I didn't proofread, please excuse any errors.🙏🏾

The week flew by in a whirlwind of classes, last-minute shopping, and late-night group chats, and  before anyone knew it, Saturday had arrived—Sam's birthday.

The sun was bright and warm, casting a golden glow over the outdoor venue Mara had picked for the lunch. It was a cozy little restaurant tucked away in the hills, surrounded by lush greenery and a breathtaking view of Kingston.

Serenity adjusted her dress as we stepped out of the car. "You think Sam will cry?" She asked, her lips curving into a playful smile.

I laughed, "you mean because of the surprise or because she'll finally see Mara after a whole week of planning? My bet's on the latter."

Mara had kept Sam in the dark about most of the details, only hinting that the two of them would have lunch together. What Sam didn't know was that Serenity and I had been working behind the scenes to make the day unforgettable.

Inside, the tables were decorated with baby blue tablecloths and centerpieces of white orchids. A custom-made cake sat in the middle of the table, its icing designed to resemble the ocean, complete with tiny edible seashells.

As guests began to arrive, serenity and I double-checked everything, making sure Mara's vision came together perfectly.

When Sam finally walked in, hand in hand with Mara, her jaw dropped. "Oh my God!" She exclaimed, taking in the decorations, the cake, and the smiling faces of her friends and family.

Sam mother isn't here but Mara's mother, Seren's mother and her school friends are here.

Mara grinned, giving her a gentle nudge. "Happy birthday, babe. You deserve this and more."

Sam turned to us, her eyes shimmering. "You guys did this? With Mara?"

"Of course!" Serenity said, pulling her into a hug. "We couldn't let your birthday pass without doing something big."

I smirked. "And it wasn't easy. Mara is a perfectionist, you know."

"Hey!" Mara protested, though she was smiling.

As everyone laughed and took their seats, Sam couldn't stop smiling. The day felt perfect- a mix of love, friendship and celebration.

The menu was set in place by Mara so everyone just waited on their food to arrived.

"Serenity and Kay, could you help me in the bathroom with something?" Sam asked, smiling awkwardly.

"Sure," I replied as we excused ourselves from the table.

Turns out Sam just wanted to snap a few pictures.

Serenity adjusted her baby blue shirt dress in the bathroom mirror, admiring the way the fitted bodice complimented her figure and revealed just the right amount of cleavage. "We look hot," she said with a grin, pulling me into view.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smirking as I checked my own reflection. The midi, body-fit baby blue dress hugged my curves perfectly, and the V-cut at my chest added a touch of elegance. "You're not wrong. Sam's gonna be mad we look this good at her party," I joked.

Sam, standing between us in her baby blue two-piece outfit with toned midsection and sparkling belly ring on display, scoffed playfully. "Please. I'm the birthday girl. Nobody's outshining me today."

The three of us laughed as we struck poses for our bathroom pictures. Sam held the phone, angling it just right to capture our outfits while I pouted playfully and serenity stuck out her tongue. We cycled through a mix of silly and serious shots, hyping each other up like only best friends could.

"Alright, ladies" I said as I slipped my phone back into my clutch. "Let's not keep Mara and the others waiting too long."

We stepped out of the bathroom, the click of our heels echoing against the tiled floor. When we returned to the table, Mara lit up at the sight of Sam, her eyes filled with admiration.

As we settled into our seats, the table buzzed with energy. Serenity and I shared a knowing look, both feeling a sense of pride that our planning had come together so perfectly.

The table was beautifully set with menus Mara had personally created for the day. Each guest was treated to a three-course meal, starting with a creamy pumpkin soup accompanied by warm, freshly baked bread. The main course offered a choice between jerk chicken with rice and peas or grilled snapper with roasted vegetables, paired with tangy mango chutney. For dessert, Mara had selected mini rum cakes served with vanilla ice-cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

The group savored every bite, chatting and laughing between courses. When the staff brought out Sam's custom ocean-inspired cake, we all sung "Happy Birthday" at the top of our lungs, making Sam blush as Mara leaned over to kiss her cheek.

"This is incredible," Sam said, her voice full of emotion as she looked at Mara. "You thought of everything."

Mara smiled, brushing the hair from Sam's face. "You deserve it all."

Before the luncheon ended, Seren nudged me and whispered, "We need another picture out here."

I rolled my eyes but smiled "Alright, I'll get Sam after we finish handing out their gifts."

As the laughter and conversations began to wind down, Serenity clapped her hands together, signaling it was time for the next highlight of the day. "Alright folks, let's go to the gift-giving!"

Sam's eyes widened in surprise. "You didn't have to—"

"Oh, hush" I interrupted, grinning. "Of course, we did. It's your birthday!"

Serenity reached under the table, pulling out a beautifully wrapped box with a silver bow. "Ladies first," she said as she smirked at Mara while sliding it cross to Sam.

Sam tore into the wrapping paper, revealing a sleek jewelry box. Inside was a delicate gold bracelet filled with diamonds.

