Dreaded Day in June

It was a gloomy day on June 15, 2014, most commonly known as Jane Lowe’s birthday. Turning the big 40 was the biggest headline in her own personal news. Waking up alone in her cold studio apartment; no children to deal with, no mate for affection, just one cat to say good morning to. Not having any of these belongings in her life stems from some long term trust issues from a past ex. Ed McGullan, Jane’s boyfriend of only one year and 11 months, became very controlling over what she would do and where she would go. Finally, she had enough of not being in control of her life and having to ask permission, Jane dumped Ed one day prior to their two year anniversary, which was June 14. Ed seemed to never get over this. Constantly calling Jane’s phone, showing up unexpectedly, trying to break in to just get one last final piece of her for his own sake of closure. Jane never gave in, leaving Ed no choice but to finally give up. Now that it’s finally her first birthday being single, she didn’t have work this afternoon, as she decided to take the day off in advance to make the most of it since she doesn’t get out all that often. Rather than the usual daily grind of bold brew, Jane went the extra mile to finally open a bottle of her favorite merlot and poor a glass to enjoy while sitting in her hot lavender scented bubble bath. 20 minutes in, Jane receives a call, but she left her phone downstairs. The bath comes to an abrupt end as she’s now distracted by an interruption. A look of confusion glazed over her face, since she never receives by phone calls these days due to not having any friends or no longer any family. The contact read “no caller ID” weird, she thought. Less than three minutes later, another call comes through and she’s able to answer it. Jane says, “hello, who is this?” To which a male voice responds, “Happy birthday Jane, you know I would never forget your special day.” Jane, nervous and borderline frantic, responds with a shaky voice, “Ed...please. Leave me...alone..how did you get my number again?” Ed replies with a deep chuckle, “I never deleted it. How could I ever get over you when we never reached a proper two year anniversary? I hope that wine you’re enjoying is to be considered a birthday celebration drink along with a happy anniversary sip.” Now nervous as to how Ed knew how she was drinking wine, she asked him how he knew she had wine. Ed told her, “not only do I know you always loved your occasional glass of Merlot, but I’m watching you right now, and you look damn good drinking it too. Can I come in to share?” She looks out the window to see Ed standing by a tree across the street staring in and waving now that eye contact has been made. Luckily for Jane, a cop was cruising by doing neighborhood watch, so she grabbed their attention and filed a report to press charges and get a restraining order. Ed leaves, complying with officer’s orders to go back home. Jane now has to look forward to keeping up with this restraining order against Ed. Her first single birthday goes to hell, as she couldn’t predict any less considering her luck. Once officers leave with her information, Jane proceeds to go back inside and down the entire bottle of Merlot and sleep the day away, since she’s not feeling on bit of her so called special day.