010 // CELEBRATING

"it is both a blessing and a curse to feel everything so very deeply."

//

Helena sighs.

the third year of university is stressful. she thought the second year was difficult enough but now, life keeps piling on top of her with stress, assignments and overall, things to finish.

don't get Helena wrong. she loves university. she loves attending, talking, learning something new everyday- not just about life but herself. a lot of reflection takes place and university has been a place she has grown and expanded into her new identity.

piles of books on mental health nursing sit at her home, sprawled on the kitchen counter as she works. Helena doesn't like to be trapped in her bedroom- she likes to be surrounded by her family with warmth in her breathing lungs as she works in comforting, utter silence.

the way her family communicate and talk around her adds to her calming, silent work ethic. Helena likes the way it feels and how no one disturbs her. she's in one of her elements.

today evening is a special day. Adora's birthday will be celebrated with a dinner to acknowledge the special date. Namjoon's dainty and perfect, in his eyes, girlfriends day.

Helena clears away her pile of library books and pens, telling herself she can continue later. her, Helia and Namjoon stand in the kitchen as they call Adora downstairs.

Adora comes, steps perfectly quiet as she walks down. her dusky hair intertwined into a long braid trails down her back that's covered in a floral blouse, pearly pants that she ironed to take her mind off things. she's dressed her best for today- her mind isn't playing tricks and her grey eyes are joyful.

"happy birthday sweetheart." Namjoon immediately grabs his girlfriend, large hands slipping around her waist as their smiles mirror one another. Helena used to hate their loving interactions but soon stopped hating and started admiring- it's love after all.

maybe that's because she's been in love before and doesn't like to see the negative side to things. despite personal, past and bad experiences- Helena likes to move on and live with happiness.

"happy birthday mom." Helia joins the hug as Adora picks her up.

Helia has gotten so big that it's gotten harder for everyone to pick her up. Helena remembers the days she'd pick her up and bring her downstairs in the morning, due to her exhaustion. now her non existing muscles can't.

"oh Adora happy birthday." Helena is forced into the hug and all she can see is the glittery banner (that her and Helia made) that says 'WE ADORE YOU ADORA' in capital letters.

the family have a nice dinner that smelt and tasted delicious. at one point, Helena and Namjoon didn't know how to cook. they had never been taught due to them being in care from a young age but when they moved in together, they learnt and here they are.

"let's go round the table and say one thing we appreciate about our life." Namjoon suggests at the start of the birthday dinner. Helena has taught him the important teaching and lesson of being eternally thankful. his younger sister is so intelligent and wise.

he's very proud of her.

so everyone takes turns. "i'll go first." Helena sits up straight. she wants to make Helia laugh. "i appreciate the cake we're about to eat." she grins, looking towards the iced dessert.

Helia does laugh and Helena high fives herself.

Namjoon frowns. "that's for dessert."

Helena rolls her eyes. "okay i appreciate my family then." it's true. the people at the table make her who she is and they're her significant home.

"i appreciate everything what you guys have done for me." Adora, despite her usual, melancholic and depressed moods- today she is herself. the side to her before her mental health decided to take over her very young life.

Helia decides to agree with Helena's answer. then it's her fathers turn. "i appreciate my life, every bit of it." Namjoon states before stuffing his mouth with warm food.

it's an enjoyable dinner and there's lots of food left over. not everyone has a great appetite in the house- it depends on the day and time really. Helena eyes the food at the dinner table and Namjoon catches it. "there's some food left over. can you go give some next door? i normally do it but my legs are killing me." he pleads with naive eyes.

"your long ass legs." Helena wishes she had the same. her brother got lucky in terms of that piece of gene. fortunately, she got the attractive looks. "that's a rubbish excuse."

Helena can't be bothered for many reasons. firstly, it's Yoongi and his brothers house- she doesn't want to see the irritating kids. secondly, it requires effort. "we've never given food before, why are we today?"

"because we have cake and they have a little boy like Helia!"

"what do you know about them anyway?" Helena inquires discretely. this is her way of getting in and knowing more information about mysterious Yoongi that she's never come across.

"two boys and parents. one is your age called Yoongi the other is called Mark." Namjoon mentions, sorting food into boxes and plates. "why?" his gaze meets hers.

"just curious." Helena responds quickly. she doesn't want Namjoon teasing her so she takes the plate and opens the front door, slipping into her trainers. Mark and Yoongi huh?

the female neighbour arrives at the door and knocks.

a part of her wants it to be Yoongi that opens the door because they know each other but another part of her wants there to be no one at home.

"you?"

of course. the world hates me. "yes it's me. save the attitude." Helena responds with the same attitude he reflects. "this is for you and your family." she gives him the plate of cake.

just as she turns around to walk away, he speaks. "listen wait-"

Helena turns slightly. "what?" what could he possibly want to say?

Yoongi gulps harshly. he looks nervous as they stare at each other- Helena has to look away due to the intensity. "nothing. thanks." he says blankly and closes the door.

Yoongi leans against the back of the door, Helena on the other side as he facepalms himself. was he really going to confess to her? thank god i didn't- he tries to calm his racing heart.