Chapter 20: The Only Exception
The oven chimed in & out came the sweet smell of baked cake. Hazel was practically swimming in its smell.
"Oh, how can you be so good at baking, Big Sis?"
"Are you trying to butter me up?", Fiona quirked an eyebrow. Hazel smiled slyly. 🙂 Just then, Nikhil barged in, startling Hazel.
"Can't you knock?", Hazel was furious. 😡
"Why'd I?"🙄
"Girls need privacy, don't you know?"
"Someone like you needs privacy? Are you kidding?", Nikhil clutched his stomach, laughing.
"What the hell?", Hazel sprinted towards him while Nikhil pouted.
"You...", Hazel was angry beyond words.
Nikhil jumped over the sofa & ran out of the room & Hazel followed behind. Fiona was amused by their banter when she saw Grandpa smiling at them. Fiona lowered her head & her smile grew bigger.
The same evening
Fiona was handed a O-necked Dark Blue & White Chevrons gown for her with a matching Chevrons shirt with a tuxedo for Ashton. Hazel & Nikhil were standing behind a pillar which was few steps away from Ashton's room.
"Go Big Sis! Hurry & tell Bro to get ready in this tuxedo", Hazel nudged Fiona forward.
"Yes, go. There's nothing to be nervous", Nikhil encouraged.
Fiona took a deep breath & moved forward. When she reached the closed door, she glanced at them. Both of them were gesturing her to knock the door. She took another deep breath. As she was 'bout to knock, the door in front of her, opened. Fiona was momentarily stunned. Ashton was wearing a light colored shirt & a pair of black trousers. His hair was messy & it looked like he just came out from his evening shower. She swallowed hard before raising her arms, "Wear this."
Ashton glanced at the package in her hands,"What's this?"
"Look for yourself ", Fiona shoved the package into his arms & was 'bout to leave when Ashton called back, "Why?"
She turned back & replied as a matter of fact, "Cause I said so."
"...", Ashton quirked an eyebrow.
"Wear this & come down quickly", Fiona said in a commanding voice. She spun around her heels & marched away. Ashton glanced again at the package before closing the door. As soon as the door closed, Fiona turned to look & let out the breath she was holding. Hazel & Nikhil jumped out from behind the pillar & showed their thumbs up. 👍🏻
Hazel then shoved Fiona into her room before shutting the door, "Get yourself ready. I'll be standing guard here", then she commanded Nikhil,"Go set the table & bring Grandpa down."
"Light the candles at the end!",Fiona shouted from behind the closed door. Nikhil snorted & headed downstairs. Hazel smiled at her mindfulness.
After 5 minutes
The door behind Hazel opened & out came the beautiful Fiona. Hazel gawked at her with ogled eyes. Fiona smiled at her, "Let's go before he comes out."
--Ashton's room--
He was wondering & wondering. What's really up with Fiona?🤔 She never commands me around! Nevertheless, Ashton fixed his tuxedo & brushed his hair gently to a side. Minutes later, he opened his door & looked around. The hall was filled to the brim with darkness. He frowned & tried the nearest switches. All in vain! Hmph! Something's wrong!😑 But what?🤔
[Ashton, Just climb down the stairs. You'll know for sure!🤗]
He slowly descended the steps supporting himself with the help pf handrail. When he came down, he was startled by some moving candles in the mid air. He furrowed his brows & swallowed hard. Moments later, the candles illuminated a familiar face, which made a smile spread on Ashton's face. The familiar face came & halted her steps near him. Fiona smiled & whispered gently,"Happy Birthday!" Suddenly, the fairy lights above them illuminated in a warm light. Then, he noticed her gown which matched the inner shirt of his tuxedo. His smile grew bigger & they held each other's gaze in silence.
Some clapping hands came into view & stopped near them. Hazel, Nikhil & Grandpa altogether wished,"Happy Birthday!"
Ashton moved & hugged Hazel, Nikhil & Grandpa one by one. Then he stopped in front of Fiona & gently pulled her into a tight embrace. They held each other until the others started clapping again. Fiona slipped away from his embrace & stared deeply in his eyes while he started back.
"Cut the cake, Ash", Grandpa said with a smile.
"Yes, yes!",Hazel was excited.
Ashton nodded & pulled Fiona with him to hold the knife.
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you...
Happy birthday to dear Ashton!
Happy birthday to you.
🎂🎂🎂
Ashton fed each of them a piece of cake each. It was so delicious that Hazel was busy lickin' her lips. Then she said, "Bro? Do you know who made your b'day cake?"
Ashton glanced at Fiona, "You made it." His words were not a question but a knowing statement. But, Hazel didn't back down immediately, "How're you so sure?"🤨
"Because",Ashton glanced at Hazel,"Nikhil's a mess in the kitchen & you suck at cooking", Ashton pointed his chin to Fiona,"she's the only exception." Fiona glanced down at her feet & smiled shyly. 😊
"Ow", Nikhil smacked his head on Hazel's.
"What the heck?" 😡
"Holy crow! What's wrong with you girl?"🤨
🤬🤬🤬
The chapter ended with their constant bickering!
😂😋
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Asmita_Mukherjee
Asmita_Mukherjee A break for a day ?
Again, I'm continuing...
xoxo ❤
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