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XVII. BIRTHDAY

It's my birthday.

It falls on the same holiday.

The 31st of October.

Last year I dressed up as Suki from Fast & Furious. Mahina suggested we do a whole Fast & Furious vibe which she, Phoenix, Atlas, Eden, and I dress up as.

We took really good pictures too despite my dislike for the color pink, it's just not one of my favorite colors.

This year I decided to do Lara Croft. She's completely badass and I mean...why not?

Another thing is that Jack isn't coming. He has an away game tonight. It's in MSG but it would still be a while for him to come back to Jersey considering he'd be really tired from traveling.

We were driving around the city when I asked him. I hated hearing him tell me he'll try to make it because even he looked guilty and sad that he most likely won't make it.

I'll try to make it. I promise

His words ring in my ear as I take one more look at myself in the mirror before heading downstairs.

I invited around 30 people considering we're still in a pandemic and dad would extremely kill me if I had more than that in the house. Luckily, everyone that I invited is fully vaccinated.

"Okay na yung heater sa labas and everything else" Atlas mentions as he comes in from the backyard.

(The heater outside is okay)

"Sige thanks" I quickly smile.

(Okay)

Atlas being a real one, always has work off on my birthday to help me prepare. Phoenix and Mahina have been driving around picking up supplies, drinks, the cake, and everything else that we needed while Eden fixes up the decorations.

"You ready Rory?" Eden questions as she fixes her dress.

She and Atlas decided to go as the Grim Reaper and Malaria from the Cartoon Network show. She did a really good job on Atlas's makeup and hers.

"Yes!" I grin.

"You look so fucking hot!" she compliments just as Mahina and Phoenix enter the house.

"Thanks! You guys are back!"

"There's space in the fridge right?" Phoenix asks carrying the cake box.

"Yessir!"

Mahina and Phoenix decide to match as Lilo and Stitch. There's something going on between them and yet they don't want to admit it.

The night grows younger as 9pm starts rolling in and everyone I invited has arrived. I've been greeted with a bunch of Happy Birthday's and my phone's filled with greetings.

"Did Jack say Happy Birthday to you?" Kiara, a family friend questions.

"Yeah he did" I answer.

He was the first person to call and greet me
earlier today. We stayed on FaceTime for a good hour before we both had to get ready for the day.

I said good luck to him before ending the call and me being me I end calls before the other person says anything further. He sends me a text saying Happy Birthday again with a heart emoji.

"Awwhhh wait he's not coming?" Ate Dashi asks.

"He's playing right now and said he'll try to make it but it's fine if he doesn't" I finish as they nod.

"Rory! Pictures!" Hudson, my photographer friend calls me over.

"Yeah bet!"

I have a few disposable film cameras around the house for everyone to use throughout the night. It was a good idea.