Somebody turned down the speakers and now we were all bathed in silence, no one dared to speak. Well, except for the three new-comers who were still bickering in front of the car they came in with, oblivious to the crowd they have gathered.

Clearing my throat loudly to stop them, they still continued to ignore everything else and a vein of annoyance popped in me as I yelled, "Stop it!"

Finally grabbing their attention, their mouths clamped shut as they slowly turned their heads to me, pausing when they saw my stance. I stomped my foot heavily on the ground as my hands were glued to my hips, showing them all a dry look. I would have thought that this was going to be a joyful reunion but nope, that was completely thrown out of the window.

"Would it be a bad idea if we just go back out again?" Evan questioned as an attempt to milden my dwindling temper.

Sighing, I slowly walked up to them, "What the hell is going on?"

Vivian and Evan then proceeded to point at Gray and I whipped my head to face his direction. I was freaking pissed, but all he did was stare at me with all the wonder in the world. He didn't flinch when I glared it him nor even moved when I lifted a hand to slap his cheek.

When my palm indeed made contact with his face, his face followed the force but he quickly returned to looking back down on me with that gaze that was ready to melt my heart. Without a second too soon, he pulled me into his arms as he whispered, "I'm sorry."

"You left me," I murmured, struggling to get out of his grip by banging my fists onto his chest.

But he released me, only embracing me tighter as he buried his face into my hair, his flurry of apologies never ceasing for a second.

And ever so slowly, I felt my anger disintegrate and I gave up on my fruitless attempt to break free. Lifting my hands, I gripped his jacket as I laid my head on his chest, finally giving in to that stupid voice in my head that kept telling me to just fall back into his arms again, "I missed you."

Well, our moment was cut short by Hallie, who managed to pull herself out of the crowd, screeching at the interruption, "Clara, what's happening?!"

That was when Gray finally loosened his hold and I spun around, glancing at my family's curious eyes. And this was the moment when I remind myself that my mother was the only person who knew all three of these teenagers. Some of them met Vivian already, almost all got introduced to Evan during the wedding, but none have seen Gray in person yet.

"Vivian, Evan, and Gray," I said as I gestured to each person, "Apparently the surprises keep on coming."

Hallie sighed, her shoulders slumping in disappointment at the obvious way all of her planning went down the drain. But even so, she flipped her hair over her shoulder and showed a smile, trying to stay optimistic, "Well, there's nothing we can do about it. Let's just turn the music back up and continue the party."

Just was I was about to find my spot next to Gray again, Vivian dragged me by the arm while she huffed in annoyance, "I don't even know why I liked that Matthews boy, he's nothing but an annoying prat – nothing to back up those good looks."

He was usually a snarker to people he just met and perhaps this girl pushed all the wrong buttons. The result? Evan's smartass comments started rapidly firing towards her and even though Vivian was no real threat, she's not the one to back down when it comes to arguments.

The trick to get along with him was not by butting heads but by actually agreeing on things.

"Hold on, all three of you are here," I suddenly realized, "How is my dad going to house this many people?"

Her eyes stared pass me as she responded, "I think you better ask him that."

Turning around, dad was looking at me, a thousand questions hung in the air that he refused to spit out. To use as a distraction, I pushed Vivian forward as I said, "You've met Vivian, right dad?"

Giving me an incredulous look, I challenged it with a cold hard stare of my own and she sighed, greeting my dad as I escaped off somewhere to scout for Gray. Evan somehow fell comfortably in the crowds, all of them greeting him as if he was already part of the family.

I'm sure they were all dying to ask about my relationship with Gray. They saw our moment a while back, but inside their heads, I was dating Evan.

Don't assume, people, you'll only end up getting hurt – that statement can apply to many things.

"Her boyfriend," I heard a familiar voice and I stopped in my search to find the source of it. There stood my mother as she held a cup in her hand, talking to one of my aunts who probably questioned her about the new face, "I'm not in the position to object anymore, she's free to make her own choices."

My expression softened as I smiled. It was obvious that she was asked if she approved it and recalling the scuffle that we had because she didn't like him, I was glad that she had a change of heart. She didn't essentially gave us her blessing, but it was as close as it was going to get.

Thank you, mom... I think.

"There you are!" Gray exclaimed when he caught my hand, "God, I already came back to you and now we're getting separated again."

And in the sudden surge of emotions, I leapt up as I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug. He flailed around for a bit at the unannounced attack, falling a little out of balance because of our height difference.

It wasn't much really because even with his tall stature, I still went up to his chin. Slowly, I felt him returning the gesture, standing straight again as he lifted me off of the ground, my toes just barely touching the crumbly soil.

"Where have you been?" I asked, cupping his face with my hands, "And why did you go?"

