Anniversary

The room was beautiful.  Mia decorated the living room the way she thought Jack was going to like it.  She had cleaned the room and vacuumed it.  Sheila helped her with decorating the table; she draped it with silver lining and arranged the cutleries, and the plates on the table.  Sheila placed a small anniversary card in the middle of the table and also a small cake with the word, 'Happy 2nd anniversary'. It was her small gift for Mia's anniversary. 

Beth helped Mia to get dressed.  Mia had picked a purple gown with strapless sleeves, and also backless.  Mia and Sheila went back to the store together, and Sheila insisted this was the gown for the day.  Mia called Jack to be sure of when he was coming back home.  He didn't mention any particular time, but he had promised to be back as soon as possible.  He didn't wish her a happy anniversary.  He didn't send her a text.  And, she hadn't received any flowers or surprise cards like he always did.  Yet, Mia was hopeful.  Jack wouldn't have forgotten about their wedding anniversary.  He was only trying to surprise her, but she was also going to surprise him.

"It's all done." Beth chimed helping Mia stand up from the bed, and gently pulled her in front of the full-length standing mirror.  She raised a brow, "What do you think?"

Mia opened and closed her mouth numerous times before she engulfed Beth in a hug.  "Seriously Beth, you are amazing.  How can you do this? You transformed me."

Beth smiled, "It's the least I can do for you on your wedding anniversary.  I bet Jack will be so surprised when he sees you.  He would be reminded of the reason he married you."

She laughed, "I don't think Jack will be that surprised, but if you say so." She twirled around again.  "Beth, you have a magical finger, and it is one of the reasons you are the best."

Beth waved a hand, "It's nothing.  You are beautiful, Mia.."

Mia nodded and mouthed a thank you as she walked towards the stairs. 

"Where are you going?" Beth asked as she followed behind.  "You haven't worn your shoes."

Mia giggled, "I just want to show Sheila what you did.  She will be so surprised."

Beth snorted, "Sheila doesn't like me like that. There is nothing I can do to impress her."

Mia paused and frowned.  "Sheila likes you.  It's just that you guys have misunderstandings."

Beth nodded.  Mia smiled at her and continued her trip down the stairs.  Sheila was focused on finishing her decoration, but the moment she looked up, and saw Mia.  Her lips expanded in a wide grin.  "Mia, you look so lovely."

Mia's smile got wider, "I know.  It's Beth's finishing touch."

Sheila looked at Beth and forced a grin, "You did well, Beth.  It's really beautiful.  I'm impressed."

Beth smiled at her back, "Thank you.  I just wanted Mia to look beautiful on her special day."

Sheila smiled and picked up her phone to check a notification on it.   Mia's gaze moved around the room smiling at the things in the room.  It was perfect.  The light wasn't too bright, and it was dark.  Sheila had given it the perfect romantic touch.  She hugged Sheila pulling Beth into the group hug too.  "Girls power!" She screamed, and the girls laughed at her.

She moved away from them, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Thanks. I appreciate all that you did."

Sheila nodded with a wide smile, "You deserve it."  She carried her handbag and dropped her phone in it. "I think it's high time we left.  I don't want Jack to meet us here."

Beth nodded in agreement.  "Remember you will give us the full gist." She smiled, but it was strained as if someone was forcing her to. "I hope you enjoy your day and have fun."

Soon the ladies left.  Mia ran back upstairs to wear her shoes and came back down sitting at the table to wait for Jack.  The room was silent except for the tickling of the clock on the wall.  Mia checked the time.  Six p.m. She sighed. Did Jack forget about their anniversary? She picked up her phone and dialed his number, but it was redirected to voicemail.

Mia stood up and stared out the window of their apartment.  With each sound of a car, she jumped up to check the window.  Every passing moment was a disappointment.  The tickling sound of the clock was so loud in her ears that it was beginning to annoy her.  The food was getting cold, and the day was getting darker.  She glanced at the wall again.  Six-thirty P.M.  Maybe, something had happened to Jack. 

The thought was accompanied by a hammering beat of her heart.  She didn't want to become a widow at a young age.  She moved to the window, parting the curtain, and stared at every moving vehicle on the road.  Their apartment was located in a restricted area, so there wasn't a lot of vehicles passing.

'What could have happened to Jack?' She thought.  She deliberated on calling his office to ask after him, but Jack had warned her several times not to call his office line.  He said he gets scared whenever the receptionist redirected a call from his wife. She had no idea what to do.

The tickling of the clock got louder as if it was placed directly outside her ears.   She felt hot although the air-conditioner was on blast.  She glanced at the clock again. Seven P. M.