Long black mesh sleeve panel crop top and slim PU leather rivet shorts matched with a black Charles and Keith 4-inches roman style gladiator high-heeled sandals were my choices for this once in a year celebration – Denmark’s birthday.

I shook my head while staring at myself in the mirror, wondering why I agreed to this and how I got the energy to pull myself together when my day was wearily spent facing the computer as if I was glued to my chair. I re-applied a lipstick and combed my seemingly long and ombré gray hair before leaving the washroom with a drooping shoulder.

“Sherri!” Denmark called out. “What took you so long?

“I was retouching,” I replied, which was more of a whisper compared to the blaring music in the club – the last place I would dare to even think to spend a Friday night. But I could not decline the invitation of a person pulling me out of the Royal club, where my other four bodyguards were waiting. I meant best friends.

“Could you please slow down? In case you didn’t notice, I’m a lady tonight, and that’s your fault!” I complained, hoping not to tumble over. And again, my words were just caught by the wind. I had to thank myself though for my love of heels despite being a t-shirt and jeans type of girl.

“What lipstick are you wearing?” he finally spoke and saw my dire need for attention.

“Excuse me?” confused how a manly guy asked such a question.

But on a higher note, his vanity exceeded mine. He had his own skincare.

“Your lipstick, which shade is that?”

“Sapphire from Anastasia,” I boasted, remembering the money I spent for my weakness.

“It suits you,” he commented.

“Why don’t you just stick to dressing up like a lady? Denmark is right. It suits you. Not just the lipstick but the entirety of it,” seconded by John, the closest to me and the first to become my friend, making the rest of them snicker.

I did not notice we reached their meeting place at a very luxurious area of the club – the parking lot. I understood their appreciation for my looks, however, this was not what I signed up for.

“Wait! I thought we are here to celebrate. Then, why am I in judgment day?”

Eugene, Ralph, Christopher, and John glanced at Denmark.

“What?” I asked suspiciously.  

“Bro, just tell her,” Christopher said to Denmark, who then held my both hands.

“I-badly-need-your-help,” Denmark drawled.

John swiftly moved behind me, covering my mouth before I could even react. “Listen to our birthday boy first, Princess. Please?’ he said.

Princess. That’s the nickname they gave me since we were in high school. I was a freshman and they’re in their sophomore years when we started our friendship. But tonight, it’s more of a need than an endearment. Since it’s a one against five ratio, it would do me no good if I’d try to react at this given situation, I inhaled deeply, crossed my arms, and decided to hear them out.

“Alright,” Denmark breathed again before continuing. “I like someone, and I need your help,” his straightforward and clear admittance.

There should be more. So, I raised an eyebrow to urge him to continue.

“I think she’s the one, Princess. Wait ‘til you see her! Her beauty will mesmerize you. A jumper short on top of a white sleeveless out shined everybody else’s sexy dresses.”

Even me?! I griped inside.

“Of course, except you. But you’re out of the picture.”

Great! Good that you know! Still not saying a word.

“I just need her name and her mobile number or at least one of that.”

Nope.

“Princess, it’s Denmark’s birthday, remember?” John reminded.

“And the remaining single in this group. Don’t you just feel bad for him?”

Ralph’s additional comment provoke my outburst. “And why would I be? I’m also single. And just because it’s his birthday, that doesn’t give any of you the right to make me a bait to your plan.”

“Princess, yours is a different story. We could not just allow anyone to be your partner so easily. And besides, you had many options than any of us here, but you chose to be single. Denmark did not. He has been single for almost six months now. That’s awful, you know.” It was Eugene who reacted this time. I didn’t know if he was serious or making fun of him.

“Six months?! That’s just six months and you’re that worried? In case you guys forgot, I’m single for almost seven years!”

“Eugene’s right. Your story’s different because you’re a bisexual. You have a fussy heart,” John said.

