Will people come back when they are leaving? Some were not. Some did. If they returned, will they stay the same person? It might impossible to not. I wish It is not late to refixed the connection that was being shattered. I am still hoping...

I packed the unnecessary stuff scattered on the ground. I put the balloons in the corner while Cephie was busy putting the curtain on the little stage. I will throw a birthday party for myself. I just want to make it simple but memorable. I invited my friends and some old co-workers that were closed to me. I pointed to Cephie for putting the curtain unbalanced to the other side. I creased my forehead, getting disappointed. She just shrugged and look at me awkwardly and make a peace sign. My god! it will take us more hours to finish!

"What?" She innocently asked with amusement on her face. "This will be a great birthday of yours, Lou."

"Only if you fixed that curtain." I hissed.

I roamed around my sight, looking at the decoration we put on. I checked my phone for those people I emailed that will attend my birthday. It's not a few attendees but I prefer a small celebration for the later night. I wish he would be here, Xyler. I can't deny I barely think of him If where he is. Will she have a girlfriend now or a wife? Did he still remember my birthday? ...I don't know. The world left me with unsaid thoughts. It's now confusing.
I went inside first after we prepared the tables and chairs. I also have the food I had ordered and a few bottles of beer ready for later. Cephie and I were the only ones who took care of them. It was as if I had surprised myself. It was 6 pm in the evening and the small party would start in two hours. I looked at myself in the mirror while not still wearing my simple dress for later. I'm just wearing a robe and had done my make-up. Cephie was in my bed, looking at me.
"Should I tie my hair or not?" I inquired her. She raised her eyebrow. I saw her reaction in the mirror.
"Hm ... Better to tie it up coz you're wearing a fancy dress." She laughed. I took the necklace from the gold little box and put it on my neck. I'm looking better now. If then I was too conscious as my age, Now that I'm 24 years old, it's okay with me. It’s not obvious I’m getting older.
"Go get down, I'm gonna fix myself. You'll take care of my guest first." I command Cephie as the visitor came.
"All right. Got 'ya." she said. "Oh, wait! Wear this instead of that dress." she threw me the brown dress with the floral design. Its fabric is like a net. Thin but fits my skin. The one who really picked this kid, It really suits me.
I curled my hair then tied it up. I smiled at myself in the mirror. You got it, girl! I went down too, heading now to the backyard. It was dark and the lights were set up outside. Even though the space was small, it was exactly for the number of people I invited.

"Happy birthday, gorgeous," Darlene approached and hugged me. Some took a picture on the decorated stage but interrupted as they saw me. These are my old friends that I invited to come on my 24th birthday that is considered as my family because my real family was not existing anymore. I only have the other people with me.

I walked towards in front. Cephie handed me the microphone. Everyone is seated and attention is focused on me. If you count, there are only twenty of them here but I feel like there are so many of them because they are so excited to celebrate my birthday. I tapped the microphone and test it.

I coughed a little. "Hello, Uhm ... Happy birthday to me! You guys will really make this day at least memorable. Although some of you have a workload and are busy with each task. Thanks for coming." My tears almost fell but still filled with a laugh as they greeted me together. I'm so happy...

"Cheers! Happy birthday Lou," They shouted in unison with amusement.
The surroundings became noisy because of the music and we laughed. The story filled the small birthday and dining room party. Cephie's two friends even came so she was busy too. Some of us even had fun dancing as a special number. They also sang for me, I felt like it was a debut and they danced for me one by one.
Eventually, the visitors gradually returned home. I waved my hands to them as they exited. All that was left was Cephie and me. She also looks tired and I'm sleepy too but I just told her to go inside first. I said that I would take care of the clutter here.
"You sure? We can clean it up tomorrow. It's your day so you are supposed to rest and enjoy, Lou."
"Why are you getting sweet today, huh." I laughed at her. "I'm good. Go inside your room. Thanks for the help, kiddo."
"Oh, we-wait!" Cephie's attention was suddenly focused on the cellphone and she quickly distanced herself from me as she answered the cellphone as if shocked. She even glanced at me while she was talking on her cellphone. I widened my eyes at her and she immediately looked away from me.
"Can you explain who are you talking to?" I asked kinda mad in my voice. The tone of the mad sister although I'm her cousin.
"It's nothing ... I guess. I swear." She then playfully raised her brows. My eyes narrowed to look at her.
"I'm serious, Cephie."
"It's ... I- I have a boyfriend!" She reluctantly ran inside and shut the door.
"You did ?!" I screamed in surprise. Oh my god. Her mom will kill me. "We'll talk later, Cephie!" I took a heap. That kid makes me get old! Hussssh! Is she serious about that?
I couldn’t open the door because she was afraid I might scold her. Well, that's what's going to happen so she needs to prepare herself for the nag she will receive.
I was back in the backyard when I saw a bouquet lying on the table. It's a red rose. I approached it when I was curious about where it came from. Couldn’t it be just left here or also one of the gifts to me? But all the gifts were on the side and as far as I knew no one gave me flowers. So, where did it come from?
I picked it up and smelled it. I looked around to see if I had just left it here or maybe I had a new visitor but there was no one else but me out here. There is a sticky paper in the bouquet. I picked it up and opened it to find out what was written.
"Dear, Louisa ..." I uttered as I read the letter. My eyebrows furrowed as I finished reading it. Is this a joke?
I was a little taken aback. Is this a death message? Suddenly, the light dimmed and there was a shadow in front of me.
"Dear, Louisa….Happy birthday," He whispered close to my ear. Little by little I turned to face him and then I looked up at the man in front of me now.
"Oh my god .." Tears started falling on my cheeks. "I-I didn't expect you're coming, It's-"
"Surprise?" He opened his arms and I reach it, immediately hugged him without hesitation.
He is really here… I’m now complete.