"The secret to a happy life is having a few friends who come into your life by luck and never leave!"
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The intercollegiate event came to an end peacefully. There were no more chaos and the girls enjoyed the further events delightfully. The next few days were smooth and welcoming. They were having their best days so far. No troubles, no mess, no fights for the past few days. Finally the week arrived- it was the day before EJ'S birthday. And Kathleen was confused and debating whether to attend his birthday party or quit the idea of visiting his home.
"Are you serious?!! You didn't get him anything for his day?!", questioned Janice, wide eyed. Janice was busy reading something.
"Yeah, Jay!! I don't know!! I'm just confused. Maybe it's better if I don't attend his party", said Kathleen rubbing her temple.
"Hey, silly!! That's barely a party. It is gonna be you, EJ, Robert and his mom. That's not a big deal, right Jay?", stated Laura looking up from her phone. Laura and Janice wanted Kathleen to attend his birthday party, so badly. They have been convincing her on this for the past three days.
"Laura is right!! It's not a party indeed. And most of all, remember it was his mother's request, you can't deny it. She has been a great person to you", explained Janice.
"But I'm not comfortable, in being around EJ and Robert at the same time!!I find it hard in company with EJ and of course, Robert", grunted Kathleen. Laura and Janice chuckled at her nervousness.
"Come on. It's not funny", kathleen rolled her eyes.
"Hey, calm down!! Everything is gonna be alright!! You are taking part in EJ'S birthday party for sure!!", assured Janice with a grin.
"Ahm...but what do I give him? I mean I have no idea what to buy or what to gift him on his day", kathleen awkwardly said to her friends.
"Well in that case, let's think", said Laura wondering what to get him as a present.
"How about teddy bears?", questioned Kathleen with a sparkling brown eyes.
"Teddy bear?? He is not a kid anymore, kath!! He is a grown up man" insisted Janice with a weary face expression.
"I love teddy bears and there is no age limit to love them. People of any age groups can have them!", said Kathleen and pouted.
"But I don't think it would make a good present!! How about we go shopping?", insisted Janice. Kathleen and Laura agreed to her since they had to buy few things for themselves.
It was ten past four in the evening when they reached the Time Square. They walked into certain shops and bought the things they planned on purchasing. They filled their tummies with sandwiches, burgers, milkshakes and icecream.
Finally they spotted a gift shop to purchase the presents they were looking for.
This fabulous shop was filled with numerous gifts of all kinds. Kathleen, Laura and janice rambled around the shop looking at the things that were beautiful displayed.
"So, what's the plan?", Laura looked at the ornamental section, it was filled with crystal, gems and glittering stuffs.
"Planning?? For what??", questioned Kathleen, giving them a confused look.
"How about we get him this?", Laura ran towards the ornaments and points out a silver cuff bracelet.
"It's simple, cute and elegant", chirped Janice, taking the bracelet in her hands and examining it closely. Kathleen's mouth dropped open and she was shocked.
"Uh, bracelet?? How can I gift him the thing that he doesn't use", affirmed Kathleen.
"What's wrong with this one?? It's awesome and this daily wear is substantial and adjustable to the wrist size. And of course it can be worn by either a girl or a boy!!", explained Laura. Kathleen was left dumbfolded.
"But, Laura!! He doesn't use these stuffs", expressed Kathleen.
"So?? What???!!", grunted Laura.
"Excuse me, can you get these wrapped up!!", Laura requested the shopkeeper to wrap the present. Janice glanced the section and brought herself a bright , gleaming bracelet made of white crystals and pearl.
"That's it, we have bought the gift and well, let's leave", insisted Kathleen trying to drag them out of the shop. The girls were busy enjoying the ambience of the place.
"What?? Kath?! are you serious!! You are gifting him with a bracelet worth not more than $40 dollars while he purchased an brand new apple iPhone for nothing", Janice raised her brows.
"Fine!! Let's get him something else as well!!", signed Kathleen, they surveyed all the gifts that were present in the shop and finally came across a pair of? beautiful lamp.
"What are these?", enquired Janice curiously. It was very attractive and janice wondered how beautiful they were.
