Happy Birthday

I was supposed to be at home celebrating my birthday with mom and dad, yet I still agreed to accompany my colleague on a blind date. I clearly must have lost my mind. Whatever. I'll just go in, spend an hour or so there then make up an excuse and leave. By that time he'll probably be more relaxed and wouldn't mind me leaving him alone with a stranger.

"Why? Everyone is a stranger until you get to know them. You might also meet someone interesting there. And as the saying goes, strangers first, lovers next," he said with a grin on his face. Somehow, I cannot share his opinion.

"I'm pretty sure that's not how the saying goes," I replied calmly and got up to leave the office. As expected, he followed suit hoping he may be able to convince me in the elevator, if he hasn't already.

"Whatever. I'll go with you just stop nagging me all the time," I told him as he stepped into the elevator with me. Hearing this, he immediately smiled brightly at me, as if I was saying he won the lottery. He didn't but I wish I was. Not that I hate working or anything but maybe then I could just... Whatever.

We entered a noisy bar in a semi-noisy street. From the corner of my eyes, I saw my colleague looking through the room, searching for someone. At first, he couldn't see the person he was looking for, but when he found him, he just walked over there and left me where I was. Great. As expected, he didn't need my help at all but dragged me here anyway. Maybe it's comforting for him not to go alone but... 

I looked around to pass the time but all I could see was a crowd of people dancing, drinking, kissing, some even talking. I was already bored and I haven't been here for that long. Maybe if I found someone interesting, too then it would be different.

"Do you want something?" Hearing this, I almost sent the person to where he belonged, when I realized he just wanted to take my order. And I realized there is no need to be rude to a bartender who is just doing his job.

"I'm fine," I told him abruptly and left. I figured I'd rather spend my birthday at home than wait for someone to hit on me in a place I don't even like. This is what kept me going and forced a smile on my face all the way home. My mood, however, instantly got better when I smelled something sweet wafting from the kitchen. It must be something freshly baked. This immediately cheered me up. My mom loves to bake. It's her passion and profession and she is really, really good at it. So, it was no surprise for her that after entering the kitchen, I instantly went to check the source of this delicious smell.

"Don't look! Not yet," mom said and ushered me away only to follow me a few minutes later with a small cake on a tray in her hand. Even its smell made me salivate and the way it looked... God, just one glance at it is enough to know it's yummy. Believe me when I tell you, no man can look this good. And even if such a man does exist, he wouldn't choose me either, so whatever. I might as well eat another slice of cake for all that matters.

"Asher, this year, your mother and I decided to give you something more valuable to make up for all the years we couldn't afford to do so," dad told me as I took another bite of cake.

"Dad, there was no need to do so. You know, I'm happy even if..."

"It's second-hand but it's a designer watch. Still works fine and you'll look classy wearing it. Of course, you can also look at your phone to tell the time but..." he interrupted me.

"Dad," I put my hand on his, assuring him, "It's beautiful. The best present I've ever got. Thank you both," I said, embracing them in a long hug. I didn't lie. The watch was truly pretty. Elegant, stylish, classy, the accessory of a gentleman. If I were to wear it with a suit, I would look like a CEO or someone's boss.

"What is it?" My mom looked at me anxiously.

"Nothing mom, I just imagined myself wearing it," I told her earnestly.

"Don't just imagine it. Put it on, since it's yours now," she replied and smiled at me encouragingly.

"I will but first I'll help you clean up," I said and picked up the plates from the table.

"No need. You must be tired," she told me and took the plates from my hand.

"You are right. Then... I'll just watch a film or something. Or we could watch something together. How about that?" I asked and looked at them waiting for a reply.

"Alright. But first, let me put these in the dishwasher," she said and I took this opportunity to run to my room. I just wanted to take some photos of my present that exceeded my expectations. I'm not much of a photographer but I still got some quite nice shots from different angles. Maybe I could post one of the photos on Instagram.

Hmmm... It would look even better if it showed exactly the same time as the time of posting the photo. I've long since forgotten how to adjust the time on watches since I've never had one for ages. The only thing I can rely on is my memories of seeing actors in films doing this. It couldn't be that difficult. 

Or so I thought.

The moment I turned the watch hands, I had a sensation of something sweeping me off my feet, and the next thing I knew I tripped on someone's feet and we both fell to the ground immediately.