Hayley's mom and Damon's mother take afternoon tea one fine day. They started to talk about Hayley and her birthday. It was already the end of September and the first week of October is Hayley's birthday. Her mother wanted a grand birthday celebration. It has been years ago since Hayley had a big celebration, mostly out of Hayley's reluctance to make her birthday a big deal. But this time, her sixteenth birthday should be a grand one.
"Oh, remember, Mattie likes to babysit Hayley. He will follow her wherever she goes, ensuring that he keeps her away from trouble. They looked so cute. Hayley being cheeky and squealing, playing tag with him.." Mira, Damon's mother said, a little reminiscent.
Hayley's mother was taking a sip of her tea. She has a small smile playing on her red lips. She, too, can't believe how time flies. Her darling daughter is now turning sixteen. What's next? Hayley backpacking and going abroad for college? Thinking about it makes her feel terrible.
"So, I asked Mattie, he's not getting any younger, and I know for sure he's not had any serious relationships so far. I don't mean to rush or anything, well... I'm just saying, you know...."
Hayley's mother placed down her teacup. Took a deep breath and tilted her head to squint at the blue sky. Her garden has been her pride and joy. "We can't rush them. Besides, Hayley is still young, and Matt is a gentleman to know that he's sensible. He knows what we were doing, match-making them… Well, let's wait and see."
Mira shrugged. "I know Mattie, I've said it before to him that I will only be happy with Hayley, but if by chance, and he finds himself a girl to love, then, it'll do, but I won't be as happy as having Hayley as my daughter-in-law..."
Hayley's mother can't help but feel speechless. This woman sitting across never changed. They have known each other since birth, but she still wants what she likes and no choice will do.
Hayley's world was filled with schoolwork, chats, and teatime with the three girls. It has been two months now, and so far there's no sign of getting fed up with them. If any, she discovered that these girls were a great diversion; from her dull life and pointless goals in life. She is just happy that the dream she lost before is beginning to come back. Not that she's got the motivation, but she now starts to feel the lost feelings her dream gave her before. The anticipation and impatience of what's coming next and what the future holds. For the long time since Hunter was gone, she started to look forward to her future. Thanks to these girls, she owed it to them...
"So, my birthday is in December, and I wanted to go to Korea. I love it there. Everything's fashionable and cute and-" Her rant was stopped mid-sentence.
"But you said you've been there multiple times, a matter of fact, you've been there last year," Raeven said. " And, before your birthday, it's Hayley's birthday, then Angel's thereafter. So, it's hardly your turn to decide for your birthday."
Yuri pouted and crossed her arms, trying to sulk but failing. "But they looked like they don't want to celebrate. Hey Hayley, your birthday is next month. What's your plan? Let's go to Disneyland."
Hayley stopped playing on her phone. "Well, as much as I want to just sleep through that day, my dear darling parents want to host a big party."
"Oh." That was all Yuri can say.
"So, is your boyfriend going to show up?" Angel teases her.
Hayley smiled at Angel. "I'm not sure who that lucky boy is, but if it will make you girls happy and excited, I will find a good-natured and handsome man with a fine pedigree to introduce at the party."
Raeven just rolled her eyes.
"Oh, no need to look that far. Just bring Mr. Moretti, he is a handsome and rich man." Yuri said, trying to sound mature.
"Oh? Should I? But I know he has a girlfriend. A Russian one. I think she's a model. I heard Russian girls looked like real-life dolls. Gorgeous."
"Yeah, they are just so pretty. I envy them, and they have such big boobs as well...." Yuri said.
Angel coughed suddenly. Raeven patted her back, helping her. "You need to get used to her antics and weird fetishes about girls with big boobs."
"Stop, Rae." Angel said, trying to sound severe but failing to do so because she can't help but giggle. "You're all weird."
The three girls looked at her. "Says the girl, who is not weird." Said Hayley.
And so, the day of Hayley's birthday came. She convinced her mother to make it just a medium-scale party, as she didn't mind a grand one. She said she doesn't like big parties and attention. Invitations were sent. The venue was made beautiful, and there was a 'masquerade-themed' party, as per Hayley's wish, she would've loved to instruct everyone to wear black, but her mom vetoed it and said that it will only look like a funeral. And so, she settled for a black and white theme. She decided to wear a slim and fitted gown, made of satin and gossamer, that has a nice side slit that accentuates her long and white legs. On her feet, she chose a stiletto. Her hair was bunched up in a high ponytail that was bound by a diamond-studded hair clip. She looks stunning as only light makeup touches her face and glossy pink on her irresistible lips. She had a half mask that hides her forehead to her cheekbones, only showing her lips.
There was nice music in the background from a famous symphony orchestra. The guests, little by little, flooded the venue. Hayley finally saw her friends. They look as pretty as she is that night. Each has a perfectly done, from the hair to gowns down to their expensive shoes.
"Hayley, happy birthday!" Yuri said she is so excited as if it was the first party she attended to. Raeven and Angel greeted her and wished her well. They had small talk, with Yuri making the most of the talking. Suddenly, Yuri made a small scream and yanked Hayley's arm, which almost spilled the wine she was holding. "He's here!" She whispered in Hayley's ear.
Hayley looked at the entrance and saw 'him'. He was wearing a half mask that hides his eyes, only showing his nose, nice set of jaws, and beautiful lips. He greets someone at the doors and exchanges some greetings. He looked so handsome, his aura is different, in his polished and expensive English get-up; suit, and tie, he chose to wear a classic style, neutral shade-black and gray. Looking at him, Hayley felt like something had changed. Suddenly, he was not the boy she used to know. Suddenly, he became someone worth her admiration. Of course, he received many compliments from many people. But tonight he burned the brightest.
Somehow, Hayley was brought back to earth, and she felt a slight push from her back. She turned and saw Raeven with her half smile that doesn't look like a smile, but a teasing one, she knew better. Angel just giggled. Yuri gave her a push forward. She didn't stumble, for that will be awkward and the magic in the air will dissipate if that ever happens. Hayley took a step closer to him, as he was also walking toward her.
"Happy birthday." He said, his voice low and manly.
Hayley smelled his perfume before she saw his face. "Thanks."
The music began for a dance. "Can I have this dance?" He said.
"Sure."
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