Gail wakes up alone in the apartment with Dov spending the night at Chloe's and Chris is probably on his way back from his night shift. She goes about her daily routine, showering, getting dressed and making some breakfast before heading into the station.
But today, today is different. Today Gail wakes with a smile on her face without hitting the snooze button even once and by the time she makes it to the kitchen, she has plenty of time to spare. So she takes her time sipping on some coffee and revel in this particularly rare moment of quietness.
She'll go to work and act as if today's not a big deal. She'll go about her own business and bark at her friends and colleagues to do the same too. But secretly, she loves today. Today is her day and she'll celebrate it like she always does ever since working at 15. She'll have a drink or seven at the Penny and then scowl, act irritated and mutter thank yous when her friends give her their well wishes and presents, but deep down she'll appreciate it.
What's different about this time, is that Gail has a loving girlfriend, which adds positivity to this already awesome day. She has someone who loves her for her and someone she loves too. The down side is, her girlfriend is thousands of miles away. But Gail decides to focus on the positive and to not mope around on such a special day. There will be more days like today to spend with one another in the future. Another year and she'll be back for good.
While shoving a mouthful of cereal down, Gail hears the knocking of the door and leaps out of the chair to open it. A courier is standing by the door with a wide smile on his face, greeting her a good morning and handing her a small package with her name on it.
With the package in hand, Gail walks back to the dining table to inspect the box. One look at the writing of Gail's name and address on it and she knows it's from Holly. She gingerly tears the wrapping paper and reveals a blue gift box and a note on top of it. Gail's grin grew about 10 times wider, if that's possible.
She takes the note and unfolds the piece of paper. She heart warms at Holly's messy handwriting.
Gail,
Happy birthday my love, I hope this gets to you on time. I'm deeply sorry I can't spend this special day with you, but know that you'll always be in my heart and I'll always be thinking of you.
I know you try very hard to act all cool and unexcited about birthdays, but I know you secretly love it. So I hope you'll have an amazing birthday with your family and friends. I'll be back before you know it.
I love you,
Lunchbox
P.S. I hope you'll like my gift.
With a watery grin, Gail placed the note on the table and opened the lid of the box. Her breath catches in her throat at the beautiful piece in front of her.
It's a stainless steel Smith & Wesson revolver with a wooden grip. Gail took it out of the box and gripped it firmly in her hand, examining this fine piece of work. It must've cost a fortune! Gail's suddenly excited to try this beauty out at the gun range on her next day off.
Noticing the time on the wall clock, Gail finishes her breakfast and went to her bedroom to keep the gun in her dresser. After sending Holly a lovely text about the gift, Gail's off to work with a huge smile on her face.
Gail walks into the Penny, not at all surprised by the amount of officers from 15 yelling 'Surprise!' in her face. During work, Andy and Chris had been dropping not so subtle hints of a surprise party after work at the Penny. Instead of calling them out, Gail just goes with the flow and put in a bit of effort to smile and look surprised.
Making her way through the crowd that's yelling their wishes at her and shoving shot after shot in her hands, she spots a familiar brunette standing by the side near the bar. Her fake smile is immediately taken over by a genuine look of surprise and shock.
Gail walks up to her girlfriend, who's smiling that lopsided smile and quickly pulls the brunette into a tight hug.
"Hi." Holly whispers into the blonde's ear.
Gail pulls back, tears threatening to fall from her blue eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"Didn't you read my note? I told you I'll be back before you know it." The brunette smirked.
"How long?"
"Five days."
Gail hugs Holly again, tighter than the last. She's missed her girlfriend so, so much. "Happy birthday, Gail."
Choking back her tears, Gail spoke in a shaky voice. "Best birthday present ever."