“Exactly. In my situation, I’m the one after it. So please, Princess. Her name and number or either of that. If only my friend is with them, there could have been no problem,” Denmark pleaded but to me, it’s a blackmail. They knew I’ll be having a hard time refusing, especially when they don’t ask favors like this.

“Why don’t you just ask your friend?”

“I don’t know her number and social media accounts. In short, we have no means of communication.”

“Take a photo of her and give it to your friend instead once you meet her.”

“Princess, it’s so dark.”

Excuses! My mind groaned.

“What kind of friendship is that?!” But as quick as a flash, an idea came to mind. “Wait, why don’t you just introduce yourself to her and act as if you were looking for your friend, right?” I asked them excitedly. “You’ll hit two birds in one stone – you’ll be able to talk to her and to be near her.”

You’re brilliant, Sherri! I chuckled. But it was as though my opinion was unheard of. If they were not scratching their not-itchy forehead, they’re looking at a different direction.

“What?!” I asked, annoyingly confused. That’s the best idea ever!

“Actually, when I said friends, I meant neighbors,” Denmark softly said and timidly smiled.

I glared at him before turning my back. They promptly swarmed around to stop me.

“But we knew each other’s face. We didn’t just have that, you know, a proper introduction. It would be embarrassing if I’ll do as you suggested, don’t you think?” Denmark explained as fast as he could before I could walk out again.

“And what? Your plan won’t embarrass me?!”

“Princess please?” he held my hand again, pleading. “Grant me my birthday wish.”

“Princess, Princess, Princess! You know nothing but Princess when you guys need something!” I rolled my eyes at all of them! Apparently, they just looked at me, acting cute.

They’re unbelievable! I groaned inwardly.

“Please say yes?” he pleaded again.

But do I even have a choice?

“Fine.” A smile appeared on my face as soon as an idea flashed through my mind. “But on one condition.”

“Okay. Shoot!” he replied eagerly.

“If she’s a lesbian, she’s mine,” I joked.

“Sure!” the five simultaneously and confidently answered.

“Deal?” I had to make sure. Because kidding aside, who knows they found a handsome soul beneath that pretty face. That’s common nowadays.

“Deal!” their unanimous agreement.

I blew both hands as if ready to join a war. You’re too confident, Sherri!

“So, can you please show me your alluring lady?” I asked boyishly.

“Yes!” Denmark exclaimed as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, escorting me to the club.

A thrilled birthday celebrant. I happily thought to myself.

As soon as we entered, we stood before going down the stairs to the tables and pointed out a lady who was busy with her mobile, sitting at the second-floor table opposite to us. A group of women, who were likely to be her friends, approached and sat beside her.

I felt my blood pressure flaring again. Are they making fun of me?!

I pulled Denmark out of the club while the rest followed.

“Please don’t tell me you’re backing out.” Distress was all over his face.

“Not yet,” I answered coldly.

“Not yet? So, there’s a possibility?”

“Were you thinking or you’re just so crazy that you couldn’t even think straight?”

“W-what are you trying to say?”

“Denmark, she’s sitting at the exclusive area. How do you think am I supposed to make a move?!”

“Approach her?”

Smart! Sarcasm was screaming on my head. He’s totally graded 60 in pursuing a lady! No wonder he’s still single!

“She’s surrounded by her friends!” I exclaimed.

“That’s too obvious, bro. I don’t agree with that!” John, at last, was on the right side, agreeing with me.

“Unless!” The great Sherri has an idea again. “Unless someone watches her the whole night and if she will go to the washroom, that’s when we make a move. So, who?” I proudly suggested and asked. Such a piece of cake!

And as though the history repeated itself, my five lunatic best friends forgot how to speak! Instead, they all grin - one unified answer was written all over their faces.

“Are you guys insane?! Can’t you see what I’m wearing?”

Still the same annoying reaction on their faces.

“Please tell me you guys are kidding!”

And I know they’re not!