BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Days passed without Ivan and she felt so bored and sad she could actually die. She had been emotionally unstable while counting the days until Ivan got engaged.

Her parents had been asking her what's been bothering her but she just smiled at them without answering.

Kaye spent her time with company matters, stores, school and foundation program. She kept herself busy leaving the preparation of her birthday to her mother and to the planner.

"Kaye, you've been working tirelessly these past few days. Can you take a rest and hang out with us?" Lexi grumbled at her one time when she visited their house but she refused her since she had 'many' things to do.

"I'm really sorry Lex. You see, I have to deal with the company, school and foundation matters. I have to finish all my pending task. No worries, after my birthday, we'll go and have fun somewhere." Kaye promised but in fact, that was an excuse.

She would need to fix her heart when the time comes and going somewhere, away from Ivan would be the best way to recuperate. That's what she thought.

Her busy yet boring days continued until her birthday came.

The celebration was held at the back of their mansion where their huge garden was located. It has a red and black theme which Kaye liked so much. Food and beverages were laid on two sides of the garden where people can get access to it as quickly and as organized as they could.

Kaye wore a red Chinese style dress which covered her body. It had phoenix and maple patterns with a 3-inch above-the-knee skirt, making her look elegant and classy.

"You look so pretty. Pretty and smart as ever." Jestoni came in and greeted her with a gift. "Happy birthday sweetie." he kissed her cheeks and gave her a warm hug. "I missed you."

"I missed you, too. I'm glad you're here. Thank you so much." Kaye didn't let go of home until few minutes had passed. "How are you?"

"I'm fine. Same as usual. Alex and I planned to meet his parents." Jestoni confessed with a worried face.

"I'm pretty sure they'll accept you and I know Alex won't let you down." Kaye consoled her friend to make him feel better.

They were still talking when Kathleen came in with her parents. "Kaye! Happy birthday!" she greeted her with a huge smile hanging on her lips.

"Thank you Kath." Kaye smiled faintly before greeting Ivan's family. "Hi auntie and uncle."

"Happy birthday sweetheart." Grace greeted her back before giving her present. "This is for you." she looked at Kaye with hesitation before putting down the gift.

Grace held Kaye's hand with a little sadness reflecting on her face. "Ivan couldn't come tonight honey. He...he had something to do."

Kaye smiled like it's not hurting her at all. "I know auntie. He told me about it. No worries. I understand." Kaye gave Grace a gentle squeeze on her hand to indicate her understanding. Gabriel just stood on the side with a faint smile.

Margaret saw them and guided them towards the back garden. "Come here. It's a little stuffy inside so we held the event here. Kaye doesn't want to make a big celebration so we're just inviting family and friends." her mother stated, allowing Kaye to slipped from the crowd.

She went back to her room in silence, leaving the celebration on it's own. She didn't care that much knowing that Ivan won't be coming to celebrate her birthday.

Kaye held on to the necklace that Ivan gave her. It was the one with a locket which Ivan said not to open unless she's ready to risk their friendship.

"Why must I fall in love with you?!" Kaye yelled in a muffled voice since she covered her face with her pillow.

"This is crazy! I actually like my friend! I'm crazy! Of course he wouldn't like me. How could he like me, a girl, who gave her virginity to a person with no strings attached. Haha. He wouldn't like an easy girl. Haha." her forced laugh turned into sobs.

Tears rolled down her face continuously. She turned off her phone and decided to stay in her room for a while. When it was time to cut the cake, Margaret called her daughter to be a good host.

"I'll be there mom. Give me few minutes." she ran towards the bathroom to fix herself. She washed her face before going out to make her look neat.

After making sure that everything's fine, Kaye went downstairs and walked towards the back garden. Many people were there to celebrate her birthday. Many gifts were given to her. Many people greeted her. But it didn't make her feel better.

"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Tonight is a celebration for another year that was given to our lovely young miss. Let's welcome our celebrant, Ms. Kaye Jimenez." the emcee announced at the right moment when Kaye stepped into the garden.

They all looked towards her. Her beauty as mesmerizing as ever. She didn't have to wear make up to look pretty, but she put some facial and eye cream earlier to hide her eye bags.

Kaye took the microphone and faced the crowd. "Good evening everyone. Thank you so much for coming tonight and celebrate my birthday. Another blissful year had come to pass and I am looking forward to spend another year and many years to come with you guys. Thank you everyone and I hope you're having a good time." she raised her glass for a toast which everyone copied and cheered for her.

With the help of her mother, she moved on to slicing the cake. She was about to put down the microphone when her necklace got stuck on to something from the mic's edge.

Kaye tried removing the mic from her necklace but it was all tangled up. The emcee helped her pull the necklace.

Due to so much force, her necklace broke and the pendant fell on the floor. Kaye smiled to let them know it's fine.

There were small-sized pictures and a rolled paper scattered on the floor from the pendant. Kaye picked up all of them with curiosity. She checked the picture which was a child version of her and a child version of Ivan.

"What is this?" Kaye mumbled while opening the paper. The shock, happiness, confusion, sadness, fear and other emotions crossed her face which nobody noticed.