The Birthday Surprise

“Don’t tell anyone yet; the birthday party will be by evening,” my mother whispered in my ear, and from the tone of her voice, it was low and exactly 5:00 am.

She must be in the parlor preparing her early morning ritual, and my dad isn't someone to be found awake by that time of the morning.

“About the cake, your auntie will be doing it. Send in the money on time and remember to get a warm gift,” my mother reminded me before she cut the call.I sighed, lying down to catch up on more sleep.

The ringing of my phone woke me so early. As the day of my dad's birthday approached, the energy was in the air.

It felt like something unique, something special that we hadn't done before, and I wanted to know the outcome of it all.

I went a day before, and the next morning we started with food preparation.

“Honey, why are you cooking? Did you get a new contract?” My father asked when he came to the backyard, seeing all of us helping out in cooking. My mother was known for cooking meals for occasions and events.

My dad was surprised because she didn't mention this particular one to him in their conversation.

“It's for church women,” my mother replied. I and my siblings exchange
glance that vividly read ‘ Mummy is lying,’ but none of us dared to say anything.

“Daddy, happy birthday!” The cutest of us all, about 8 years old, stretched out a pack of juice to my father. He laughed lightly but took it from him.

“Daddy, we have…”

“Umm, umm…umm… Dad, did you remember that woman I was talking about last night?” I cleared my throat and quickly stopped my youngest siblings from saying anything further.

I dragged him away, promising to get some biscuits for him, which distracted him for a while.

“Daddy, did you like my gift?” He asked before we could get to the gate.“Yes, my boy. Thank you. When I dragged him away from the house. I squatted to his size.

“Bishop,” I called his pet name.

“What did Mummy say?” His brows creased like he was about to remember something.

“Don't tell Daddy yet about the birthday surprise.” He clapped his hand to his mouth with wide eyes as he realized it himself.

“Boo, I promise I won't do it.” His voice melted my heart, and I gave him a warm smile. There was just something about this little buddy I can't get out. He is so adorable.

I dragged him inside, but he held my hand hard, pushing me to stop on my steps.

“What is it?” I turned to him; he had a frown on his face.

“My biscuit,” I gasped, rolling my eyes. I thought I could deceive this boy, but I was wrong. The worst was he wasn't going to give up with his disturbance till I fulfilled my promise, which most times could be irritating. To avoid unnecessary drama, I pulled some money from my back pocket and handed it over to him.

He giggled, jumped to his feet, and ran off immediately to get some biscuits from the nearest store.

“Chioma, the cake. Your auntie just called now that she is close. Get some big bucket and go meet her at the junction,” my mother said, and I immediately took a bucket to meet my auntie at the junction where the bus was going to drop her.

Food was ready, and we hadn't done the decorations yet. My dad's best friend was to take my father away for some time to give us room to do the decorations.

My mother immediately called, and I was just having a conversation with him when his phone rang. I listened to his conversation and nodded deep within me. The plan was going to be perfectly fine.

“Mummy, I have found the ribbon!” my little brother was shouting at the top of his voice, running out from one of the rooms to give the ribbon to my mother.

“Bishop, stop shouting,” I scolded him. This boy won't allow us to do this thing now without giving off any hint.

I have always known him to be someone who can't keep a secret no matter how much you bribe him to keep shut. Somehow he will say it out, and when he realizes it himself, he will clap his hand to his mouth with wide eyes.

“Don’t let the cat out of the bag. It's like you will be the one to spoil this thing for us,” I warned him after I had dragged him to the corner of the house where no one could hear us.

“See, I will not be your friend again, o,” I said, making a serious face.

He lowered his head with his hands clapped together.

“Oya, fine. I will be your friend. You're making Daddy know.” His face crumbled like he was about to cry. I hugged him before tapping his shoulder to stop him from crying.

This boy can be a drama queen sometimes. My younger sister and I decorated the table and chair. Light music was playing, and the theme of the celebration was in the air.

The anticipation was high as we danced to the beating of the jazz music, making the work faster and easier.

“His coming, his coming.” We all rushed outside when I heard my dad's laughter from a distance. He was coming in with his friend, and from the entrance, we all sang a birthday song for him.

He was so overwhelmed and laughed so hard, which got me so emotional. He never expected it, and I guess it should be one of the happiest months for him.

The gift was shared, letters were read, and at some point I couldn't stop those tears from sliding down my cheek. It was a joyful moment and an emotional one too, and it ended so well, and I can't let the memories go.

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