Jay's POV – Birthday Night
The house was unusually quiet that night, well… relatively quiet if you could survive the occasional snoring from Calix and the soft hum of baby Grazel Jay in the next room. I was lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of two things: the lingering chaos from the day, and… the absence of Keifer.
I knew it was my birthday in a few hours. May 29. I couldn't help but remember all the past birthdays—Keifer always had a way of making them unforgettable. But this year? He was far away. London. Hospital. Recovering from a battle that had left him unconscious for days.
My fingers twirled a strand of hair. "He… probably forgot," I whispered to myself. "With everything he's gone through… he probably forgot it's my birthday."
The first chime of midnight approached. My phone buzzed. I closed my eyes for a second, bracing myself for the flood of messages from Section E and family.
12:00 AM – BIRTHDAY CHAOS BEGINS
"🎉🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAYYYY!!! 🎂🎉" – Section E group chat erupted.
Immediately, my phone was buzzing nonstop:
Freya: "Happy Birthday, you chaotic queen!"
Mica: "Birthday hugs incoming. Virtual for now."
Calix: "Eat cake or I'll eat it for you."
Rory: "I hope your day is less messy than this house."
Denzel: "Happy Birthday! Baby Grazel Jay sends a high-five!" (the tiny hand emoji made me giggle)
Grace: "Your day will be magical, my dear!"
Percy: "Happy Birthday! Don't let Aries steal your cake!"
Aries: "I heard that."
Ella: "Jayyyyy, you are finally aging like fine wine."
I laughed through my tears. Honestly, even though Keifer wasn't here, it felt like love and chaos wrapped around me.
The Emotional Twist
But… every few seconds, my gaze drifted to my phone, hoping for that one message.
"Wifey… Happy Birthday… I'm sorry I'm not there."
Nothing.
I tried not to think about it. He's injured. He's recovering. He hasn't forgotten me… right?
But my chest tightened anyway.
I got up and walked to the window, looking at the night sky. London was far away, but I could almost imagine him staring at the stars from his hospital room, thinking of me too.
I whispered softly, barely audible even to myself:
"Happy Birthday… wifey. I mean… me."
Family & Section E Enter Chaos Mode
Suddenly, the door burst open.
Calix: "Birthday cake!"
Eren: "We got the confetti cannons ready!"
Freya: "And I made your favorite dessert!"
Mica: "Do NOT blow your candles without making a wish!"
Percy & Aries: "We're here for moral support, obviously."
I smiled faintly, trying to push down the ache of missing Keifer.
Rory (grinning): "So… Keifer? Where's the hubby? Did he forget?"
Everyone froze for a moment, then laughed awkwardly.
I rubbed my face. "He… hasn't sent anything. I guess… he forgot."
Grace (squeezing my shoulder): "Jay… he hasn't forgotten. He just… can't be here yet. You know he would move heaven and earth for you."
I nodded, biting my lip. I knew she was right… but it didn't stop my heart from sinking a little.
Birthday Chaos & Humor
Section E wouldn't let me mope for long.
Felix: "Okay, birthday girl. You must eat the cake before the candle melts. Stat."
Denzel: "Or we'll throw it at you. Wait… maybe not that."
C In: "I volunteer to taste-test first."
Mayo: "No, I volunteer. For science."
Kit: "Fine, I'll volunteer… to survive."
Baby Grazel Jay clapped her tiny hands, squealing like she was the queen of chaos.
Me (thinking): If Keifer saw this… he'd be laughing and scolding me for letting them drive me insane…
I grabbed a fork and took the first bite of cake. Sweet. Perfect. Loved. Warm.
And even if Keifer hadn't messaged yet, I felt him here. Somehow. In the chaos, in the love, in all these little people who had become my family.
Lonely Realization
Later, after everyone had gone to sleep, I sat by the window again. The house was quiet, almost peaceful. I whispered into the night:
"I know you didn't forget me, Keifer… I know. But I wish you were here. I miss you… my hubby."
And there, staring at the stars, my heart ached—but it also held hope.
Because I knew… soon, he'd be back.
Soon, I'd feel his arms around me, his voice calling me wifey, and the world would feel complete again.
But tonight… tonight, I would survive Section E chaos, Grandma chaos, and the bittersweet ache of missing him… one bite of cake at a time. 🎂💙