***
I was on cloud nine the following day in school, and if people guessed why I was, I didn't care. Poppy cornered me before lunch and pulled me into an empty classroom. “Spill.”
“What?”
“You and Bastian had sex, didn't you?”
“Yes. Is it that obvious?”
“You're both walking around with moon-dog eyes. He can't stop touching you and the look you keep giving each other...”
“What look?”
“The one that says ‘we share a secret.’ It's such a freaking hot look, I'm surprised you haven't spontaneously combusted. You have to tell me what it was like!”
“Heaven, Poppy, with just the perfect hint of sinful hell.”
“Oh, my God.”
“Yeah, I was definitely offering my thanks to the gods. Several times, in fact.”
“You lucky lady.”
I grinned. “Patience, young Jedi, your time is coming.”
“Thank Obi-Wan.”
***
It was the day of my birthday surprise. After sharing breakfast with Bastian, he drove me to Poppy's house, so he could finish with the last minute details for the day. He helped me bring my things up to Poppy's room and took a minute to say hello to Poppy's parents, who liked him despite their misgivings about the apartment. I walked him to the door where he touched my face and smiled. “See you at four.”
“I can't wait.” I replied.
He leaned over, kissed the corner of my mouth and winked at me, then strolled down the front path to his bike. When he was gone from sight, I followed the sounds of Poppy and her parents to the kitchen. I settled in a chair at the table and asked Mr. and Dr. Wright, “You know what he has planned, don't you?”
“Of course. And don't bother trying to get us to tell you. Our lips are sealed.” Dr. Wright retrieved a small, brightly-colored package and placed it down in front of me.
“Happy birthday, Lark.”
“We waited until today to give it to you since it seemed fitting.” Mr. Wright added.
“Open it.” Poppy demanded and I laughed at her enthusiasm, but my laughter froze in my throat once I had. Tears burned the back of my eyes as I stared down at the most beautiful pair of diamond earrings I had ever seen: pear-shaped drop earrings in platinum that sparkled against the black velvet. It didn't pass my notice that the box saidHarry Winston.
“Before you say something like you can't accept them, know you are like a daughter to us,” Dr. Wright said. My refusal died on my lips. I stood and wrapped my arms around her. “Thank you.”
She held me close for a moment before Mr. Wright moved in and kissed the top of my head.
“Happy birthday.”
Poppy had tears in her eyes. What a friend she was—I saw only love looking back at me. “Come on we have facials to do.”
And as I followed after her, I whispered, “I love you, Poppy.”
I knew she’d started full-out crying since she didn't answer with words, but reached back to squeeze my hand.
***
A few minutes before four, Poppy, Sophia and I studied ourselves in the mirrors of Poppy's dressing room. Sophia wore a black sequined dress with long flared sleeves which was opened in the back and fell to mid-thigh. The contrast of the black against her blond hair was stunning. Poppy wore a sleeveless royal-blue sequined sheath dress which really enhanced the beauty of her blue eyes.