The City of Angels.

Over the next couple of weeks I was settling myself in to my new job and familiarising myself with learning to balance Buzznet, Irish Threads, keeping in touch with Kim and Tadhg, keeping in touch with my sister and friends from home and spending time with Austin. It was all so hectic, but I was enjoying it all.

May, my birthday month, arrived in the blink of an eye and I had been in contact with one of my closest friends from home, Niamh, who was coming to LA for 3 weeks with work. We had become fast friends at the age of 14 when we both joined the same school for performing arts. At 20 she moved from Ireland to Scotland to live with her (then) boyfriend. She got a job at Apple and has been there ever since. We stayed in touch and visited each other the entire time. Now however, she has a different (and much nicer) boyfriend and will be visiting LA for a whole 3 weeks for her genius training.

Translation: she'll be in LA for my 24th birthday celebrations! I couldn't wait to see her and catch up. It had been almost a year since we had been together which was the longest for us. We usually tried to see each other every 6 months. I would fly to her for short holidays where possible and she would come home to Ireland. Any time we were reunited, it was like we had never been separated. We were soul sisters. She was always there for me and I her. Almost 10 years as friends and we never had 1 disagreement or fight. We were alike in so many ways, yet completely different in others. She could pick me up any time I felt low and I would always try to do the same for her. I couldn't wait for her to meet Austin. I knew he would like her. However, we tend to become incomparable when reunited as, not only do we have our own slang and speak at an uncomfortable pace, but our accents always become that much stronger when we are together.

Being out of Ireland for almost 4 years, Niamh's accent is not as strong as it used to be. Until she visits home for a few days. Then it comes back in force. I had to tone down my accent in order for my new found friends to understand me, yet I knew that would go completely out the window once Niamh arrived.

I had offered Niamh my spare room for her stay as Tadhg was now fully moved out of the apartment now. However, Apple being Apple had booked her and her boyfriend, Adam, who was also visiting for training, a room at a 4 Seasons is Santa Monica so they were staying there. I was finding the apartment a little lonely since Tadhg moved and because Austin wasn't home a lot so our sleepovers were put on hold, however I would be just glad to see Niamh and catch up once more.

Austin and the boys were going to be home for my birthday also, so Austin and Kim had told me not to worry about a party as they had everything sorted. Naturally, this worried me. Niamh and Adam had also booked Austin and I for a double date in honour of my 24th year. I finally had a birthday to look forward to. I loved birthday parties, and yet, my own ones always turned out shitty and unenjoyable! Something always went wrong. Be it a friend fighting with her boyfriend, a lack of fun night spots (classic Ireland!) or friends promising to show, yet never coming through. Or the ultimate kicker, your long term boyfriend cheating on you. Somehow birthdays were never a successful event for me. This year though, I knew things would be different!

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"FIFI!" I heard my best pal shout as I strolled aimlessly through arrivals at LAX.
"NIAMHY!" I shouted back once I had registered my name. "I'm so sorry, I'm always late!" I preached as I pulled her into a bone crushing hug.
"Oh I'm well used to it, doll!" Came her reply as she reciprocated the hug.
"Welcome to LA!" I said to Adam as I moved to him and opened my arms.
"Good to see you again, Fi!" Adam politely said, accepting my hug.

We had met a few times in the past. I was a big fan of him. He kept my best friend happy and looked after her heart with care. And he was a sweetheart with a nice face. How could anyone dislike Adam?!

I helped the guys with their bags, led them to my car and drove straight to my apartment. Niamh and I spoke to each other at top speed the entire way to my house. Adam didn't even have a chance.

"So I have a little early birthday present for youuuu!" Niamh sang at me as I placed a cup of tea in front of her after we arrived at my apartment.
"Oooh, this is already the best birthday ever!" I joked.
"Okay, I know your birthday isn't for a week but I wanted you to have something for the celebrations. Open, open!" Niamh instructed as she handed me an envelope.

I turned the envelope over carefully in my hands and tore the seal to reveal a small appointment card inside. I read the card which told me I had an appointment the following day at 1pm for a tattoo. I looked to Niamh with excitement in my eyes.

"Does this mean what I think it means?" I asked Niamh, now bouncing in my seat.
"It's happening, babe!!" Niamh said with just as much as excitement.

We had both been talking for years about how we would love to get a tattoo together. We had always wanted to the get the words "for good" as it was the name of a song from Wicked the musical. The musical that brought us together as friends. Any time we were at a party together, we were made sing this song. She was always Elpheba and I was always Galinda. The song explains how because these two people became friends their lives were made better because of the impact the other person had on them. The song encompassed our relationship entirely. And now, thanks to Niamh's early gift, we were finally getting our matching tattoos!

"I can't wait!!" I told Niamh and I pulled her against me yet again.
"It certainly is a long time coming!" She said with a laugh. "So, tell me all about Austin!" She then said with glee.

I launched (once again) into the story of mine and Austin's friendship. After what felt like hours, I finally took a breath and looked to Niamh for her advice on the situation.

"Are you happy, Fi?" She asked with sincerity, although I knew she could see in me that this is the happiest I've ever been.
"More than ever!" I replied honestly.
"Then just roll with it honey. Titles or no titles I can see how much this boys means to you. Hold on to him." She said with a hand on my knee.
"Is it odd that I'd rather not put a title on it?" I asked Adam as I faced him, looking for a guys perspective.
"Not at all. It's kinda cool actually. Shows you don't want to rush anything. I think most guys would appreciate that!" Came Adam's reply.
"When do we get to meet him?" Niamh asked.
"Tomorrow! He gets home tonight around 8 so I'm going to pop over to his house and surprise him with dinner!" I replied. "Can I give you guys a ride to your hotel?" I asked them.
"Not at all, missy! You go see your man! Apple are paying all expenses so we can just grab a taxi! But I'll see you tomorrow for tattoos!" Niamh said with a kiss to my cheek.

After waving Niamh and Adam off I decided to take a shower and throw on a clean outfit. I then went to the local food market and picked up some things for dinner. I drove to Austin's loft, let myself in, turned on some music and began making dinner. I settled on sautéed chicken and spring onion rice with a chicken and parsley sauce.

After about an hour I could hear Austin approaching the door. I turned down the music and hid behind the breakfast bar in the kitchen.

"Alright Kara that's absolutely perfect, I'll swing by later and see you then. I look forward to it. Bye!" I could hear Austin say in to his phone as he walked through door. "Shit!" He said out loud as the smell of dinner hit him. "Fi?" He called nervously.

Why shit? Was he worried I had heard him on the phone? Was that something I shouldn't have heard? Was Kara someone he had been seeing as well as me? Why else would he panic? I mean, it's not like we're together. He can see other people if he likes I guess. He's entitled to. Even if it does hurt.

"H-hey. Welcome home!" I said in a small voice as I revealed myself.
"Uh hi. You're here! In my loft. Right now. Exactly how much of that phone conversation did you hear?" He asked nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Uh I didn't hear anything but you saying goodbye!" I lied, shuffling my toes.
"Right on. I mean, it's nothing, I just... I'm just going to get rid of these bags!" Austin said awkwardly and left the room.

Shit. He's got another girl. I watched him leave the room, mentally picturing him leaving my life and suddenly feeling entirely unwanted. So much for the best birthday ever. Something always goes wrong. Luck of the Irish my ass.

Notes

This took a lot longer than expected.
Welp, here it is!

Fun fact - the story about my friend Niamh is all entirely true! We actually got our "for good" tattoos yesterday in real life :) there's a picture on my Instagram (@heffipie) if anyone would like to see!

Xxx