CELEBRATION

THE restrictions had helped Shari a lot to be distracted for a while. Since she was not allowed to leave the camp until the recognition rites, she had to do something productive without breaking the rules for the nth time. True to her words, she focused on her training. However, the night she confided with Levi was the last time she'd seen him.

Shari was aware of Levi's new assignment—he was now the Chief of Police in the city. Sometimes she missed his presence and would look for him to visit, but he never came back.

Time quickly passed, and finally, Shari was recognized as a new police officer. Levi's advice was quite helpful regarding her pending case. She had the privilege of attending her hearing with a few police security, although her lawyer assured her that the case would be dismissed in no time because of lack of evidence. But she couldn't find the courage to tell them the real reason why Cheng Shipping Lines wanted to put her behind bars.

Shari was almost teary-eyed as she stood straight in the line belonging to the Delta Company facing the stage where the Director General announced their open collar. It was a part of the recognition rites, a symbolic tradition that meant they were somehow free.

All the hundreds of police trainees were on the ground with their respective companies. Disregarding the scorching heat of the morning sun. Everyone could see the spark in their eyes because they finally reached this first milestone of their career after four months of hellish training. Some didn't get this point because they chose to quit.

Every family member was present there, and the parents would come to open the collar of their camo green police uniform.

Shari could not contain her contagious smile as her family approached her.

"Congratulations, sweetheart!" her father, Sean Ford, was so proud.

"Thanks, Daddy."

"I know you'll make it!" her mother, Thessa Ford, kissed her cheek.

"Now my sister is super badass!" Sage held her almost shaved head while holding a bouquet of roses which he handed to her quickly, "Flowers for my favorite sister. I missed you big time! Look at you. You're unrecognizable."

"I'm still pretty in your eyes, right?" Shari laughed. Who would have thought she'd missed her brother's teasing that annoyed her a lot?

Meanwhile, Frida was busy taking pictures at a distance. "Another shot, guys! Come on, say cheese!"

The camera clicked. Shari was happy, although she felt something was missing. She'd always imagine this milestone, along with Renzo, that he'd be here to celebrate with her. However, she had never heard anything from him since that night they confronted each other over the phone. His betrayal fueled her to do better. She wanted to show him it was his loss that he had cheated on her.

She thought her mind was making fun of her for a moment because she saw Renzo! He wore civilian clothes at a distance—a plain white shirt and jeans. In his lips were painted a timid smile. It was indeed Renzo!

What the heck is he doing here? Shari averted her gaze. After almost a month of abandoning her, leaving her questioning her worth. Where did he find the guts to present himself?

But her focus on Renzo was gone in an instant when a man in uniform materialized from sight. He had a bouquet of white roses in hand. And for some reason, Shari felt weird. Her heart suddenly jumped when she saw his smiling face.

Levi!

"Captain…" Shari murmured.

"Congratulations, Ford! I heard you aced your academics." Levi was beaming as he greeted her. He gave her the flowers and politely acknowledged her family.

"I used to be their militaristic instructor. I'm Levi Hirsch." He introduced himself to her parents. However, Sage seemed doubtful. Her brother scrutinized Levi from head to foot.

"Are you hitting on my sister?" Sage was too straightforward and made Shari's face burn.

"Sage, stop it!" Her eyes widened.

"What? I'm just asking." Sage was displeased.

But Shari's mother obviously liked the man. "You can celebrate with us."

Levi seemed hesitant as he looked down at his wristwatch. "I would love to, Ma'am. But I'm still on duty today. I only dropped by to personally greet Shari. And as a gift, I asked the higher-ups to lift her restrictions for a while."

"Really?" Shari gaped. "Thank you so much!" She meant it. Frida had told her about her privilege to be with her family to celebrate. But her cousin didn't mention that it was because of Levi's effort.

"That's sad. I thought my daughter would be happy with your presence at home." Thessa urged him to go.

"I will try to catch up. Will it be all right?" Levi was apologetic.

Sean tapped Levi's shoulder. "We'll wait at home, young man."

Shari had seen Renzo step back and didn't come near after Levi made an entrance. Perhaps he'd think there was something going on between her and Levi during her training. But she didn't see the need to explain herself. It wasn't true anyway, and the fact that Renzo cheated on her meant he did not deserve any explanation, just like how he gaslighted her. He made her feel it was her fault that, in her absence, he went back to his ex.

Levi asked for the location of their house, and Frida explained the direction. Shari only listened because the man seemed serious about celebrating with them at home! The last time she remembered, they weren't even close, and she hated him with a vengeance. Perhaps, everything changed that night when she let herself be vulnerable after her colleagues got punished because she broke the rule.

"It's time to celebrate!" Sage was hype again.

"I promise to catch up later. I need to go now." Levi excused himself.

Everyone teased Shari when the Captain left, and she only smiled. She was single at this moment, and if Levi was interested in her. It wouldn't harm to try.

"I would like him as an addition to our family," Frida teased. Her cousin knew he used to hate the man.

"I must say, at least he had good genes." Sean laughed.

"Dad, come on!"

Everyone giggled because her face was so red.

THE family celebrated at their farmhouse. It was a two-story structure with a rustic interior. It was huge enough to accommodate visitors. The Fords threw a private party inclusive of the family members only. And as of the moment, some were busy singing at the karaoke with a beer.

Meanwhile, Shari and Sage ate their mother's special spaghetti on the terrace. She hoped her brother would not notice that she silently gave a furtive glance to the garage nearby, expecting a guest.

"Are you happy with this sudden change of career? The salary isn't much, and you wouldn't get the luxury of traveling the world easily." Sage wouldn't stop making fun of Shari. Although he was stating a fact, she was passionate about this choice.

"Wait until I'm in the field. I'll be chasing bad guys." She looked back at Sage again.

Sage stretched his arms to her shoulder. "I can't help but worry, little sis. What if something happened? It's a dangerous job."

Shari giggled. "I can manage. I'm a badass, remember? I have nine lives!"

"What are you, a cat?"

They laughed together. Soon after, they stopped teasing each other upon hearing a loud motorcycle sound. They peeked through the veranda. Sage pinched her nose when they recognized it was Levi. He wore a black leather jacket and a full-faced helmet of the same color. He rode a big bike.

"The suitor has arrived!" Sage happily announced. His laugh reverberated when he noticed his sister suddenly blushed.