The Parallax Effect

Chapter Twelve: Surprise (Pt. 2)

Wendell sighed, the noise of the guests in his apartment giving him a slight headache. After Valon and he had welcomed Dusty and Erica, and formally introduced his two friends to the hero, they'd finished the preparations around 5:00 pm.

Soon after, more guests arrived, and the remainder of H.A.U.N.T. (except for Mab, who was still out of town on a mission) showed up and introduced themselves to Wendell. Some of Benji's surviving friends from his time before Wendell arrived, most of them standing awkwardly in a different room from the heroes.

A knock came from the door and Wendell answered it. Another of Benji's old friends stood on his doorstep-Velius, Wendell recalled. The mask they wore concealed a majority of their features and expression. Their gray eyes studied Wendell, and this being their official first meeting, Wendell held his hand out for Velius to shake. They took it and Wendell gave them a welcoming smile.

"I'm guessing you're Velius? I think I recognize you from Benji talking about you. I'm glad I finally get to meet you. Come on in!"

Wendell let go of their hand and noticed them try to subtly wipe their hand on their pants. "Thanks."

"I think you're the last guest to arrive," Wendell checked his phone, "Benji left about ten minutes ago, so he should be here soon."

Velius nodded their head before walking into the other room where most of Benji's other friends stood, talking.

"All right, everyone!" Wendell shouted above the noise of everyone talking, the crowd quieting. "Benji should be here in a few minutes, so I think it's time you all hide!"

It took a few minutes, but eventually, everyone found a spot where they could see the door but were mostly hidden. Wendell shut the lights off and soon after, a quiet knock came from the door. He approached, trying to school his face into something that wouldn't make Benji suspicious.

He opened the front door, grinning up at his younger brother. "I'm surprised you didn't just let yourself in! Come on, I have a surprise for you..."

Benji entered warily and came to a stop only a few feet from the entrance.

A chorus of "Surprise!"s and "Happy Birthday"s erupted from the guests as they jumped from their hiding spots and Benji leaped back, activating his Ability in front of him and Wendell.

All at once, Wendell realized sudden, loud noises probably weren't the best idea around his brother, considering his past with them. His breathing came in harsh pants, the only thing heard in the awkward silence following the surprise. Wendell placed his hand on Benji's shoulder, whispering a quiet, "It's all right, you're not in danger. This is the surprise, happy birthday Benji."

After releasing his hold on his Ability, he sheepishly turned to look at the crowd gathered for him. Valon gave Wendell a look loaded with meaning before approaching and clapping Benji on the shoulder and loudly saying, "Sorry for freaking you out, Ben! Happy birthday!"

A few people in the group shuffled awkwardly before they came forward, approaching Benji and wishing him a happy birthday, as well as apologizing for freaking him out. Wendell made sure to stay nearby in case he needed to get Benji out of there for whatever reason,

Valon leaned over, whispering, "I don't think either of us realized a surprise party wasn't the best idea for Benji, considering his history with loud noises."

"Yeah, I don't think we thought it through enough. Oh well though, right?"

Time seemed to drag on as the party continued. A few people that Wendell recognized came and talked to him, but he did his best to keep Benji the center of attention. At one point a few hours in he announced the food on the counting, inviting everyone to help themselves.