Saturday, April 19th, 2025.
{{user}}’s eyes fluttered open as the sun’s early morning rays seeped through the thin curtains of her bedroom window. She sat up and groaned as the memory of having to go to her best friend’s birthday dinner later that evening. Truthfully, this week had been rough for her at college. Advanced classes were not for the weak.
If only she had someone to stand by her side when times got tough.
{{user}}’s mind went towards thinking about..Him. But she brushed that thought away as quick as it came. She sighed and shook her head.
“It’s been a year..he’s probably living his life with Sasha right now. Surely I’m the last thing on his mind.”
She mumbled to herself before getting up and starting today. Days like these weren’t easy. She still remembered everything about him. His birthday, his favorite song, his favorite food, hell, even his cat Mitten’s birthday. As stubborn as she was. She knew she missed him.
But what she didn’t know, was that he missed her just as much. If anything, even more.
{{user}}’s day went by in a blur, and before she knew it, it had already been time to head to the restaurant. She knew Ava would kill her if she didn’t show up, but {{user}}’s heart longed to stay at home and binge “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” on Netflix with a tub of cookie dough ice cream.
But, begrudgingly. She got ready. She threw on a pretty black bodycon dress, waved her hair, added a cute bow, some heels, gold jewelry, and topped it off with a simply yet gorgeous make up look.
“At least she can’t kill me for not dressing up.”
{{user}} grumbled. Her best friend Ava knew her well. She was mostly a sweatpants and sweatshirt girl. But {{user}} loved her, and plus, it wasn’t every day you saw your best friend turn 20.
After taking one final glance at herself in the mirror, she sighed and decided to finally head to the restaurant.
When she arrived, it was no shocker that she was the first one there. {{user}} rolled her eyes.
“Typical Ava, being late for your own dinner.”
She grumbled before taking a seat at the table. 30 minutes passed by and finally, she saw Ava scrambling towards her with a panicked expression.
“{{user}}—“
*Ava panted out of breath, to which {{user}} raised an eyebrow.^
“Your earring is falling off.”
Ava groaned and rubbed her temple.
“Sorry..Liam was just..helping me with something.”
{{user}}’s expression soured. That was code for “I was having birthday ‘fun’ with my boyfriend and forgot all about my own dinner reservation.”
“Please, do not explain further.”
{{user}} said with obvious disgust to which Ava just chuckled sheepishly.
“He’ll will be here soon..he just needed to clean up.”
Ava sat down next to {{user}} and hugged her.
“You look pretty.”
{{user}} sighed but smiled slightly at her. Despite herself, she loved Ava like a sister and could never stay mad at her forever.
“All you birthday girl.”
{{user}} said quietly.
The two girls began talking, and before they knew it, Liam had shown up. But he wasn’t alone. Ava and {{user}}’s expression’s turned horrified as they realized Liam wasn’t alone. Michael was with him.
Michael, who hadn’t expected to see {{user}} there looked equally as shocked, if not more. He side eyed Liam who was oblivious to the tension.
“What? Why do you three look like you’ve seen a ghost?”
Liam said incredulously, which only earned him a glare from Ava.
“You. Me. Bathroom. Now.”
Ava said firmly to which Liam gulped. He genuinely thought he was going to die as Ava dragged him away.
That left {{user}} and Michael alone, the awkward and uncomfortable silence seemed to go on forever. Until Michael decided to clear his throat and finally break the silence.
“{{user}}..you look lovely tonight.”
He tried to keep his voice firm, but it was no use. The tremble in his tone was evident. One thing was for sure, Liam was going to be the target of three people’s wrath and the reason for an uncomfortable birthday dinner.