Chapter 6 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
The enticing scent of food permeated my nostrils, making my mouth water. I suddenly realized I’m starving. The food served on the table was difficult to resist.
“This is your Mom’s idea.” Celine pointed while my gaze surveyed the food served on plates and noticed that they were all my favorite.
“But it was you who spent the hours cooking these dishes for Lily’s birthday.” Mom said.
“But you were with me when I cooked these. It was your recipe.” Celine replied, chuckling. She pulled a chair opposite me and sat down on it.
Amused, I couldn't help but chuckle too. “Both of you did wonderful. I will definitely enjoy this breakfast.” I exclaimed and pulled a chair beside Mom and sat on it. Both women grinned at me in response.
“Shall we pray so we can eat? My stomach is growling.”
Celine led the prayer. When she finished, I served Mom a small portion of food before I turned to my plate, filled it with food, and started eating.
“How was your wedding anniversary celebration last night?” Celine asked, taking a bite of her food. Her attention focused on her plate, and she did not see the startled expression on my face. “I was in a rush last night because my niece had a fever and I forgot to ask. I’m eager to hear the–” She finally raised her head and stopped in the middle of her sentence upon seeing my ashen face.
“I’m sorry, Lily. I shouldn't have asked.” She blurted out loud. Regrets danced in her deep blue eyes.
“It’s okay, Celine.” I replied. I lowered my eyes on my plate, pretending to like the food even though I lost my appetite. But even with my eyes down, I could still see Mom looking at me in the corner of my eyes.
“It did not go well, Celine.” I replied. “It’s a long story.” I added and took a bite of the steak in front of me.
Somehow, Celine sensed I wasn’t ready to share the details with anyone. She did not press any further questions and let her attention wander to the food in front of her. Mom did the same. Silence hung on the table until they were done with our breakfast.
“I will wash the dishes,” I volunteered after we finished a plate of black forest cake for our dessert. But Celine was quick to stop me.
“It’s my turn to wash the plates, Lily.” Celine had already gathered the empty plates before I could object and carried them to the sink.
I bit my lower lip. “But it’s not included in your responsibility, Celine.” I protested, transferring the remaining plates from the table to the sink.
“Silly. The food I eat is not your responsibility, either, but you always included me in preparing breakfast and lunch. I’m only returning a favor, Lily.” She reasoned. “You still have to prepare for work. You will be late if you wash the dishes.”
With a sigh, I surrendered. “You win then.”
I turned the television on, so Mom could watch her favorite talk show on the long sofa before skittering upstairs to my room.
Grabbing a bath towel on the wall, I immediately marched to the bathroom, but stopped halfway at the sound of my phone ringing. I picked the phone on the bed and glanced at the screen. Flashing on it was an unregistered number.
Hesitantly, I answered the phone, assuming it was an important call.
“Hello.” I greeted, making my voice sound cheerful. There was no response.
“This is Lily. How may I help you?” I asked the other line remained silent. I pressed the end button. Must be teenagers playing a prank on random numbers for their amusement. I thought to myself, returning the phone back to where it was moments ago.
Ding!
The stubborn beep started again, but this time it was a text message. It did not surprise me after seeing that the message came from the same number. However, when I read the message, the phone almost slipped out of my hold.
Happy birthday, Lily.
My temples scrunched into confusion as I looked at the text message. Since the sender remained anonymous, I have no clue to who it was.
It must be one of my co-workers in the restaurant I worked at, I thought to myself with a shrug.
Without further delay, I went to the bathroom to prepare for work before I ran out of time.