'TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, STAR.' Star's phoned beeped with a message, but the young woman still lay peacefully on the soft, king-sized bed. Beside her, Lizzy was fast asleep, her breathing calm and steady. The quiet room was very calm.
The phone on the table vibrated and beeped again. She opened her eyes slowly, stretched, and reached for it. A message notification lit up the screen; it was from Miguel.
A small smile crept across her lips as she unlocked the phone and tapped to open the message.
To the woman my heart beats for,
Meeting you was an accident. Knowing you was a blessing. Loving you? That was something I never imagined. Having you as mine… feels like a dream come true.
Don't worry about lucid dreams, because we're not going to wake up from this, and there's no such thing as breaking up between us. You're a virtuous woman, and you were made for me.
You're my STAR, sent to shine in my life.
I admire you deeply. Your love for God inspires me. Being with you has reminded me how short life is… that all of this is vanity upon vanity. You taught me how to pray again, and now, every morning I wake up and ask God to make you the mother of my kids one day. You're so beautiful, inside and out.
Your flaws and imperfections are perfect to me. You're my weakness, STAR. The woman before my heart.
I want to make you mine forever. And I pray God grants that, because what I feel for you is pure, real, and filled with deep passion. Your smile brings me peace, and those dimples… they are magic.
Our blue flame of love is a mystery waiting to unfold. Thank you for giving me a place in your heart. You hold the key to mine.
Happy 21st Birthday to the love of my life.
I love you so much, my bookworm.
…...Miguel
Star smiled gently as she read the long message, her heart fluttering. These few weeks with Miguel had been some of the best moments of her life. He was naturally blunt, sometimes even rude, but underneath that exterior was a man with a soft, loyal heart.
She loved him. Maybe it was fate.
Today was her twenty-first birthday. Life hadn't been easy, but she was still standing. And for that, she was grateful.
More than anything, she was thankful for the best gift lying beside her, Lizzy, the friend who had become her sister. From the second year, Lizzy had taken her in, cared for her, and shared everything she had. Even now, much of their daily upkeep came from the pocket money Lizzy received from her parents.
In their third year, Lizzy had finally convinced Star to join her for the Christmas holiday in Abuja. It was Star's very first time flying.
She'd been nervous at first, but the experience was exciting and unforgettable.
When the plane landed, Lizzy's parents were already waiting at the airport to welcome them. Warm, elegant, and full of smiles, they embraced Star like their own.
And in that moment, for the first time in a long time, Star didn't feel like the poor orphan girl from the corner. All through her stay in Lizzy's family's house, she felt seen. She felt loved. She felt… home.
Lizzy's mother made sure they never lacked anything. They visited beaches, museums, and so many interesting places. The holiday was short but full of fun.
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HER BIRTHDAY
***********************************
Star looked at her phone and touched its broken sensor.
It was 12:37 a.m.
"Oh my God, it's still midnight. I need to get enough sleep," she said, dropping the phone and rolling back into bed.
By 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, Lizzy was already in the kitchen, busy cooking. Living with Star for years had taught her how to cook well, and today, she wasn't letting Star near the kitchen.
"This is your special day," Lizzy had told her earlier. "Go and have fun."
Upstairs, Star was doing her makeup, Lizzy had been her makeup couch, and sure, she was well trained. Today, she needed to be ready before 10, Miguel had said he'd come to pick her up by then.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"Grrriiiimmm!"
"Who is there?" Lizzy called.
"Miguel."
"Ooh, welcome, please come in, dear," Lizzy said with a smile.
"Thank you," Miguel replied as he stepped in.
He had been here two or three times before. After lectures, he often gave Star and Lizzy a ride home, and they always insisted he come inside. He loved it. Not only for the company, but for the delicious African food he got to enjoy.
But today, he wasn't here to eat.
He was holding a wrapped cake in his hands. He placed it on the center table and sat down comfortably.
"Is she not ready yet?" he asked.
"She'll be here soon," Lizzy replied, turning toward the stairs.
"Star! Hurry up, Miguel is here!"
"Yeah, I'm coming right away!" Star called back as she came downstairs.
But Lizzy just stood there, staring at her. Miguel, too, was staring.
"Is my makeup that bad?" Star mumbled under her breath.
"Wow… I love your dress," Lizzy finally said.
"He bought it for me," Star replied, pointing at Miguel.
She was wearing a short red gown, tight enough to highlight her curves, with blue heels and a matching blue handbag.
"Oooh, you never told me," Lizzy said, sounding a bit hurt.
"I'm sorry, hun. I just wanted to surprise you."
