"Maya Maya look look look look look over there. Oh my god, who would have thought I'd be seeing a handsome man like this today. I'm glad I came to Italy today."
"Bitch what are you murmuring about?" Maya asks dryly.
"Can't you see that man, that fine cupcake over there I think I'll be getting married soon."
Maya turns to me sharply "Did you come to Italy to get married or to celebrate Liach's birthday? Maya asks sharply, then continues moving forward.
It's like I'll be replanning for two: a Marriage and a birthday." I add, matching Maya's pace.
"You better remove your head from your pants and focus on what we're here for."
"Come on, don't spoil the fun." I say. But she snaps her eyes at me. "Yes mom. What are we buying for Liach?"
"What do you mean what are we buying for Liach? Haven't you already gotten her a gift?" she shot out.
"I… well….the only thing I brought are condoms. Can I give them to her? I reply, purposely teasing her.
"What?"
"I was planning to buy her gifts here."
"Even now you are still irresponsible. Are you sure you're not sick in the head?"
"I know, I know. I'm sorry. Let's go to any jewelry shop we can find and start shopping. I believe we'll find something outstanding here." I mutter, poking out my lips, blinking slowly, acting cute.
"I'm not shopping for anything with you, I've already bought the things I want to give to my beloved." she replies
"Don't be mean please, please pretty please."
"Fine, fine, it's okay I'll come along, stop poking me."
"Thank you mama."
"Uhg."
After we left the airport we took a cab to the best diamond and jewelry mall, on getting inside there were so many options we had difficulty deciding what to choose. We chose different designs with different patterns. Then we settle for the best three.
"We are taking all three, I say."
"Hilda, isn't that too much?"
"Nah."
"Go on," I tell the receptionist."
"Yes ma'am, I'll be wrapping it in a minute."
"Take your time."
After that, I drag Maya to a Boutique.
"What are we doing here right now?" She starts complaining.
"Shopping obviously."
For hours we shop from clothing to shoes to bags to bikinis, and I purposely selected the sexiest bikini ever.
Maya, pointing at the bikini in my hand "I hope you know Liach won't be wearing that!"
"She'll wear it, I'll make her wear it."
Before Maya starts complaining again, I better look for a good restaurant to eat. If not, my head will be on a plate soon.
"Are you not tired?" She asks.
"Of what?" I ask, feigning ignorance.
She demonstrates what she wants to say with her hand. Pointing at everything and saying the rest with her eyes.
"Babe, I'm shopping for Liach, you know. And I can't bring all of these purchased items from Kuwait. I need space to put my things."
"You are aware you are not here to stay forever, right? We'll be here for less than a week." She adds.
"But you always have to be prepared. I could find my prince charming here."
"P-p-p…prince charming!" She exclaims.
"Babe! Calm down. Breathe. Take in the air. The nature." I frantically search for any restaurants in the area. "Why don't we go over there, hmm." I say, pointing at a Chinese restaurant three blocks from us across the street.
Phew! That was close. I could have died a moment ago.
"When are you calling Elias?" Maya inquires, placing food into her mouth.
"When we get to the hotel and settle down."
"Okay."
By the time we got to our lounge, and settled everything down. It was midday. I pick up my phone and ring Elia's number.
"Elias what's up, still at school?"
"No, I've been at home for a while now.
"Ok, We are in Italy."
"Already? That's quick."
"Yeah, so Maya and I were already drafting out some plans on how to come about the party, and we know you have some things in your mind already."
"We shouldn't talk through the phone. Text me your location, and I will be there in a minute."
"Ok. Done. Be careful when coming. We are waiting."
Elias didn't take long before arriving.
The lounge was instantly warmer with Elias's presence. He drops onto the couch, phone in hand, a nervous energy humming beneath his calm exterior.
"Elias, what's wrong?" Maya asks, before I can.
"Nothing! Only thinking about the birthday party. So what have you two planned so far?"
"That's why we called you. We need your help. We can't pull this off alone." I answer.
"Exactly. We want it to be a surprise, but first, we need to get Liach out of the house." Maya adds.
Elias leans forward, elbows on his knees "Liach's birthday is Saturday. We need to get her out of the apartment for at least a few hours." He pauses, then continues "Hmm... I can do that. I'll tell her I want to go to an amusement park— or that I need her help to pick some new clothes or shoes or whatever. She won't say no if I ask."
"Perfect! Awww, my cutie is so smart." I pinch his face, stretching it gently. "While you two are out being brother-sister bonding, Maya and I can become the ultimate party ninjas."
"Ninjas?" Maya scoffs playfully, but a grin spreads across her face. "More like interior decorators extraordinaire. While you're keeping her busy, we'll come to your place and decorate. Do you have a spare key?"
Elias chuckles, softly. "Of course. I'll leave it under the mat for you."
"Perfect. I say as I clap my hands. "We'll need balloons, flowers, banners, candles... and definitely a cake."
"Then I'll order the cake tomorrow. What kind of theme should we go for? Should we get her favorite flowers?" Maya chimes in.
"She loves white roses. And keep it simple — not too flashy, she hates crowds." Elias noted.
"We are aware, Maya, you're in charge of the cake and candles. I'll handle the balloons and flowers. And Elias... your job is to keep her out for at least two or three hours." I say.
"Consider it done."
"And what about gifts? We have ours, but Elias, do you have something for her?" Maya asks.
Elias hesitated. "I... I was thinking of something practical. A new set of tools for her work, maybe. Or a very advanced hacking software she likes."
Maya and I exchange looks. "Elias," Maya saysbgently, "maybe something a little less... work-related for her birthday? Something just for her?"
"Like the bikinis I bought!" I interjected with a mischievous wink.
Elias blinks, a faint flush rising on his cheeks. "Right. Not the bikinis. I'll figure something out. Something that says 'happy birthday,' not 'happy seduction spree.'"
We all burst out laughing.
"Alright," Maya concludes, her tone serious again. "Saturday. 1 PM. Operation Liach Bash. We'll set up everything at the apartment, and once we're done, we'll text you. You bring her back, and then... SURPRISE!"
Elias grins "Sounds like a plan. Just... be careful with the apartment. Liach's very particular."
"Understood, Commander Elias!" I salute jokingly.