Hearken

Wasn't Twenty supposed to be a magical birthday and a milestone into adulthood, accompanied by great privileges and legal implications? Wasn't Twenty the age to vote, buy a house, wed your high school sweetheart, go to jail, get sued, and gamble away your tuition in Vegas? Well, mine wasn't.

At eight o'clock in the evening of my 20th birthday, I was alone at home grumbling and frowning, taking weird selfies, scrolling through the boring messages on my phone and pitying myself for my misfortune. I thought it was going to be a special day filled with presents, prayers, fun, and well wishes, but all I received was a "Happy Birthday" from Daniel Beckett, my CEO husband and some of my friends.

Suddenly, the electricity cut off. My sad eyes widened in the darkness and my heart raced for a moment. Dan isn't yet back from the office. He's always busy with work, but I love him endlessly. I know how caring he is, at least, he tried. Right now, I can't wait for him to come back. There was complete darkness in the house. I couldn't do anything, so I wanted to sleep and end this unlucky day.

Out of the blue in the quiet night, I heard a sudden noise coming from downstairs. It startled me. Suspecting that someone must have broken into the house. Immediately, I tried to phone my dad, but I had no answer. He is a widow. My mum suffered a complication as soon as she gave birth to me and didn't survive. As a young business manager, it left my dad to fend for himself in a situation he wasn't even scarcely prepared for. But he survived. And we survived. Today, he sent his bass voiced, happy birthday song to me on my Facebook messenger. It was his usual. But it was only the song, which was unusual.

My unsettled fingers picked up my Samsung mobile phone, and it tempted me to dial 911. There's no need for alarm, right? I called the police. Just then, I realized I was out of credit!

The sweat settling on my forehead trickled. I wiped it off immediately. I could feel my heart racing as the clock ticked. With my eyes closed, I took steady breaths, trying to calm myself down. As my hand rubbed through my heavy stomach, I gently pulled out of bed. Although in the meantime I heard more noises of people talking, I gathered some courage and started heading for the basement. I am sure it wasn't the neighbours. This is an estate, for crying out loud. What's happening? I tiptoed into the darkness that surrounded me. As I slowly reached the basement, I guessed there was over one person. I can't believe. There couldn't be many people in our basement!

Courageously, I opened the door of the basement. A wall of darkness hit me in the face. There wasn't a single noise. As my eyes widened in curiosity, I heard some giggle and confirmed that there were people. Suddenly, the lights turned on and there were my friends, my dad and most of all, Dan cheering at me.

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you, Evelyn!

Happy birthday to you.

My jaws dropped, and I placed both hands over my mouth in astonishment. I can't believe Somidah, my best friend and Tate, her fiance were also part of this. It was a surprise party!! Mr. and Mrs. David, our supportive neighbors giggled at my surprised reaction. Watching them, tears clouded in my eyes. I covered my face this time, unable to hold the joy welling up in me.

"Awwwn." I heard from dad and Somidah.

"Come on babe, it's just a birthday surprise." Daniel walked up to me, clasping me in a warm hug.

I buried my face in his chest. He was still in his usual black suit and white long sleeve. I'm sure he hasn't had his bath since he arrived from work. Daniel even planned these for me? How on earth did he get here on time?

"Was this your idea?" I asked him, watching the guests walk in. They were about eight of them. Three were professional cooks. They came for a catering service.

"Huh... Yeah." He admitted, sucking on his upper teeth that dazzled in the light. "Don't you like it?"

"Of course, I love it. I never thought you could be... so romantic." My confession came unexpectedly. Making me blush at my own words. "Why would you go so far to stress everyone?"

"This isn't too much, Eve. You are my wife, my girlfriend, my best friend, and the mother of my unborn child." His larger hand caressed my almost flat belly, and he graced my lips with a quick kiss.

"I love you, Dan." An affectionate smile rippled on my lips.

"There is nothing compared to seeing you smile. I love you way more, Eve." His azure blue eyes stopped at mine in recognition, still focused on mine, and I frowned.

"I think you have something in your eyes." He said.

"What?" I stuttered, with wide eyes. It isn't even itchy.

"Oh wait, it's just a sparkle." he confessed with a grin and I contacted his infectious smile.

Dan is six years older than me, but he is so witty. I felt a little timid for others to see me in my nightgown. I knew I had to take off my nightgown into something presentable. For the pictures.

My hand stretched to close the door while it still focused Dan on me. His left hand, which was warmer, crept up my spine, pulling me in close. The shadow of his face was so close to mine that I could perceive the scent of his cologne.

