Between Us - Kory and Zaire

Chapter 10

KORY'S POV

I walked around with my eyes blindfolded, it was dark and I was afraid to trip on a carpet or flooring. I was holding onto my father's hand, keeping myself close to his back. The strong smell of his cologne always got to me, it was like a subtle way to show everyone how wealthy and fortunate of a man he was. It wasn't bad, I just felt inferior to what he would expect of me

"Remember, Kory, don't hog the cake all by yourself, okay?" My father spoke to me

"Yes father, I won't," I said in response

"And... Happy Birthday, Kory" He said, giving me a hug. I hugged him back with a smile on my face, he was so cuddly and nice to hold during a good day

"Thank you," I said back before following him into a new room

"Okay, you can sit down Kory" I heard my mother's soft and sweet voice say. I reached behind myself, feeling a wooden chair as I sat down

I felt someone taking my blindfold off, and as it was off I kept my eyes shut. It was my birthday! To be exact, my 16th birthday on the 23rd of May. I slowly opened my eyes, the smile got wider when I saw my family and friends there wishing me a happy birthday. The garden I was in looking beautiful. Open fields surrounded by flowers and bushes, fresh air was all around us too. I looked from left to right, covering my mouth to hide my wide smile. My aunts, cousins, uncles, and... Zaire!

We gathered around the table, my father and mother were next to me. I could see Zaire there too, he looked like he'd fit in with my mom's side of the family... I stood in front of the delicious cake, my uncle lit up the candles on it. My father started a small speech and prayer for my birthday, I clasped my hands together to pray

"Alright Kory, make your wish" he spoke after we were done praying

I close my eyes. I took a deep breath. Dear Lord, I wish for you to give me happiness. Or at least, give me a sign.

I blew out the candles, seeing everyone clapping and cheering for me. I held the plastic knife and cut the first part of the cake. I put it on a plate for myself, then cut some open for everyone else
After I cut the cake, I got the chance to get out of my chair and run to Zaire. I hugged him so tightly, tighter than any hug I've given to him. He somehow lifted me up, spinning me around as I held onto him

"You came!" I said with a smile, I couldn't help but take in his lovely smell of chocolate from his shirt. "I thought my dad would kill you..."

"Of course came, your uncle is my shield... And I got you a gift," Zaire said, handing me a gift wrapped in blue gift-wrap and silver ribbon

"It's, heavy, uhm... What is it?" I asked him

"You'll find out later," He said to me with a wink "Now go, they're all waiting for you," Zaire said, gesturing to my other guests

Of course, I cared about them, all of them. And of course, I was grateful that they came to celebrate. But... I wanted to spend time with Zaire. I talked to my cousins the most, one of which was my 13-year-old cousin Sakura

"So Kory is that your uh... Your boyfriend?" Sakura asked me as she ate some of my birthday cake with me

"What? No, Sakura... He's just my best friend" I answered, taking a glimpse at Zaire

"Really? What's his name... Zaire right?" He asked me and eyed Zaire. "Hey, Zaire come here for a sec!!" She shouted out to him

I felt my face going red when I heard and felt Zaire going up to me

"Yes?" He asked

"You look very hot. Do you have a girlfriend?" Sakura asked him

I glanced at the taller, and he had a small blush on his face. On the other side, I could see my father and uncle, his sharp glare felt haunting. It was my birthday and he couldn't even smile in front of my friends, or at least fake it...