"Well, mission accomplished," Lizzy said with a mock pout and raised eyebrow.
"Stop that," Star laughed, brushing past her and heading to Miguel.
Lizzy whispered, "Baby, you killed it."
Miguel stood and gave her a warm hug.
"You're looking extraordinarily beautiful," he said.
"And sexy too! You're forgetting that," Lizzy chimed in.
"Oh yeah, she's looking hot, I must say," Miguel added.
"All thanks to you," Star smiled at him.
"I got you a cake," Miguel said, pointing at the table.
"Aww, thank you so much! That witch has never bought me a cake on my day," Star teased.
"You're criticizing me now? Have you forgotten I always take you out and spoil you on your birthday?" Lizzy shot back.
"See who's talking. So you don't know that cake is a must? My dear, go and bring a knife. My case with you, na God go judge am," Star laughed.
"And what's funny, you ungrateful goat," Lizzy replied, laughing too as she dashed into the kitchen.
She returned with a kitchen knife and placed it on the table.
"Now, hurry and cut this cake. I want a big portion," she said, sitting beside them.
"You're not serious," Star replied.
"Seems you want me to curse you on your own day," Lizzy warned, half-joking.
"Ladies, please," Miguel cut in, "Star, unwrap your cake."
He knew if he didn't intervene, they'd go on forever. Their constant banter was legendary. They were truly best friend, chums like no other.
Star unwrapped the cake. The words on it were the same as the heading of the morning message, but this one is iced in sugar:
"To the Love of My Life, STAR."
"Awwww," Lizzy exclaimed. "So lovely!"
"Thank you so much, baby," Star said to Miguel.
"Young lady, doesn't he deserve a kiss?" Lizzy asked, pretending to look at her phone.
"And who asked you?" Star fired back.
"I think she's right," Miguel added, remembering the last time he kissed her.
That day, after dinner at a high-end hotel, he'd driven her home. She was about to open the door when he stopped her.
"Hope you won't mind if I…" He couldn't finish. He was caught in her eyes.
She didn't say a word. He kissed her softly and passionately. When he pulled back, she quickly grabbed her bag from him and ran inside. They'd never talked about it since. He suspected he'd been her first. She was outspoken and smart, but clueless when it came to romance.
Still, thanks to Lizzy's teasing, he wasn't going to miss this chance. He gently pulled her toward him and, ignoring the nude lip gloss she wore, kissed her again, tenderly.
Star looked down shyly, staring at the floor.
Miguel smiled and turned to cut the cake.
"Yeah, yeah!" Lizzy clapped, amused.
"Star, it's time for the celebrant to feed us. And if you don't mind, I can feed him ooo," Lizzy said, pointing at Miguel.
"Don't you dare, bloody witch!" Star shot back, knowing full well Lizzy was not joking.
"Thank you. Now be fast, please," Lizzy replied sweetly.
Star cut a small portion of the cake and fed Miguel.
Then she went to do the same for Lizzy, but Lizzy protested.
"No! Don't try it. I've always dreamed of this day, feed your bestie properly!"
"You too like big things. How will it enter that small mouth of yours, yeye girl?"
"That one no concern you. Just feed me a big portion!" Lizzy replied in Pidgin.
Star gave in and cut a much larger piece. As she tried to feed Lizzy, she shoved the whole piece into her mouth and started choking.
"E KPele," Star said in Yoruba.
"For your mind, you don learn Yoruba?" Lizzy croaked as she walked off to find water.
"That's what you get for being greedy!" Star called after her.
Star and Miguel stood to leave.
"Lizzy, we're going. Come and lock the door," Star said.
"Yeah, baby, I'm coming," Lizzy replied, coming out of the kitchen.
"You two enjoy yourselves. And hey, woman, don't forget to bring back a package. If not, sleep outside. I'm not taking chances tonight."
"Noted. Anything else?" Star asked.
"Yeah, don't worry about the cake. I'll put it in the fridge," Lizzy said, moving toward the table.
"Hey, you thief! Don't eat it ooo!" Star shouted as she left with Miguel.
"Yes, madam, na you sabi. I'm in charge of the cake!" Lizzy yelled back and headed for the kitchen.
She placed the cake on the cupboard and opened the fridge. The wines were gone, only soft drinks and a few bottles of beer with 4% alcohol remained. She took one, closed the refrigerator, and grabbed a plate.
Cutting a generous piece of cake, she sat at the middle table.
"Enjoyment time!" she shouted, digging in.
But then she paused.
"Gosh! I need music!" she yelled again, hopping off the table.
She dropped the cake back onto the plate and ran out of the kitchen.