Chapter 43

Days turned into weeks and my birthday arrived. I didn't have any big plans for it, as usual all I wanted was to stay home and maybe get a 30th birthday gift for myself and do whatever that will make me happy. Birthday is not a big deal for me any more like it used to be before. Maybe because I'm getting older. I look forward to it and when the day arrives it seem normal. I don't write out resolutions or what I want to achieve in the New Year, I just flow with life. Whatever that comes I go with it. Ohio may want us to chill out either at his place or any cool spot, he may want Dora, his cook to make something for the house and we will eat happily together. The highest thing he will do is to get me a birthday gift. I don't want to have high hopes or expect too much because sometimes disappointment leaves me shattered. Ever since my 28th birthday that my expectations from Richard came crashing at my feet, I stopped expecting too much from people. I got a call from my parents, few friends and colleagues wishing me a happy birthday. Ohio also called that morning to wish me a happy birthday. He asked me to get ready that afternoon so that we can hang out. I knew it won't be more than that, I obeyed and got dressed. Jojo came to my mind as I was rounding up with my makeup. Is unfortunate that Silas played a smart one on her. Who could have thought Silas was capable of such. He appears as a nice guy and it was hard to suspect him. I don't know how he managed to dupe almighty Jojo. Maybe I could have been his victim if I was interested in him. He probably saw the type of woman Jojo was and decided to deceive her with his sugar coated lies. I feel pity for Jojo who will have to start all over again, from a scratch. She have to end up getting a reasonable job first to support herself and quit her old lifestyle of milking people, especially men with deceit. Today is my day and I will not let Jojo's thought to bother me at all. Ohio was coming to take me out. I will laugh and let loose of future fears because I can't change whatever God has predestined for me. Whatever is meant to be will definitely come to past. Ohio kept to time and came just when I was doing the final touch on my facial make up. He had a gift bags in hand, I knew it was for me, he handed them to me just as expected. He looks nervous and kept chatting with his phone. Calls were coming into his phone, he excused himself and stepped outside to receive it. It was unlike him acting all secretive yet I did not pay attention to it. I supposed to be the nervous one not him because is my birthday but I wasn't. I thanked him for the gifts and kept the bags aside without opening them. I wore a simple white jean trouser and off shoulder flower top. He asked me to change the cloth with one of the gown that he bought for me. I never knew what was inside the bag, I quickly checked and saw beautiful gowns and a burgundy ankle strap sandals. I was very excited on seeing those unexpected gifts. I hugged him tight and changed into one of the gown and the shoe. I asked him to check me out and he looks speechless. Ohio got my shoe size right, the colors were beautiful, the gown fit perfect and I feel fabulous in them. He smile and said I look great. He took my hands and we stepped out. I don't know exactly where we were going or what he has in mind, I trust him and did not even bother to know. Melinda did not call to wish me happy birthday, Joe has traveled back to meet with his wife and kids but he never fail to call on my every birthday and he did that again today. I noticed that Ohio was driving towards Lili's restaurant, he probably wanted us to chill at his cousin's place and I was very okay with it. I will get to eat my special food at least. I was already feeling good with my fine dressing, all thanks to Ohio who wanted to make sure the day was indeed a special one. He kept taking a peep at me through his review mirror all through our drive to Lili's place. I knew he was admiring me. I checked myself again if my makeup was still perfectly in order. We arrived at Lili's restaurant and Ohio came around to open the door and took my hands into his. He guide me inside slowly. Immediately we got in, there was a chorused unexpected shout out. 'Happy birthday Becca" I almost fainted from shock. Thank God Ohio was beside me and held me from falling. I saw people gathered with two big decorated cake and different gifts and balloons all over the place. My name was painted every corner of the restaurant. There was Melinda and Cole, Rina, Ella, Lili and her husband with two sons, Cherry, that's Ohio secretary at work, many other people including the staffs at the restaurants, the people I know and the ones I can't recognized. I covered my mouth from screaming. I have never had a surprised birthday before and this was wow! How did Ohio managed to pull all this people together. I know Melinda is his partner in crime. She must have helped him out. The cakes were placed on a table which was in front of me, I had a tickle of tear drop. Rina who was beside me with her little daughter handed me a tissue. Melinda was busy with other photographers, making videos and taking pictures. They sang for me and asked me to cut the cake and immediately I did that, there was another cheer and I did not realize that Ohio went on one knee beside me. I was busy laughing and trying to pose for the camera when I noticed that people were looking in one direction. I followed their gaze and saw Ohio. He had one of the most beautiful diamond rings that I have ever seen in his hand. He lifted it out while still on a knee. 'Becca, will you marry me??? I looked around me to know if this this was all for me. I quietly pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.