Chapter 168.
Beta Tim, Gamma Chris, Cathy, Rex, and JJ all gathered around me. Their faces were filled with worry and sympathy as they watched me. They tried their best to comfort me, telling me that Aiden wasn’t worth my tears, that he was being disrespectful.
“He’s not a good friend, Kiara,” Rex said, his voice soft. “A good friend. wouldn’t put you in a situation like this.” As he rubbed soothing circles on my back
JJ nodded in agreement.
“He’s being selfish, Kiki. You’re not his property. Screw him”
Bela
Tim and Gamma Chris said little, instead offering me silent. support. They wore stern faces, their disappointment in Aiden clear. The events had clearly tarnished their view of Aiden, someone they once trusted.
Cathy hugged me tightly.
“We’re here for you, Kiki. Always.” She said
The whole time, I kept my eyes locked onto the now–empty door through which Aiden was taken away. It was as if I was hoping that Kayden and Jayden would appear from there. Their absence was deeply felt, adding to the unsettling nature of the night. But I didn’t ask
ΠΟ
for them, nor did I mention them. It wasn’t their fault they weren’t here. They had their duties to attend to. They couldn’t always be there for
me
After a while, the tension in the air started to ease. Slowly, everyone began to relax. They reassured me that everything would be okay, that Aiden would be dealt with properly. I wasn’t convinced, but I didn’t argue. I was too emotionally drained.
“Come on, Kiki,” Cathy said, pulling me to my feet. “We have a surprise for you.”
Rex and JJ shared a glance before smiling at me.
“You’ll love it,” JJ assured me.
I wasn’t in the mood for a surprise. All I wanted was Kayden and Jayden. But the excitement on everyone’s faces had me nodding with a little smile.
Even Beta Tim and Gamma Chris seemed to lighten up.
“Go on, little queen,” Beta Tim said, gesturing for me to follow Cathy.
I let them lead me away from the chaos of the pub, a hint of curiosity piquing through the blanket of confusion and hurt. Perhaps the surprise would distract me from the disaster of this evening, or at least, I could hope.
14
As I was lost in my chaotic thoughts, a warm hand gently clasped mine. I looked up, my eyes meeting Beta Tim’s. His eyes were filled with concern but also reassurance. He gestured towards the exit. silently offering me an escape from the overwhelming scene.
“Let’s get you out of here, little queen,” he said softly, leading me away from the wrecked pub and out into the crisp evening air.
My mind was still racing as we walked through the quiet streets, the distant echoes of the pub slowly fading away. But where were we going? I barely registered the familiar path we were taking; my mind. stuck in a loop of Aiden’s confession and the explosive fight that followed.
Eventually, we arrived at a tall, nondescript building. I recognized it as an old warehouse that was rarely used. Gamma Chris, was waiting for us outside, a strange excitement in their eyes. Before I could question them, a blindfold was gently tied around my eyes, plunging me into darkness.
“Trust us, Kiki,” Cathy whispered, guiding me gently by the arm.
I took a deep breath, deciding to play along. After the earlier events, I had nothing to lose. As we climbed up a set of stairs, I could feel a sudden change in the atmosphere. The cool night air had become warm and buzzing with a peculiar energy. Then, the blindfold was finally removed, and I blinked as my eyes adjusted to the bright lights.
“Happy Birthday, Kiara!” A chorus of voices rang out, echoing across the beautifully decorated terrace. My breath hitched as I took in the sight before me.
The terrace was adorned with sparkling fairy lights, casting a warm, ethereal glow over everything. Tables laden with all kinds of delicious. food were set up along one side, and a makeshift dance floor occupied. the center of the terrace. But what stole my attention was the
magnificent seven–tiered birthday cake sitting at the center, its creamy white frosting glistening under the soft light.
And there, amidst the sea of smiling faces, I saw them. My parents. looked radiant as they stepped forward to embrace me. Behind them were my brothers -Kelix, Phoenix, and Helix- grinning broadly. Kayden and Jayden’s parents were also there, their eyes twinkling with joy. And there, at the back of the crowd, stood Kayden and Jayden themselves, their faces softening as our eyes met.
“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” my mother said, her eyes moist with happiness as she wrapped me in a warm hug.
My father echoed her sentiments, his strong hand patting my shoulder reassuringly. The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, dancing, and the overwhelming warmth of familial love. As I cut my cake amidst the cheer of my loved ones, I realized that despite all the recent drama and heartache, I was exactly where I was meant to be.
I was home, surrounded by the people who truly cared for me. The events at the pub felt like a distant memory, drowned by the love and joy that filled the terrace. As the clock struck midnight, marking the official start of my eighteenth birthday, I made a silent wish. A wish for love, peace, and, most importantly, the strength to face whatever was to come next. As I blew out the candles, I knew the countdown to my eighteenth birthday had just begun. But this time, it wasn’t filled with dread or uncertainty. And, then I felt it, the first twitch in my
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spine.