Leaning down, he touched my lips with his for a feather of a kiss. Soft and barely noticeable but it was enough to send jolts around my body as if I suddenly placed my hair in an electricity socket.

"I'll explain later," he mumbled, putting me back down but he kept an arm around my waist while he tucked my hair behind my ear, "I promised you that I'll be coming here."

"Yeah," I nodded, "Yeah, you did."

If it wasn't because my family was here or because that I don't really like people seeing me cry, I would have turned into a bawling mess right now. I'm glad that he was here and all, but I would have liked it better if he called up ahead instead of turning up with Evan and Vivian unannounced.

Wait a minute, I left Vivian with dad.

Grabbing his hand, I started pulling me with him to where I last saw Vivian with my father. When I returned, both of them were no longer there. My panic was quick replaced with the sudden urge to slap her upside the head when I saw that she was in the middle of a circle made by my male cousins, twisting her hair with her finger as she batted her eyes.

Are you fucking kidding me?!

Hallie was rushing passed by me and I grabbed her arm to stop her, "Have you seen my dad?"

"Over by the buffet," she replied before her gaze traveled to figure looming behind me.

Noticing this, I made Gray take a step closer so we were side by side and I introduced them, "Gray this is my cousin, Hallie."

Slowly lifting a hand for him to shake, she nodded politely at him, "Pleasure."

He took her hand, moving it up and down as he spoke, his tone flat, "Nice to meet you."

"I apologize for asking the obvious, but are you two together?" her usual perky and child-like excitement had been thrown away as she stood there, trying to fill-in the older sibling role. Hallie could be quite intimidating when she wants to, an aura of authority oozing out of her – well, it shouldn't be surprising since we're related.

We shared a look and I nodded, wrapping my arms around his waist and leaning my head against his shoulder. Hallie's expression softened and it was obvious that she was holding back a squeal already. She gave us a small thumbs up before running off, yelling my dad's name in the process.

"Is your father as bad as your mom?" he inquired while we waited for him to come to us.

Glancing up at him, I let out a laugh, releasing my hold of him as I shook my head. Dad was probably the most harmless person there is – unless you're one of their farm animals – and that's the reason why I valued his approval more than anything.

If he hates you then you better run for the hills.

"Hallie, what could be so urgent?" he groaned as his niece dragged him by the arm, his hand still holding a cupcake that he managed to snatch from the buffet.

Wait, they were serving cupcakes? Okay, I'm officially in love with this party now.

"Uncle, this is Gray," Hallie introduced for me and my eyebrows shot up as she continued, "He goes to the same school as Clara and he's her boyfriend, which I highly commend her for, and he came all the way to surprise her. He was supposed to be at my wedding but in the end, Clara brought Evan and I know the family has this whole thing about being sold on him, but I'm sure everybody would be fond of Gray soon enough."

By the time she finished, I was ready to slap my hand over her mouth to stop her from saying anything more. The poor man was already having trouble trying to sink in the information she just dropped on him without any warning.

Giving her a dry look, she smiled sheepishly before taking a step backward, "Well, I'm going to go and find Michael."

I wanted nothing but to take off my shoe and throw it towards her retreating figure. The picture I had in my head was that would slowly make Gray politely greet him and then the both of us will tell my father that we were currently in a relationship.

My cousin fucking it all up was not part of the plan!

"Oi idiot, they said that you should move the car since it's blocking the gate," Evan appeared, gesturing to Gray the same vehicle they left there after creating their grand entrance.

Gray looked less than pleased with the way he was referred to as he rolled his eyes, opting to ignore the skinnier boy of the pair. I saw Evan's hands ball up into fists while he tried to take calming breaths. These two never came to like each other, and I would have thought the five hour drive would have at least placed some kind of acquaintance between these two.

Add Vivian into the mix and we have a distorted love child of the three idiots and the three stooges.

Because let me give you a rundown of my knowledge of any relations these three have. Vivian has some kind of weird admiration over both Gray and Evan. Gray does not essentially hate her, but he wasn't alright with the constant advances she made on him. Evan barely knows her but he has admitted that was kind of creeped out. Gray and Evan? Well, it was quite obvious that they have a distaste with each other.

After this, I need a full explanation on why in the freaking world did they end up in a car together – and in a roadtrip to the countryside on top of it.

"Clara!" someone screeched and I closed my eyes, trying to control my temper. Vivian trudged down to where we were, pointing towards how her high heels was now sporting a thick layer of mud. Thankfully, it was just the bottom part but it was enough to enrage my co-captain, "Your stupid cousins pushed me and I went off balance so I stepped on this fucking puddle."

Oh my gosh, language! We were in front of my whole family here and my crude older relatives will definitely disapprove of her colorful choice of words.

