It was her 18th birthday.

He wanted to make it more special than ever. He had made a promise to himself that he would make her feel more loved and cherished than any other person in the world.

It was a small party held at her house. An elegant 'You're 18' banner adorned the living room. Ellie only invited close friends, she was never the type to have an extravagant party.

A simple red velvet cake with white icing glistened on the granite kitchen counter. Chocolates and sweets surrounded it, enhancing it's look.

Richard came early. Ignoring the fact that he called at 12am to wish her, he even came to her house to set everything up early.

She was in her room putting on the clothes her dad selected. She always trusted his choice.

Richard put everything in place, he checked for the thousandth time and released a sigh of relief.

"Good?" he asked Kiaan, who was clicking pictures.

"Yes. Relax," Kiaan answered as he checked the pictures on the camera.

"You know it needs to be.." and he got interrupted.

"Perfect! Yes I know!" Kiaan replied with a huge sigh.

Richard chuckled and sat down whilst he waited for Ellie.

Davis, her Dad, sat with him and Sizwe as they all waited. Sizwe was so excited for Ellie and the happiness was radiated by his wide smile. Gogo sat on the couch, with a sparkle in her eyes to indicate excitement.

Davis never really got to know Richard well. Often when he came by, Ellie and him went out or for a walk. He didn't ever stay in the house with her, they liked exploring the outdoors. It wasn't that necessary to talk to him anyway. Richard didn't want to get embarrassed in front of him if he said anything stupid, so he avoided talking to him unless it was absolutely necessary.

As Kiaan showed him the pictures, Ellie walked down the passage.

She wore a black, long sleeved dress. Her hair was up in a high ponytail and she wore black and white sneakers. Ellie didn't wear make-up, she never liked the idea.

It was the first time Richard saw her in a dress, she wasn't one to pick out a dress in a hurry. He was mesmerized.

Davis looked at her and embraced her in a tight hug. "My girl is all grown up now! You look beautiful Ell!!" and he kissed her on her forehead.

She smiled and hugged him too. That was the thing with Ellie, she wasn't afraid to show her love to her Dad while friends were around. She didn't push him away when he kissed her, no, because she loved him like that.

Sizwe rushed to her and hugged her too. He was so proud to be with her at that point. He tried his best to keep his disorder from ruining her day. Sometimes when he got overly excited, he could go into a manic episode, and he didn't want that to happen.

Kiaan shook her hand and wished her happy birthday, as well as complimented her.

Gogo pulled her cheeks and laughed, "I love you dear."

Everyone looked at Richard for him to come to her and they went silent at his sight.

His eyes filled up with tears and they were slowly rolling down his face.

He couldn't contain his emotions and it was visible.

Ellie was confused as to what caused the sudden silence and she asked, "What's wrong? Mr Russell?"

Davis guided her towards Richard, who was still overcome by emotions, and he placed her hand on his face.

She felt, "Tears. Why are you crying Mr Russell?"

"Poppy," he said and hugged her tighter than ever, "No I'm happy. You're beautiful."

She felt every feeling and emotion from that hug, and his voice that was emotional and happy at the same time.

She also let out a few tears. She was so lucky to have him around.

"I can't see you but I know you're the most handsome person in the world," she said in a soft voice.

He smiled.

They left each other's arms and laughed. They almost forgot that there was still a party that needed to go on.

Ellie eventually took her place behind the counter and while she did that Kiaan whispered to Richard, "Will you do it today?"

Richard wiped his tears and nodded.

The formalities of the party was done. Everyone did something, nobody was left out. Ellie was elated that she had everyone who was close to her together, and enjoying her day with her.

She wasn't one for words but she urged everyone to say a little speech for her day.

Kiaan, being the most confident out there, stepped forward first.

"Well if I don't start this, no one else will," he said, to which everyone laughed.

"Umm Ellie, happy birthday. I have to say that don't I?" and she nodded.

