22 years of my life has gone by. It's just another day, really, but people for some reason, feel the need to celebrate.

Though I must say I've accomplished quite of few things so far that I am very proud of.

First things first: I've made it past my 21st birthday! That in itself is a major achievement.

Secondly, I'm studying at my dream university in my dream country.

Thirdly, I have a best friend who is more of a best friend than my sort of best friend back home.

Lastly? Well, I'm in love. Or is it lust? It's really hard to tell but I do know that whatever it is, I've never felt this way before.

"Haaaaapppppyyyy Biiiirrrttthhhdaaaayyyy!!!" Kris jumps on my bed, ruffling the sheets. "Wake up sleepy head, today is your day! Let's go celebrate! The day is half over!

I cower under the little bit of comforter I had available, blocking my eyes from the sun shining in my room.

"You forgot I'm still mad at you," I say, my words muffled.

I can feel Kris shift on my bed letting out a loud grunt. "I'm sorry okay? I had a little too much wine, I understand that your mad but it had to be said eventually."

I lift the covers from over me, sitting up in my bed with my hair all over the place. "Eventually maybe, but not in front of my parents or Tom, who was just as surprised as me!"

She looks down to the floor, "I'm sorry, I don't know what else you want me to do."

"For the record, Tom and I had a nice talk. So I guess I can't be too mad." I look at her with smiling eyes. She stands up, running over to my bed. "What happened?"

So I told her. Unofficially, Tom and I...are sort of together. "I told him I'll spend Christmas with his family. A little nervous to be honest." Kris laughs.

"Nervous? The guy is probably more nervous than you!"

"And why is that?" I ask wiping my tired eyes. "Well he's the celebrity. Obviously his family wants to know your intentions. Are you in it for the fame of being his girlfriend or for love?"

I never thought of that. "I'm in it for friendship and whatever that brings. Certainly I don't want fame. I want him."

Kris gets all giddy, "Then we need to go shopping! Your birthday dinner is tonight and you need to look your best!"

I nod and rush Kris out of my room. I jump in the shower, shaving my legs as quick as I can. Once finished I put on a pair of shorts and an oversized shirt with dirty converse high-tops.

It's my birthday and I really don't care how I dress.

Kris and I end up in the center of London at this cute, indie clothing boutique. We walk in and are greeted by two women who are covered head-to-toe in tattoos and look like they just arrived from the 1950's. Jet-black hair with cat-style glasses. Totally cool.

"Welcome ladies! How may we help you today? I'm Mickey and this is Sass."

Cool ladies with even cooler names. "I'm Kris and this is the birthday girl, Marie." We exchange handshakes before Mickey begins showing is around.

"So what are we looking for exactly?" Mickey asked. I look to Kris, confused. "Marie wants something unique and sexy. She has a sloppy style that totally works for her, but she needs to step up on the sexy."

Sass and Mickey look me up and down, "I love your style. We can keep it similar to what you normally wear but in a dress form?" Sass suggests. Mickey agrees. "Are you trying to impress a guy, dear?"

I smile, my cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. "I take that as a yes," she says, running to the other side of the shop. "I think this will be everything you need to impress the lucky guy."

She holds out the cutest little dress. It's an off-white color with a bare shoulder and a little vintage belt to accent the waist. I rush to try it on.

I come out of the dressing room and Sass, Mickey and Kris start applauding. "That is the dress, Tom will eat out of your hand in that!"

The dress is form fitting and it shows the perfect amount of shoulder. I could wear this dress in so many ways. I can go casual with a leather jacket and chucks or even heels and a shawl for a dressier look.

"I want it."

After buying the dress, I knew exactly how I wanted to wear it. Casual. "How much longer until we meet Tom & my parents at the pub? I can't remember," reaching into my bag, looking for my phone.

"We have about an hour. We should head back and get ready?" Kris says. We take a can back to our flat, rushing upstairs.

