“Not a problem. If you have any issues you know where to find us.” She beamed. “Merry Christmas!” She called after me. I waved at her and made my exit. You’ve just spent nearly 30 grand on her… My subconscious couldn’t quite believe it. I laughed to myself as I made my way back to find my car in the car park. Jay was gonna throw a fit.
Holt - December 20th - Saturday
The sound of the girls giggling made my eyes open.
“Happy Birthday to you!” Soph began to sing.
“Happy Birthday to you!!!” Chlo joined in,
“Happy Birthday dear Avayyyyyyyy, Happy Birthday to you!” Nance finished. I groaned and laughed all at the same time before my eyes opened wider. They were all gathered on the end of my bed in my own home and I smiled at them all. Missy had taken a rain check last night after our shopping trip. She’d been pissy since the morning when she entered Haz’s room. I still hadn’t told him it was my Birthday. I’m 21! My mum burst through the doors holding two balloons, the numbers two and one. They were huge and I scrambled to my feet to hug her. I squeezed her tightly and felt her hands wrap around my back.
“Happy birthday sweetheart.” She kissed my cheek softly and I held her a little tighter. The girls had stayed over last night. They didn’t want me on my own. 21 was a big birthday apparently. She smiled behind me at my friends before she released me.
“Breakfast is ready when you are.” I could smell it from where I stood.
“I love that smell.” Nance licked her lips and I grinned and walked down the stairs. Chlo threw my phone my way.
“You have a birthday message.” I smirked and swiped my screen to unlock it.
Haz: Happy Birthday Beautiful x
I smiled to myself and shook my head.
“You told him?” She grinned and floated down the stairs effortlessly. I envied her for always looking flawless. I walked down the stairs and found them all demolishing pancakes in the kitchen. My mum was singing as she washed up the dishes and I watched Soph demolish hers in one fowl swoop. I sat next to Nance and she pushed a little box my way. It was wrapped in pink and I smiled towards her. She wiped her mouth, the remainder of syrup from her chin and nodded towards the box.
“I hope you like it.” I began to open the tiny box and inside was a small charm. It was a feather and I felt tears prick in my eyes.
“It’s lovely thank you.” I ran my fingers over the tiny charm. Chlo handed me another box. I raised my brow in her direction and she smiled, she was sat next to me on the wooden table and was cupping her tea in her hands.
“I hope you like it.” She gave me an almost coy look and I began to unwrap the box. The silver dainty chain hosted the most lovely charms. Nancy’s gift made more sense now. I smiled widely and caught the tear that fell from my cheek. It was the most thoughtful thing anybody other than my mum had brought me. She cuddled me softly and I smiled.
“The tree is my favourite.” She muttered against my head. “It’s a symbol for family.” A wave of appreciation for a friend like her consumed me. I squeezed her slightly tighter and watched her smile and flush pink. “Jay thought you’d find it weird.” She scoffed a laugh and I shook my head.
“No I love it.” I placed it around my arm and watched as she did the clasps up. I showed my mum and smiled to myself. It was beautiful. Soph’s hazel eyes glanced at it and she grinned widely. She was shit at buying gifts. She always had been. I watched as she wiped her fingers on the towel resting on the table.
“I brought you a new dressing gown.” I chuckled and watched her smile. “Hey it’s a nice dressing gown!” She shoved my shoulder softly and I smiled to myself. I placed her head in my arm and ruffled the top of her hair so that it stood up.
“Thanks ladies.” I beamed. My mum snuggled me from behind and I squeezed her hands softly. The radio continued to blare out Christmas songs and I frowned. “If I have to endure All I Want For Christmas, one more time today I think I might cry.” They all laughed and I smiled widely. Mum moved herself from off my shoulders and placed a pancake in her mouth.
“We’re going out for a meal later on. To celebrate.” Chloe glanced towards my mum who nodded.
“We thought you’d like a meal instead of a piss up.” Nance added. I scowled at her. I’d have liked a little bit of both.
“Lover boy will be there.” Sophs eyes danced as she spoke and I shook my head.
“No idea who you’re talking about.” A sound of giggles boomed from around me. I loved them all so very much but right now bringing this up in front of my mum was embarrassing to say the least. I ran my fingers over the charms that were dancing against my arm and flushed.
“Oh give it up Av.” Teased Nance. She winked at my mum who shook her head and wandered away into the living room. Almost instantly I threw a spoon towards Nance. She ducked quickly and laughed. “Hey!” She squeaked and I frowned.
“Stop it not around my mum! Fuck sake.” I straightened myself out and pushed my hair behind my ear. Soph sat up a little straighter. I knew that meerkat stance. A million questions were coming my way.
“The only reason you’d be this embarrassed would be if,” her eyes softened as she looked at me. I was growing redder in colour I could feel it.
