"Oh man, what a night. Thank god that's over," I tossed my backpack on the floor of our apartment after opening the door. The lights were all out and I assumed that my flatmates had already gone to bed. It was late but not that late; still, we'd all had a busy day so I couldn't blame them. Locking the door behind me, I went to get myself a glass of water in the kitchen, glancing out at the water as I polished it off. The sea was dark and the city lights were shimmering on its surface. A smile drew across my face at the scene. Sure, this was a small, old apartment but I loved the location- almost as much as I loved my roommates.
Speaking of which, the ceiling light turned on right above me. I looked to see Paul standing there in his pyjama pants and worn-out t-shirt. Rubbing the back of his neck, he yawned; I think he'd been dozing off. "What time is it?" He inquired, walking over to me at the counter. "Just after ten," I replied, setting down my cup. "You just get home?" He yawned again, tossing his head back slightly. "Yeah. I uh…. I took the bus back; the one from Waverly Street," it didn't feel right lying to Paul but I knew he'd worry if I said I walked home, which also wasn't true. My nerves calmed a little when he nodded his head in approval. "Good. Glad you made it home safe." "Me too," I grinned sincerely. I really am…..
Our eyes met under that low hanging kitchen light. Paul's expression mirrored mine, only with a twinge of sadness. His head now hung down a bit. "I'm sorry you didn't have a good birthday, Ana. I know how hard you worked on that proposal, and the interview was scheduled on the worst date." "No! No, no, Paul; I don't mind! It's not your fault or my fault or anyone's fault. These things happen- we both know that. That's what being part of PhD is all about. We're used to failure… Heh, so to speak," I chuckled. His eyes shuffled around unsure. "Yeah, but on your birthday… I'm sorry, Ana." "Stop apologizing. Jose and I don't blame you- of course not. Thank you for being the one to go to the interview; that was the scariest part. You're the one who's been through the worst of it; not me." "Hmmmmmmm," he sighed, lowering his head again. I smiled, reaching out to touch his arm in a soothing gesture. "Don't worry, Paul. It was a good birthday….. It wasn't the worst anyway," I felt the urge to tack on. No, it wasn't a good birthday, but that had nothing to do with him or even the funding proposal. It all centred around that one man who shall not be named and who I could not forget soon enough. I was feeling better though, when Paul finally grinned back at me. "Thanks, Ana…" His voice was low and soft.
My best friend then when to retrieve a bowl from the fridge. My eyes widened at the sight of a small bowl of washed green grapes, which he brought over to me. "Oh, that reminds me: here. We saved you some grapes." "Y-You saved those….. for me?" I gasped, astonished for some reason; I think I was just surprised to be shown an act of kindness after that horrible arranged dinner date. He nodded, giving me the bowl. "Wanted to make sure you had a snack when you got home." "But this was your dinner! We don't get paid for a couple of days!" I cried a tad louder this time. But he merely shook his head, placing his hand on my shoulder. "That's right; "we" don't get paid for a couple of days. This is yours too, Ana. Jose and I weren't going to leave you nothing, especially on your birthday." "Yeah but… but…." What am I supposed to say to that? This was so incredibly kind of him and Jose, and unbeknownst to them but I've already ate a baked potato, mint jelly, and popcorn tonight. Not that I could tell them that. Still, this felt incredibly wrong that they should go hungry while I….. I…..
My words failed me as Paul gave my shoulder a pat. "Enjoy your snack, birthday girl. I'll see you in the morning." Wait, he's leaving? No! No, I don't want him to go. My head shot around to him as my fingers clenched the bowl. I didn't have to say anything to make him stop; he instinctively did by my abrupt action. "Wait, Paul!" "Hmmmmmm?" His gaze reached mine again. Smiling now, I extended the bowl out towards him. "Since it's still technically my birthday, will you stay up and watch The Dark Crystal with me?" "Really?" His eyebrows perked up a bit surprised; I think he was expecting me to be tired and wanting to go to bed. But my pleading face made him stay. I nodded, letting my grin widen of its own accord. "Let's share these. Grapes go great with Jim Henson's puppetry." And he laughed. "I don't know about that, but sure, we'll watch it, if it'll make the birthday girl happy."
"It will."