October 16th 2020
Prompt: "My name isn't even Jimmy!"

*******

  "You'd think that after two years of working at the art gallery that they'd remember my birthday." I grumbled as I entered the house. Zane glanced up from where he was cooking dinner, a quizzical look on his face.

  "But noooo. Brenda got a birthday celebration and she's only been here for two months." I continued as I washed my hands.

  Zane patted my back sympathetically. "Recognition of One's birth date often symbolizes that someone cares enough to know. I understand why you are upset."

  I gave a tight lipped smile as I plopped my purse on the counter. Zane smiled when he pulled a small folded piece of card stock.

  "I see that someone remembered." Zane pointed out, showing off the obvious cake on the front.

  I scowled, snatching it from him and opening up the card so he could see the horror of it all. "Except it's a fake fifty cent sympathy card from Brenda after she pointed out how she got a birthday celebration. I turned it around and jabbed my finger at the curly calligraphy. "It's addressed to Jimmy! My name isn't even Jimmy!"

  Zane simply shook his head, failing to hide a smile as he eyed my pout. "I don't think what the Internet called a 'bad mood' will help the spirit of your begetting day."

  I took a deep breath, brushing stray hairs out of my face. "I suppose you're right. But just so you know, I'm famous for my record time of pouting." I told him as I made my way to the stair case.

  After taking a nice long shower I searched for what to wear. I don't own a lot of really nice clothes since the art gallery doesn't pay much but if I end up teaching lessons it'll look good on my resume so I can get a full teaching job.I searched through my laundry and sniffed at the various articles of clothing in hopes of finding something that is only semi-covered in paint and doesn't smell like sweat and clay. Eventually I found my tribal patterned top with some fun little fringe that make it really annoying to wash. After succeeding the sniff test I pulled it on and tripped my way down the stairs.

  I felt my heart swell with appreciation when I saw what Zane had set out for me. He had made his own signature Chinese style kebobs with my favourite of his dishes sweet potato and lentil stew. For desert I was excited to see he had made my childhood treat, elotitos. A corn shaped baked goodie with delicious custard filling.

  "Cotton, felines are not required on the table." Zane scolded the kitten.

  The master of ice tried to act all tough but we both eventually won him over and I have caught the Nindroid cuddling on the couch while watching the food network together. I snagged the adorable ball of fluff and promptly dropped him on the ground. He scrunched up his nose in disappointment and went to sulk by his dry cat food.
 
  "Thank you, Zane." I made sure I gave him my widest smile. It probably looked weird and over bearing but we both didn't care. "This is hecking awesome!"

  Zane chuckled and sat down, watching as I cleaned off my first kebob. After dinner we took our elotitos to-go and went on a nice walk. Ninjago was chilly in the fall but Zane was literally a walking heater. I'm serious- he presses a button and everything. He even can change settings.

  Zane brought me downtown and we enjoyed our evening walk together. Zane looked amused as I became absorbed in eating my elotito. He only drew my attention by stopping his embrace and moving away. The cold hit me hard and I jerked to look at him. He smiled as he walked smoothly backward to the park. It was late so the public entertainment area was mostly empty.

  Unfortunately, I knew the person that was there.

  "Brenda." I muttered with so much pure hate that Zane shot me an alarmed look as I came up beside him.

  "Gweny!" She shrieked, dancing over to me. She was a curvy women, a few years older than me with a super annoying personality. Seriously, do I look like a Gweny to you?

  Zane placed a hand around my waist, either to show his support, show possession to Brenda's horrible finance, or because he was attempting to restrain me. My money's on the last option. To bad for him; when I'm on a roll I can break through rock walls. 

  "Hey...Brenny?" I strained for a positive tone. Okay, why did she have to have a name that made me look stupid when I tried to make a nickname out of it? I mean, she doesn't look totally intelligent with her nickname for me but at least it's an actual thing that people go by.

  "Don't call me that, sweetie." She said sharply. "It isn't flattering on your intelligence."

  Excuse me?

  Honestly, I'm not one for violence but when someone is being back crap crazy and rude then I go all out.

  "You must be Brenda." Zane said quickly, extending a hand. "Gwendolyn has mentioned you."

  Brenda giggled like a maniac and wrapped an arm around her emotionless husband-to-be. "Aw, she did? That's so sweet...."

  "It's really not." I said flatly.

  They all stared at me.

  "Well, happy birthday...uh...Jenny." Brenda said, turning to leave. "I hope you liked my birthday card."

  "I liked it." I liked watching my cat tear it to shreds.

  "Good." Her fake smile stayed plastered on. "Bye, Gigi."

"Gwen."

  "Gweny."

  "Gwen

  By the time I opened my mouth to scream she was already getting in the dudes sports car and driving away.

  "Zane." I said finally.

He glanced at me, eyes expectant and kind. He's too good for this world. Well, too good for me at least.

"Could one of my presents be paint balling the giant mural of her face she claims to have placed on the side of her house?"