The wind chime hanging from Augusta's window frame tinkled a gentle melody, and the curtains danced in the wind. In perfect harmony, the glass crystals clinked and reflected colorful rays of light into her bedroom.

"There's something magical about turning eighteen," Augusta said while standing in front of her full length mirror.

Her eyes shone with the realization that she was an adult, even if it were only in theory. As far as she was concerned, being an adult meant independence from her parents. No curfews and her own roof over her head. It sounded great minus the bills. Mo' money, mo' problems. Yikes.

Priya lay on the bed and painted her toenails. "The fourth of December should be a freaking public holiday and the hills are alive with the sound of music," she joked. "You look great by the way. Is there any chance that you're dressed up for him?"

"Of course not," Augusta replied. "Can't I just wanna look nice for my birthday?"

Augusta did not think it was necessary to tell Priya how eager she had been to get a phone call, text or ping from Pedro. So far he was M.I.A. and she refused to acknowledge how much it pissed her off. He was an f-boy, she should not be surprised he forgot.

Priya scoffed. "But you've always said birthdays are no big deal."

Augusta ignored her comment and assessed her outfit. Navy blue jeans and a cute white top. The black converse shoes on her feet were comfortable, and she had ditched her regular short braid bob for a slick ponytail. Augusta knew that she had never looked so good. Except for flute recitals, she had gotten used to being lackadaisical with her outfits. Big dresses and flat shoes were convenient, but she could feel good and look great. Right?

Was Augusta trying to look nice for someone special? Of course not!

She spun around for the third time and admired her body. Augusta had often thought of herself as plain and simple in appearance. At five foot nine with a slim but curvaceous figure, and radiant dark skin she was anything but ordinary. It was high time her butterfly emerged and spread its beautiful wings.

Priya tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and chewed her lip. "We will still be friends now you're openly hot?"

"Of course, friends for life. Thanks for coming over before school, Priya," Augusta said. She tore her eyes away from her image in the mirror, and squeezed her best friend's hand.

"I came for the moin moin," Priya retorted. She dodged a pillow Augusta threw at her and cackled.

Speaking of moin moin, Augusta was glad her mum agreed to allow her prepare it. The steamed bean cake was one of her favorite breakfast foods, and she liked cooking—even on her birthday. Her parents had been nothing but sweet by waking her with a beautiful birthday song they sang in Igbo. The $1000 GAP gift card was also pretty cool.

"I made pineapple custard too, Priya."

"That's why I love you."

"Because of food?"

"No, 'cause um..." Priya sat up crossed her legs, and narrowed her eyes in thought.

This time when Augusta aimed a teddy bear at her best friend's head, it hit its target. Priya clutched her scalp and slumped off the bed—before rolling on the floor and laughing.

***

"We will have the robotics showcase at the end of the STEM seminar for freshers. Catch them young. Is everyone okay with that?" Augusta asked in a cheerful voice.

The executive members of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math club gawked at her. They had been more or less unresponsive since the beginning of the meeting. Some of them murmured incoherently. Perhaps her new look was more shocking than she realized. Their president in jeans could be likened to seeing a snowman in the summer. Whatever.

Augusta resisted the urge to tap her foot in annoyance. They were in senior year, and she was determined to secure new members for the club before they graduated. Not to mention how she called for a quick meeting in an empty classroom during their lunch break. Augusta wanted them to focus on important matters. "What's the problem?" she asked.

No one gave her a tangible answer until Trevor, the English exchange student barged in. He was late. Again. Fooking Trevor.

He smiled and dug his hands in his pockets. "I'm glad you carried on without me," he said.

Augusta rolled her eyes and shook her head. If Trevor was not a great computer programmer and physics prodigy, she would have kicked him out of the club herself. They were supposed to set a good example for regular members.

"And who might this delightful young lady be?" Trevor asked, walking up to an unimpressed Augusta. He took her hand and bent to kiss it while maintaining eye contact. "Shiver me timbers! Is it you, Augusta?" he exclaimed.

Augusta tugged her hand away from Trevor's grasp. "You're the social director of the club and it's your duty to help organize programs. Where the heck have you been?"

After Trevor explained all the plans he had so far, including a detailed program of events and securing a keynote address from the CEO of a food processing plant—Augusta had to admit he had done a good job. That being said, punctuality would not hurt him. Shortly after the other executives had left, Augusta and Trevor continued their discussion in the hallway. She also mentioned the toy cars she had designed and assembled.

"Augusta?"

It was a question not a statement, and Augusta turned to see Pedro with a bright smile on his face and eyes wide with wonder. "Wow! You look fantastic," he said.

Augusta's reply was brief. "Thanks."

"You must be Patrick," Trevor interjected in a cool voice with a hand outstretched to Pedro.

Pedro turned to Trevor, fixed his frosty glare on him and smirked. "You know who I am," he replied, snubbing Trevor's attempted handshake.

Placing a hand on Augusta's lower back, Pedro looked into her eyes, bit his lip but said nothing. For a micro second, she did not think about how he had forgotten her birthday. When Trevor cleared his throat, she came to her senses. "Trevor meet Pedro. Pedro meet Trevor," she said.

Both guys grumbled and rolled their eyes. Deep down Augusta found the tension between them entertaining, even if she would have preferred they be friends. She was prompt to scold herself for thinking like a popular girl— most of whom were self absorbed jerks.

Trevor checked his wristwatch and gasped. "I'll have to see you later, Augusta. I enjoyed our meeting." He drew her close and whispered into her ear, "Happy birthday, check your locker for your gift. Watch out for the jock, he'll break your heart and you deserve better." He walked away in a haste and did not look back.

Pedro crossed his arms. "What the heck was that about?" he asked.

Augusta sighed. "Nothing."

"Are you okay, Inkaychee?"

"Yes."

"Sure?"

"I'm fine."

Pedro caressed Augusta's cheek with an index finger. "This ponytail reveals the lovely cheekbones you've been hiding," he whispered.

She closed her eyes and leaned into his hand. It was a struggle to swallow the disappointment lodged in her throat. Who was she kidding with her nonchalant attitude? Pedro mattered to her, but she was not a priority for him. The realization hurt like hell, but she was going to keep her dignity. Under no condition would she give him or any of her haters the satisfaction of seeing her tears. Especially since it was guaranteed to end up on Speakerverse.

Liking, commenting and sharing people's sorrow was no big deal on social media.

"I've got plans for this evening," Pedro said.

"Really?" A glimmer of hope flickered in Augusta's chest.

"Yeah. My team mates and I are going to a party. It's gonna be lit." His eyes twinkled in anticipation. "What are you doin' tonight? Wanna come?"

"No, thanks. I've got plans of my own."

"K. See ya." Pedro gave her a side hug and jogged away.

**

As Augusta sat in her Geography class, her mind strayed from the topography of Hawaii to what Trevor said. Maybe he was right about Pedro. After all, if he could forget her birthday, even though she had dropped casual reminders—Pedro was not paying attention.

There was nothing magical about turning eighteen, Augusta concluded. It was just a cold, miserable day that Pedro broke her heart.