"Do you understand your assignment?" Shawna asked the pledges. They met in Alston Park, which sat in the middle of the campus. A beautiful gazebo stood behind Shawna. She pointed at it while instructing them about what she wanted. Shawna described the decorations and plans in great detail as Chloe took notes. "I want this to be perfect because Felicia's last birthday ended horribly. We can't have a repeat of last year."
"We understand, Mistress Shawna. This will be the best birthday ever," Hana replied. Her expression mixed excitement and unbridled joy. She looked close to tears, which made Shawna uncomfortable.
"Don't get all weepy on me, Han Solo. You'll make me cry," Shawna warned Hana.
"Sorry, Mistress Shawna, but this is so sweet. I can't help it."
"You better help it. If you spoil this for Felicia, I won't give you my second vote!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Hana said, saluting Shawna. She breathed as if trying to will her tears back into her eyes.
"That's better," Shawna said, turning her head to hide her amusement. Once she composed herself, she continued the planning. "I want you all to sing "Happy Birthday" to Fel. Let's hear your rendition," Shawna said. She listened as they sang and tried as hard as possible to keep a straight face. When they finished, she chose her words carefully. The problem was that Shawna was a terrible liar. Her voice cracked as she told them her opinion. "That was—unique. Maybe Tamara and Chloe should sing, and the rest of you can hum."
"Was I that bad?" Kennedy asked.
"If I was going for the raspy-voiced style, you would be perfect, but I'm not."
"Fair enough."
"Okay, I gotta get going. Don't let me down!" Shawna said, turning toward her car. She barely registered their response because she focused on returning to her apartment. Shawna was waiting on an important delivery. She spotted the driver when she arrived and sped into a parking spot, screeching to a halt. Shawna somehow pulled neatly between the parking lines. Her arrival startled the courier, making him almost drop the package. "Don't you dare break that!" Shawna yelled. "I'll break you!"
"Sorry, Miss," he muttered, handing her the box.
Shawna thanked him and rushed into her apartment, feeling giddy. She opened the item and stared at it. Buying it cost her an arm and a leg, but money wasn't an issue. She knew it would make Felicia happy, and that was all that mattered. Shawna became so engrossed in the sight of her purchase that a knock on her door made her jump. She hid the present in her closet because she knew who it was. Felicia's smiling face greeted her, making Shawna's heart flutter.
"Hi, Fel. You ready for a night of TV and cuddles?" Shawna said, leaning against the door and staring at the beautiful sight before her.
"You know it. I brought candy," Felicia replied, holding a bag of assorted sweets. "They were out of peanut butter and jelly cups, but I got coconut balls instead. I know you like those."
"Well, you know me. I can't resist balls," Shawna laughed. She stepped aside to let Felicia enter while Felicia giggled at her silly joke. The sound was pure music to Shawna's ears. Then, Shawna went to the kitchen to get supplies and let Felicia get situated on the couch. When she returned, they snuggled comfortably for a long night of cheesy old sitcoms and sugar. Shawna wrapped her arms around Felicia, sighing deeply. "Somebody's birthday is coming up," she whispered.
"I thought yours wasn't until February," Felicia joked.
"You know what I mean. We won't get any nasty surprises this year, will we?"
"Huh?" Felicia asked. "Oh! No, Mom is going to visit Aunt Marsha. We should be fine."
"Good," Shawna replied, but she couldn't shake this nagging worry. Memories of her fight with Felicia's mother made her frown momentarily, but Fel erased it by holding up a coconut ball. Shawna opened her mouth and let Felicia place it inside.
***
The pledges finished buying what they needed for Felicia's party. They had to pool their money but bought everything on the list. Once they finished, Hana drove to Malloy Modeling because she was doing her first photo shoot that night. The butterflies in her stomach were doing backflips as she pulled into the parking lot. Thankfully, Ben greeted her with a kiss that ceased their acrobatics. He led her to Eve, who held up a red silk dress with white lining. It looked like a sexy Christmas outfit.
"Ooh, that's beautiful," Hana said.
"As Mrs. Malloy said, we'll start you with something simple. This is for O'Malley's upcoming winter catalog. Take this and get dressed in the dressing room," Eve said, pointing toward an open door. Hana could see other girls inside.
"When do I get my own dressing room like you?" Hana whispered to Ben.
"You have to work up to that, but don't worry. You'll get one," he said.
Hana entered the room. A few models ignored her or greeted her with curt nods. Others waved because she had already introduced herself. She realized she would have to earn their respect, but she was glad some seemed friendly. Hana chose a corner of the room and began dressing. She glanced around and tried not to compare herself to her colleagues, but it was hard. However, she steeled herself and slipped into the dress. Next, she moved to the makeup table. Hana felt awkward letting somebody else do her makeup, but she endured the process. When she looked in the mirror, she smiled. Ben matched her expression when he saw her emerge moments later.
"Gorgeous," he said.
Soon, the shoot began. Holding poses and following instructions became repetitive, but she didn't care. She was living her dream, and no one could take that from her, or so she thought. After around an hour, Hana heard the last voice she wanted to hear.
