The phone was ringing. Kali moaned, turning away and tucking herself into a more comfortable position in the sheets. She wasn't ready to get out of bed and begin another work day, and from a quick peek at her surroundings, she knew she had more time. It was still dark out, and the weather made it easier to be lulled back into sleep.

It took a while for her brain to catch up and realise that the ringing wasn't her alarm. It was someone calling her phone. She sat up, kicking the blanket off and crawling over to snatch her phone from the nightstand. It was Samuel.

"Hello?"

"You need to get down here."

She dug her knuckles into her eyes and yawned loud and long. "Samuel, it's five thirty. What are you doing out of bed so early?"

"I heard a noise and came down to check. I need you to come down with the bug spray from the bathroom."

She groaned, dragging herself out of bed and walking to the bathroom to get what he asked. "What kind of bug makes enough noise to get you out of bed in the morning?"

"The kind I am trying to kill. Get down here, please. I don't want to take my eyes off it."

"Alright. Alright. Keep your head on your neck. I am coming."

She tossed her phone aside and started downstairs, her eyes still drooping from sleep. She never knew Samuel to be scared to death of bugs that he couldn't leave it to rest until it was brighter in the morning. She was tired.

"Samuel!" She called out when she got downstairs. "Where are you?"

"Kitchen!"

She made her way there, mindlessly pushing the door open. Suddenly, the lights flickered on, and the sound of a party whistle going off stunned her even further. She yelped and jumped away, aiming the spray in defence before hearing Samuel's voice.

"Don't you dare spray that at me."

"Samuel!" She screamed when she found her voice. Instead of spraying, she grabbed the spray and hurled it across the room. "What's wrong with you? You nearly killed me."

"I suppose that's how surprises generally work."

The shock was clearing out slowly, and she could see the room better after her eyes adjusted to the brightness. She spotted the counter covered in large white vases of gardenias. Bars of chocolate covered any exposed area on the counter, and a large placard stood on the centre of the table, high above the flowers. It read, 'Happy birthday, big sister'.

Finally understanding, she sighed dreamily, raising her hand to her chest as she sang. "June?"

Samuel chuckled while he held his phone up. "Yeah."

He flipped the screen around, and her sister's bright smile reached through the phone screen. "Hey, Kali."

"You little scoundrel. How did you get Samuel involved in this?"

"She had this planned for weeks. I couldn't find a reason to say no."

"It's tradition."

"Tradition that I want banned." Kali laughed, walking over to the counter.

"Never." June shook her head. "Samuel, in three, two, one."

On the count of one, they broke out singing a long, hearty, happy birthday song. Already forgetting her lost sleep, she sat on the stool, listening to them sing while her heart soared like a bird. It had been years since her sister could properly practice her little birthday tradition.

In the past, she'd call at five thirty and wish her a happy birthday because five-thirty was the time Kali was born. At home, before Kali moved, June and their mother would dress the table with a few of her favourite things. Sometimes, it was flowers, biscuits or chocolates. Other times, it was a spread of hearty foods and drinks.

"Happy birthday, Kali. I wish you nothing but happiness and love today. I pray you continue to enjoy your year and find every reason to celebrate and be happy."

"You know the party isn't until Saturday, right?"

"I know. I am throwing it, but today is your birthday."

"Well, I appreciate all of this." She picked up one of the chocolates while Samuel set the phone down in front of her, he went to pick up the spray she dropped.

"I hope you like the flowers. You can use them to spruce up your living room in the meantime."

"I will do that."

"How did you sleep? Are you ready for the day?"

"You kind of ruined my sleep, but I am on my way to forgiving you." She looked over her shoulder. "Both of you."

Samuel saluted her with the spray bottle. "I am only a messenger."

"And a great one," June spoke louder, stretching her neck to try and see Samuel. Kali leaned away to let her see him. "Thanks, Samuel."

"You are welcome."

"Alright. I hate to leave, but I have to prepare for school."

"Have a nice day, sweetheart."

