From the Beginning

Chapter 38: Confessions

             The lights switched on at Skye and Bowen's place as the sun began to set.  Guests arrived for a night of celebration as music began blasting.

            "Bailey, you sure invited a lot of people." Yulian was amused.

            "It was mostly Kido and Ben who tackled the invitations," Bailey informed.  "I didn't contribute much.  I tend to stay home and watch television when I have free time, so I don't really hang out with a lot of people other than you guys."

             "You did a great job helping Sion with the decorations," Yulian complimented.  "Speaking of television, I want to rewatch the drama with the two, long-haired men, stealing chickens at night."

              "You can come over to my place at any time and we'll watch it together," Bailey offered.

             "That sounds great." Yulian beamed.  "I can order some fried chicken from the restaurant with the spokesperson whom you like.  It'll be my treat."

            "Okay." Bailey nodded.

            "All this talk about fried chicken is making me hungry.  Are you hungry?"

            "A little."

            "Let's eat."

            "All right," Bailey concurred.

            The two headed into the house, whilst Jensen walked out.  Something really doesn't feel right.  Jensen furrowed his brows as he watched Bowen happily dancing with a couple of women by the pool.  The things Bowen said last week, when he was drunk, were extremely worrisome.  Were they only the words of a drunken person or a cry for help?

            "Ge," Sion addressed.  "Why are you standing out here alone?"

            "Bowen's acting strange," Jensen uttered.

            "Really?" Sion looked over at Bowen's direction.  "He looks like he's having a lot of fun."

            "That's the problem.  He seems way too happy," Jensen derived.  He was sobbing to me when he was drunk.

            "Today is his birthday," Sion reminded.  "Isn't he supposed to be happy?"

            Not wanting to alarm Sion, Jensen petted the top of his head.  "It's nothing.  Let's go inside and eat."

            "Okay." Sion nodded.  It's not Bowen we should worry about.  It's Skye.  His eyes darted in search of his best friend and spotted him preparing the cake, at a corner.

            Skye watched Bowen moving his body in rhythm with the music and smiled when he saw people from the pool splashing water at the birthday boy.  It's nice to see him smiling so brightly.  Once he was ready, Skye gave Kido the thumbs up to turn off the music and the lights, leaving a spotlight on Bowen.  Pushing the three-layered cake out on a cart, Skye began singing and everyone joined in.  "Make a wish."

            Bowen nodded and clapped his hands together before shutting his eyes to make a wish.  This time around, his wish was different.  Bowen didn't wish to be with Skye.  Instead, he wished for Skye to be alive and happy.  Satisfied with his wish, Bowen leaned over and blew out the candles.  "Thank you, ge.  Thank you everyone for being here to celebrate my 22nd birthday."

            "Happy birthday," Skye muttered.

            Seeing Skye reaching a finger for the side of the cake, Bowen beat him to it and gather a handful of cream to smear on Skye's face.