"Wow, they'll hire anyone nowadays," Marla said.
Hana looked up to see her smirking face and felt like throwing up. She wondered why Marla was there but remembered Marla worked with Malloy. Hana's one shred of hope came from the fact Eve looked as disgusted by Marla's presence as she felt.
"Marla, you're interrupting our shoot," Eve said. "What do you want?"
"I was hoping to borrow Ben for a class project," Marla said, giving Ben a sickly sweet smile that turned Hana's stomach.
"I thought you usually used Cole," Eve replied. "Besides, you could have just called."
"Cole is great, but I use him too often. I wanted a fresh face," Marla answered, ignoring Eve's second comment. "Ben, would you like to help me? I pay well," she asked, patting Ben on the chest and letting her hand linger. Hana almost slapped her hand away.
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"No, thanks. Cole enjoys the work. I don't want to take it from him," Ben replied, pulling away from her to stand closer to Hana. Hana saw the momentary scowl on Marla's face.
"What would Patricia say if she knew you were shunning a long-time client for a rookie model?" Marla asked Ben.
"She would say she admires his respect for his girlfriend," Patricia Malloy replied. Hearing Patricia's voice made Marla stiffen and look frightened for the first time Hana could remember.
Marla turned slowly and looked at Mrs. Malloy. "Mrs. Malloy, I didn't realize you were here today," Marla said.
"Miss Knox, we are in the middle of a photo shoot. Can't this wait?"
"Yes, of course. I apologize."
"I know about your little rivalry with my newest hire, and I won't have it affecting my work. Is that understood?" Patricia asked, staring Marla directly in the eyes and holding her gaze.
"Yes, ma'am," Marla replied. Her eyes darted to the side because she couldn't maintain eye contact. Watching the exchange brought Hana great joy.
"If you hope to continue working with my agency, you will show my models the proper respect. I have received a few complaints about you," Patricia continued. Marla's eyes shifted toward Hana, but Patricia said, "No, not from her." Marla stared at Ben next, and Patricia said, "Not him either. I won't say who. Now, do you wish to keep using my models?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then I don't want to hear any more about your attitude. Good day, Marla."
"Good day," Marla said and left without another word.
Once Marla disappeared, Hana shared a warm grin with Patricia. Mrs. Malloy winked at Hana and returned to her office. It wasn't Hana's birthday, but she felt she got the best gift ever.
***
"I wish I could have seen that in person," Claudia said when Hana regaled everybody with the story the next day. They hung lighting in the gazebo as they spoke. Claudia stood on a ladder, and Hana fed her the string of lights. "Your new boss sounds amazing."
"She is."
"Marla wouldn't want to screw up the deal she has with Malloy. That would affect her work, and Marla doesn't shit where she eats," Chloe explained.
"Ew, Chloe. What the fuck?" Claudia asked.
"What? It's a common saying!"
"Can't you tell Malloy to stop working with her?" Tamara asked Hana.
"I don't have that kind of pull yet. Besides, it didn't seem like Mrs. Malloy wanted to stop. She wants Marla to back off."
"Hey, less talking and more decorating!" Shawna yelled when she found them chatting instead of working. Shawna carried a box and set it on the table in the gazebo. She placed it next to an odd addition to the scenery. "No! He has to go!" Shawna said, pointing at Jack the donkey.
"Aw, but he's so cute!" Tamara said.
Shawna stood firm and gestured for Tamara to remove the ugly sculpture. Tamara pouted, but she obeyed. She playfully petted the thing as she took it away. Meanwhile, Shawna opened the box to reveal an ice cream cake she brought from work. "It's Felicia's favorite, Cherry Chip ice cream inside a vanilla cake."
"Ooh, that sounds good," Kennedy said, eyeing the cake with hungry eyes.
"Back off, Mama K. The cake is for Fel."
"I know," Kennedy replied, raising her hands defensively.
"I would put twenty candles on this, but it might melt the ice cream. One big candle will do," Shawna said, pulling out a candle and placing it in the middle of the cake. "Okay, the sun is setting. Plug in the lights, and let's see how it looks," Shawna ordered once she situated the candle. Hana obliged, and the gazebo lit up with a warm glow. Everybody stepped back to observe it. They all agreed it seemed cozy. "Good work. Now, go get Fel," Shawna said.
The pledges traveled to Felicia's dorm and knocked. She appeared slightly taken aback because she didn't expect every pledge to escort her to the party. "Oh, hi, guys," she said.
"Happy birthday, Sister Felicia!" Chloe replied, and they sang to her.
"That was beautiful. Thank you, Chloe and Tamara. Oh, and the rest of you hummed quite well," Felicia responded after they finished their serenade.
"Thanks," Chloe said, and Tamara beamed. The rest smiled, hiding their disappointment at having to hum instead of singing. Then, Chloe and Tamara hooked Felicia's arms. They stood side-by-side with her as Chloe asked, "Are you ready, Sister Felicia?"
"What did Shawna plan? She didn't tell me."