I decide to pair the dress with my mini leather jacket and the chucks I wore earlier. Kris went with the skinny jean and tank top look, however she's wearing a 4" stiletto heel. Obviously she's looking to spend my birthday with some random guy tonight.

"Shall we head down there? By the time we get there, they should be there too."

Standing outside is Tom and my parents. My dad and Tom are talking football while my mom pretends to know exactly what's going on.

"There she is! Happy birthday, my lovely offspring!" my dad spots us and pulls me into a hug, kissing my cheek. "You look fantastic, Marie." compliments my mom.

"Thank you, Kris helped me pick it out." nudging Kris is the side.

"Looking to score tonight, Kris?" Tom accuses, breaking into a giggle. "Of course not. I'm here to celebrate my best mate's birthday! What about you, though?"

Tom blushes, ignores her comments before tuning his attention to me. "I love the jacket, Marie," he leans in, his hand on the small of my back. He whispers in my ear, "You look very beautiful tonight, love." I start smiling like a little schoolgirl who just discovered her crush liked her back.

We enter the pub; sit at the table where Kris & I first met Tom, ordering a round of drinks. "They have the best fish and chips here," Tom suggests to my parents. My dad's eyes light up when he hears the words 'fish and chips.'

The waitress comes with our drinks, asking for our orders. "I think I'll have the fish and chips," Tom starts. My dad interrupts, "Make that 3 fish and chips, Ann and I would love to try it."

"I'll have the chicken and chips, please." Kris demands. "And for you, miss?" the waitress asks. "I'll have the veggie burger, hold the cheese please. Thank you."

The conversation was fantastic. My dad & Tom nerded out together over Shakespeare with my dad quoting Othello in the pub. Loud I might say. My mom was talking to Kris a lot about RADA and fashion, two of her favorite things.

It was nice to see everyone get along, especially my parents who have been divorced for 3 years or so. Though, I can't imagine how it is back in their gigantic hotel suite at night.

The bartender kept sending over pints after pints of delicious beer and I was beginning to feel a little buzzed.

"Marie," I feel something touch my ear. "I think your dad and Tom have a little bromance happening,” whispers Kris.

I don't know why but I started laughing hysterically. I think it was the beer.

"Are you okay?" says Tom, planting his hand on my shoulder firmly. "I think I drank too many beers. Funny how that happens, huh?" Tom stares blankly at me, "How what happens, love?"

"How I get buzzed after drinking too many beers yet I'm perfectly fine after pounding down cocktails. OH THE IRONY!"

Tom grabs my pint of beer and sets it across the table. "Can we get a water, please?" The waitress nods and brings one over, "Thank you, darling. Marie, have some water, no need to spend your birthday plastered, yeah?"

I take a sip, actually more of a chug, yeah I chug that water down fast. Within minutes (and two more waters) I start to feel normal again, not to mention having the urge to pee.

"Excuse me for a moment, I need to go to the restroom." I get up and head towards the restroom.

After using the facilities, I see my parents get up from the table. "You guys leaving?" They look at me, my mom yawning. "Yes dear, it's getting late. You three celebrate, enjoy your night." They hug Kris and I, my mom hugging Tom while my dad and him, shake hands.

"I'm going to take off," Kris says, looking over at the guy standing by the door. "I know that guy from my RADA auditions, we're going to go dancing, don't stay up!" she says leaning in with a hug. "Happy Birthday Marie, love ya girl."

Then there were two. "Want to come over and watch a movie?" looking at Tom with pleading eyes. "I get to pick this time though." I smile, "Deal."

So what was the movie of the night?

Heat.

Tom's favorite movie.

"Now, how did I know you were going to pick this?" He smiles, grabbing my hand and pulling me onto the couch next to him.

I lay my head on his chest, while his arm is around me. "Enjoy your birthday?" he whispers as the movie begins.

I bury my head deeper, getting comfortable.

"I am now."