The Birthday Of A Special Stranger

"How do I look Ed ? "

Mona walked downstairs in a beige gown, but Edward was so focused on texting that he did not even hear any of what she said. Annoyed because of being ignored, she sneaked behind him, peeked at his phone, then spoke loudly in his ear.

" Is that Jolene you're texting ? "

He flinched and almost dropped his phone. She bursted with laughter as she clung into his arm. He sighed then resumed texting as he replied to his cousin's question.

"Who else do you think I bother texting?"

They both walked outside the house then got into Edward's car. After a while, she grabbed her phone and took her turn texting. Edward could not help but notice the wide smile on her face.

" Who's the lucky one ? "

She spontaneously replied, unconsciously saying something interesting about her love life.

"Oh his name is Patrick "

" Are you seeing this Patrick ? "

She dropped texting and put a cigarette in her mouth. She held it with her lips while searching for a lighter in her purse. Edward abruptly snatched and threw the cigarette on the wet road.

" What's the point of throwing it outside ? I have others in my purse you know ! "

Indifferent, he kept driving silently. She took a deep breath, looked at the raindrops on the window glass, then spoke in a kind of sad tone.

" I like him, but he doesn't share the same feeling. I don't blame him since it's my fault anyway. It was supposed to be a one night stand but I was the one who wanted to keep in touch. You know what's the funniest part? He's your age. I never thought I'd fall for someone who's younger than me to be honest "

Edward noticed the change in her voice tone, he took a glance at her then pulled over. He was surprised at the sight of her teary eyes, as she had always been strong and cheerful. He was literally shocked to see the broken and weak side of her for the first time.

Ed grabbed a tissue and softly wiped her tears, then tried to cheer her up a little.

" Stop crying, you look like a panda with all the messed up makeup around your eyes "

She smiled as she took a small mirror out of her purse, then slightly fixed her makeup.

He smiled while starting the car again.

" It's his loss you know. If he doesn't appreciate you, then he doesn't deserve you "

She leaned back on the car seat while gazing at her face in the mirror.

"You're absolutely right, but a part of me wishes he sees how amazing I am someday. Am I still not allowed to smoke in your car now that I feel pathetic? "

" Nope "

" You're not Considerate at all you know! "

" Yeah, still a nope "