Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Aliyah's POV

I woke up when someone suddenly put an alarm clock in my ear! Ancjcsacnacasjb!

I’ll surely give a slap to the one who did this to me.

I could have fallen but little did I realize that Mommy was the one who put the clock in my ear.

Wait!!! When did she come home? She just went to another country with my dad just a few days ago but how come now she’s at home again?

“What are you doing here mommy? When did you come back? ”

"Just last night Aliyah."

“I don’t have a class today, so you don’t need to wake me up. I still want to sleep. ”

I covered my face with a pillow… but my mom immediately removed it as well.

“Mom…”

"Aliyah, my child you have to wake up, we need to go somewhere."

"Where?"

"Boutique."

"What for?"

"You have to fit your dress for tomorrow's event."

"Event?"

“Have you forgotten already? It is your 18th birthday tomorrow. We already arranged a party for you. Your dad and I planned it months ago. Today, we will just prepare everything for tomorrow’s event.” mom explained.

I rolled my eyes. Shall I say thank you? I lost my mind that my birthday is tomorrow.

"Mom… I don't have a plan for tomorrow."

“You might doesn’t have any plan, but we have. Everything was planned. So you better get up and fix yourself. Time is running Aliyah. Go ahead, move.”

Oh really? What have they eaten in the past days of their lives? First, they planned for my birthday. Second, they are now paying attention to me. And lastly, mom is commanding me of what to do and I hate it. Psh. But I have to obey her. Mom is mom.

“Get up there, alright? I will be back after an hour. ”

I would have answered but she left immediately.

I rolled my eyes for the nth time. Okay fine, indulge >__<

I immediately got up and took a shower… after an hour, mommy came back to my room.

I ate breakfast first then after that, we went straight to the boutique.

The boutique is owned by my mom. And by the way, gonna inherit this when I get twenty-one years old.

Not bad in my case, I also love kinds of stuff like dresses, shoes, bags and such.

And so for today's readers, I have eighteen gowns to try and measure. Great, right?

I rolled my eyes. Surely, it will be a tiring day. And besides, I still don't agree with the party but here I am standing at the boutique, and all these dresses are waiting for me.

Today is an awful day for me, what about tomorrow, huh?

Andrea first handed me the blue gown. Andrea is a designer here at the boutique.

I entered the fitting room and try the dress on.

I rolled my eyes while looking at the mirror. Tsk, so gay. Maybe it’ll be great if the color of this gown is black.

I went outside the fitting room when I’m done putting the gown on.

Mom is smiling at me while nodding.

I smirked then get the other gown which is a different color. Honestly, I am just starting to try the gowns on but I am getting tired and irritated already.

I sat down next to mommy then drank some water.

“Mom are you serious? Do I have to wear and fit all these gowns today? ”

"Yes, Aliyah."

“Honestly I don't feel like celebrating tomorrow. Can you just cancel everything, or let me be the one to cancel it for you instead? ”

“How about a punch my dear daughter, you want?

My eyes narrowed. Did I just hear my mom’s answer? Something is wrong with the way she speaks.

"This is once in a lifetime baby, so go ahead… go fit the remaining dresses so we can now be finished."

I just followed what she wants me to do. Good luck if I will go to the party tomorrow.

-------

Joana Margaret Sison 's POV

“Joana, I already sent your dress. Have you received it already? ” it’s Aliyah’s mom asking. She treated me as her child since I and Aliyah were best friends.

"Yes Tita, I received it already. Thank you so much."

“You’re always welcome, my dear. So how? See you tomorrow okay? ”

"Yes, aunt. Thank you again. ”

And we’ve ended the call. Tomorrow will be Aliyah’s 18th birthday. I am one of her 18 gifts and messages. Her parents planned and arranged the party. I guess Aliyah has no idea about it.

Aliyah’s 18th Birthday...

I am currently on my way to Aliyah's house. That is where the venue of the party being held.

I admit I was nervous. It’s been a while since I haven’t visited their house. I know I am no longer welcomed there for Aliyah. But I will find a way to change that.

My feet were stuck in front of their house after our driver delivered me there.

My nervousness… increased even more. I was stuck for a moment until someone held my hand. I was shocked when I saw who it was.

I-its Tatsi.

Wait, what is he doing here?

"You look so beautiful tonight, Joanna." then he winked at me.

He pulled me in.

He immediately looked for a vacant seat. The party has not started yet but many were dancing already.

A sweet dance.

I just took my phone because I can't relate.

"Would you dance, If I ask you to dance?"

I suddenly laughed at Tatsi's line. It is a familiar line.

Suddenly, the feeling I felt earlier… was converted into calmness.

I shook my head. Not that I refuse Tatsi’s sweet invitation but just because I am not used to it.

He pouted as a response. I can’t help but smile back. He's cute!

Soon all the lights went out.

And then a few more glimpses, the spotlight focused on the staircase.

The staircase, full of flowers.

What a nice view.

There is Aliyah, slowly walking down the stairs.

I was amazed! My best friend looks like a princess!

As she descends, one of our favorite bands played. Just like before, we used to visit their gigs, but now, they are the ones who visited Aliyah's birthday. They are playing Aliyah’s favorite songs.

Aliyah smiled. Not the forced smile, it is her genuine smile and I am very happy for her.

Somehow, she also probably appreciated her parents' effort.

The program started.

18 wishes ...

18 candles ...

18 roses and messages ...

18 treasures...

And then it's my turn to approach her.

My nervousness returned. But I thought more about my relationship with Aliyah.

I walked closer to her, I already expected her to ignore me and such.

I gave her the treasure-- my gift.

I smiled at her .. but she didn't look in my direction.

I don't know... But I can feel her pain. And I am a pain too.

Maybe we will be best friends forever, that is what is set for the two of us.

I started walking towards the stage. I held the microphone then started my speech.

"A twin sister .. that is Aliyah Shane Nicolas in my life."

"The very first moment I met her, it feels like, God gave me one of the most precious gifts in my life." all of our memories suddenly flash back to me right from the very first day that we’ve met.

"Aliyah ... she's a sweet girl .." I bitterly smiled.

"She's intelligent, kind, a well-loved girl. She loves to play guitar .. piano .. and drums. She is so talented. Also, she has a very great voice. " I can't help but cry. Describing my Aliyah… I missed her.

"She's caring .. she's loyal. She hates a guy who used to tell lies .. in short .. Dishonest just like the guy who is the reason why she had changed a lot. There is a lot of guy chasing after her because of her extraordinary beauty. A princess indeed.” and my speech goes on and on. Feels like I am telling her biography which I kept for a long time.

"And now .. here's my last wish." I paused for a moment.

"I missed you so much my dearest best friend. I hope you'll come back. If not now .. I'll wait for the right time then. I'll always be here. Happy 18th birthday." then I wiped away my tears.

I approached Aliyah completely ... and for the very first time after all these things happened, I managed to hug her.

I was the one who insisted to hug her ... It's like I am hugging her for five minutes or more.

I was crying all along.

I felt her tap on my back.

I looked at her.

She bitterly smiled and said thank you then she hugged me back.

Oh, Aliyah... I miss you. Best friend.