In the Shadow Of Memory

Chapter 20

As midnight approached, Mia and Tanya were bustling with excitement. They had planned a special surprise for Daisy's birthday, and every detail was carefully arranged.

Mia had prepared a selection of beautifully designed candles with fruity and vanilla scents—Daisy's favorite. The candles were displayed on the dining table, casting a warm and inviting glow. Tanya had completed a stunning portrait of Daisy as an angel, adorned with sparkling accents that caught the light beautifully. The artwork was a testament to Tanya's skill and affection for her friend.

As the clock struck twelve, Mia and Tanya exchanged excited glances. Tanya, with a mischievous smile, had come up with a clever plan to get Daisy out of bed.

"Okay, Mia," Tanya said, "I'll call her and say I need help with something. You get everything ready."

Mia nodded, setting up the last few decorations. Tanya knocked gently on Daisy's door. "Daisy? Can you come out here for a moment? I need your help with something."

Daisy groggily opened her door, her hair tousled and her eyes half-closed. "What's going on? It's really late..."

As Daisy entered the living room, Mia and Tanya burst into a chorus of "Happy Birthday!" The room was filled with laughter and the cheerful notes of the birthday song.

Daisy's eyes widened as she took in the scene: the table adorned with candles and the beautiful portrait of her. "Oh my gosh, you guys! This is amazing!" She rushed over to the table, admiring the candles and the portrait. "I can't believe you did all this for me!"

Mia grinned. "We know how much you love candles and art. We wanted to make sure your birthday was as special as you are."

Tanya handed Daisy a small gift wrapped in colorful paper. "And here's a little something extra."

Daisy unwrapped the gift to find a set of luxurious bath products. "Wow, these are perfect! Thank you so much!"

As they celebrated, the conversation flowed easily. They shared stories and memories, each one more amusing than the last.

"Remember that time we tried to cook a fancy dinner and ended up with a kitchen disaster?" Mia laughed.

Daisy giggled. "Oh yes! And you almost set off the smoke alarm!"

"And don't forget," Tanya added, "Daisy had to order pizza because we couldn't salvage anything!"

The night was filled with fun and laughter as they enjoyed the cake, chatted, and exchanged birthday wishes.

As the celebration wound down, Daisy's phone buzzed with a message. She checked it and smiled as she read the text. "Happy birthday, Daisy! I really hope 22 will be an amazing year! I hope I was first!" – Dennis

The girls burst into laughter. "Dennis is always late with his texts!" Tanya said, shaking her head.

Daisy laughed along with them. "Well, better late than never! I'm just happy to have friends like you to celebrate with."

The evening ended on a high note, with Daisy feeling deeply appreciated and loved. Mia and Tanya felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing they had made their friend's birthday truly special. The warmth and joy of the night were reminders of the strong bond they shared, and the fun they had would be cherished in their memories for years to come. 

The morning of Daisy's birthday was filled with anticipation and excitement. Daisy had left early to get ready for her big celebration. She had meticulously planned her look, opting for a stunning dress that complemented her elegant style. After spending hours on her hair and makeup, she was ready to shine at her birthday party.

Meanwhile, Tanya and Mia decided to use the morning to study and prepare for the festivities later in the day. As the hours passed, they both began to get ready for the event. Tanya chose a beautiful green dress with a flattering V-cut top, while Mia wore a dazzling red, sparkly V-neck dress that added a touch of charm to her appearance.

After they were both dressed and ready, they called a cab and made their way to the party venue. As they pulled up, Mia was in awe of the location. The building was a massive, luxurious structure that resembled a grand castle, with elegant entrances that set the tone for the evening.

Upon arrival, Mia felt a bit out of place among the sea of beautifully dressed guests. The crowd was sophisticated and glamorous, their attire ranging from rich jewel tones to classic black. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the sheer number of guests was overwhelming. Mia felt a pang of self-doubt, comparing herself to the opulent surroundings and the elegant guests. "I can't believe I'm actually going to this kind of party," she thought to herself, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

They found Daisy amidst a flurry of guests and gifts. As soon as Daisy spotted Tanya and Mia, her face lit up with joy. She rushed over, enveloping them both in a warm hug. "This is so amazing! I'm so glad you're here!" Daisy exclaimed.

Tanya laughed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I love the idea of having a 22nd birthday party in such an elegant place. It's perfect for you!"

Daisy grinned. "My parents adore elegance and wanted to make this birthday really special."

With a smile, Daisy continued, "Let me introduce you to my friends, cousins, and my parents." She led them through the crowd, excitedly introducing Mia and Tanya to the various guests. The evening promised to be a memorable one, filled with laughter, celebration, and the joy of marking a special milestone in Daisy's life.