Little Shy Ariel (ft. Harry Styles)

Chapter 25 - Happy Birthday

Chapter 25 - Happy Birthday

I don’t think I’ve been this excited for my birthday before. I mean, I remember once when I was a little girl and Mum planned a whole Little Mermaid Party for me. It was the best party, even if only my parents and sisters were present. However, I’m really nervous about this coming birthday and it’s mostly because of Harry, I know that. I don’t get why he cares so much, I mean, he barely knows me and I’m sure he has loads of better things to do than planning my birthday. Whatever his reason is, he cares, even if I don't understand it.

Something tells me that it doesn’t matter what he does, it’s going to be special. My dad has asked me if I want something for my birthday but I always say the same: “Nothing special, Dad. I’ll be fine.” A part of me scolds me for doing this, but I don’t want to have any other plans for this day. I really don’t know what Harry is planning, but just in case I want to be a hundred per cent available.

By when the day comes I can barely contain myself. I couldn’t even go to sleep last night so I’ve had only a few hours of sleep when I hear knocking at my door. Groggily, I reply, “come in,” just to see my dad walking in with a tray in his hands.

“Happy birthday, my princess!” he chirps with a big smile and I rub my eyes to fully wake up. He’s normally by the crops at this time so it’s really sweet of him that he’s come here to bring me breakfast.

“Thank you,” I reply, my voice hoarse. I stretch, making my muscles and bones crack a bit before I sit straight on my bed and smile at Dad more like a human. I even run my hands through my hair to tame it a bit.

It’s only then when I notice Dad is not alone, another figure is waiting by the door and my eyes widen in shock and embarrassment when I recognise Timmy.

“Happy birthday, kiddo,” he says from the doorframe and I ran my hands through my hair again, trying not to look like a gargoyle.

“Timmy,” I breathe in, too surprised to say something else. He laughs, knowing it’s embarrassing for me. “Uh, thanks.”

Dad’s smile widens as he puts the tray on my lap and sits beside me on my bed, giving me a hug but being careful not to throw anything from the tray.

“I can’t believe my princess is eighteen. It feels like yesterday when I was changing your nappy,” Father remembers, his voice filled with emotion that makes Timmy and I laugh.

“No matter how old I become, I’ll always be your youngest daughter,” I tell him and he sighs.

“That’s true but not comforting enough.” I laugh again and try to hug him one more time but the tray is making things difficult. “Anyway, it’s an important birthday and I have something special for you.”

Confused, I stare at my father, wondering what he’s talking about. With our current economic situation it’s silly of him if he bought me something. We can’t afford unnecessary purchases and there’s nothing he can buy me. I hope he means something different and not a real present.

Father nods with his head and Timmy stand straighter taking something from his side, where I couldn’t see it. He takes one step inside of my room and I know exactly what he’s holding and I can’t breathe. I can’t believe it. This is not happening.

Father stands up and I automatically put the tray aside, still shocked by what I’m seeing. I blink quickly as Timmy keeps approaching, a knowing smile plastered on his lips. He knows, he really knows what this is causing in me.

“Dad… you didn’t… you…” I mumble and my father only laughs as he grabs the present from Timmy’s hands and gives it to me. The hard-shell case is black and shiny with a big red ribbon that sparkles with magic —I know it doesn’t, but it feels like that to me.