Page 62 of Risks

Straightening from the stool, I walkover to the closet and open the little safety box tucked at the back. Mystomach and heart flutter at the sight of the glistening jewel. I long for theday it’s on Toya’s finger.

29

Incessant buzzing is disrupting my hotdream of Varen. Unable to hold on to the arousing imagery, I reach for my phoneand squint at the screen through blurry eyes before answering.

“Kenya?” I croak out.

Loud squeals fill the line, makingme move the phone to protect my earring. “Happy nineteenth birthday, bestie!”

“Thanks, but what time is it?”

She chuckles. “It’s eight, grumpy. Iwanted to catch you before I head to work.”

“Mmhm.” I roll onto my back andmassage my forehead.

“I’m sorry we’re not together foryour special day. I made sure to send your gift, though. Check with your RA. Iasked her not to give it to you until today.”

“I will,” I reply with a yawn.“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, babes. Love you.Enjoy your birthday.”

“I’ll try. Love you too.”

After ending the call, I go throughmy messages, beaming at the texts from Jesiah, Daniel, Alison, and even August.

A sad feeling sneaks in when I seeMom’s text. I’m sure she’ll call in a bit, but I don’t know if I’m ready tospeak to her, especially today. Her lie caused Jesiah and I to miss eighteenbirthdays together.

Shifting to my side, I look aroundthe quiet, sunlit room, spotting the birthday card upright on the desk. I climbout of bed to retrieve it, smiling at the heartwarming words Aya wrote me. Shehas classes and meetings until that evening, but I’m sure she’ll take me out tocelebrate later.

After idling on my phone a bit, I slipinto a t-shirt and tights and head to my RA’s office.

She hands me four packages, and Iveer back to my room to open them.

It’s considerate of Kenya to notonly send me curly hair products, but she also stuck a gift card inside for myfavorite clothing store. If I was in Baltimore, we’d go shopping together.

Setting the gifts aside, I text hermy appreciation, then message Alison that I received the journals and fancy pens.

Jesiah’s birthday card is adorable.Opening it, my eyes tear up as I read what he wrote.

You’ve changed my world so much.

I feel honored to have such anamazing daughter.

Instead of texting, I call him.

“Hey,” he answers right away. “Happybirthday.”

“Thank you. I just read your card.”

“Oh.” He chuckles. “Sorry if it’sshort. I’m not good at writing stuff. That’s you and Pops.”

I giggle. “It’s okay. It washeartfelt.”

“Hm.”

“Well, I don’t want to make you latefor work. I’m just letting you know I received your gift, and I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome, honey. Like I said,call me anytime. Happy birthday.”

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