CHAPTER XXXVIII: Welcome me with Wavering Gems

It remained quiet for the entire day.

Not a single soul welcomed my presence except for the dutifull service of the helpers.

I just realized that it was New Year's Eve.

With all the bustling energy as the people in the house share with each other, how could I not know?

There'll probably be a feast tonight, that's the only consolation I could feel from all of this.

Every year, the food will exceed my expectations, it's something I got used to alone.

New Year's Eve was supposed to be a traditional celebration in this household but I guess even such things cannot be held onto forever.

As the helpers prepared for what was to happen tonight, I silently went back into my room and took out the souvenirs I bought.

I actually didn't plan to buy such things but I was heavily influenced by Solar's shopping spree.

Plus, they were the only people, even though I don't know much of them, who made this place slightly welcoming.

I took out the gift bags I prepared and checked if everything was in its place.

"The only problem now is to give it." Which was the most complicated thing.

I checked the digital alarm clock on my nightstand.

It displayed that it was already an hour before midnight.

I didn't have that much time left, so I grabbed the bags and hung everything on each arm.

It was a little heavy but I didn't have the energy to go up and down the staircase.

I sneaked into the living room which was in the opposite direction of the busy kitchen.

We still have that large Christmas tree but I opted to place them in plain sight.

By plain sight, I meant on the coffee table at the center of the room.

Luckily, no one was there at the moment so I was able to quickly organize every single one of them without much of a hassle.

Once I was done, I glanced over it repeatedly until I was satisfied.

"Oh my Gosh! That's so weird!" This made me turn to where it came from - the entranceway to the living room.

I gave the gifts one last inspection before swiftly leaving through the other exit.

There were thirty minutes left but the neighborhood was already filled with noise.

I could already hear the children's excited laughters as well as the elders' advanced greetings.

There were still no fireworks but the sky was uniquely lit with how clear the night sky was.

In most cases, urban areas don't have such starry nights but today felt weirdly different.

I decided to head upstairs towards the balcony.

This way, no one would notice me and at the same time I wouldn't be able to see anyone at all.

Watching them enjoy it doesn't give a similar feeling to when they are actually enjoying it with you.

So, it's better to avoid such encounters that'll just remind someone of their own pitiful state.

I say this, but the truth is, this type of isolation is easier for me.

I was simply waiting on one of the benches here, waiting for the people's excitement to come and go.

Ah, time should just hurry up.

I sighed and closed my eyes.

I want to eat food.

I want to sleep.

Typical thoughts for someone like me.

I checked my phone and saw that there was still ten minutes left before New Year.

My phone was already ringing from continuous messages from Solar, Haru, and some other unknown people.

'Hey girl! Happy New Year! I wish for you to start calling me your bff soon! Miss you lots!'

That was, with no doubt, from Solar.

Don't you usually make resolutions for this type of event? Why was she wishing like it was my birthday or something?

I just don't understand her.

'Yeah. Not happening. You're permitted to dream on, though. Happy New Year.'

After I sent that, there was already a reply coming from her.

She just rambled on and on about how I was not feeling the vibe of such an important matter to which I ignored.

I checked Haru's message.

I was shocked at first because it was longer than how he usually sends emails.

'Happy New Year, Dia. I would just like to start this year by thanking you. Other than my brother, I didn't expect to have more friends in this lifetime. I was destined to be the sore loser because that's how it was supposed to be but thankfully enough, you guys came when I needed you the most. Hoping for another fruitful year with all of you!'

I didn't know how to answer his heartfelt message.

I wasn't exactly sure how to reply with a long message like he did so I determined it was best to just stick to what I was used to.

'Thank you. Happy New Year to you too. I know your brother is watching over you and your family, probably even happy to see that all of you are enjoying to your hearts' content! Give my greetings to your fam!'

I think that's good enough? I put much more effort into it now.

I scrolled through the other contacts but didn't really reply to it since I don't really know them personally.

It's kinda rude, but that's me.

Plus, I know some of them are just trying to win my favor.

I reached the end of the last message of the day but there was not a single one that came from him.

I did give him the cold shoulder for the past couple of days, but to think he'll ignore me as well was unsettling given that he was always so good-natured to everyone.

But it's not really something I should ponder over.

Especially since I know I'm just being immature on my part.

My eyes caught a glimpse of the time once again and realized that there was less than a minute left before the festive event starts.

I held my phone in one hand and stood up to lean on the railings.

Without waiting any further, the moon that only had the stars and the clouds was now accompanied by booming lights of varying colors.

It was astonishing to watch how the fireworks rise up and die down, only to be replaced by another but in a diverse form.

Along with the aesthetics in the sky, the loud horns and cheers from different people could be heard from miles away.

My phone continued to vibrate as new messages flooded in but I was so entranced by gazing above that I didn't bother to open it.

Doing so, when my phone rang for a call, I wasn't able to see who it was, that's why when I answered and he spoke, the chills on my back arose.

"Hi there, my lady! Happy New Year! Are you still ignoring me?"

I was unable to speak for a few moments but I forced myself to regain my composure after double checking if the caller was indeed who he was.

I breathed in and answered him.

"If answering your call was supposed to mean I was ignoring you, then maybe I am."

I heard him chuckle on his side of the line.

"Well, I'd be lucky if you ignored me like this all the time."

This made my eyebrow shoot upwards.

"Oh, aren't you demanding?" I cooed.

"It's New Year, so why not?" I could practically imagine him grinning.

"By the way, did you receive my present?" He added.

"You're what?" I asked in confusion. I didn't receive a single thing from him today.

Right on time, my phone chimed.

I looked at it and saw his message.

I hesitated opening it but he urged me saying that it was a surprise I'd like.

I could help but burst out laughing after seeing it.

"What? I personally loved it."

"Yeah, sure. I'd love to have your picture with tons of heart in it."

He did send me lots of photos of him with different hearts in them.

One was a finger heart, a second one was using both of his hands, another one was made with his arms on his head, and so on.

It was really funny because it made him look incredibly stupid at some point.

"I mean, who wouldn't love me?" I paused at that.

"Yeah, who wouldn't…" I replied.

A brief silence took over our conversation before I broke it.

"It's a good repellent for insects and other pests so, it's good enough." I continued.

My heart added a slight ache at the end but I didn't pay it any mind.

"Sure, whatever you say." Looks like he took the bait.

We chatted for a few more minutes before I hung up after hearing a small knock on the door.

I turned around and saw Manang standing outside.

I clutched my phone and walked towards her.

"What's the matter?" I asked after I opened the door.

She held out her hand, "I saw this inside the pocket of your coat yesterday. I thought it was important to you so I brought it back just in case I forgot."

I picked up the thing on her palm.

It was the earring I bought for Ross.

I smiled bitterly.

"I don't even know if this is important like you say it is." I whispered.

"Ah, should I throw it instead?" She replied hurriedly.

I gave her a small shake of the head and enclosed the object in my hand.

"No, I'll handle it. Thank you, though."

After that, I closed the door and went back to the railing.

I took out the earrings and extended them away from me.

I observed how the light from the remaining fireworks illuminated the recognizable stones of the accessory.

"How should I deal with you, if my heart is wavering to keep you or to let you go?"