Birthday,

It was dark as I heard a voice. I lightly opened my eyes only to find Camilla standing with Cake with candles in her hands along with Ash infront of me.

I rubbed sleep from my eyes and got up to switch on the light. When the light turned on I noticed Camilla was in her nightgown, a sheer white nightgown and I had to avert my eyes to Ash who was grinning happily. Confused I looked at Camilla for an answer and she answered me.

"It's our Ash's birthday, today. And we are here to celebrate."

A smile formed on my lips as I turned towards Ash picking him up on the bed.

"Happy birthday"

I beamed and he gave me his smiling eyes just like his father and I was reminded of that photo, the first picture when I saw Ashton smiling.

"Let's cut the cake."

I said, glad to be the part of this celebration. Camilla put the cake on my bed and it said

"Happy birthday Ashton"

In which 'Ash' was little more highlighted. I looked towards Camilla but Ash replied.

"Daddy and I share the same birthday. And we share a cake too."

He beamed at me and I replied as

"Oh"

I couldn't understand what Camilla's emotion would be right now, to laugh and be happy as it is her son's birthday or to cry because its her dead husband's birthday.

Hell, I can't even figure out my own emotions, how would I figure others?

Camilla sat in front of me and handed a knife to Ash who was sitting beside me. He accepted it and expectedly looked at me. Why is he looking at me like that?

I turned my attention to Camilla to ask but I heard Ashton's voice.

"Help me cut the cake, yeah. Dad."

I snapped my head at the words "Dad".

" Hey, can you call me something else. I am really not comfortable being called 'Dad', yet"

I rubbed my neck in embarrassment. Then I heard him say again.

"Help me cut the cake, yeah. Bro."

"You are not Ashton's kid, are you?"

I squinted my eyes at him.

"No, he is my kid. Kudos to my child for being like this"

Said Camilla looking happier than ever. Then they both high-fived and I hated it.

"Well, can you please cut the cake."

I said annoyed.

"Well,can you please help me."

Camilla chuckled. Ugh, I hate these two.

I grabbed his hand tightly and practically stabbed the cake.

Camilla laughed once again. Isn't she too much happy.

"Lady, haven't you laughed enough. Save it for the rest for the month."

Then I proceeded to cut the slice and carefully took it out. Camilla sang 'Happy birthday to you' merrily. Ash gave the first bite to Camilla and then to me. I smiled eating it.

After the cake cutting was done, Camilla held the cake in one hand and took Ash's hand in other and said goodnight to me as they left the room.

.....

Camilla.

I put Ash to sleep and marched to my side of bed entering the covers, when my necklace fell from my neck. I touched my neck and noticed, the necklace on the bed, the same necklace that Ivan gave me years ago. I grabbed the necklace wearing it once again and drifted into sleep.

Years passed, memories blurred, but that highschool topper remained close to my heart.

.......

Waking up I saw a rare sight. Ash riding on Ivan's back. Giggling and Ivan clearly annoyed. It was really rare sight to see, Ash giggling in front of me, in the morning.

I wondered will it be always like this? Will I stay with Ivan my whole life? Will I be able to see these cute morning routines? My trance of thoughts were broken, when I heard Ash yell

"Yeah, its my birthday. You will do whatever I say. Move. Move forward bro."

I giggled and he noticed me.

"Camilla help. He won't get off my back from half an hour."

He pleaded.

"Well, I have to make the breakfast. Enjoy."

I scurried away and Ivan groaned.

........

We got ready to go celebrate Ash's birthday. Everyone had gathered, Erika, Jason, Lily and Chris.

Erika looked at Ash's bag and said

"What is it there? Is it for me?"

"No, its for my dad"

" For Ivan??"

Jason said.

"No, he is not dad. He is my bro, buddy and my childhood friend."

"Oh"

Jason replied, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Ivan appeared and Ash and him high-fived as we left the house.

The ride to Ashton's grave was filled with laughter, with Chris recommending absurd things.

Its been a long time I went there, I didn't want to cry looking at him that's why I didn't visit him. But now I will, will show him I am strong I am. I still smile, smile and stay strong. I will fight for our kid and will protect him at each cost.

...

We arrived there and Ash opened his bag to take out a bracelet with the beads of letter spelling daddy



"That's a very pretty bracelet"

Erika said.

"Very pretty word indeed"

Said Lily smirking. We all sighed.

"Not at this moment."

Erika scolded.

"Do you want to learn a word 'correct timing'?"

Chris added. Lily just shrugged.

Ash placed it on Ashton's grave and everyone placed bouquets of flowers. But I noticed Ivan just kept standing in the corner not joining us. I wondered what was his feelings. Was he guilty? Or did he still hated Ashton? I couldn't figure out and I think should not even do so.

We travelled around the city museums, malls, restaurants, having fun. Getting Glimpses of friendship of newly made childhood friends. And a look of jealousy on Jason's face. And encountering some absurd tries of Chris flirting with Lily and hearing some age restricted comments from Lily, we finally arrived home.

As we entered ,everyone's eyes widened looking at the grand piano placed in the hall. A 'woah' left Ash's lips as he ran towards it, touching it, Ivan followed smiling at him.

"Do you like it?"

"Hmmm"

He said nodding his head.

"I will learn it."

Ivan sat on his knees.

"Learn it, my friend. And play it everyday. Help me, reminisce my long gone highschool memories."

Lily.

I sent the picture of the car plate to one of my fellow co-workers. The car which belonged to the person who followed us the whole trip. This case better be good. Because if this will be a cheap easy one. Then, this man will be long gone in hell.