Sia's Birthday

Outside Kelly's house, we forced ourselves to talk, even with the awkwardness hanging between us.

That was... kind of out of control, right?

I said, letting out a small, nervous laugh.

I know, right? I'm sorry for making things awkward now, Kelly said, looking straight into my eyes.

And in that moment, with her gaze locked onto mine, I realized I couldn't quite figure out what she was thinking. But one thing was clear, she meant every word, and everything she had done.

I arrived back home and collapsed onto my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Was that even real?

The thought kept spinning in my head.

I had known her for so long—Kelly, who always thought things through a thousand times before making a move.

And yet tonight, she acted without hesitation.

Maybe that's what made it all the more impossible to wrap my head around.

The more I thought about it, the crazier it drove me

The next day, I arrived at school, still carrying the same mess of thoughts from last night.

I barely had time to settle into my seat when the teacher walked into the room, clapping her hands to get our attention.

Everyone, listen up!" she called out. You know what's coming up this February, right?"

Foundation Day!!! my classmates shouted in unison, way too excited for a Monday morning.

Right. Foundation Day.

I slumped against my chair, letting out a heavy sigh as I rested my forehead on the cool metal of the armrest.

February is the month when a lot of programs start happening in our school—beginning, of course, with the not-so-special Valentine's Day.

At least, not special for me.

I don't know... there's this part of me that just doesn't get it.

I mean, sure, I get it when it's about family—family's special, no question about that.

But the whole thing between lovers?

It just feels kind of cringe.

All students have special performances, and two sections become one for this performance.

But before any of that Foundation Day madness happens, I really should be more worried about the upcoming exams.

There you are, Annabelle! Jean shouted as she spotted me.

Before I could even react, she was already halfway across the room.

Do you know it's Sia's birthday tomorrow? she said, practically bouncing on her toes.

What?! I blurted out, way louder than I intended.

A few heads turned our way and I immediately slapped a hand over my mouth.

Shh! Jean hushed, laughing. Yes, and she's inviting people now for her birthday party at her house. And guess what—I heard that after the party, they're heading to the park with all the rides!

Jean looked like she was already living the dream, grinning from ear to ear like she'd gotten her golden ticket.

I haven't even seen Sia today, I said with a small, hopeful smile. It would seriously be my luck if I even catch a glimpse of her.

Jean laughed, nudging me playfully.

Oh right, I added quickly, any idea what gift I should get her? Invited or not, I still want to give her something.

I sighed, twirling a strand of my hair between my fingers.

And I really wish I had the nerve to actually do it.

I'm in the library now because a teacher gave me a task.

Where could it be, I muttered under my breath, doing my absolute best to find the book my teacher asked for.

As I scanned the shelves desperately, I suddenly heard a voice beside me.

Looking for this one?

I turned to my left and it was Sia, holding up the exact book I'd been trying to find for over ten minutes.

Ahh yeah.. I said, my voice coming out more nervous than I intended.

How did you-- before I could even finish, Sia cut in with a soft laugh.

I know what book Ms. Claw usually reads.

She said it so casually, her smile lighting up her whole face, and for a second, I forgot how to breathe.

I finally had the book in my hands. Now I just needed to hand it over to Ms. Claw.

Why are you here in the library anyway, Sia? I asked, trying to sound casual.

I was looking for you, she said, her smile widening as she spoke.

Huh?? I replied, completely thrown off and definitely not expecting that kind of answer.

I said I was looking for you, she repeated, her smile growing even bigger as she looked straight at me.

And right then, I had to look away.

We were way too close, and with that bright smile of hers, I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks.

I was definitely blushing hard now.

She suddenly burst out laughing.

What is it? I asked, completely confused.

Sorry... she said, still trying to catch her breath from laughing.

You're just too cute when you blush.

No, I didn't! I denied confidently, even though we both knew I was lying.

But really, she said, her voice softening, I was looking for you because... I wanted to invite you to my birthday tomorrow.

Really?? I said, way too obvious about how happy that made me.

She smiled again and gave a small nod.

And oh... could you also tell Tom and Jean to come tomorrow too?

Yeah sure... advance happy birthday Sia, I said to her, my cheeks burning red.

Save that for tomorrow, she said with a playful smile, then walked away.

But that smile completely made my whole day.

Tomorrow came faster than I expected. Now, Tom, Jean, and I were just a few steps away from Sia's house.

You think I can give this to her without messing up? I asked them both, feeling the nerves creeping in.

Of course you can, Tom said, laughing at me.

We're about to go in, don't be nervous, okay? Jean added, giving me a reassuring smile.

She invited you herself. You can even say you two are kinda close now.

You got this.

We were finally inside Sia's house, and it was already buzzing with students from our school—just her close friends and mutuals.

The three of us walked toward Sia.

Tom and Jean greeted her first, then, with knowing smirks, they left me behind on purpose, glancing back at me as they walked away.

Happy birthday, Sia, I said, smiling wide while trying to hide the small gift tucked behind my back.

Thank you, Anna, she said, flashing me a warm smile.

You wanna grab some food first? Are you hungry? she asked. I can go with you if you want, since Tom and Jean totally ditched you, Sia added with a little giggle.

Huh? Oh, no, I'm fine, I said quickly, waving it off. You have a lot of people to entertain.

I got this, don't worry.

Are you sure?

Yeah of course.

I just grabbed pizza and i tried looking for Jean and Tom but failed.

Just as I was about to move, someone grabbed my hand.

Follow me, Sia said, gently tugging me along. She led me upstairs to the balcony.

Isn't it so much nicer up here than being stuck in that crowd? she said softly, letting go of my hand. Especially without your two friends hanging around, she added, smiling.

I know you hate being surrounded by a bunch of people, she said, her voice almost like a whisper. You're an I, right, Anna?

Introvert? I said, chuckling a little. Yeah, I am.

In five minutes, we're heading to the park," Sia said, glancing at the time.

Oh... but I'm not really into rides, to be honest, I admitted, scratching my head. I really hate heights. They just don't do me any good, I added, laughing awkwardly.

Sia laughed with me, and somehow, those few minutes up there on the balcony felt light and easy, like we were in our own little world.

Sia, I called her name softly.

She turned to me, her eyes curious. "Yes?"

I, uh... I have this small gift for you, I said, feeling my heart pound faster. Please don't expect too much—it's really nothing big. I just didn't want to come here empty-handed.

I held out my hand, offering the small gift to her.

Really? Sia's face lit up with a big, genuine smile as she reached out and took it from me.

Thank you, Anna. Really. I didn't expect to get something from you tonight, she said, smiling even brighter.

Sia carefully opened the small package.

Wow, a flower bracelet! she said, her voice bubbling with happiness. I could feel the warmth in her tone, and it made my chest swell with joy, too.

Can you put it on me? she asked, looking straight into my eyes.

Without saying a word, I took the bracelet from her and gently slipped it onto her wrist. We were so close—so close that I could hear her soft breathing—and my heart hammered wildly in my chest.

And then, without thinking, without planning, my hand brushed up to her face, and I pressed my lips softly against hers.

It was quick, tender—and when the realization hit me, I pulled back instantly, my face burning with panic.

I'm sorry, I blurted out, my voice trembling. I must be crazy for doing that, Sia.

No. Please continue.

My heart was beating so fast I could barely breathe after hearing her say it.

But then, without hesitation, Sia stepped closer—and I did too, pulling her gently and kissing her back.

It was soft at first, like we were both afraid to move too quickly, but then it deepened, full of feelings I'd kept inside for too long.

For that moment, everything else, everyone else, faded away. It was just me and her.