"Is this real? I love it," Sam said, clasping it around her wrist immediately. "Thank you, Serenity."

"Of course! I saw it a few weeks ago and thought it was perfect for you," Seren said, her smile soft.

Mara's mother was next, presenting a gift bag filled with spa essentials—lavender-scented candles, body butter, and a gift card for a local spa.

"Self-care is essential babe," she said with a wink. "You deserve to be pampered."

"Thank you, Mrs. H" Sam said, leaning over to hug her. "This is perfect."

I reach under the table pulling out a white gift bag. Before I can give it to Sam she'd already start squealing with joy. "Omg! Kay!" She said.

"Calm down," I said, chuckling as she takes the bag from my hand.

"I've always wanted a pandora bracelet, thanks Kay!" Sam said.

Finally, Mara cleared her throat, standing up. Her nervous energy was unmistakable, and Sam looked at her with curiosity.

"Mara?"

I reached in my pocket, pulling out a single key attached to a sleek leather keychain. "I thought long and hard about what to get you," I began, my voice steady but emotional. "And I wanted it to be something that could make your life easier. Something that reminds you every day how much I believe in you and want you to have the best."

I placed the key in Sam's hand, smiling as Sam stared at it in shock.

"Mara... is this what I think it is?"

Mara grinned, nodding. "Come outside."

The group followed me out to the restaurant's parking lot, where a shiny red BMW with a giant bow sat waiting. Sam gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.

"Oh my God!" She exclaimed, tears pooling in her eyes.

"It's yours," I said, wrapping my arms around Sam from behind. "Happy birthday, babe."

Sam turned around, throwing her arms around my neck. "I can't believe you did this. I don't even know what to say."

"Just promise you'll let me teach you how to parallel park," I joked, making everyone laugh.

Hopefully this car will take her mind off of why I haven't been intimate with her lately.

As Sam slid into the driver's seat for the first time, her friends cheered, taking photos and videos to capture the unforgettable moment.

"This is the best birthday ever!" Sam said, her voice thick with gratitude. "You've completely outdone yourself."

I smiled, stepping closer. "Seeing you happy makes it all worth it."

Sam couldn't stop grinning as she got out of the car, her energy radiating pure joy. Her friends hyped her up the entire way back to the restaurant. Sam stopped briefly in the doorway, stealing one last kiss before we went back inside, hand in hand.

The celebration wasn't over just yet. Sam took a few more pictures with her guests, glowing with happiness. She posed with Serenity and Kay, playfully flashing her belly ring, then snapped a group shot with everyone, holding her key like a trophy.

"Don't worry" Serenity teased, as the last photo was taken. "We'll definitely remind you about the spa and bracelets later. But for now, you're living your best life with that car."

Kay laughed, nodding. "Yeah, don't forget about us when you're zipping through Kingston in style."

Sam hugged them both tightly before everyone began to trickle out, wishing her one last "Happy Birthday," on their way.

As the crowd dispersed, leaving only me and sam alone in the quiet restaurant. Sam leaned against the table, her eyes sparkling.

"You're unreal, you know that?" Sam said softly, pulling me closer by my waist.

I smirked but said nothing, letting Sam's words settle between us. I kissed Sam's forehead before murmuring, "Come on, let's go home."

• • • • • • • •

The drive home was quiet but filled with warmth. Sam slipped her hand into mine as we sat side by side. The occasional hum of music filling the silence. I stole quick glances at Sam, still glowing from the day, her head resting lightly against the car window.

I couldn't help but reflect on how much I adored this girl. Sam is fierce, funny, and a constant reminder of everything I cherished. From the moment we've met, Sam had made me feel like the most important person in the world. Today, I was determined to return the favor.

Pulling up to my house, I wait for the gate to open then parked the car and helped Sam carry her gifts inside. Sam immediately plopped down onto my bed, clutching her bracelet and the key with the same awe she'd showed earlier.

"I can't stop thinking about today," Sam said, her voice soft as she looked up at me. "You made it perfect. Everything about it."

I sat beside her, leaning forward with my elbow on my knees. "I just wanted to show you how much mean to me. I know sometimes I don't say it enough, but... you're my everything, Sam."

Sam turned, resting her hand on my shoulder. "You say it plenty. And you didn't have to get me a car to prove it, you know."

I laughed lightly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Sam's face. "Maybe not. But I wanted to. You deserve all of it—and more."

For a while, we sat there in silence, the weight of the day's events settling in. I felt a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing I'd made Sam happy. For me, that was all that mattered.

"You're stuck with me now, you know" Sam said suddenly, tilting her head to look up at me.

I smiled, pressing a kiss to Sam's temple. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

I shifted slightly, sitting cross-legged on the bed beside Mara. We had just finished taking a shower, separately!

Normally, this would be the part of the night where we'd lie down, tangled up together, sharing kisses and quiet laughter. But tonight felt different. Mara was sitting upright, scrolling through her phone, her body angled just slightly away from Sam.

