I was in the mall at the time, looking for a dress for whatever Trevante and Rubi had planned. I notice that both of them told me to look good, so I'm going to do just that. I entered this expensive clothing store to hunt for a birthday dress. I searched for a good minute and was still unsuccessful. I'm really hoping that this birthday dress turns out nice and unique. While I was staring, the elderly black woman who was behind the counter walked over to me and grinned.

"Do you require assistance, my love? It appears that you are having trouble locating something you like." elderly woman questioned.

I chuckled. "Yes, I genuinely need assistance finding a dress. I'm trying to find something unique and distinctive that will stick out."

The elderly woman shook her head and started assisting me in my dress-hunt. She produced a few dresses, but they were unattractive and not for me. A few minutes later, she produced this truly stunning garment. The dress fits me perfectly and complements my skin tone. I seized her dress and gave her a bear hug. I'm really grateful that she was able to assist me because if not, I would have spent the entire day seeking for something.

"I appreciate you assisting me so much. My hero is you." I remarked as I pulled away from the hug.

She laughed softly. "You welcome sweetie pie. You are eerily similar to my granddaughter. When she can't find something she likes, she'll sit in the store all day until she does."

I burst out laughing. "Me and your granddaughter could be best friends because I swear I'd be in here all day losing my mind looking for a dress."

She smiled and walked over to the cash register. "I know, sweetie, but I'm glad I could assist you. I don't want you to go crazy on me, but let's get you ringed up."

I nodded and trailed after her. She took a seat behind the counter, and I handed her the dress so she could ring it up. The price of the dress is 3,000 when she scans it. I was about to pay for it when I noticed she had reduced the price to $1,000.

In shock, I looked at the elderly lady. "You do realize you didn't have to do that, right?

She smiled. "Yes, but I understand that today is a special day for you."

I, too, smiled. "Yes, it is my birthday today."

The woman smiled even more broadly. "Sweetie pie, happy birthday. This is my birthday present for you. Please make every effort to enjoy your birthday as much as possible."

I grinned widely. "Thank you so much. I truly appreciate you doing this. I'll make sure to have a great birthday just for you."

She blew me a kiss. "You're welcome, sweetie pie; now get ready for whatever you've got planned. You don't want to be trendy late."

I paid for my dress while she placed it in a lovely nice bag. After I paid for my dress, I took it from her and waved goodbye. Now it's time for me to do my hair and makeup. I decided to book a personal hairstylist and make-up artist to come to my house and do everything for me because I didn't want to spend the entire day in the mall. I exited the store and made my way outside to my car.

I was about to open the door to my car when someone grabbed my arm. I quickly turned around and saw that it was Nau'jour. I hope he isn't following me around because if he is, I'm going to call the cops because that is just strange. I took a good look at him and noticed that he has a black eye, a scar on his nose, and a scar on his lip. Manny had a good hold on him, but he brought it on himself. I yanked my arm away from him and looked at him with disgust.

"What do you want, Nau'jour? Are you following me?" I asked with a mad tone.

He sucked his bottom lip. "Listen, I just wanted to apologize for what I did, and I'd like to make things right with you for your birthday."

I burst out laughing. "Do you want to know why I don't care about your apology? I know you don't mean it, and you're only acting this way because you see I've moved on from you.

He furiously rubbed his face. "That nigga cannot have you. He is not healthy for you."

I looked at him, perplexed. "How are you going to tell me what's good for me when you're not even good for me?" I sighed quietly. "Listen, Nau'jour, I'd like you to return to New York and live your life without me. I don't want to be with you anymore, and I don't want to see you again. I wish you nothing but the best, but what happened between me and you will not happen again."

When I looked at Nau'jour, he appeared to be about to cry. I don't care because he should have taken me seriously when he had me. Now that I'm gone, he realizes what a wonderful woman I was to him. Nau'jour began to look around, nodding, and sniffing, indicating that he is trying to hold back his tears.

He rested both hands on top of his head. "Please look me in the eyes and explain that you didn't mean what you just said, Angel."

I locked my gaze on Nau'jour. "I mean every word I said, and I now ask that you leave me alone and never see me again. Have a nice day Nau'Jour."

I got into my car and closed the door. Nau'jour stood on the side of my car, looking at me as if he was about to cry. He knocked on my car window before I could even drive off. I huffed and rolled down the window.

"Nua'jour, what do you want? Why haven't you left already?"