"You'll see," Tamara replied, but Felicia looked anxious. Felicia didn't like surprises, but the pledges knew she would enjoy this.
They led Felicia to Alston Park and left to give them privacy. When Felicia saw the beautifully lit gazebo, she gasped. Lights spread out from the structure and connected to the surrounding trees in a spider web-like fashion. The setup created a warm glow over the area. Shawna stood waiting, leaning against the post with the biggest smile. She wore black jeans and a button-up purple shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows. Shawna had lightly curled her hair, which Felicia loved. Fel stopped and sighed at the sight.
"Happy birthday, Squeaks," she said, pulling Felicia into a hug.
"Thank you. This is amazing."
"You're amazing," Shawna replied before bringing Felicia to the table. She had already lit the candle on her cake. "It's an ice cream cake with your favorite flavor," Shawna whispered. Felicia thanked her with a kiss on the cheek and approached the treat. "Now, make a wish."
Felicia closed her eyes and concentrated momentarily. After she thought about what she wanted, Felicia bent over and blew out the candle. She stood up and opened her mouth, but Shawna spoke first.
"Don't tell me your wish. It might not come true if you do," Shawna said.
"But it already did come true," Felicia winked, making Shawna almost cry.
They sat down, and Shawna pulled off a piece of the cake. She fed it to Felicia by hand. When Felicia's lips touched her fingers, Shawna almost pulled her into a deep kiss. She refrained because she promised to take things slowly, but that resolve came close to breaking. Felicia sensed this and blushed, making Shawna's inner struggle worse. Shawna quickly cut and placed a piece of cake on a plate.
"Are you ready for your first present?" Shawna asked once Fel finished her food.
"First? Shawna! How many did you buy me?"
"I didn't buy this one. It's something I made," Shawna explained, fetching a small box. She handed it to Felicia, who looked intrigued. Shawna watched her open it to reveal a photo album. "I mixed pictures you took last year with ones I captured. Of course, mine aren't as nice, but I liked them."
Felicia opened the book and looked at the memories of their first year as friends. Most of Fel's photos depicted Shawna alone, but there were a few of the two of them. Sometimes, she had others operate the camera. Other times, she used a tripod. Light tears ran down her cheek, and Felicia held a hand to her mouth as she perused the pages. She looked at a shot from their first Welcome Week. The school had set up a mud pit for people to play in. In the image, Shawna and Felicia stood caked in mud. They had their arms around each other. It was their first picture, but you could already see their connection.
"I accidentally hit you with a rock," Felicia said. She hadn't realized it became caught up in the mud she threw. Felicia had apologized profusely, but Shawna wasn't mad.
"Yeah, but I forgave you. That was the first time I heard you squeak."
"And you never stopped calling me Squeaks since."
"Do you want me to?" Shawna asked nervously.
"No! Please don't stop. I love it," Felicia smiled.
This pleased Shawna to her core. She watched as Felicia flipped another page and touched the pictures as if she could feel the moments. However, Felicia seemed confused when she reached blank pages.
"I left plenty of room for our future," Shawna explained.
"You're going to need more room than this," Felicia replied, earning the biggest smile yet.
"We can always buy another album. Here, it's time for your next present," Shawna said, reaching behind her to grab the bigger and heavier gift. When Felicia opened it, she gasped and looked at Shawna with delight and horror.
"This is a Hendrix R6!" Felicia exclaimed, pointing at the camera.
"I heard it's the best camera on the market."
"It is, but it's really expensive. You shouldn't have!"
"You know I can afford it. I wanted to help you achieve your dream. You're going to be the best photographer in the world, Squeaks," Shawna said, gently leaning her head against Felicia and wrapping an arm around her.
"Shawna, thank you," Felicia cried.
"You're welcome. I love you, Felicia."
"I love you too."
"But are you IN love with me?"
"Yes," Felicia answered before Shawna finished her sentence. Felicia turned to look into Shawna's eyes and kissed her. It started soft, but the sensation was enough to nearly stop Shawna's heart.
Shawna ran a hand through Felicia's hair, pulling her deeper into the kiss. She felt their tears mingle and tasted the flavor of Cherry Chip ice cream and cake. She would forever associate it with Felicia. Neither wanted to stop—breathing be damned. Shawna could have passed out and not cared. She felt Felicia's hand cup the back of her head and play with hair strands. They became off-balanced and almost fell over, but Shawna steadied them and continued kissing her. As the passion flowed, Felicia's glasses got in the way. She removed them and set them on the table without missing a beat. This was pure heaven for Shawna. She felt sure nothing could bring her down, but then it happened.
"FELICIA!" a voice screamed, causing them to pull apart and stare at each other in terror.
"No, not now!" Shawna muttered as she turned and saw Felicia's mother.
Mrs. Mays' deep brown eyes held unadulterated fury. They fixed Shawna with a dangerous glare. Shawna readied herself for a fight because Mrs. Mays clenched her fists tightly enough to almost draw blood. She marched over to Shawna and yelled, "Get your hands off my daughter!"