Chapter 24: Chapter 24

Aliyah's POV

After Joana and I had our moments together, my 18 dance has started. Never in my life have I ever imagined dancing with these people who were included on the list of my mom.

I got the chance to dance with my high school crush, I don’t know how my mom finds out that I got a crush on this guy but in a way, I am a bit thankful because all of the sweet memories keep on flashing back. I also had the chance to dance with Tatsi, he is tenth on the list. The whole time I and Tatsi were dancing, our topic was just mainly focused on Joana. Based on our conversation, I may say that he likes my best friend, and oh yes---- a lot!

Eight on the list is Sky, my favorite cousin above them all. We are very close to each other. And since we are very close, I like Sky for Joana. But that was before, I think now, Joana’s attention is focused on Tatsi. So basically, I think Sky and Tatsi are now rivals in my best friend’s heart.

Seventh to fourth on the list are some of the frat members. I never thought mom would invite them because first of all, she doesn’t want me to join and manage my frat. But surprisingly, they are here... In front of me... Dancing with me.

After I danced with Patrick....suddenly everyone fell silent as Lewis Mercado entered the scene.

My initial reaction is to punch him but I am just trying my best to calm myself.

I don’t want to ruin what my parents prepared for me. Better be thankful, Lewis!

I threw an asking look at mom. She was currently looking at me while giving me a blank expression. I just rolled my eyes.

Lewis is getting closer and closer to me and the chances of punching him on his face are getting closer and closer as well.

Mom walked closer to us.

"Aliyah… just this one, child… Lewis will take his goodbye very soon, so please? Just this one."

"Mom, I don't want to."

Psh, in the first place, why include Lewis on the list?!?

"Aliyah, please." mom keeps on pushing me.

I rolled my eyes.

“I said I don’t want----”

"Ash this will be the last, I promise."

And there is Lewis to cut me from what I just have to say.

I gave him a death glare.

“Why do you have to do this? Aren't you still satisfied with everything you did to me? ”

"I am sorry Aliyah. I know I can't turn back time .. things have happened... I hurt you, I admit it. But there's one big reason behind it."

“One big reason, Lewis!? Is that one big reason is enough reason why you choose to hurt me!? ”

"Sorry Aliyah… I am sorry Ash."

"Nothing is new! We are going rounds and rounds here. You kept on saying you are sorry. And by now, it's the most frequent line I am hearing from you!"

I was about to turn my back on him but he suddenly grabbed my hand. He quickly placed one of his hands on my waist and that led us to have our dance. I tried to fight back. But he was so strong to hold me tight.

"Last dance, is it possible?"

I want to free myself from his touch but I could do nothing.

I'm disgusted with myself.

I’m disgusted how I turned out to be like this weak Aliyah tonight.

How could he easily erase my happiness in just a glimpse?

After our dance, I was about to enter our house when Ruzzel suddenly blocked me.

"Oooopppssss... I know you were troubled. But I'm your next dance, Aliyah. We should dance together, not every day, it is your eighteenth birthday. Let me erase all the bad things that happened just a while ago. Come with me, my princess.”

He held out his hand to me. Silently, I reached for that too. Ruzzel lead me to the isle.

"You know what Ruzzel? I thought I already forgot all the pain, but it all came back to me just a while ago."

Ruzzel sighed. He tightened his grip on my hand.

“I will erase the pain Aliyah. I will replace it with happiness. Just please let me. ”

I stared at him. He also looked so problematic I guess.

I lowered my face to his chest. Tiresome, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

"I love you so much Aliyah" I heard him say even though it was just a whisper.

"Happy birthday again." then he kissed me… it was only for a moment .. but I was really surprised.

I am now dancing with dad but my whole being was taken away by that kiss.

"Baby, you are now eighteen .. you're already a young lady." I heard dad say. I just fake a smile. Oh, that kiss, Ruzzel’s kiss.

"Hey, are you okay ?" dad asked me .. maybe he noticed that my attention seems to be flying somewhere else.

"Are you happy Aliyah?" he asked again.

"Yes. I wanna thank mom and, dad for preparing for this event. I'll gonna treasure it for the rest of my life."

"It's alright. Don't mention it child .. your mommy and I just want you to be happy. And besides .. we have a very special gift for you."

"This party alone is a big gift .. you don't have to give me something else dad."

"No, we have prepared something for you." Then dad took a small box from his pocket.

"Here. You'll be having your condo."

Like, is it reaaaaaalllllllllllll???

"Our hopes for you Aliyah ... is for you to grow up .. finally grow up .. we are hoping that you will start as a brand new you. Forget the past and start with your present. Leave all the pains and anger my child. Surely, you will find happiness. "

"But dad... it's not that easy. I mean, I was hurt. I was hurt too much."

"Yeah, I know .. that's why Ruzzel is there next to you. He loves you so much... I know that. I know everything even if you remained silent from everything that happened. Happened especially during the times that we were not around. During the times that we were not by your side. And we are sorry. We want to fulfill all our faults and shortcomings, so just let us. And also, just let Ruzzel show you how much he loves you as well." then he sighed and sweetly smiled at me.

Suddenly the light went out again. Everyone was surprised. Even me ... I don't have any idea of what's happening.

After several minutes, I heard someone’s strumming a guitar... I don’t know where it came from because all the lights were turned off.

He started singing a few lines of a very familiar song.

I recognized his voice. My heart knows who owns it.

I smiled.

At the same time as he sang ... one by one my pictures flashed on the projector... And also his pictures .. our pictures together.

I laughed at the shots. Lots were just stolen!

After he played the song… suddenly the surroundings lit up. He was already walking towards me.

The crowd shuddered, and yes, it hurts in the ear.

"Aliyah Shane Nicolas."

I heard him say. I just let him continue with what he was about to say.

"At first ... I thought it was very impossible. We couldn't become like this. Admitting the fact that I find it hard to reach you. You're a snob .. everyone knows that." Then he laughed. "But even though I had a hard time at the stage of courting you, I was not able to give up, you know why?" then now he's touching my cheeks. Agasdshdgsag! Am I blushing? "I love you so much, Aliyah. I never felt this way before. So now, in front of everybody who's here at the party as well as those who are not, and also all over the world .. .even though I am ashamed ... I will proudly say that I LOVE YOU SO MUCH."

The crowd made more noise. And I can not speak.

"To Daddy Joseph and Mommy Lee, I just want to say thank you very much. Thank you for entrusting me your only princess. I will never hurt her. I will take care of her, I promise... "

"Here's the last song that I'll be playing for tonight Aliyah."

I did not expect that he would sing my favorite song of all. I haven’t told anyone about that song so basically, it is a big secret between me and myself.

I stared at Ruzzel.

I can feel his sincerity.

And I can also see myself through his eyes. The days ahead of me together with this guy.

---

This birthday party was awesome. And I didn’t expect it could be wonderful as this.