"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CELESTIA!" everyone else chimed in.
"BRU-REEEEE!" Arielle exclaimed, trying to be the loudest out of everyone.
I laughed. "Thank you, everyone...this means a lot to me. Just that you took time out from your busy schedules to celebrate my birthday...thank you," I replied. I was incredibly grateful for my team. It was thanks to them that I was enjoying my first birthday party in twenty-five years.
"You deserve it, Celestia. You've worked hard to reach this moment and we're all proud of you," Magnor praised.
The others nodded their heads in agreement. Even Othello and Ms. Arcadia nodded, wide grins on their faces.
"Now, why don't we get this party started?" Ms. Arcadia suggested.
We cheered in agreement, the guys buzzing around to get plates from the cupboards. Magnor came over to me, reaching out and patting my head.
"I read all your letters. I just didn't want to give myself away. Did I worry you?" he asked.
"Yes. I missed you," I admitted, hugging him once more.
"Me too," he replied.
"Bru!" Arielle chirped, landing on Magnor's shoulder and began nuzzling her head against his cheek. He chuckled.
"I missed you too, Arielle," he confirmed.
"Are you going to stay all day?" I asked.
He nodded. "Don't return to duties till Monday. Guess I'll be spending the weekend," he revealed.
I beamed. "I have to show you everything I've learned so far!"
"I can't wait. But why don't we get you some cake before your teammates try to eat it all?" he suggested.
I looked over to Caio and Cairus who were attempting to take a piece of cake, but Orion and Theo slapped their hands away, scolding them.
I giggled. "Yes. Let's get cake and have some fun."
* * *
~SIA~
"You should let me help you wash the dishes," I huffed.
"Or you can be a good birthday girl and let me wash them," Magnor retorted.
I grumbled, leaning against the kitchen counter as I continued watching Magnor clean the remaining dishes that couldn't fit in the dishwasher.
Today had been an amazing experience. The guys had somehow organized a surprise birthday party for us. The thought of them including me baffled me and came as such a shock when I woke up to the beautifully decorated room. Celestia and I had alternated throughout the rest of the day until she fell asleep on Orion's shoulder while we were watching a bunch of movies Othello had brought.
I wouldn't have imagined Othello and Ms. Arcadia as being very relaxed people. During school, they gave off a strict appearance and tough personalities, but today they were calm and even fun to be around.
They answered many questions we had about Aslan Academy and we took a few minutes to talk about the current situation affecting the weather. The high council was still investigating so they couldn't reveal much, but the Forsaken had something to do with the weather change. It made me wonder if this was some kind of test or if Forsaken were getting stronger and multiplying at a rapid rate. Either way, I hoped we'd gain more knowledge and skill to defeat them when the time arrived.
The guys had retreated for the night. Theo and Orion had to carry Caio to his room because he'd passed out due to the gloomy weather. Cairus had helped Finn and Hunter clean up and Ms. Arcadia and Othello had left early to finish up some school business.
"Are Ms. Arcadia and Othello dating?" I wondered out loud.
Magnor closed the tap, drying his hands with a towel. "What makes you suggest that?" Magnor asked.
"They look good together and Othello seems happy around her," I replied. I could see from the way he looked at her when she spoke that he cared dearly for her. His eyes would light up with joy and you could see how flushed her cheeks were during their little conversations; I could practically see love blossom between them.