Love And Lies

*LOVE AND LIES*  
*Chapter Two: A Birthday Without a Wish*

The evening before Marvellous’ birthday was light and laughter. Becca and Marvellous strolled down the street, ice creams in hand, enjoying the breeze and each other's company.

“Becca,” Marvellous giggled, “if you keep walking like that, someone’s going to think you’ve lost your balance.”

Becca laughed, licking her ice cream. “Please, let them think what they want. I’m walking like a queen whose kingdom just delivered sweet freedom.”
They both laughed, carefree in that moment teasing, play-fighting, sharing memories like best friends do.

“I can’t believe you’re turning twenty tomorrow,” Becca said with a smile. “Feels like just yesterday we were in secondary school fighting over pencils.”
“Now we’re fighting over men and iPhones,”

 Marvellous joked.

“I’m not fighting over any man,” Becca scoffed. “I left that battlefield a long time ago.”

They laughed again, but underneath Marvellous’ smile, something felt off.

*The Next Morning --Marvellous’ Birthday*
Marvellous sat on her bed, staring at her phone. The screen glowed with one heartbreaking truth: *Desmond was online*, but he hadn’t messaged her. Not even a “Happy Birthday.”

She stared, waited, but nothing.
Her heart sank.

Moments later, Becca barged in with her usual energy. “Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday,Happy birthday, Happy birthday to my dear Marvellous!”🎵

Marvellous forced a smile. “Thank you, bestie.”
“I’m so sorry I can’t spend the day with you,” Becca added. “I have an appointment with Mr. Jerry this afternoon.”

Marvellous nodded. “No worries. Besides, Iwpuld be so focused on my phone chatting with my Desmond that I won't even noticed I won’t feel bored.”

Becca winked. “No problem. I got you babe, enjoy!!.Then she left.

The rest of the day, Marvellous was glued to her phone. Desmond remained online. Posting pictures. Laughing in his statuses. But not a single word to her. No message. No call.

She wanted to text. To scream. But she held it in.
“He’s probably just waiting for the right moment,” she whispered to herself.

*10:04 PM.*  
She finally dialed his number. It rang. He picked.
“Desmond… Do you even remembered  my birthday,” she began, her voice trembling. “You didn’t call… or even text. What did I do? If I offended you, I’m sorry. But today’s my birthday. I waited all day…”
He mumbled something about being busy.“I’m not shouting,” she said softly. “I just wanted to feel special. Even a simple call would’ve meant the world.”

He sighed, and the line suddenly *went dead*.

"wait Des.... I'm  talking.. He hung up again oh my God"

Tears welled in her eyes.

Just then, Becca walked in.

Marvellous quickly wiped her face, sat upright, and grabbed her phone with a fake smile. “Oh my God, baby you're so funny l, you know your words actually made my day without even bern here.oh baby  We've been talking for hours. I have to go take my bath now, but I’ll call you later, okay? And if you don’t reach me, it’s because I’m exhausted.”
Then she giggled, loud enough for Becca to hear. “Wait what? You’re sending me *$5,000*because you couldn’t make it to my birthday? Babe, that’s too much! I love you!” okay baby byee!!.

She ended the fake call.....

Becca’s jaw dropped. “Wait—where did $5,000 come from?!”

Marvellous waved her hand casually. “Just a little token from my man since he couldn’t be here.”

“You’re joking, right? You’re serious? That guy is something else.”

“I told you — he’s the best,” Marvellous said confidently. “Anyways, how was your appointment with Jerry?”

Becca rolled her eyes. “Please, don’t remind me. That man is a walking red flag. That conversation was a disaster. I felt like I was interviewing a clown.”

“So, he’s not like Desmond?”

Becca scoffed. “Please. No one can be like your Desmond. I mean that.”

Marvellous leaned back. “I was thinking… once the money drops, maybe we can take a short vacation.”

Becca smiled. “Vacation mode? Activated!”

Marvellous grinned. “And obviously, first thing I’m buying is an iPhone.”

“Of course,” Becca laughed. “And I expect mine too.

“You’ll get it, bestie. I promise.”

Becca raised her hands playfully. “Jesus! This is why I love you. May God bless your Desmond forever.” that man is a big red carpet oo

They both laughed.

Marvellous whispered, “Amen, amen.”

But inside, she was breaking. She knew it was all a lie ,the call, the money, the love. But she didn’t know how to say it out loud.
She just wanted to feel loved… even if it was fake.

*TO BE CONTINUED…*