"To be utterly honest, you're probably one of the most chill people I've ever met. I can literally crack dumb jokes and you'll laugh like nothing else mattered. So my message to you is: Don't ever lose your chill. It's what makes you you. Thank you," he said and then quickly added, "And now you all clap for my brilliant speech."

That definitely set a light, good mood.

Then came Davis, "Ell, the most beautiful days of my life started when you came into this world. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday."

Although short and sweet, it really made Ellie feel amazing. She hugged him again. He was never a man of many words, but his few words were very impactful.

Gogo waited for her turn:

"You guys better hope I'm not going to give a long speech. You know I'm capable," she joked.

"My dear baby Ellie, you're my own. Remember that. If everyone turns you down sweetie, Gogo will be here to help you. Gogo will be here to guide you, and love you. I might not be the best person, or the best grandma, but I know that I'll always be here for you. Happy birthday dear."

Ellie got emotional and cried a little  on her shoulder while hugging her.

"You are the best Gogo."

The speeches really meant more than they thought it did. Ellie cherished every word.

Sizwe wasn't good with words, but he wanted to make her day good. He decided that  he would try.

"Umm," he thought of good words.

"Ellie, happy birthday. You're 18, officially my age. Guess I can't say I'm your superior anymore," and she laughed.

"You're the best. I hope you know that. I know for a fact that I've not been the best friend, but I've been there for you and will always be. Thanks for staying up with me till early hours of the morning trying to sort out my sudden outbursts. I know I'm a lot to handle, and to be honest you're the only one who can handle me, along with Gogo. I think, no, I know the best part of my life was meeting you. The best moments were shared with you. My best life is with you. Hope we're together forever," he said and breathed out.

He was shocked he came up with all of that himself.

"SIZI!!"she cried even more and jumped to hug him.

Sizwe really meant a lot to her. A big part of her life, and heart was shared with him. Under no circumstances would she want to lose him.

There was only one person left at that point. She eagerly awaited for his speech.

Davis smiled, "Saved the best for last I guess. Go ahead son."

Richard walked to the front and looked at Kiaan. Kiaan smiled, to which he eventually smiled too, and started.

"Poppy," and she looked his way with more enthusiasm.

"I don't know how, but we connected from day 1 don't you think?"

She nodded.

"From me being rude to you at the library, and then apologizing, to you taking me to the flea market, and then us going practically everywhere together. I am extroverted, you know that, but I don't think I've ever enjoyed being extroverted as much as I enjoy it with you. I always tell you that you're something else and I really think that's an understatement for your true worth. Whether it's your weird sense of humor, or warm side, you always shine, " she smiled sincerely.

"I do dumb things all the time Poppy," they laughed, "but you're the one who laughs at it, and doesn't judge me or give me the red buzzer."

That made everyone laugh even more.

"So thank you Poppy. Thanks for trusting your Mr Russell. I will never let you down. Whatever happens I'll be right here. To lift you back up again. I'll be here for you every step of your life. I want to,"

Her eyes started to tear again.

"I-," he went up to her and held her hand.

"I love you Poppy."

Ellie held on to his hand tighter.

"I want to grow old with you. That'll only happen if this friendship is taken a step forward. Will you.." he hesitated.

She gave him an assuring smile.

"Will you be my girlfriend Poppy?" he said and he felt as if a huge weight was lifted off his mind.

She had laughter through tears, hugged him and said, "Yes!!"

Everyone clapped and Kiaan didn't fail to get a good shot of that.

Richard smiled widely. He knew he would never forget this moment for the rest of his life.

Richard made sure to give her the warmth she needed in that hug.

Davis got emotional too, and wiped off the line of tears that formed around his eyes.

Gogo went ahead and embraced both of them. Sizwe proceeded to congratulate them, and slightly forced a smile. Kiaan made random jokes and everyone just had a great time.

Richard and Ellie knew that was a new chapter of their lives.

It was no longer him and her.

It was them.