"Please just give ah nigga one mo chance Angel." Nau'Jour hung on my car door and begged.

"How many chances do you believe I will continue to give you? I continually gave you chances. My window of opportunity closed. I no longer desire to be with you. I'm not about to go through that again with you since you played me and damaged me much too much. I will now say this once and only once: get off of my car before I drag you down the road." I said in a very serious manner to him.

Nau'Jour gave me a brief moment of his saddened attention. He was giving me a close, intense look. He backed off the car and started to walk away when he realized I was serious. I roll up my window and left the parking lot. Nau'Jour must be insane if he believed I would be with you.

It didn't take long for me to arrive at the house. When I arrived at the house, I noticed Manny had not yet returned home. I simply rolled my eyes, parked the car, got out, and walked inside. I laid the dress on the couch and began cleaning up a little before my hairstylist/ make-up artist arrived. I was sweeping up the trash when I heard a soft knock on the door. I put the broom down and walked towards the door, opening it to find my hairstylist/make-up artist standing there. I smiled and hugged her, and she returned the hug.

"You must be Angel, right? Are you prepared to get all dolled up, girl?" She asked.

I grinned and nodded. "Yes, and I'm well prepared. You can arrange everything in the living room."

She gave a quick nod before entering the living room to begin arranging everything. I grabbed my phone to see whether Manny had texted while she was doing it, but he never did. On my birthday, is he really not going to pay me any kind of attention? That's sad as fuck. I approached her once she was finished, and she indicated the chair. I assume she will start by doing my hair.

While she was doing my hair, I was still checking my phone to see if Manny was going to show me some love because it was my birthday, but there was still no response. I sighed and shook my head.

"What's the matter, girly? You appear to be upset." The hairstylist/make-up artist said.

I shook my head once more. "I was hoping to hear from someone, but I guess they're too busy."

"It's your birthday, girl. You don't need to worry or feel irritated about anything. You need to be joyful and enthusiastic. Don't allow someone ruin your day by bringing you down."

"You're right, Today is a bad bitch holiday. I'm eager to find out what my sister and they have in store for me. I can definitely say that excites me greatly."

"I know that's right. That energy is appealing to me. Now let me make you look so stunning that everyone will be drooling over you."

I nodded, and she went about her work. It took her several hours to do my hair and even longer to do my makeup. She then showed me a mirror so I could check myself. I was in awe of how she did my hair and makeup. I smiled at her and hugged her tightly. I handed her the money and hugged her once more.

"Thank you very much. I really appreciate everything you did."

"Oh, welcome, baby girl. It's time for you to put on your gown and look even more stunning."

I gave her a smile. She started getting ready. I unzipped the bag my dress was in and set it back on the couch while she continued with her task. She turned to go when she noticed the dress and a broad smile spread across her face.

She started snapping her finger into a Z. "Oh shit, I know you're about to slay this dress girl."

I burst out laughing. "Of course, you know I'm about to flaunt myself in this."

She made her way to the front door. "Purrr, I know that's right girly. I hope you enjoy your day and have a great time. Thank you for letting me do your hair and makeup. It is much appreciated."

Before she left out the door, I gave her a hug. "No thank you for real for real. By the way, I hope you have a good day."

She gave a quick nod before departing. I went upstairs to refresh up a bit after grabbing my outfit. I then put on my outfit and started looking for jewelry to go with it. I then grabbed a pair of heels to go with the outfit and put them on. I doused myself with CoCo Chanel, grabbed my bag, and went downstairs. I heard a knock at the door as I was gathering my luggage. When I opened the door, I saw a man wearing a black suit and black hat standing there and pointing in the direction of pink limousine.

Thank goodness I was prepared because they arrived fairly quickly. Before going, I made sure I had everything. The man opened the door for me as I approached the limousine so I could enter. He closed the door as soon as I entered and hurried to the driver's side. He entered and sped off to the destination.

We arrived at our destination in about 30 minutes. When the limousine came to a complete stop. The driver opened the door, and I stepped out. I was standing outside this massive structure. It was, however, stunning. But the interior seemed dark; I'm not sure if it was because of the windows are tinted or what. When I opened the building's door, all I saw was a swarm of people yelling "surprise!" My heart dropped out of my chest, and I started crying. I saw my mother, Rubi, Spooky, Miguel, Trevante, and other New York family members.

