©️ Mhizlove_Writes
✨AALIYAH POV✨
“Why are you crying in your sleep?” Ric glanced over at me, an earnest, concerned look on his face.
“Is it a scary nightmare or night terror?” He asked again
I didn’t know I was crying in my dreams. I experienced the dream so intense and it felt real.
“I dreamed about my Mom. She wished me happy birthday, I was happy to see her and I wanted to hug her but I was hurt when I couldn’t hold her” I texted him in response
I touched my necklace and it felt cool against my warm chest, a reminder of a memory I wished I hadn’t reopened
Ric opened his arms and gave me an affectionate hug as his hands tightened around me
“I’ll always be here for you” he muttered
“Happy nineteenth birthday, Aaliyah”
He gave me art journals, tools and materials for drawing and painting.Then clasped a bracelet round my wrist.
It was engraved with my name and date of birth. I was at the point of tears as I stared at the beautiful gold and semiprecious stone bracelet.
“Don’t you dare!” Ric gave me a stern warning
Swallowing hard, I quickly gulped back my tears and tried to control my emotions. He took my hand, and played with my bracelet
“Do you like it?” He asked. I nodded, giving him a dazzling smile
Shortly after that, I took a shower to freshen up and wore a comfy shirt with shorts. Cooking smells wafted up from downstairs, so I walked out of my room for breakfast
When I got to the living room, I was pleased to see a lovely cake on the table and wrote “happy birthday Aaliyah” on the top of the cake. Many people had gathered around the table to blow out candles on the birthday cake
Surveying the group of unfamiliar faces, I felt nervous even looking at them, and yet I couldn’t look away but never thought anything could go wrong.
Jadiel took steps forward and stopped in front of me, throwing his arms around me. “Happy birthday babygirl” he said
He hugged me tight, sniffed my hair and then kissed me on the cheek
“Your hair smells great and I’m enjoying the smell” he murmured
I felt a hand grabbed my hand and pulled me away from his arms. Surprise registered across Jadiel’s chiseled features as he turned his baleful glare on Ric
“Don’t ruin this great atmosphere!” A man in his Mid-fifties spoke up. Then he moved closer to us, he held my hand and led me to the dining room
“Happy birthday daughter, I’m Nolan, Ric’s father” he introduced himself to me
After that he enfolded me in an affectionate embrace which created a feeling of calmness and relaxation. Then he gave me such a kind and fatherly look
“I’m now fatherless right?” I heard a voice from behind. She pulled me into a bare hug and smiled brightly
“Let me introduce myself since Mr Nolan has only a child. I’m Ria, Ric’s twin sister. You understood it completely, right?” She uttered, I nodded and we both laughed.
“You’re so adorable, I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you. Happy birthday” Ria stated
Kohen and Huxley also wished me happy birthday and all I could do was to smile
A few minutes later, Jadiel walked up to us. He gave me a birthday present. He pulled me close and kissed my neck softly, then murmured “I love you Aaliyah” and walked away
I wanted to go after him but Ric grabbed my hand and pushed me back on the chair
Ria dropped the birthday gift on the table and said “Aaliyah I’m sorry but I have to go now.” She chased after Jadiel and barged out the door toward the parking lot.
TBC…
