"Hannah!"
"Hannah!" I kept calling, but there was no response.
"Where are you? Why is it dark?"
"Mom!"
"Hannah! Hannah!"
I took a step forward, my foot kicking something.
It felt really light, "What's that?"
"Surprise!" A chorus of voices erupted.
My heart skipped a beat as my eyes widened in surprise.
A sea of faces stood before me, but my gaze locked onto one person - my mom.
She looked different, but I didn't pay attention to that.
I rushed towards her, throwing my arms around her in a tight embrace.
"Mom!"
"Mom, where have you been? And where..."
I pulled away, grasping her shoulders.
"Liam, where is Liam?"
"And why..."
My brows furrowed in confusion.
I hadn't noticed until now.
I scanned the rest of the people standing nearby, they all looked like they came for an event.
They wore expensive clothes that shimmered in the warm orange light, and a smile graced their lips as they gazed at me.
"What's all this?"
My gaze snapped back to my mom, who was beaming.
Her cheeks glinted, and her eyes twinkled with happiness.
"What's all this mom?"
"It's your birthday, silly!" A familiar voice exclaimed.
"My birthday?"
I immediately saw Mariam stepping forward with a bright red heart-shaped balloon.
She wore a fitted, armless red gown with a high slit on the left side, exposing her leg.
A stray curl of her hair fluttered across her face as she nodded.
Her hair was perfectly styled!
"Yes! We've been planning this surprise party since yesterday!"
"Yesterday?"
She wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me into a warm hug.
As she pulled away, my eyes landed on her bold red lipstick.
She looked stunning, and I felt a little dazed.
"Did you forget today's your birthday?"
"And also, why is there a bandage on your head?"
Her voice became muffled in my head as I watched her lips move.
"Layla!"
I blinked rapidly, my gaze finally meeting hers. "Uhm, yeah?"
She chuckled, shaking her head, "Everyone, let's get started!"
The room erupted in a chorus of "Happy Birthday to You" as I was gently pulled towards the couch.
Getting to the couch, a hand grasped my shoulder from behind as I stared at the huge decorated cake with candles circling it on the table.
"Happy birthday dear Laylaaa, happy birthday to youuuuu!"
I couldn't help but smile,
I didn't even realize it was my birthday today.
June 13, how could I forget?
They clapped their hands together, having already finished the song.
I felt overwhelmed with joy, as I had never celebrated my birthday like this before.
I covered my nose and mouth with my hands, gazing sideways at each of them as they applauded.
My heart suddenly ached, and I pulled my hands away, realizing Liam was absent, probably still upset with me.
The room fell silent, and the hand on my shoulder suddenly withdrew, replaced by a warm, tight embrace that pulled me close to their chest.
Before I could turn to speak, they kissed my neck.
"Happy birthday to you, Layla."
The familiarity of the voice sent my heart sinking into a whirlpool of emotions.
"L-Liam?"
He slowly withdrew his arms from around me, and I turned to face him, my brows slightly furrowed.
My lips parted, but words failed me.
Should I yell or embrace him?
He looked as stunning as ever, and it felt like I was meeting him for the first time all over again.
A simple smile graced his face, his gaze piercing down at me with a glint that made my heart flutter.
My brows twitched, and I relaxed them, feeling the movement of the bandage on my head.
I suddenly felt my eyes welling up with uncontrollable tears, tears I didn't permit.
I impulsively flung myself into his embrace, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck, ignoring the giggles and whispers from the onlookers.
"Why did you leave me, Liam?" I demanded, my voice cracking. "
"Why didn't you come home last night?"
I pulled back, tears still streaming down my face, and searched his eyes for a response.
His smile faded, and he cradled my face in his warm, gentle hands, comforting me.
"You have every right to be upset," he said, his voice low and gentle, a tone I had deeply missed.
"I wanted to surprise you, but I never intended to hurt you."
My vision blurred as tears filled my eyes, unable to hold back my emotions.
Why didn't he just tell me?
His disappearance had made me feel unwanted, and it hurt.
I closed my eyes, feeling the tears slide down my cheeks.
But why did he make me feel that way?
When I opened my eyes again, he was gently wiping away my tears with his soft hands, his gaze locked on mine, a gentle smile on his face.
"Don't stay upset with me, or you won't get your gifts," he said, his voice playful.
"G-gifts?" I stuttered, my tears momentarily forgotten.
He nodded, his adorable puppy face shining through, and I sniffled, licking my salty lips.
"Where are they?"
"You have to promise me you've forgiven me first," he said, his eyes searching mine.
I glanced at him, thinking it through.
He had done all of this for me, so why should I stay mad?
I had hurt him more than he had hurt me, so I shouldn't be angry.
My eyes welled up with tears again as I nodded, my gaze locked on his.
He released my face, and the cold in the air sank into my pores.
He gently grasped my wrist and led me towards the dining room, the crowd parting with smiles as we approached.
As we entered, I saw a plethora of gifts on the table, and my eyes widened in surprise.
Are all of these for me?
Liam guided me to the head of the table, still holding my wrist.
My eyes grew wide as I gazed at the array of gifts.
"Wow!"
I reached for a blue packaged box, but heard footsteps approaching.
I ignored them and focused on the gift.
Liam then released my wrist, allowing me to open the box.
I turned to him, noticing his intense gaze, and felt a flutter in my chest.
I've grown to love him too much.
I smiled and began unwrapping the gift, revealing a beautiful bracelet.
"Wow, so beautiful!" I exclaimed.
Liam smiled, and I saw Mariam raising her hand, pointing to a similar glimmering jewelry on her wrist.
"Look, I also have one on me!"
I carefully removed the bracelet from the box and gently waved it in the air, a big smile spreading across my lips.
"I love it, Mariam!"
I carefully put the bracelet on my wrist and waved my hand for her to see.
Mariam giggled, "Stunning!"
I lowered my hand, still grinning from ear to ear, feeling utterly delighted and overjoyed.
I turned to Liam, my gaze expectant.
"Uhm..."
My eyes darted around his face, unable to maintain eye contact.
"My gift, where is it?"
I watched as he bent down, his head inclining towards mine, his eyes never leaving mine.
My cheeks flushed with heat, and I felt my heart skip a beat.