Twisted Story of My Life

Chapter Six

Did I already tell you that time flies so fast? Well it really does. Today is August 14, 2008. My 22nd birthday and exactly my sixth month at work.

I checked my cell phone and saw several messages; mostly greetings from family and friends. Even Richard sent a message to greet. We have been friends since the blind date and we went out a few times to eat or have coffee. We both agreed that the meet-up did not blossom into a relationship that is more than platonic. It is also great to have Richard as a guy friend, at least aside from Alyssa; I have someone I can always call on.

"Happy birthday, dear Alex!" Alyssa greeted as I went to the kitchen for a quick breakfast. She stood up to give me a hug. We then agreed to just have dinner after work.

When I got in the office I got a few greetings on my way in. Then I was surprised with a cake and a gift from my boss, Dustin and our other co-workers in the department. I find it sweet of them.

"Happy birthday, Alex! And since this is your sixth month at work, you are also now officially a regular employee. Two reasons to celebrate!" Dustin greeted with a smile and a friendly pat on the shoulder. Everyone else cheered.

"Thanks. Let us have lunch later at Outback, my treat!" I said cheerfully. Everyone seemed excited as each one started their work for the day.

Lunch was fun. We chatted and laughed as if we have been friends for a long time already. And I am really happy.

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After work, I just went back to the condo since Alyssa said that she still has to finish something. Weird though that she asked me to get some books for her at National Bookstore. She said that she needs those particular books tomorrow for her research. What a friend, she made me run an errand for her on my birthday. But no biggie really. So it took me over an hour to get back to the condo.

I rang the doorbell but Lucille did not open up. Maybe she is freshening up for the dinner. I put down the shopping bag containing Alyssa's books and the other bag containing gifts from the office. I then searched for my keys and when I opened the door it was dark.i was thinking if I missed a message from Alyssa telling me to meet her and Lucille in the restaurant instead.

I switched on the lights...

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday! Happy birthday! Happy birthday to you!" They all sang. So this was the plan. Alyssa and Lucille arranged for a surprise party. Tom and Richard are present. Some of our college friends also working in Makati and Dustin and some other friends from the office are also here. Wow!

"Omg! Thanks for this wonderful surprise!" I blurted as I put down my stuff on a chair.

"I got you!" Alyssa said kissing me on the cheek. She then laughed saying, "You must have been irritated to get the books for me but we needed time to prepare and gather before you get here."

I clutched her hand and said, "You really got me. Thank you so much."

"Happy birthday," Richard greeted giving me a hug.

It was a wonderful celebration. Lucille cooked my favorite carbonara and buffalo wings. The other foods are take out from different restaurants. We had dinner, ate cake, and had some wine. I had a blast.

"Speech! Speech!" They were cheering.

Although I am a bit tipsy, hey it's my birthday so it's okay that I had alcohol, I still stood up with a big smile on my face.

"I could not ask for more. I have the best best friend, so many good friends, and the greatest nanny, my second mother. Thank you for taking time to put this all together and indeed make this a very happy birthday for me. Cheers!" I said putting up my glass of wine.