I tried not to overthink it, but the small gestures—or lack of them—were starting to gnaw at me. I leaned closer, brushing my hand lightly against Mara's arm. "You okay?" I asked softly, my voice careful not to sound too probing.

Mara glanced at me briefly, offering a quick smile. "Yeah babe, I'm good. Just tired, you know? Today was a lot."

I nodded, trying to push away the doubt in my chest. "It was a lot" I agreed, forcing a smile. "You really outdid yourself. Today was perfect."

Mara put her phone down and shifted to face me, taking my hand and squeezing it gently. "Anything for you," she said, her tone sincere, but her touch brief. She let go quickly, leaning against the pillows.

I swallowed uneasy unease and slid a little closer, resting my head on her Mara's shoulder. I tilted my face slightly, hoping for a kiss. Mara hesitated for a fraction of a second before planting a soft kiss on my temple.

It was sweet, but it wasn't what I had been looking for. I tried not to let it bother me, telling myself it wasn't a big deal. "Maybe she's really tired" I thought, sitting back against the headboard and folding my hands in my lap.

We sat in silence for a moment, the only sound in the room other than the soft hum of the air conditioner. I glanced at Mara out of the corner of my eye, hoping to catch her gaze. But Mara seemed lost in thought, staring ahead.

The quiet distance between us felt heavier than it should have. I bit my lip trying to shake off the nagging feeling. "It's probably just in my head" I thought. "She loves me. She planned this whole day for me. Stop being silly."

But as the silence stretched on, the doubt lingered, refusing to let go.

• • • • • • •

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of drilling out. I stretched lazily, smiling as the memories of my birthday came flooding back. But the small pang of doubt from last night lingered at the edge of my mind.

Getting out of bed, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen where Mara was busy frying plantains, her hair tied up in a loose bun. I leaned against the doorframe, watching her move.

"Mornin' babe" I said softly, my voice warm as I stepped closer.

Mara turned and gave me a quick smile. "Mornin'. Breakfast soon done."

I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around Mara's waist, resting my chin on her shoulder. "You spoil me, you know that?" I murmured, kissing her neck lightly.

Mara shifted slightly, gently pulling away under the guise of checking the stove. "Go siddung, love. Mi soon bring it to yuh." She said, her tone light but distant.

I frowned a little but let it slide, moving to sit at the table. As Mara served breakfast, I could help notice how she avoided making eye contact.

"Everything alright?" I asked as I picked at my food, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah, why yuh ask?" Mara replied quickly, sitting across from me and taking a sip of her tea.

"I dunno... yuh just feel kinda far, yuh know?" I said, my voice soft but firm.

Mara glanced up briefly, then back down at her plate. "Mi nuh far, Sam. Mi just... tired, dat's all. Mi promise mi good."

I studied her for a moment, wanting to press further, but something in Mara's expression made me hold back. Instead, I reached across the table and place a hand over Mara's.

"If somethin' bothering yuh, yuh can tell m," I said gently.

Mara gave my hand a squeeze but pulled away quickly to grab a napkin. "Nutt'n nah bother me, love. Mi good."

I nodded slowly, even though I'm not convinced. I decided to give Mara space, hoping it was just a passing mood. But as the day went on, the same pattern repeated itself. Every time I tried to hold her, kiss her, or ask questions, Mara brushed me off with gentle excuses: she needed to tidy up, run errands, or was simply tired.

By evening, the weight of the situation was pressing down on my chest. I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling while Mara sat at the desk, scrolling through her laptop.

"Babe" I said, breaking the silence.

"Hmm?" Mara replied without looking up.

"Yuh sure nutt'n wrong? Yuh been... distant since last night. Like, yuh nah really let me in."

Mara hesitated, her fingers pausing on the keyboard before she turned to face me. "Sam, mi swear nutt'n wrong. Mi just... have a lot pon mi mind right now. Mi nuh mean fi mek yuh feel like  mi distant."

I sat up, my eyes searching Mara's face. "If yuh have a lot pon yuh mind, why yuh nuh share it wid mi? We a team, Mara. Yuh nuh haffi deal wid it alone."

Mara looked at me for a moment, then gave a small, strained smile. "Mi know love, mi appreciate yuh. Just gi mi likkle time fi sort out mo thoughts, alright?"

I nodded reluctantly, lying back down as Mara turned back to her laptop. But as the quiet filled the room again, my heart felt heavier than before. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong.

To take my mind off of it, I go on my phone opening instagram to post a few pictures from yesterday's event.

My first post was an appreciation one for Mara.

Kay took this picture outside of the restaurant and sent it to me. Mara doesn't like taking pictures at all but she tries just for us. The second picture I post was the one of me and my girls by the bar.

Friendships like this is hard to come by and yesterday taught me to cherish the ones that go out of their way to be there for me.

I closed my eyes, holding that feeling close to my heart in hopes of getting a good night's rest for school tomorrow.

____________

Mara should come clean, Sam deserves to know why she has been acting strangely.