Chapter 24: Reliving A Childhood Memory

                                    

                                          
"Memories of childhood were the dreams that stayed with you after you woke."
                          
Rocky cannot believe it. He did not think it was possible to mount something of such magnitude. Even if it was difficult, Rocky, with the help of their friends, and surprisingly, Leanne, managed to pull through. In the weeks that built up to Monique's birthday, he kept thinking about how he could make it special. He must have thought of at least ten ideas, then he remembered that one of the things in Monique's bucket list, is the hope that she could relive her childhood. So today, he is going to do just that.
                          
"Love, where are we going? Why do I need to be blindfolded?" Monique asked nervously 
                          
"Do you trust me?" 
                          
"Yes, of course."
                          
"Then just go with it." 
                          
After walking for a few minutes, they stopped and Rocky removed her blindfold. "Surprise!"
                          
Monique was in shock. There were balloons everywhere, clowns milling around, massive tables of food and candy. She was surrounded by friends old and new, and family, all wearing funny hats. Rocky got a top hat from one of the tables and propped it on her head. 
                          
"Welcome to your Mad Hatter's Party! Happy birthday, Love!" Rocky exalted. Then as if on cue, the happy birthday song started playing and a line of servers, thirty of them started walking towards her, each bearing a cake with 1 candle. 
                          
"One cake for every birthday party you did not get to have." Rocky said affectionately. 
                          
The rest of the afternoon was filled with food, magic and fun. Monique had so much more joy in her heart than she knew what to do with. And as it weren't enough, Rocky still had something up his sleeve. A table piled with thirty gifts was brought to her. These were over and above all the other gifts that were given to her by the guests. These gifts were all from Rocky. And amidst the cheering and clapping of friends and family, Monique opened the gifts one by one after reading each gift card. It was a collection of toys and games, cookware, gadgets, clothes and accessories. Each item meant to symbolize milestones in her life or convey Rocky's feelings for her. Monique was so happy with her presents, each one better than the last. It was when she got to the last two gifts that her tears started to fall like torrential rain. One was a smaller-sized version of Rocky's hoodie, and on the card, it said "Something to remind you of the first day we met and fell in love." The last gift was diamond ring "This is not a marriage proposal yet, but it is a promise that one day soon, it will be the start of the rest of our lives."
                          
Monique found herself at a loss for words, but as she looked at all the faces around her, especially Rocky's, only one word came to mind that would describe how she was feeling, "Blessed"
                          
For the rest of the evening, Rocky and Monique went from one table to another, chatting and expressing their gratitude. Rocky caught sight of Leanne who was sitting in one table all by her lonesome. "Love, I will just talk to Leanne. Is that okay?" Rocky wanted to ask permission, in case Monique might not be comfortable with it. 
                          
Monique looked at Rocky, then at the table where Leanne was seated. She smiled at Rocky. "Perhaps you should. She looks a bit lonely there."
                          
Rocky did not expect Monique's reply. "Are you sure?"
                          
"Love, it's all in the past. Go." Monique gently pushed him forward. 
                          
Rocky walked towards Leanne, who smiled at him "It's a beautiful party." she said.
                          
"Well, I would not have been able to do it without your help. Thank you" He nudged Leanne with his shoulder. 
                          
"It's nothing really. It's the least I could do for all the trouble I have caused you." 
                          
"Well, that's true. You did send people to beat me up." Rocky chuckled. 
                          
"Not you, her." she nodded towards Monique jokingly. 
                          
"Though I must say, those were the worst hired hands I have ever come across. Two of them could not even get in all but three punches. And the other one, well, croaked and ran away with his tail between his legs. Let me tell you, Lea, in order for your devious plans to work, you must choose better goons. Maybe some soccer players from Southbay? At least they would be far more worthy opponents." he teased. 
                          
"Don't tempt me, or I might do just that." Leanne and Rocky laughed. 
                          
"Go back there. Nique must be waiting for you. I will leave in a bit anyway." 
                          
"Why don't you join us?" Rocky invited her. 
                          
"Nah. It would be akward. Go, I am fine right here."
                          
"Are you sure?"
                          
"Yes! Now go!" Leanne playfully dismissed him with a wave of her hand. 
                          
"Okay. But Lea, really, thank you." 
                          
"You are most welcome." Leanne smiled sincerely. 
                          
Rocky walked back to Monique, and Leanne saw him whisper something to her. Monique looked towards Leanne's direction, and with a smile, she extended her hand, inviting her to join them. 
                          
Just like Rocky earlier, Leanne was also surprised that Monique would invite her to join them. As they smiled at each other while she walked towards them , Leanne saw something in Monique's eyes.  Friendship. And as if she needed any more convincing, she suddenly realized why Rocky fell in love with her. Monique was the epitome of kindness. Feeling  sincerely happy for the two, she thought to herself Rocky, you did good. You were incredibly lucky to have found Monique.