Through the speakers, I can hear Nicki Minaj's Barbie Tingz. I turned to glance around and noticed how beautifully the building was decorated. I noticed that everything was pink as I looked around even more.

I wish I'd known because I wouldn't have worn yellow, but it is what it is. When I looked at everybody, they all had a stunned expression on their face. Rubi rushed up to me, wiped my tears, hugged me, and kissed me on the cheek.

"Big sister, happy birthday. I adore you, and my goodness, you look fantastic. Your skin tone looks amazing on this dress. You have amazing fashion sense. Let me take a picture of you cause you looking like a bad ass bitch right now."

I make a gesture toward her. After I snapped the photo, I take note of Rubi's wonderful appearance as well. I began tugging at her dress.

"Bitch, you giving the girls Beyoncé. Turn around for me." I said this while sticking my tongue out.

"Oh, you know I gotta give the girls something chile." She said while laughing.

Miguel and Spooky rushed over to me while beaming broadly.

"Happy birthday, sis-in-law. I hope you have a fantastic day today." Spooky while encircling me in a hug.

"Thank you very much. It means a lot to me. I see you're dressed nicely. Tell them boys to stop playing with you."

Spooky combed his hair with his fingers. "You know I had to do it to them sis. But I think I'm going to cut my fucking hair. This shit bothers the fuck outta me. When my hair is cut, I look like a real gangsta and shit. This hair makes me appear to be a good guy who attends church on Sundays."

I started laughing at Spooky. Rubi took his face in her hands and kissed him on the cheek.

"Baby, you look fine as fuck, so be quiet."

Spooky gave her a kiss on the lips. "Thank you, mamas."

When they kissed, I rolled my eyes. When I looked at Miguel, he was sad.

"What makes you look like that, Miguel? You're supposed to be happy. Today is my birthday." I pushed him on the shoulder jokingly.

I laughed. "No one even tries to compliment my outfit. I know look good than ah motherfucka." Miguel stated as he dusts his shoulders.

"You look so handsome. You dressing up like you about to get some coochie or something."

Miguel smiled. "Shit I might be but happy birthday beautiful."

Everyone burst out laughing after Miguel said that. I stopped laughing when I realized Miguel and Spooky had made the effort to attend my birthday party, but Manny had not. That is truly heartbreaking.

I swallowed and cleared my throat. "Where is Manny? I see he didn't think enough of me to come and celebrate with me. Manny's usual behavior."

"Don't say anything like that. He was simply preoccupied with business. I'm pretty sure he'll show up soon." Spooky said this while patting my shoulder.

I sucked my teeth. "I don't give a fuck anymore. He is free to do whatever he wants. I'm just going to have a good time because I'm lucky enough to see 26. Let's get this party started."

"Negro, you ain't say nothing but a word." Rubi said as she jogged slowly towards the bar.

My mother greeted me while Miguel, Spooky, and Rubi went to the bar. She kissed both of my cheeks before smiling at me.

"Happy birthday, sweetie pie. You are stunning. You have a striking resemblance to your father. I wish he were here to see how much you've grown into a lovely young lady."

I also kissed my mother on both cheeks. "Thank you very much, mommy. I may resemble my father, but you are the source of my beauty. Look at you, you look great. You don't even look 50."

She laughed. "Please don't gas my head up chile, but I have a question for you, sweet heart."

I nodded and looked at her, perplexed. "What exactly is it?"

She turned around and pointed shyly towards Trevante. "Who is that fellow over there? I'm sorry to say it, but he's a very handsome young man. Is he your new boyfriend or what? Or are you still in a relationship with that Manny guy?"

I looked at Trevante, who was smiling at me and holding flowers. His smile has an effect on me. I adore how white his teeth are. I can tell he smells good just by looking at him. He also looks fantastic in that suit. I just want to jump on top of him and devour him. I giggled as I turned my gaze to my mother.

"Oh, that's just a friend of mine. I still have feelings for Manny."

My mother pressed her brows together. "How come he isn't here? It's pitiful and selfish to skip your girlfriend's birthday party."

I exhaled a sigh. "He's just busy with work, mother, but it's fine. I'm perfectly fine. Let's just have fun and celebrate my birthday."

My mother nodded with a smile. "He could have skipped work, but as long as you're okay, baby, I'm fine. Let us not be concerned about him. I'm going to get myself some food. You may proceed to speak with your friend. He's been staring at you since you arrived. I believe he likes you."