I sit next to Zaki as he puts the TV on; and argue with myself about going to campus tomorrow.

I don't want to, but I know that it is important to go as I wouldn't want to miss any important assignment details.

I remember that tomorrow was supposed to be an important day at campus but I can't seem to place the date to anything.

My two best friends, Sabrina and Layla, must be worried sick. It had been my 18th birthday yesterday, but I didn't want to go to campus because it would be a big deal.

Whenever it is someone's birthday, it's like a tradition of the college to throw things on the person and mess the person's clothes. Like a messy fight.

Yeah you read that right! I know that this may sound weird, but, on the second day of college when I had witnessed a tall boy coming out of the lecture room with his shirt messed with eggs, cream, smashed tomatoes and I really don't know what else, I was shocked.

I had actually reported it as a case of ragging bullying to the faculty's Dean, Mr Hillburg. That's when I was told that it is actually a game of the students. This is how they make the birthday girl or boy feel special. Special?

I have to admit that once or twice, I had also wanted to be a part of this weird family. I had also wanted to take part in these stupid, messy fights, but I had stayed away from them. I didn't want to mix with too many people. I wanted to avoid the questions that I knew would follow.

That is why I love my two best friends and appreciate their company. They don't ask me questions. They have accepted me wholeheartedly, without judging me and without questioning me. They have accepted me for the way I am.

I don't know what I plan to do after my degree. Probably look for a job and live by mom's side forever. I would never get married. Nor did I, and nor do I have a permanent boyfriend. I just can't let anybody close to me.

Ofcourse I do wish to be in love, but I can't let anyone know my truth. I know that I could have a boyfriend without telling him my truth...and I have tried it...believe me!

I had been on a few dates and had actually liked some of the guys very much. But, after a few days...I would feel as if I am betraying them. I feel that I am cheating them by not being entirely honest with them. Because the girl that sits in front of them is not really who she pretends to be and that is the bitter truth.

"Wow! Don't you think spiderman is so cooool", Zaki shouts excitedly, his eyes locked on the screen as spiderman flies and jumps between buildings. "Boo, bahh, get em all...", he shouts as he sits at the edge of my bed.

I try to pay attention to the movie but my eyes just find their way to my bedside clock. It reads 22:15. I can't stop worrying. It's already so late and Zaki's mother or father is not here to pick him up yet.

My phone rings and I look at the screen. Sabrina. Uggh...I totally forgot to inform her why I wasn't at campus today. I answer at the third ring and try to sound cheerful. " Heyy best friend...what's up!!", I ask. "Your fat head is up...that's what!", she replies. Ooh...I'm in trouble for sure.
I must admit that I did miss the sound of her voice.

"How's the gang?",I ask, "What did I miss?". "Forget us...", I hear the voice of my other bestie, Layla, shout. "Where were you yesterday and today?"
"Do you still exist?", Sabrina's louder voice shouts. They both giggle on the other end of the phone and I sigh.

"I had a splitting headache this morning.", I reply.
"Okay enough of your stupid excuses. We have this stupid community health project due on Wednesday . We were told yesterday but I couldn't inform you because I couldn't get through to you. Why are you never online?"

She pauses. Then both giggle ad usual.

"....Happpppieeeee birthday.", they both shout. I laugh. "Thank you." I say.

"We are both very angry with you. Why did you have to be absent from campus on your birthday? hmm...partying without us?", Layla teases.

I snort. "Really?", I ask.
"Layla, Amy is not the party type remember! And she would never party without us. She must have been really sick.", Sabrina tells Layla.

I feel guilty for lying to them on the inside. But hey, when did I ever speak the truth?