Aurelia's POV:-
After I came home, I freshened up with a cold shower and checked my phone.
Five missed calls from my mother.
Oh.
I forgot to keep my phone off silent mode.
I called my mom.
As expected, the moment she picked up, she started scolding me for keeping my phone on silent again.
Honestly, this is a human error.
I kept my phone a few centimetres away from me and listened.
Then I turned on the speaker.
She finally stopped scolding.
"What is the matter, Mama?"
"Doninna, did you again forget your uncle's birthday?"
"Oh shit. Yes. When is it again?"
"Tomorrow!"
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes!"
I rubbed my forehead.
"If I am not wrong, Uncle is turning fifty, right? So it won't be happening in California?"
"Right. It is happening in New York."
"New York?"
I immediately sat up.
"Mamma, Elena and Charlotte live in New York."
"That's great, Doninna. Then you will meet them too. And I am sure they both have partners. Only you don't."
"Mamma? Again?"
I immediately reached for the phone.
"I am hanging up!"
"Okay, okay. Remember to buy two gifts for your uncle and one more for your brother."
"OKAY!"
I hung up.
Then I called my group.
Well, you won't believe our group name is very unique.
It is Questions.
It has been called that since we were in tenth standard, and somehow it has lasted until now.
We were all in our twenties and everyone had settled into their own lives.
Elena was a known dancer and singer, a pop artist, while Charlotte was pursuing neurosurgery and was already one of the top doctors in her hospital.
Maybe because of her skills, she would get her MCh early.
"Hello? Y'all free?"
"Of course, Aurelia. It's 11 p.m., and I am finished with my event," Elena replied.
"Charlotte?"
"She isn't picking up. Maybe she is in surgery."
A few seconds later, another voice joined.
"Hello, guys. What's up?"
"You aren't in surgery?"
"I was, but I am over with my shift. I am at home."
"Ohh, well, Aurelia, why did you call all of a sudden?"
"I am coming to New York tomorrow for my uncle's half-century birthday. So are you all free the day after tomorrow?"
Both of them answered at the same time.
"Let me check."
I laughed.
Elena was free after 12 p.m., and Charlotte was on a day off.
"Great! Then I'll pick Charlotte up, and then we'll go to Elena's studio at 12."
We ended the call after a great deal of talking.
I had a lot to say to them, and I was sure they would have a lot to say too.
I was already guessing Elena's charm must have brought fortune to the New York Times.
Let's see.
Their time is ahead, while mine is behind.
I called Vincent to inform him directly about my leave.
"What's up, Amorina?"
"Amorina? Little love? Vincent, don't forget that you are still courting me!"
"So what? You are my little—no, big love. I would call you what I feel about you. Get used to it."
"Okay, okay. Do whatever you want. I called to inform you that I will be on leave for two days. I am going to New York."
"Okay. May I ask why you are going there?"
"My uncle's birthday is tomorrow, and I have to be present. Plus, I will meet my best friends there."
"You need company? Like, I am free."
"Vincent, I am not going to attend a wedding that I need my groom's maid for. It's a birthday party."
"Okay, okay. Got it. Stay safe, and if anything happens, call me."
"Okay, boss. I will call you."
I booked a flight to New York.
Tomorrow, at 4 a.m., I had to reach the airport. In five or six hours, I should reach there, so around 1 p.m. their time, I should arrive.
Perfect.
I should better download movies and dramas to watch on the flight.
Before sleeping, I messaged Uncle.
Tomorrow your gifts will arrive. One is me. The other four, we'll see tomorrow.
I smiled at my own message.
Technically, I was one gift.
The other four were actual gifts.
Close enough.