The Story of My Second Chance At Love

1

Beep... beep... beeeeeep!

I let out a groan, as the relentless buzzing of an alarm, emitting from my bedside table, keeps blaring and making my head hurt by now!

Ugh why won't it just shut up?

I try hitting it a few times, but it still won't stop.

My brother probably set it so that I wouldn't be able to press snooze.

***

If I'm being completely honest with myself, I don't have very good time management and if I did press snooze, I'd never be able to make it out on time, to get to college.

On the one hand, I am a bit disappointed that I can't stay in my warm and comfy bed any longer but on the other hand, I am thankful that I have such a thoughtful brother who cares enough for me not to be late for my classes.

***

I sigh tiredly, yawn and stretch, wondering what could today possibly bring.

I get out of my bed and open my curtains and am instantly hit by the blaring light from the sunshine outside.

I let out another stretch and head to the bathroom to get washed up.

Once I've done my business in my bathroom, I head to my wardrobe to choose my clothes for today and get dressed.

I look at myself in the mirror and once I'm satisfied with the way I look, I exit my room and go downstairs to have some breakfast before I leave for college today, like I do everyday, (except the weekend, obviously).

As I enter the kitchen, I get a big surprise from my family who I am currently living with: my Mum, my Dad, my brother and his mate, Ava.

***

Yes, my brother and his mate are still living with us as they can't afford to get their own place due to how much they had to pay for refurbishment to our house to suit Ava, who can't walk and is in a wheelchair 24/7.

***

Once I am fully in the kitchen, I get hit with a loud 'Happy Birthday' from everyone present.

Yep, that's right, today is my birthday.

Ah yes, my big 21st birthday!

'Scoff'

Big deal.

It's only the day I shift for the first time and get a chance at finding my mate.

Oops, it is a big deal, oh crap I totally forgot 🤦🏻‍♀️.

This is the day I have been both anticipating and dreading my whole life.

The day of my first shift and also the day I finally find my mate.

As I venture further into the kitchen to have something to eat, each person takes their turn to wish me a happy birthday:

"Penblwyd Haupus cariad (Happy Birthday love)" my Mum says, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"Happy 21st birthday Rosalie darling" my Dad tells me and gives me a tight, side hug.

"Happy birthday Cookie, hope you have a good one" my brother, Tom, says as he gives my one of his famous, bone crushing hugs, while Ava, who is in a wheelchair, rolls over to me, "Happy birthday hun! Hope you have a great day."

***

I thank them all and head out to college. It's not that far to be honest, about 10-15-minute walk depending on my pace (which is usually fast) so I take it easy with getting there.