Chapter 8: The Birthday

The final month of the year has arrived. And a few days to go until my birthday on the 5th. I planned on having a party somewhere. So I thought about asking Jackie if she could help me out with the planning. I thought of it taking place beside a cafe near her bus station and I also had 100% confidence to confess my feelings for her, if she so agrees. On 3rd of December, I asked Jackie if she could help me out with the party planning. She seemed reluctant, possibly uncomfortable with the idea of spending extra time together alone. Sensing her hesitation, I suggested inviting Melisandre to join us, hoping it would make her more comfortable. Jackie agreed to this new plan and encouraged Melisandre to come along, who readily agreed without hesitation.

I actually did not expect that she would disagree that it was just us. I did not have a plan B. I swear, she made me feel like the number one person on her list from our activities together and it made me think that maybe the feelings are mutual and that she would be thrilled if it was just us. Before we arrived at the cafe for the party planning, I thought about giving her a sweater on the same day, 3rd of December. But financial constraints prevented me from doing so, and it would have been a detour from our plans.

December 5th arrived with excitement, and the day unfolded with a series of enjoyable activities during the wholesome party we had organized. I expressed my gratitude to Jackie and Melisandre for their help in making the day special. It was filled with laughter and fond memories-a truly memorable occasion. However, amidst all the fun, I still hadn't found the right moment to confess my feelings to Jackie. The day had been a success, but my mission remained unfinished. Job's not done.