"Going back to bed?"

"No. I am up, and might as well start my day."

"I guess." Samuel surprised her by coming closer to hug her. "Happy birthday, Kali."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Enjoy the chocolates."

She already had her teeth sinking into one. "I will be doing that."

"Want one?"

"Toss it."

She threw one at him, and he thanked her before leaving.

Put in a good mood from her sister's surprise, she prepared lunch as she always did before returning upstairs for a bath and began dressing for work. Samuel woke up to join her and, as a part of the celebration, offered to drive her to work. She graciously accepted.

It turned out it was part of celebrating her birthday. He played the radio, and on her way to work, they sang along to any of the songs they knew that came on. They danced and sang in loud, off-key tones, enjoying the ride with their windows up and the air conditioner keeping them cool.

When she got to her building, she was in high spirits, enjoying how good her birthday was going. She said goodbye to Samuel and blew him a kiss before heading to her office.

"Good morning." She merrily greeted the two other people she shared the office with.

"Morning." They chorused.

"You look happier today." One of them summed, and Kali nodded.

"I am having a good day." She replied.

She settled herself in and began to work. There wasn't much to do in the morning, so she took the time to work on the easier issues and reply to a few of the birthday messages she received from her family and friends. By lunch, she got a call from the reception.

"Hello."

"Mrs Madden, Richard West is here to see you."

"What?"

"Richard West?"

Kali dropped her head on the table. She considered acting like she had no idea who he was, but knowing Richard, he would rather sit and wait than leave her in peace. So, she had to hear what he had to say and get him to leave by herself.

"Alright. I am on my way."

She got to the reception and was pointed in his direction. She walked to him and smiled politely.

"Good afternoon, sir. How can I help you."

"Kali, you don't have to act like that. I didn't come to cause trouble. I came to talk to you, but first let me wish you a happy birthday."

"Thank you. I don't have time. What do you want?"

"I saw the article in the magazine, and I imagine you were a little shaken." He reached out, and she smoothly folded her hands so he didn't touch her. "I came to tell you that I know Ysabel is behind it."

"Really?"

Kali came to that conclusion days ago, even though she had not mentioned it to Samuel. Somehow, she thought he had the same suspicions. The only problem was she didn't know why Ysabel would want doubts to circulate over the circumstances of their marriage.

"What makes you think it was her?" She asked ignorantly.

"She is the only one who knew the details of your deal with the loan sharks. The details in that article couldn't be fabricated by just anyone. How did they know your loans were about to be called in before your wedding?"

"You have a point, but the deed is done. There's nothing I can do about it."

"Yes, there is. We bring Ysabel down once and for all. I have a friend who is good with technology. One word from you and I can have him looking into her computer or her phone. Anything viable that we can use will be yours."

"Why do you want to help me?"

"I want you to forgive me. And I want to rescue you from this marriage before you do something stupid."

"Stupid?"

"Yes."

She looked around the reception to check if anyone was close. "What kind of stupid things."

"I don't know. I don't want you hurt at the end. I know I got you in this mess. I want to help you get out."

"I appreciate your help, but I will be fine without it."

"Don't be prideful."

"It's not pride." She stressed through clenched teeth. "You had your chance to help me, and you decided to wait till everything was over. You wanted to save your own skin, and I respect that. Look out for yourself first. Great. Now, I want you to continue looking out for yourself. Keep your money and those other things you protected safe. Leave me to fend for myself."

"Ysabel has more tricks up her sleeve."

"I bet. Lord knows how long she has been playing them on you. I am aware she is capable of many things, but so am I."

"Kali."

"Thank you for wishing me a happy birthday. I appreciate it. If there is nothing more, please leave because I have a lot of work to do."

Richard nodded. "I understand. I want you to know that I am here to help you. Even if you are angry. If, at any time, you feel like you've had enough and want out, you can come to me."

"I'll keep that in mind."

He smiled. "Happy birthday again. I am glad to see you so happy. You deserve it."