The Beauty of Love

Chapter 12

"Happy birthday, twin! I love you so much!" I greeted, hugging Maia tightly as soon as I arrived at her place.

"Thank you, babe. I love you forever. You know that," she replied, smiling sweetly at me.

"I know," I smiled back. "Got you always."

"Me too, bestie!" she added and we hugged each other again.

After we finally let go, I handed her my gift. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw it, and then she squealed in excitement. Happiness is written all over her face.

I laughed at her reaction. It's priceless. Seeing her so happy makes me happy too.

"Oh my goodness! Thank you so much, sister!" she giggled. "I'll open this later. I'm so excited!"

"You're very welcome..."

I noticed her boyfriend, Cole, arranging something on the table. After finishing, he walked over to us.

Maia wrapped her arms around him, giving him a cute hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. He immediately pulled her closer, his hands resting on her waist.

I can't help but smile at the sight. They are adorable.

"Hey," he greeted me with a smile.

"Hi," I greeted back. "You two are so cute. At ang sweet niyo pa ha. Gosh, my eyes!"

They both laughed at my playful remark.

"You guys are really cheesin'," I teased them.

"People act like us when they are in love," Maia winked at me. "You used to be like this too, you know."

I chuckled slightly. "Oh, please..."

She laughed. "Just kidding!"

I chuckled.

"Just one thing, Cole." I stated, turning to him. "Don't hurt my girl, please. She's too precious. All I ask is that you take care of her and don't make her cry."

"Aww," Maia said, instantly getting teary-eyed.

Cole gently kissed her on the forehead. My lips formed a smile while watching them. They really do look perfect together. Even though I may not believe in love anymore, I wish them nothing but the best.

"I'll take care of her, that's for sure." Cole responded with a smile. "And I'll do my best not to make her cry. The last thing I'd ever want is to hurt her."

"My goodness, it's my birthday! Don't make me cry! I'm not supposed to cry until later!" Maia ranted, now getting emotional.

Cole chuckled and hugged her.

"Don't cry. Your makeup will be ruined. Mas lalo kang maiiyak pag nasira 'yan," Cole teased her.

Maia softly slapped his arm and rolled her eyes, though they are red from holding back tears.

"Bro, you always make me cry!" she exclaimed. "Buti na lang out of happiness!"

Cole and I laughed, watching her.

"Drop the bro. You're so cute, babe." Cole answered, smiling hard while looking at her.

"Okay. Later na lang kita i-kiss," she replied smoothly, a smirk playing on her lips.

I can't help but cackle again. Maia then looked at me and took my arm. We excused ourselves from Cole for a moment, and he lets us go.

"Maaga ka," Maia said as we walk to the living area.

"I want to help."

"Maaga rin si Cole kanina," she answered. "He helped me with everything. Now, all's prepared already. We just have to wait for them."