Today will be the day, I tell myself. I wipe off my fingers off on my blanket and stand up to look at myself in the mirror. Everything should be perfect. My breasts have grown. My face is clear. My hair is shiny, untangled and unbroken. I could only ask for one better way to start my eighteenth birthday. With Raphael.

I step into my bathroom and turn on the shower. As I wait for it to heat up, I take off my pajamas and then step in, avoiding getting my hair wet. As I clean myself with the bar of soap which smells like vanilla, I keep picturing the dream I had. The way he touched me. The way he spoke to me. The way he smelled. The way he had me so excited. I am determined to make this happen. The truth is, I have always felt this way. Always. And I'm almost certain he feels the same way, but I will know for sure by the end of the day. The only reason I've waited so long is because I don't want to risk losing him. I know, or at least I hope, that's why on his part. But nothing can keep us away from each other now. I am eighteen years old and he can have me if he so pleases.

I realize my hair is getting a bit wet and step out of the shower. I go through my closet and decide to wear my black dress. It has off-the shoulder sleeves that poof out and is longer in the back than in the front. I will wear this because it was a gift from Raphael exactly one year ago. He would be so pleased to see me wear it on my birthday. I also wear my choker, tights and boots. I feel ready for anything today, in this outfit.

"Something will happen today," I whisper to myself in the mirror before opening my bedroom door.

"Happy birthday, Amy," Raphael greets me as I leave my bedroom. He bows before me, then rests on one knee and takes my hand to kiss.

"Thank you," I say shyly, not prepared for him to greet me at my bedroom door. He stands up and takes my hand in his.

"I have something for you," he tells me, leading me into the dining room. On the table is a feast made for forty; it is filled with muffins, chicken, juices, salads, pies and many appetizers.

"Did you invite someone over?" I ask as I stare at the table with no space for anything else.

"This is all yours," he says. "I want you to be pleased on your birthday, so take whatever you like." I examine the table before me and decide the fruit salad looks delicious. I place my hand on the chair to sit down, but Raphael quickly pulls it out for me. "Stay there. If there is anything else you would like, I will bring it to you."

I blush. Of course, I had become used to Raphael spoiling me and always being a gentleman, but something is different about him today. Perhaps he is anticipating the same thing as I am. I mean, today is the first day that we both are free to do as we wish. I could be wrong, but I hope and pray that I am not.

He takes a seat directly across from me. "What would you like to do today, darling?"

I swallow my first bite of the fruit salad. "Well..." I hesitate, "I do have one request. It's... very simple. I need you to tell me you'll do it before I ask, though."

"Anything, dearest. You know I could never say no to you. I just want you to be happy," he reminds me.

"Thank you, but I don't want to ask for it until the day is over. I want to spend time with you today before that happens," I answer. "It's nothing material and it shouldn't be too much of a hassle." I know I've probably either confused or excited him, but the reason I put it off is to not ruin my birthday if for whatever reason he denies me. That, and I want something to look forward to. I don't want the excitement to end too soon.

"Just tell me when you're ready," he says, smiling, "and whatever it is, you shall have it."

I finish my fruit salad, unsure of what to devour next. "Did you make this all yourself?"

"Yes. Does it please you?" he asks me from across the table.

"Very much," I respond.

"Would you like something else to eat?" He asks, standing now, ready to bring me whatever it is I request.

"Is there toast over there?" I ask.

"Yes," he says, bringing me a plate filled with toast and various jams.

"There will be a play tonight, if it interests you," he suggests as I eat my toast with strawberry jam.

"Do you know what the play is about?" I question between bites.

"It's said to be somewhat of an adult fairytale. You know, magic, kings, queens, princesses, dragons. But word on the street is the plot is filled with murder, crime and sex," he informs me as I take another bite.

"Are there vampires?" I wonder aloud.

"Could be," he answers. I think for a moment before deciding whether to go or not.

"Can we go?" I ask.

"Of course."

[About three hours later, at the play]

I do appreciate the kind offer of Raphael to bring me here, but I can't focus on the plot. I sit next to Raphael, thinking about the dream I had. I rest my head on his shoulder like I frequently do, breathing in his scent. My arms encase his, and as my fingers brush against his, they soon become interlocked. I want so badly to act out my dream with him, but I know that now is not the time to make an advance. As the play seems to come to an end, I anticipate more and more the end, and just going home. No vampires, but the play has still been somewhat interesting. In the end, it is revealed that the princess's love is forbidden because he is her long-lost brother. She then kills herself because she does not want to live without him. The king and queen then regret their actions and attempt to make amends with the brother, but it is too late. He has already killed himself. Almost like a Romeo and Juliet but with more violence and incest.

We walk home in the dark of the night when the play comes to an end. Raphael insists on carrying me, saying how I "shouldn't have to walk on my birthday." I tell him I can walk, but eventually he stops walking and refuses to continue until I allow him to carry me on his back. As we near our home, we pass a beautiful rose garden. We admire the garden for a minute, and he plucks one and hands it to me.

"It's beautiful, but is nothing compared to you," he says before I grasp it in my hand.