Reality Checks Out

Life is But A Dream

The year had been full of highs and lows, but I was genuinely excited about the birthday party I'd planned for myself. My bestie and I had a girl's day booked at the spa and a private chef was catering my small party of five. My outfit was picked out and my hair had been laid. I had the month off to do as I please, so this celebration was truly about me.

Since my party was happening tonight, I booked a cleaning service to get my home picture perfect while at the spa. Skylar was in charge of picking up my cupcakes and Trinity was in charge of drinks. Everything was set and ready to go just as I'd imagined.

It was finally time and my heart was filled with love. Trinity, Isis, Skylar, Cameron, and Terrance had been my lifeline over the past few years. They were my family. And they showed me every day what love and support looks like. I couldn't have been more grateful for the friends I got a chance to do life with. And now, turning with turning thirty-three, I was looking forward to love finding me.

It was time for me to blow out my candle and everyone told me to close my eyes.

"On the count of three, make a wish!" Skylar said happily.

"One, two, three!", they yelled in unison and then there was silence.

A Turn Of Events

"Babe, babe, wake up! We're gonna be late!"

"Huh?" I opened my eyes, startled to find a fine ass man next to me with nothing but boxers and a thick, gold herringbone chain on.

"Are you okay?" he asked in a concerned tone.

"Um, who are you?" I finally choked out the words, still unsure of what was happening. I pulled the blankets closer to my body, highly aware that I was naked underneath. I must've drank too much cause what the hell goin on? I thought to myself.

"Well hello, I'm Naiem, your husband. Are you ready to go to Paris now or what?"

"Okay what's really going on? Is this some kind of joke?" I asked, slightly panicked.

"You don't remember last night? At your birthday party? I surprised you with a trip to Paris for the week. Which we're gonna miss our flight if you don't cut out these shenanigans."

He kissed me on the forehead and hopped out the bed, walking into the bathroom.

"The tickets are first class and we won't have to wait in line," he yelled, while trying to brush his teeth.

I looked around trying to make the connection. I grabbed my phone off the nightstand and there was a text from Trinity, "Read the letter in your purse, it'll explain everything. We love you, xo Trinity."

I hurriedly grabbed my black leather purse from the dresser and found a birthday card tucked inside.

"It's your special day,

with love in our hearts,

we came to say,

what you wish will come true,

and whatever you choose,

we'll be happy for you.

Let your true love bloom.

Tonight's meteor shower will make you wish come true. We planned you blowing out your candle at the perfect moment, so your hearts true desire will be granted. We hope it's as beautiful as you are. With love, the crew."

I sat on the bed stunned. Once again, my friends had blown me away with their consideration. I didn't know anything about the meteor shower. For them to have faith that my wish would come true made me tear up a bit.

Naiem came back into the room, fully dressed and smelling good.

"Babe, come on, we got about thirty minutes before we're too late..." he paused what he was saying after seeing the tears in my eyes.

"What's wrong my love." he asked, tenderly caressing my cheek.

"Oh nothing, I'm just happy beyond words right now."

He bent down and kissed me.

"Well I'm glad those are tears of happiness, because I plan on keeping you smiling til' death do is part."

And just like that, Naiem was in front of me, on his knee and asking me to marry him.

I started to bawl, shaking my head yes to the man before me. I was going to take the leap of faith and give myself to love.

"Hey, hey, hey, not too heavy on the tears baby. Thank you for giving me the chance to love you. Wholely and fully. Thank you for us. You were a prayer that only God could answer for me."

He kissed my face all over and pulled me into a hug.

"Now get your fine ass in that sundress and let's go make love in another country. The fun is just now beginning."

I laughed through my tears as he smacked my ass while I walked to the bathroom.

Fifteen minutes later we were in a cab and headed to the airport. I got an email on my phone from someone I didn't recognize but I got the strange feeling I should open it anyway.

"Important:

Your wish was granted and your dream came true.

You're running way with love into unknown bliss. You have 24 hours to change your mind or your fate will be sealed with a kiss."

I closed the email, a bit hesitant about my next move. Technically, I didn't know the man sitting beside me. What if this was a set up. What if I choose love and it's not what I expect it to be. Would I really be happy? And what about my friends? I loved them too. I couldn't do life without them. Now their card to me makes sense. They knew I'd have to choose between them or love and they wouldn't be mad at what I chose.

"We're here." Naiem said with excitement in his voice. The airport was surprisingly empty in comparison to what it usually is, which was a plus for us. Everything moved so quickly and in a blink we were in the sky.

I turned to Naiem, studying his face. His face smooth, luscious brown skin glowing. Big brown eyes with a hint of mischief and a welcoming smile. Warmth was in his deep voice and his presence felt like home. He was the right choice. I could feel it in every ounce of me.

My mind drifted to my friends and sadness tugged at my heart. They had my heart to. They were my family. They were a type of love I didn't want to sacrifice.

I closed my eyes, contemplating what life would look like if they hadn't helped mold me into the woman I am now.

I drifted into a dreamless sleep and all of my thoughts had faded away.

"Baby, wake up. We're here." Naiem gently tapped my arm and I woke up to movement around me. Most of the first class passengers had already made their way off the plane and we were up next.

"There's one more surprise when we get inside so don't pass out okay?" he laughed and I looked at him with curiousity.

We made it into the airport and there was a sign with our names on it.

"That's our ride."

"Hey guys!"

There they were. All five of my best friends and my future husband.

"What's... How..." I stuttered, confused about how this could all be real.

"Well," Skylar spoke up, "We wished to be with you doing whatever makes you happy, at the same time you made your birthday wish."

"And here we are!" Terrance exclaimed.

I turned to Naiem, and threw my arms around him, giving him the biggest kiss right there.

In that moment, I knew my fate had been sealed, and my life was now complete.