Emancipation

thirty six

James is quick to provide me support as his arm holds my shoulder from behind. There is literally everyone I know in front of me! My parents are standing in the front of huge living room, and then there's Joan and Jeremy by their side. I see Carrack and Chloe behind them with the latter having a sour expression, not even trying to hide her displeasure.

What surprises me the most is the presence of my college friends. All five of them are here, in this apartment that's James's and mine. I turn a little to stare at the man who seems to have planned all this and he looks expectant of my response.

"You knew."

He nods, a grin taking over his features as he moves us further into the apartment that seems to be completely furnished. I immediately move to my parents and wrap my arms around them who hug me back as a few happy tears leave me.

"Oh, thank you so much, guys!" I speak and my father tightens his embrace before letting go. "I got the internship!"

He laughs, "I knew you would, Lillian. You're a smart girl! Happy Birthday."

"Thank you, Dad." I hug him again before turning to my mother.

"Oh baby, you've grown up so much. I can't believe you're an adult already." She coos and I laugh as she wipes over the remanent tears. "Stop the tears now."

"Happy Birthday, little sister." I hear Jeremy and immediately turn to wrap my arms around him. "Yes, yes. FaceTime doesn't do justice. I miss you too."

"Oh, Jer. I do miss you." I look at him and he grins as I turn to Joan, pulling her for a hug. "I saw the collage you edited of my pictures with this idiot. Thank you so much!"

"Hey, it was nothing." She grins as she turns to James who seems to observing everything silently. "Thank you for the e-invites. They were beautiful."

I frown, turning to James who gives a smile to her, "Thanks for coming, Joan."

God, he really did plan this, didn't he? I turn to wrap my arms around him, for once not really caring that we have people around because we've never actually met anyone at a social gathering since our first kiss. We don't have to pretend anymore, this is us — a work in progress.

"Thank you, thank you so much." I blink up at him and he grins, not saying a single word as he presses his lips on my cheek.

James's communication turns even lesser in social gatherings, these are some little things that I'm noticing so that I can keep them in mind. He turns to my parents and gives them a small smile, "I'll get her back to you after meeting everyone."

They nod as we move to greet Carrack who gives me a side hug, "Happy Birthday, Lillian. This is a beautiful apartment, you two."

"Thanks, Carrack." I absolutely agree with him. There are lights on but most of the source is from the sunlight from glass doors towards the balcony. I turn to Chloe, trying so hard not to snap as I look at James who seems to be gazing between the two of us. For his sake, I take a deep breath and smile at her. "Thanks for coming."

She looks a little taken aback by my tone but nods nonetheless, a smile which I've come to recognise as fake taking over her features. "Of course, it's your day. Happy Birthday."

James visibly relaxes at her words and while I'm not a fan of her, I process the words and smile at her, for the sake of this man I'm growing to love. "Thanks, Chloe."

She grins and I look back at my husband who's smiling before he moves us towards my group of friends. Ashley is the first to throw her arms around me and squeal, "Happy, happy birthday Lil."