"Change, darling. You're sweaty." I whispered to his ears while my roving fingers sprayed on his back.

The next thing I knew was that Dan's lips were on mine. My hands wrapped against his lower back as I deepened the kiss. "Go." I suggested, pulling out of the kiss, but his lips silenced me once more. It tasted sweet, like wine.

Dan's kiss wasn't aggressive. His lips brushed mine, softly, delicately, like butterfly wings. It held so much power and authority over my words and my body. I just obeyed. Even though I could feel some eyes staring at us, I didn't care to break the kiss. Until he did.

"Change, too, birthday girl."

Daniel turned me around in a back hug. Placing a kiss on my nape. I held my ears to my shoulders in reaction to the tingling sensation it gave.

"You both should go upstairs." Somidah intervened, and Daniel pulled me into his arms in a bridal style.

"D-Dan!" I exclaimed, wriggling my hands and legs in the air. "Drop me down, please."

"Shush, baby. Shush!" He kissed my lips and others snickered, watching the both of us.

When we got in, my eyes met his, and I exhaled. Relaxed at the comfy space. "What was that all about? You don't have to put on a show for others."

"I should be the one saying that, Wifey. Just get dressed. The party should be over by 10:00 p.m." Daniel pointed out, taking off his jacket button and shoe lace.

After unbuckling his black leather belt, Daniel put on his dressing gown and walked into the bathroom while I pulled the wardrobe open in a search of what to wear.

"There it is." I picked out a creamy corset dress with a futuristic shade. I fixed on my creamy platform shoe and piled up my curly black hair in a fancy hairdo. As it is, I am brown skinned. Daniel was light-skinned. People still wonder how we met and fell in love even though our parents, who were business partners, arranged it. Well, love happens. And we happened.

Getting back downstairs, the emcee. A slender man with dirty blonde hair and clean shave introduced me to the crowd. Daniel collected the microphone from him to give a speech. It surprised me he'd even think of doing that. Daniel is the shy type, but tonight, he was bold about everything, which made me wonder if he was on drug or something.

"Hey guys. Sorry for bugging your early night sleep. I'm just so excited today, maybe more than my wife... I want to scream it to the world." The guests giggled lightly, paying attention as he continued.

"Very few people meet their soul mates, but I have been fortunate enough to marry this special someone!" He said, facing me. "Everyone knows you turned a year older except me." The guests chuckled at his words, including me.

I placed a hand over my face while Somidah stood right next to me. I held onto her arm in support. My legs were almost wobbly in my 5 feet heels. All because of his awesome words and aura.

"In my eyes, Eve. You are exactly how you were when I met you for the first time-stunning. I am glad we met. I'm glad we got married. Now and then someone comes into your life and they turn it upside down in a good way. You are that someone for me! To my beautiful wife, I hope this year brings you as much joy and happiness that you have brought and continue to bring into my life. We are still young lovers, I know, but I see forever with you. Happy 20th birthday, darling. Cheers!"

"Cheers!!" others replied with a glass of sparkling wine at hand.

A gentle song continued playing in the background, and I watched Dan walk up to where the caterers were. He placed his wineglass on the table and walked up to where Somidah and I were.

"Can I have this dance, please?" He bowed, and we blushed.

"Sure." I bowed in reply, taking his hand. Somidah watched me leave, like a tiny caterpillar blossom into butterfly, perching away.

Daniel placed his right hand on my back just behind my shoulder while I placed my left hand on his back in the same position. Standing one foot apart with our right and left hand clasped into each other. Dan and I dance tango a lot, mostly when we're alone. The last time we danced in front of others was two years ago, on our wedding night. That was the first dance we and together and the weirdest. Dan and I were silent. Locking eyes and moving with the classic music. It was "Tango to Evora" by Loreena McKennitt. With my left hand on Dan's back, I raised my right hand to meet his free hand. Grasping it to keep our hands in the air as we dance.

"Tell me something, Eve." Dan broke the silence as we move around. "What's on your mind?"

"I feel exposed. You would have just taken me out." I brought up. Keeping my knees bent as I dance.

"I guessed." He replied. "I really want us to share this moment with our immediate family, friends and neighbours. Not outside in some restaurant."

"Okay, now I get." I chuckled lightly. "It's what you want, not what I want."

"Come on, darling. I know you want what I want. Anyway, it's our birthday, not just yours."

"But yours is next month." I explained, staying connected with Daniel. Following his dance moves. "It's not as if we have to celebrate it together."

