By Fortunate Chance

The Surprise Birthday

It's Jane's birthday. She did not know that Janella and their friends have something up their sleeves. They're throwing her a party at Janella's place.

It was a Saturday but Jane was out of base. It was the last day of her shift though, so she'll be on her way home after her shift ends. While she hasn't gone home yet, the gang is busy.

Janella was manning the house, seeing things done. She wanted this day to be perfect. Lately, she has noticed her girlfriend always looking tired and down. Not to mention dates that have become less frequent because of their differing schedules and studies. She understood how Jane had to prioritize basketball sometimes because it's what kept her in school, economically. To make up for the time they've lost, she's planning to make this birthday surprise perfect, from Jane's favorite food to her favorite drink.

All their friends were at Janella's house, and good thing it's the weekend. Julia was also there helping in the kitchen, with Luna. Mara was doing the decorations. And the guys helped with the heavy stuff, moving tables and chairs everywhere. 

Janella went to the kitchen to check on Julia who is now with Richard. Richard is so good with desserts, so he offered to help.

"This mango float is awesome, Janella! Try it," Julia invited Janella to check out Richard's mango float. Janella took some of the leftovers. "Oh my god! Jane's gonna love this".

Richard being the loud and blunt gay that he is began to start a conversation. "So how are you two?"

Julia and Janella looked at him with confusion. The three of them have been classmates since they went onto Med School. Julia and Janella despite their past, became the closest friends, with Richard as sort of their thirdwheel. So it was quite a shock to hear that question from him.

"I mean to say, how did you manage to put the past behind you? Do you still think about it or talk about it?"

Julia and Janella have become comfortable to each other because of their friendship that the past didn't sound uncomfortable anymore.

"I've grown to accept it actually. I mean, they look good together," Julia started, "although at first, I was devastated by the thought that Jane left me for her. But honestly, I somehow orchestrated it because I actually knew from the start Jane was in love with Janella. I was just too stubborn to accept it."

"What do you mean orchestrated?" Janella asked. It was the first time hearing that.

Julia then realized she didn't mean what she said but she's now caught off guard. She looked at both Janella and Richard thinking she put herself in a trap.

"Do you know how Jane got your number?" Julia began.

"You reached out to me using her phone, I guess?" Janella responded.

"Well, I did that on purpose." The revelation shocked both Richard and Janella.

"Why?" They both asked.

"I can see the way Jane looks at you. I loved her, and maybe she loved me out of respect. But she adores you so bad. The way she looks at you, it's different from the way she looks at me. She didn't notice it but your name always comes up in between our conversations. It's like she always has something to say about you even in the most silly topics we had. That's when I realized she's in love with you all this time."

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry about that Julia. I didn't know. We never even had moments together."

"That's fine, Janella. I've moved on you know. Although it took me a while to do so."

"I thought you were getting back with your ex that whole time."

"I made that up, so she can have a reason to go after you."