! And you're all dressed in the same colour as us?" I said looking at Francesca
"Yeah you guessed right. I planned the party with Alfonzo and we made use of all the information you gave me" she said smiling at me
"Then you were the one that cancelled our reservation. The receptionist was also in on this, right?"
"That's also correct. Alfonzo did most of the work"
"Really? Thank you so much Alfonzo you actually made sure you came for the party"
"I keep my word girl. Happy birthday" he said handing me a gift.
"Thanks" I said as we rejoined the party.
After the party, I and Francie got some chicken and ice-cream to celebrate personally with and headed back to my place. We freshened up and ate while we watched a movie.
"I had so much fun today Francie thank you so much for planning this amazing night.
"I told you I was going to throw you a party, there's no way I wasn't going to fulfil that" slighting gloating
"Seriously, how did you pull it off? I mean how did get everyone to come"
"Alfonzo helped. He's been helping while I got the details from you to make sure everything was the way you wanted it to be. He helped invite the class and helped me out with the venue too"
"He did want to come to the party huh!"
"I think he likes you"
"We've only spoken twice and you're already seeing butterflies in the clouds?" I said laughing hysterically
"Trust me he does. You'll see."