"This is touch lamps!, when you touch your lamp, your friend's lamp will also light up no matter how far are they or whatever distance between you people", explained the shopkeeper.
"Woah", the girls said in unison.
"But how?", questioned Kathleen.
"The lamps will be connected to the wifi!! Technological development you see", stated the shopkeeper. Kathleen nodded in approval.
"But guys, we aren't friends!! EJ and me, we are kinda of complicated!!", announced Kathleen.
"This is the best gift you can give someone!! I love it!! Pack this as well", chuckled Laura in excitement. Kathleen's eyes widened on her comment.
"Hey, Laura!! This isn't necessary I hope!! We better stick to the bracelet alone", suggested Kathleen. But the girls insisted on gifting this as well. They left the shop after paying off the bill. Laura and Janice purchased few more stuffs.
Walking down the time square road, something caught Kathleen's attention and she ran towards the bookshop. The bookshop was a small and compact. Kathleen entered the bookstore to find lots of books piled up.
Laura and Janice followed her lead. Janice's eyes lit up once she entered the bookstore and she grinned.
"The best part of the day", proclaimed Janice and checked out the books in the history shelf. Laura examined the books laying on the floor.
"Why are we here?", asked Laura doubtfully.
"To get something for Sarah and EJ as well!!", insisted Kathleen, searching a right book for the two. Kathleen picked out Sidney Sheldon's best work "If tomorrow comes", the book wasn't a new one, though it was damaged on the sides but it was pretty good. Kathleen opens the book and finds Sidney Sheldon's autograph in it. It's a author signed copy. And Kathleen wondered who threw it away.
"OMG!! Jay, look !! It's author signed copy of book!! And I think this would be the best gift for EJ", beamed Kathleen in joy. Janice was surprised to find such a book in this store.
"Books are always good company", stated Janice. Laura sat on the floor, examining every single book there.
"Look at her, I remember this seeing Laura, 'We lose ourselves in books", giggled Kathleen.
"No, Kath, 'We find ourselves there as well', corrected Janice.
Kathleen purchased the 'Great expectations by Charles Dickens' to present it as a gift to Sarah.
The day comes to an end and the girls returned dormitory, exhausted from shopping.
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Kathleen took a box and arranged all his gifts in it and packed it neatly. It was getting late for the party. She wasn't sure what to wear for his birthday party of four.
"How about t shirts and skirt??", kathleen asked her girls, scratching her head. Janice glared at her while Laura walked to her wardrobe. She took out a red classical tutu dress which was short. Kathleen said a 'no' to the dress but Laura insisted her on wearing it.
"Come on, Kath!! You'll look pretty in those", Laura convinced Kathleen.
"I'll help you with the hair", Janice suggested, and Kathleen's hair was made into a french twist, leaving few locks of hair which made her look stunning in those red tutu.
"Girls, I'm not going on a date!!", Kathleen tired to make it clear to her girls but they were busy in getting her dolled up. They applied a little makeup since she already looked amazing.
"Have a great day!!", said Laura and janice hugging her. Kathleen left the dormitory in a cab to reach EJ'S home on time.
Kathleen reaches EJ'S house around 4 in the evening and wasn't sure if she could use the door bell. She was nervous about this surprise visit and wondered what might happen if EJ answers the door.
Since it's gonna be a surprise for him, Kathleen stood on the doorstep worried and wasn't ready to get inside his house. Suddenly, the door flew open? and Sarah smiles at her.
"Oh my god, beautiful!! you are a eye candy!!", exclaimed Sarah giving her a hug.
"Ahmm, thanks", she said shyly.
"Why were you standing by the doorstep without entering the house", questioned Sarah walking towards the living room. Kathleen walked behind her, "I was wondered if EJ was home!! I wanted it to be a surprise".
"Don't worry sweetheart!! He is not at home!! But He'll be here anytime!!, assured Sarah.
"Come on!! Help me out", added Sarah, gesturing towards the kitchen. Kathleen smiled and nodded at her.
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Stay tuned!! Read the next chapter to know what happens exactly during EJ'S birthday party!