Thursday June 6th- My Twenty-Third Birthday
The next morning I wake and the sun is shining through the window. As my eyes open, I feel Adrian next to me. I am huddled into his chest as he sleeps soundly on his back. I lightly run my finger along his skin as I make a memory. I want to remember this moment for the rest of my life. I am with the most amazing guy and I love him. For the first time I am waking up next to him and this feeling is unbelievable. I lightly exhale as I take in his perfection. His hair is flopped against his forehead as he sleeps. His perfect chest lightly goes up and down as he breathes. His full lips gently twitch and I smile at the sight of them. I close my eyes and I remember last night. Adrian was perfect and I am glad that I waited for him. His touch was gentle in the stormy night and his kisses afterwards were romantic. I open my eyes again as I want to stare at him more.
I watch Adrian sleep for what seems likes hours until he finally wakes. His dark eyelashes flick open and there are his green eyes. He smiles as he sees me and he instantly clasps my head in his hand.
“Alanna, are you okay?” He says softly in his morning voice. I smile at him as I gently pat his chest.
“I couldn’t be better,” Adrian, laughs and then he pulls my face onto his. He kisses me and again it feels like magic. He pulls away from me and then he stares deep into my eyes. His finger gently caresses my lower lip as he says,
“Happy Birthday Alanna,”
Twenty-Nine
As soon as we arrive in New York, my anxiety about tonight is starting to show. My knees are twitching as Adrian and I sit in his black Rolls Royce. I nervously look at him and he instantly notices my emotions.
“Alanna you seem nervous,” he says he takes my shaking hand in his. I bite my lip as I reply.
“That’s because I am. I am terrified of what my mom has planned.” Adrian laughs at me.
“Baby don’t worry your mother hasn’t planned anything that should be terrified of.”
“Do you know what she has planned?” Adrian rolls his eyes.
“Of course I know,” I frown at him.
“Tell me,” I protest. Adrian lets out his husky laugh and I scowl harder at him. He lifts my hand up to his lips and he kisses my skin.
“No,” is all that he says.
The car stops and I gaze out the window at my family’s condo. I cannot remember the last time that I was I here. All I remember is that it was long before I met Adrian.
“Baby this is your stop,” I look at him in confusion what does he mean by ‘my stop’?
“Huh… explain?” I say quickly. Adrian laughs at me and I lightly scowl at him.
“I have a few things that I need to take care of. So you should spend this time with your family. I am sure they are itching to see the birthday girl!”
“What things?” Adrian scowls at me.
“It is nothing that concerns you. Now you really must go and see your family.”
“Are you at least coming to say hi?” Adrian takes my hand again in his as he exhales.
“Tell your family that I am sorry for my rudeness and that I will see them tonight at the party.” I force a smile as I agree with what he is saying. Adrian quickly steps out the car and now he is at my door. I grip his hand as he ushers me up the front steps. The air is warm and Adrian’s eyes make me melt. He pulls me in for a kiss and then he lets me go. I watch as he marches back to the car. He turns to me and he blows me a kiss.
“Until next time baby,”
I walk slowly into the oversized condo and my mom and Penelope instantly greet me.
“Lanna,” Penelope shouts as she rushes into my arms. I grip my little sister and I realise that I have missed her so much.
“Happy birthday Lanna,” she says in bright voice. I gently stroke her face as I push her curls away. Her massive brown eyes are staring back at me and I gently let out a tear.
“Oh Penelope I have missed you,” I gush as I pull her in for another hug. I regretfully let go of her as my mom grabs onto me.
“Happy birthday sweetie,”
“Thanks mom,” I say, as I break free from her grip.
“So tell me about London,” my mom says as she pours us a coffee. I lean forward and rest my arms onto the surface of the breakfast bar. My mom hands me the coffee as I begin to tell her all about my trip - making sure I leave out the details about Chad, Zara and of course William for now.
“Wow it sounds amazing, where is Adrian anyway?”
“He has things to do and he apologises for not being here.” My mom frowns at me.
“But he is coming to your party… right?”
“Yes and speaking of my party when are you going to let me know the theme?” My mom smiles as she reaches into the kitchen drawer. She turns to me and she hands me a black, feathered mask.