Mara grumbled as she tried to fine her phone from the bedside drawer next to her. She peered over to the digital clock and closed her eyes as the brightness of the object blinded her. She squinted her eyes and looked at the clock again.

4:00 am

She groaned and checked her phone to see who was calling.

"Hello" she said in a drowsy tone "It's 4 in the morning here"

"I know" the person on the other end said

"What made you call this early?" She asked

"It's your birthday" the person on the other end stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Oh,"

"Yeah, I planned to call at midnight but I thought it was too cliché"

"Your point?"

"I just wanted to be the first person to greet you"

"Oh, well that's very sweet, Jerome. Thanks" She blushed

Jerome smiled "No problem, Jaffray and I'm sorry I can't be with you for your birthday"

"No, no, it's fine." Mara reassured "I understand, you're busy with work"

"I hate it here, the Philippines is awful and very hot" he complained "But the scenery is beautiful"

Mara smiled as she got up from her bed and went into the kitchen of her small apartment to get a glass of water.

"When's your flight back?" She asked as she maneuvered to the living room. She sat on the sofa, searching for the remote of the television in the process.

"Next week"

"Seven more days" she sighed

"I know and I'm so sorry I can't be with you for your birthday" he said apologetically

"Jerome, I said I'm fine and it's okay" she replied "it doesn't matter; you'll be back in a week. We can celebrate then"

"I like how you think Jaffray" he laughed

"Why, thank you, Clarke" she returned the laugh and smiled

"You know what, I need to go." He said "Talk to you later, yeah?"

"Sure"

"Go back to sleep if you can" he said "Mara?"

"Yeah?"

"I miss you" he said which caused her to smile and bit her lip

"I miss you too" she replied "See you in a week"

Linebreak

"Ugh, I hate this day" Mara groaned as she flopped down to her couch. She just had the worst day at work and someone spilled coffee on her favorite blouse, she closed her eyes and tried to relax, she looked over to her right to see a photo of her and Jerome. She picked up the photo and smiled, 'only seven more days' she reminded herself.

"Bad day?" She almost jumped when she heard a voice speak. She turned to see Jerome standing behind the couch.

"Jerome!" she scolded "I almost had a heart attack" He laughed as he made his way to her and hugged her. "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't supposed to be back until next week?"

"Well, I may be stretched the truth a little, so I could surprise you" He said, her still in his arms.

She smiled and leaned up to kiss him.

"I've missed you" she whispered

"I wanted to ask you something" he pulled back

"What is it?" She asked

"I don't know how or why but I feel different every time I'm with you. You've changed me, Mara. There's something in the way you look at me" He said as he looked up at the girl in front of him. He was on his knees, one hand holding a red velvet box in his pocket. He wasn't really sure about anything at the moment but one thing was for sure. He was in love "No one ever saw me like you do and I don't know why but it's like my heart knows you're the missing piece"

"Jerome…" She whispered, smiling as warm tears already clouded her vision.

"Mara Jaffray," he held up the box and opened it to reveal a heart shaped diamond delicately placed on a silver ring "will you marry me?"

Mara wanted to freeze the moment and she smiled as she nodded her head. He got up from the ground and Mara wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"I love you" She said between kisses

He let out a laugh, "Is that a yes?"

"Yes, si, hai, de, oo, ja, oui and in every other language. Yes" She kissed him as he lifted her off the ground and spun her.

"Happy Birthday, Mrs. Clarke"