greatest love

chapter 10 : madie's birthday

As morning came, the house began to fill with guests for Madie's birthday. Clade and Madie arrived first, followed by Madie's close friends and Gabby, who brought along Meng. Migs greeted each guest warmly, assisting them to their tables. Jazz was still upstairs, preparing herself in Migs' room.

A large food delivery arrived, and Migs took charge, helping the delivery personnel place the food on the tables. Madie suddenly back-hugged her kuya, beaming with joy.

"Thanks, Kuya! This is the best birthday ever!" she exclaimed.

Migs lifted her up, smiling. "You're always welcome, baby. Do you like it?"

"Yes, Kuya, it looks so pretty," Madie replied excitedly.

Migs added, "Your Ate Jazz helped decorate everything."

Madie looked around for Jazz to thank her. "Just wait, Ate Jazz will be down soon," Migs reassured her.

Madie nodded and went off to join her friends at their table. After a bit, she wandered over to Clade and Sarah's table, looking around.

"Kuya Clade, where is Ate Amara?" Madie asked with a hopeful expression.

"Maybe she's running late, but she's coming," Clade replied, trying to reassure her.

Madie sat down, eagerly waiting for Amara's arrival. A few minutes later, Jazz came downstairs, looking beautiful and composed. Madie ran to her, hugging her tightly.

"Thank you, Ate Jazz, for helping Kuya decorate!" Madie said gratefully.

Jazz hugged her back. "You're welcome, baby. Did you like it?"

"Yes, I love it!" Madie replied, her face glowing with happiness.

Jazz and Madie chatted for a while, their conversation light and joyful. Just then, the front door opened, and Amara walked in, carrying five gifts for Madie. As soon as Madie saw her, she squealed with delight and ran to her, throwing her arms around Amara.

"Ate Amara!" Madie cried, hugging her tightly.

Amara smiled warmly and hugged her back. "Happy birthday, Madie! I missed you so much."

"I missed you too, Ate!" Madie replied, her voice full of excitement.

Amara handed over the gifts, one by one, each wrapped beautifully. "I brought these for you. I hope you like them."

Madie's eyes sparkled with joy as she accepted the gifts. "Thank you so much, Ate Amara! You're the best!"

Seeing this, Migs felt a mix of emotions but pushed them aside, focusing on making sure Madie’s day was perfect. She walked over to Amara, extending a polite smile.

"Thanks for coming, Amara," Migs said, her tone neutral but cordial.

Amara nodded, returning the smile. "Of course, Migs. I wouldn't miss Madie's birthday for anything."

As the party continued, Madie couldn't stop smiling, surrounded by her friends and family. Jazz, noticing Migs' subtle tension, squeezed her hand gently.

"You okay?" Jazz asked softly.

Migs nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind."

Jazz understood and stayed close, providing silent support. The party went smoothly, with games, laughter, and delicious food. Everyone was having a good time, and the joy on Madie's face made all the effort worth it.

As the celebration drew to a close, Migs felt a sense of relief and satisfaction. Despite the complicated dynamics with Amara, Madie had a fantastic birthday, and that was all that mattered.

As the guests were starting to leave, Jazz bid farewell to Migs and Madie, mentioning she had a shift later that night. Jazz kissed Madie on the forehead affectionately, which made Madie smile. Then, Migs and Jazz shared a long kiss, expressing their closeness. Jazz hugged Migs warmly before heading out.

Amara observed this exchange, feeling a pang of jealousy. Clade noticed Amara's reaction and gently tapped her sister, drawing her attention. Clade remarked, "She waited for you, cried so much when you didn't reply to her messages. She asked me if you were okay, and I told her to move on. Then she found Jazz, and they've been together ever since."

Amara felt tears welling up in her eyes as she processed Clade's words. She realized the consequences of her absence and the choices she made. Seeing Migs and Jazz together stirred up mixed emotions within her, regret being prominent among them.

Meanwhile, Migs and Madie exchanged a glance, sharing a moment of understanding and support for each other. As the last guests departed, the atmosphere settled into a quiet solemnity, each person reflecting on the day's events and their own feelings.

Amara gently informed Migs and Madie that she needed to go home. Migs nodded and headed outside, but Madie, not ready to say goodbye, tugged on Amara's hand. "Ate Amara, can you please stay a while? Please?" she pleaded, her eyes hopeful.

Migs intervened, trying to ease the situation. "Maybe Ate Amara is busy and has work to do, baby."

Amara, seeing Madie's disappointment, spoke up, "Madie, Ate Amara has an urgent meeting. Someone's coming to pick me up right now. But I promise to visit you soon, okay?"

Migs looked confused by Amara's mention of a meeting with a guy, her mind racing with questions. Just then, a car pulled up outside the house. Amara glanced at it and said, "Oh, there he is. I have to go now, baby. But Ate Amara will be back soon, I promise."

Madie, still reluctant, assisted Amara to the gate, Migs following closely behind. As they approached the car, Migs saw the man waiting for Amara. He looked friendly and waved as Amara walked towards him.

Amara hugged Madie one last time. "Be good, okay? I'll see you soon," she said, giving her a reassuring smile. She then looked at Migs, who stood a few steps back, and gave her a small nod before turning to the car.

Migs watched as Amara got into the vehicle, her mind swirling with mixed emotions. She felt a twinge of jealousy and confusion but also a sense of closure seeing Amara leave with someone else. The car drove off, and Migs turned to Madie, who looked up at her with a hopeful expression.

"She'll be back, kuya," Madie said softly.

Migs forced a smile and nodded, "Yeah, baby. She will." They walked back into the house together, the day's events leaving a lingering impact on both of them.