"Sure am." Serenity smiled before he returned it, going to do what deja asked him to. "And don't come in again till I tell yall to." Deja added as she pulled the wig over Serenity's head.
As the wig set onto Serenity's head, her reflection in the mirror made her almost unrecognizable. Her usually braided hair was now replaced with long strands of hair that framed her face beautifully. Deja had worked her magic, creating a stunning transformation that Serenity couldn't have imagined to have.
"Hold on cause I actually look good." Serenity exclaimed, running her fingers through the wig, feeling a newfound sense of confidence. "I look good!"
Deja smiled proudly, admiring her hand work. "You look the fuck good, birthday girl! Just wait until you see the finished look with your outfit. You gon have the brothers all over you." Deja whispered the last part as she went into her makeup bag.
Serenity's excitement bubbled over as she thought about how the rest of the day would turn out. Turning eighteen was a significant milestone, and for the first time, she couldn't wait to celebrate it. Her heart swelled with gratitude for Deja, who had not only styled her hair but also organized the small gathering.
Joe, Kentrell, and the rest of their friends were helping with the preparations, and Serenity was grateful for their presence on this special day. She had been through so much and finally having a stable home made her more than happy.
Kentrell returned from outside, the smell of the grill wafting through the room, making everyone's mouths water. "The grill ready- " he paused as his eyes fell onto the birthday girl who was dressed and ready.
Serenity fixed her eyelashes as she looked at herself in the hand mirror deja had given her. After feeling satisfied with her physical appearance, she followed outside to where everyone was. Deja admired her finished work as Joe brought a beautifully wrapped gift outside. "Happy birthday nene!" he said with a grin, handing her the present.
"You got me a present?" Serenity asked with a smile as Kentrell continued to stare, unable to take his eyes off her.
Serenity eagerly tore open the wrapping to reveal a stunning necklace-a delicate chain and pendant with her name written out. "It's so pretty!" Serenity exclaimed, touched by the thoughtful gift.
"You deserve nothing but the best on yo birthday," Joe replied, his eyes warm with affection. "You like a daughter in ma eyes." Joe proceeded to pull her into a hug. 
Just then, Kentrell walked over, holding a box in his hands. "This from me," he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Serenity's heart skipped a beat as she took the box from him. Carefully unwrapping it, she found a iced out tennis bracelet that matched the necklace perfectly. "Aww he thought of me" she teased, feeling overwhelmed by the gesture.
Deja and Joe exchanged knowing glances, leaving the two of them alone for a moment as they prepped the plates. Serenity looked up at Kentrell, feeling a connection that had grown deeper over the weeks. 
Kentrell's eyes softened, and he reached out to gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "Happy birthday pretty girl."A shy smile tugged at Serenity's lips as she felt her heart race. 
There was an unspoken bond between them, a connection that went beyond friendship. The two stared into each others eyes before Serenity brought her lips to meet his.