"Ugh... There you go again." He nodded his head, and a sigh escaped me. "I love you." He smirked, gently pushing me back.

I bent my back with held breaths. My dark brown eyes focused on his intense gaze. Unable to look away. Dan pulled me up back to my feet, till our forehead meet. His long fingers clasped against my nape, warming up my icy cheeks that were suddenly burning. I didn't know what happened for a while, but the 'Ka-chick Ka-chick' shutter sound of the camera and applause brought me into reality. It brought us into reality.

His blue-grey eyes reflected the moon from outside. Hand in hand, Daniel pulled me towards the door where we thanked the guests for attending and tell them goodbye.

On a table where there were the cake and varieties of food and drinks. I felt betrayed that they planned this without me. I was an honour for having such a blessed life.

"This is the best birthday party ever!" Somidah crackled as Drake held her behind. She still had a bottle of wine at hand. It's obvious she must be on the effect of alcohol. Drinking is Somidah's favourite thing in the world.

"Thanks for tonight, guys. This means a lot, I'll call you later." I told her and she bade me goodnight.

The caterers packed their stuff, and the emcee left with his speakers and microphone. The neighbours left after giving Dan and I soft hugs and kisses.

"Now that the party is over. Shall we go in?" Dan's words gave me goosebumps as he climbed up the narrow staircase. There was no reply, and he didn't wait for one. I knew he must be extremely tired, but come on...

"What about this place? It's rough... We have to clean it up." I trailed after him, taking off my heels. Dan yawned, paying deaf ears. It was 12:30 a.m.

He was already back in the bedroom. Lying on a double bed that had old-fashioned brass ends, with his long-sleeved shirt half buttoned. Dan was fast asleep.

"Oh, Dan!" I whispered.

The sight of him sprawled on the bed invited me. It brought memories of how I felt on our wedding night. Forced and unready. Dan was patient and understanding. Not only our hands, but our hearts were tied that night. We had no say in it. Right now, I can't help but to admire his undeniable macho.

Quietly, I approached the bed with the door slightly closed. Yes, he was really asleep. Thick black lashes spread like hand fans against his closed eyes. The line of his lips relaxed as I noticed the sweat settled on his ivory skin. I sat down on the edge of the bed, placing a hand on his bare feet. It was warm. Everything about Dan was warm.

"Okay, fine. I'll do the cleaning alone." I murmured.

I heard him wake up behind me. I turned around to his smiling face. Something pulled me back. Without looking, I knew it was his hand. I paused without turning back to him. I heard Dan crawl up behind me and my intestines tight knots. Flushed, I swirled to meet his half-opened eyes.

"Don't work yourself. Today is about you."

"What do you mean today is about _" the look of his dark, sultry eyes cut me off.

Oh, I knew that look. It only meant one thing on his mind-Being intimate. The issue was, I could feel the fire of sexual desires burning through me to reply to his wordless quest. I wanted it; I wanted him. I wanted nothing more than to lie down beside my husband and feel his warm body against mine that was cold.

My heart pounded. I stood there, feeling the desire that spread from my heart to my chest and down toward my inner thighs. He should have apologized for keeping me waiting earlier. I'd almost cried myself to sleep before his birthday surprise came up.

Dan's finger touched my neck and held my hair, giving me chills. His hands went from the sides of my head and down to my neck, out to my shoulders and down to my hands. He grabbed my hands gently yet firm, put them in front of me and paused. I felt safe. Dan spoke no words. My heart was about to beat out of my chest and I close my eyes and take a deep breath out. It's confusing how I feel around him.

Dan placed his warm lips on my exposed shoulder. Trailing it on my skin towards my ear, but doesn't quite make it that far. I tilted my head and after his deep breath out, he bit me gently. It doesn't hurt, it only makes me want more.

Dan turned me around, and we were facing each other. He stared into my eyes and smiles. His two hands grab my left hand, and he places my open palm on his heart, and he holds it there. I bet it was soft and cold against him. He loves it. Dan's dark Grey eyes exude love, protection, security, safety, patience, and respect. I smiled, and he let go of my hands. With one hand, he runs his fingers through my hair and gently guides my face closer to his, eventually leaning me in to rest my head on his chest. His other arm wraps around me. I hope he never lets go.

While in that moment against his chest, I could only think about what I could do to make his heart pound.

"I still think we should_" I wasn't through with the talk when Dan placed his lips on mine. Locking it with a fierce passion.

His hands, that were gentle on me a second ago gripped me hard. Pulling me down, with one arm into the bed.

