Better Paradise

Chapter 14

Pinagtagpo Pero Di Itinadhana

MEGAN

"After we finished our meal, Lily suggested that we play spin the bottle," I announced to everyone in the living room. We had gathered there for some post-dinner entertainment.

"I'm definitely in!" Miracle exclaimed eagerly, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Reika turned to the boys with a playful smile. "What about you boys? Care to join us?" she asked, her tone filled with mischief.

The boys exchanged amused glances before replying in unison, "Do we even have a choice?"

"Before we start, let's add a fun twist to the game," I proposed, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. "How about we open our gifts while we play? We can start with mine and Miracle's presents."

Megs nodded in agreement, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. "That's a fantastic idea, Megs! Let's head upstairs to get my gift as well," she suggested, her smile infectious.

Cathy chimed in, unable to contain her excitement. "I love this idea, Megs. You always come up with the best plans!"

Eager to unveil the surprises, Miracle and I hurried upstairs to retrieve our gifts. Returning to the living room with the presents in hand, we eagerly joined the group, our gifts appearing light and easily manageable.

Miracle glanced at the assortment of presents laid out, her annoyance evident. "Look at all these gifts for Megs. I only have eight, while she has an extra one," she exclaimed, her frustration apparent.

Curiosity piqued, I inquired, "Who sent the extra gift?"

Jesswelie interjected playfully, "Oh, somebody sent it earlier. It's a mystery gift for Megs."

With everyone brimming with anticipation, I couldn't contain my excitement any longer. "Let's begin the game!" I declared with enthusiasm.

Cathy took the lead, giving the bottle a spin, while I eagerly tore open the wrapping on the first gift I held. My eyes widened with surprise as I revealed a watch.

"A watch?" I mused aloud, contemplating who could have gifted it to me.

Ate Mitch, who had been watching our game, couldn't resist interjecting. "Take a guess," she encouraged, a twinkle in her eye.

Without hesitation, I exclaimed, "I think this is from Cathy!"

Cathy beamed at my response, confirming my guess. "You're absolutely right, best friend!"

I chuckled, teasingly adding, "Of course, who else but my friend who always keeps me on schedule?"

Cathy playfully rolled her eyes. "You're incorrigible," she retorted, unable to hide her annoyance, but her smile revealed she was only teasing.

As for Miracle's gift, it turned out to be a hair blower from Ate Mitch. The irony wasn't lost on us, considering our frequent arguments over the hair blower.

Returning to the game, the bottle eventually landed on Reika, who wore a thoughtful expression. Cathy, unable to resist stirring up some mischief, leaned in and asked, "Rei, when will you finally say yes to Wilchie?"

Reika took a moment to collect her thoughts before breaking into a warm smile. "In due time," she replied enigmatically, captivating us all. She then took the bottle from Cathy, spinning it with her own hands.

Eager to see what awaited me in my second gift, I excitedly tore off the wrapping, revealing a pair of shoes. My face lit up with joy.

"Wow! Shoes!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my delight.