Hershey Kisses

Sixteenth Kiss

The deadline coming in to a close and Rick helped change my look into a duplicate of Juliet. As much as I admire seeing myself wearing makeup and hair styled like a princess and seeing myself wear a dress in a long time. Once I step out of this home, I'm no longer going to be Sophia or Hayate. My new name will be...

"We're almost done with the training, Sophia." Rick says as he places a necklace from behind.

"I don't know if I should be excited or anxious about this..." I sighed concerned. He patted my shoulder and we both looked at ourselves in front of the mirror.

"You did pretty good coming this far to the training." he comforted me. "I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for your cooperation."

"One wish...." I whispered to myself. He looked at me and smiled.

"Right our deal we made if you became Juliet." He took out his phone and wallet. "So what is it you wanted?" My mind was lost in thoughts of what I desire most. But the more I think about it, the more I didn't want anything. After all the training, after all the secrets, after all the confrontation, I didn't want anything in return. I sacrificed so many time that I was blinded of losing my precious friends and my family and my home.

"I wanna go home." I whimpered softly. "But I can't go back to that place call home anymore. I've done reckless choices and I've wounded my friends especially losing that one friend I never wanted to lose. Was this how it felt when your family deserted you?" I clutched my hands tight pushing myself not to tear up and ruin my makeup. Then I felt his forehead against mine as he held my hand to calm me down.

"After all of this is over, my home is your home." he said. "You can stay here... with me.... I can be your family. If you want to." I gazed him eyes wide open. He's offering.... his home.... to me?

"I can't.... accept that. I mean.... you spent so much for me. You let me stay here in your own home. You did... so much..." I broke in tears as he pulled me to his chest as he pat my back softly.

"Like I said.... you and Juliet are alike." he spoke softly, "Not just your appearances but also your kind heart." He hugged me tighter almost suffocating me. Then we heard a knock from the front door.

"Who could that be?"

"Ahh they're here pretty early?" Rick let go of me and headed to the door. As he opens the door Chris and Penny barges in bring in some gift bags.

"SURPRISE!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAYATE!!!" they both shouted as they glomped me to death.

"G-guys.... you shouldn't have...." I tried standing up. "Seriously what is all this?"

"Rick allowed us to celebrate your birthday before the final test." Penny squealed. "Because you know... once your training is over...." I hugged Penny tight.

"Penny you're the only girl who can tolerate me when I'm down." I encouraged her. "Both you and Chris have showed me many fun experiences I could never forget. You guys are the greatest friends I could ever have to survive high school." Chris joined in our group hug and we giggled like little girls.

"Seriously Chris.... this is why you wanted to be a girl?" Rick stared at us giving a smirk. Penny and I pouted and stood up and puffed our dresses.

"Oh my gosh Hayate. This is the first time I've seen without your glasses." Penny put her face in front of me. "You're even more gorgeous. Maybe more prettier than me. Nah I'm kidding. Teehee."

"If I have to look like her, I have to get rid of my glasses." I groaned.

"But you do look pretty descent to pull off being Juliet." Chris said as she fixed my hair. "so for your birthday, where would you like to eat? It'll be our treat. Well Penny's treat."