"Don't think, Eve. Stop thinking. Just come to bed." His voice came as a plea, yet demanding. Dan kissed me hungrily and inexorably.

Always, when we made love, he'd been gentle and gradual. But now, Dan isn't. It's been two weeks since he and I last made love. Dan had traveled for a business trip to South Africa and it was then, I texted him about my pregnancy results. He came back tired last night. Too tired to talk or eat. And today, he made it up to me.

Although, as his wife, I still hold back a bit. Dan has seduced me every single time. He's too good for his own good. I never expected us to be this good for and with each other.

My body, soft and receptive, responded eagerly to the familiar magic of his touch. A moan of pleasure escaped me as Dan placed me on the bed, trailing more wet kisses down my neck. His perfect finger grew bolder and slid down under my corset dress. Pulling it off. Dan stroked through my stomach. His plump lips, ripe and sweet, crackled against my sinking heart. Nibbling and teasing against my tender skin. I took off the dress at once, facing him completely.

Violent and sudden was our union. Our passion, like the flood, was explosive. Dan got rid of his shirt and placed my arms around his neck. Chest to chest. My lips still seeking for his warmth. His touch. His love. Dan looked at my set of hardened nipples. They were the exact colour of black muster seeds. Unable to hold back the urge, Dan's mouth fed greedily upon my left breast, which was a little bigger than the right. Like biting into a piece of chocolate cake, he sucked unto it in satisfaction.

'Tap-Tap-Tap!'

A sudden knock at the door intervened. I turned to the other side of the bed and grabbed the white blanket over my exposed body.

'Tap-Tap-Tap!' The knock came again, and I pulled away from Dan's grip.

"Who could that be?"

"I don't know." He shrugged. He was already hard and relentless. A little sweaty. "Probably someone forgot something."

"Yeah, check who it is." I suggested, staring at Dan keenly, since he was still in his trousers.

"Okay, fine." Dan said dryly and sighed. His hand stroked my hair vividly. "Don't go anywhere, Wifey. I'd be right back."

"Where would I go?" Grinning at him, I couldn't help but to blush at his attitude. I watched him leave the room, dragging his lazy feet down the stairs and buckling the belt I'd unbuckled a while ago.

'Tap-Tap-Tap!'

"Yes, who's that?" Dan's voice echoed as he finally opened the door. There were two white police officers standing at the entrance. One a little taller than one and the other a little fatter. The plump, shorter one stood behind, smoking on a straw of cigarette. He seemed to be the boss.

"Are you Mr. Daniel Beckett by chance?"

The slim one with the name tag 'Tim Wilson' queried, jeeringly.

"Yes, hope all is well?" He pulled forward, interested.

"You are under arrest for disturbing public peace."

"What? What are you saying?" Dan went dumbfounded, connecting the dots.

"You just held a party here, didn't you?"

"Yes, just a low-key home party for my wife." Dan replied quietly with dignity.

"Disturbing the peace is a criminal offense. I thought you're a 26-year-old."

"Yes, I am. I'm also a successful business executive."

"Successful!" The officer with a goaty beard snickered, throwing away the remains of his cigarette. Stamping on it with the tip of his black oxford shoe and pointed out. Moving a step closer. "You're just opportune, not successful."

"Who are you exactly? What do you want and where is your arrest warrant?"

"Kpooh!"

The gunshot echoed in the silence, and I jumped out of bed at once.

"Kpooh!!"

The bullet punched its way through Dan's neck, causing a gaping hole that flooded with blood and gushed out. Daniel fell to the ground, a pool of blood stream around staining his bare skin that lay on the cold floor.

'What was happening?' I was so curious to know that I fled downstairs with the blanket still wrapped on my chest.

The door was wide open, and the love of my life was on the floor. His body glided in the moonlight from through the door. My eyes caught the police officers' hurry away as I tried to get the glimpse of them in the darkness. I lost control. All my attention was on Dan. I held onto him at once.

"What happened? Talked to me!"

"You're... You're my best memory, Eve." Dan choked on the words."Please don't fade."

"No, no, no, Dan! You can't do this to me.....Who are those guys?" I snapped, with tears brimming in my eyes.

"I... I don't know." He coughed out blood from his mouth and his breath raced as if staring at death.

"Hang on! Stay with me. You'll be fine." I persuaded and ran out of the house like a madwoman. "Neighbors! Somebody help!"

Before they came and before we got to the hospital, the blanket on me was already soaked in Dan's blood.

But it was too late. I watched my husband choke to death. That night, I lost him.