THE HANDSOME DOLL

CHAPTER XII

Oh man! I wonder how long will it be for people to discover my body on the river if I get killed.

I'm a dead man for sure.

How could I cursed the boss to his face.

"Can't you even tell at your fucking age what sort of words to describe people around you. How on earth did a shit like you become a boss anyway?"

Am I really the one who said those words.

Oh my Zeus! I prefer to be strike with your lightning bolt than to be murdered by that pervert boss.

Later that afternoon after my meeting with the administrative committee regarding the scholarship grant, I head fast to the office.

Luckily the boss isn't there on his chair when I arrive.

Mint and Bruce rushes over and hugs me when they saw me. "Can't breathe!" choking the words out.

"Thank you for the other day Blythe kid." Bruce blurts out.

"So I'm all your savior now." I laugh and when let go of me.

"Yeah, you manage to subdue the boss, we'll be crippled now if it weren't for you." he added and tags me along to sit at the center of the sofa.

"And because of that August has made something special."

They gather around me and made a way in the center for August, who handed me a big box wrap in Christmas paper.

I frown. Its just middle September.

Jene hit August in the head. "Its not even Christmas yet! Stupid!"

"We've run out of wrappers!"

We laugh.

I look at them, confuse and they suggest that I open it.

What's inside is a doll, not a blythe one but a bisque one, wearing the same thing I've wore on the picture with Bliss, black gown with frills and lace and matching headdress. The doll's hair is also waist long and again, with big deep dark blue eyes.

Im the doll.

Bruce counts from one to three and in chorus they shouted.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLYTHE!!"

I'm surprise, I couldn't say anything.

Its my birthday today, how can I forget? I'm dumbfounded.

"Here's your cake child.." Mint approaches me with a round chocolate cake with blue lit candle sticking at the center. "Go on, blow it.."

Before I could, Nick did blew it off and he got a slap from Taurus.

"Its not yours fucker!"

Then, the door opens and boss Cheston came in, with a cigarette of course, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a hundred balloons which he let go after our eyes met. The balloons scatters and sticks at the ceiling.

We all watch in amazement.

I looked up at their smiling faces, wondering if Im really into a syndicate office.

"Guys..." I began, but the words gets stuck in my throat and the only thing I feel doing is bury my face on my knees because Im teary and touch.

When I manage to get myself, I saw them surprise to see my face all stuffy and red.

I laugh.

"Oh little fair doll, a man only cries three times in his life." Mint reprimanded.

Nevertheless, I guess Im allowed to wipe my eyes.

--

We share boozes they've prepared.

Mrs. Daniel and the manager of the Bakeshop calls me to say that its because its my birthday, the only thing they could do is to give this day to me as a day off.

"Man, you really forgot?" Bruce asked.

To my annoyance, the boss is sitting right in front of me, enjoying himself as the others tease me to finish the large mug of beer in one gulp.

"Yeah, I never celebrated my birthday for the past years, I even forgot the day.." I answered.

"You're the worst.." boss Cheston said and smirk away.

As I think of it, after Gregory died, I never celebrate my birthday again. Every year, the Family gets fussy about it, forcing me to dress like a princess as they cheered and passes beers. Wait, its also Bliss birthday.

I excuse myself and made a call outside the office.

Geez, where is he? Its my second attempt of dialing. When he did pick up, Im annoyed already.

"Why the hell did you not pick up at first call??"

He laughs. "Happy birthday Blythe baby."

"Don't call me your baby dumbass!.. Anyway, where are you?"

"Overseas. Spending the day with Crystal at the beach. I wish you're here sister, how many box of seashell do you want?"

Man, he's impossible.

"When will you get your ass home?... I miss you."

"Oh, are you drunk Blythe, one moment you're threatening to kill me if get my ass home and now you're missing me??"

"Shut up!"

You're my only family left Bliss. I hate it.

"Hang in there my little dove, I'll be home soon. Take care. Happy birthday to us!"

He hung up. That bastard.

"So that's why you don't want to sleep with me." I turn around, startled.

"Boss.." I uttered and lift a hand on my face. "Why are you eavesdropping?."

"Im not eavesdropping, I just took a bladder break, besides, you're all shouting while talking to your.... by the way, is that your boyfriend?" he tease.

I walk pass him. "He's not my boyfriend..."

"Just as I thought..."

"Yeah, yeah, think whatever you like boss.."

He sigh heavily.

"What will it take you to sleep with me?"

I face him. "Listen to me boss, there are many girls out there for you to play with."

He look at me, puzzled. "And?"

Gosh, he's not just a pervert but a thick headed.

"You will sleep with anyone out there and yet you will not sleep with me?" he continues.

"What the..."

But, come to analyze it. That kind of impression is on my advantage. If he wants to play then I'll play with him. Better than this than him underestimating me.

"Say what you want but I couldn't do it with you... you're not my type.."

He's clearly shock, and I find myself reeling in satisfaction. It's indeed funny.

I get back and join the boys drinking.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

I don't know how long and how much I've drank but all I can say is that I'm happy this day.