Evan snorted from beside her and she glared at him. She jabbed her elbow to his side and he yelped, now shooting daggers at her with his eyes. Gray, finding this as frustrating as I was, was a lot more vocal with this thoughts, "Stupid."

This caused the two new-formed enemies to snap their focus onto him and I groaned – you can guess what happened next.

Although they didn't dare to take it in the physical aspect – we know Gray would win hands down – but they started yelling profanities at each other and I all but slapped my forehead at this turnout.

This caught the attention of my family and they were now watching the trio battle out. As one of my cousins went closer with a plate of food in his hands, I took the cupcake from it, squeezing myself out of the circle that started to form around the three.

"They remind me of my time," my mom said just as I managed to get out. She smiled fondly at the newcomers as they lash it out, "My friends were pretty rough on each other as well but I will never trade them for anything else in the world."

I paused at her words and she then turned to me, nudging her head towards them while continuing, "You're thinking the same thing, aren't you?"

"Your father never really got along with them in the end plus they actually wanted me to break up with him when we started dating," she told me, "That's why I claim that you're already a step better than me. Although they might be arguing, I can safely assume that they all agree that you're happy with the way you are now and they wouldn't want to change that."

"And how are you so sure that I'm happy?" I retorted, biting harshly on my cupcake.

She sighed before staring back at the three, "You may not think I'm that good of a mother, but I can see it when my daughter is radiating with honest joy."

"You were the one who asked for my help!" we heard Vivian screamed towards Gray.

"And do I damn regret it," he growled before jotting a finger towards Evan, "And because you were so useless, we had to ask this fool over here."

The said boy glared at him with all his might as he yelled, "Such gratitude after you dragged out of my own house!"

Groaning, I handed mom the cupcake before I shoved people away to get back to them, "Can you guys please stop just for one night?"

When I dropped the usual furious and chastising tone that I always had, they managed to quiet down before nodding. Switching their gazes, I knew that they were already saying a silent truce to each other but I'm pretty sure that by tomorrow morning, they would start clawing each other's eyes off.

Hallie cleared her throat, trying to put the attention on her before she clapped her hands and plastered a smile on her face, concealing the slight worry she was feeling, "Cake anybody?"

And the tension melted away as she escorted me to the buffet table where a two-layered cream colored cake sat there. Lighting up the single candle on the very top, she smiled before leading everybody in a chorus of singing the Happy Birthday Song.

Closing my eyes, I thought of one single wish that I could make. I'm rather selfish and greedy, I won't pretend that I'm not, so there were a thousand things running in my head that I wanted.

Letting a small smile grace my lips, I finally thought the one thing I wanted more than anything inside my head. Taking a deep breath, I blew out the candles before opening my eyes again. They started clapping, taking pictures and such while I simply stared at the small trial of smoke coming from the burnt wick.

Please, for the love of everyone, allow everything to fall into place – that was my single plea.

Everything died down after that, we cut the cake and soon enough, everyone moved onto a calm chatter. I managed to herd Gray Evan, and Vivian to one table so I could keep an eye on them. They were less than pleased to be sitting in the same place but I guess they kept up with my request to get along.

Hallie came up to us, setting down a bottle of vodka in the middle and a couple of shot glasses before shooting us a wink, "Pace yourself guys, the oldies are starting to leave already so we could pretty much get away with this."

We exchanged a few glances before shrugging, all four of us taking our first shot. Probably because we don't really have much to talk about, we just kept on drinking and drinking. Hallie even came back with a few cans of beer and we noticed most of the people that were older than sixty had walked back into their houses.

An hour or more later, Evan's head was slammed on the table but he was still twisting his beer can in his hand. Vivian started to sway but she was actually better with holding up her alcohol. Gray and I? Well, we just made another toast.

Please, we managed to reach Walmart and back without dying while we were drunk so this was not too hard.

"So how did the three of you managed to do an adventurous expedition towards the countryside," I asked, finally loosening up as I leaned back against my chair.

Gray lifted a finger and jotted it to Vivian's direction, "I asked her to show me the way here and then thirty minutes later, she had the audacity to tell me that she forgot."

"And so they fucking dragged me out of my house to make me show them the way," Evan muttered, his voice slightly muffled by the table cloth, "Not even a call to warn me."

"You agreed anyways," Vivian pointed out, tilting her head to take another shot, her face scrunching up when the alcohol burned her throat.

He still didn't bother to lift his head as he spoke, "Because this bastard was whining about how he wanted to be here."

My expression softened as I glanced at Gray and in that moment, I knew that we were alright. I'll pry an explanation for his sudden disappearance some other time but for now, let me enjoy this with him by my side.

"Besides, I promise your dad that I'll come visit again," Evan added and my eyes widened at the reminder.

I still haven't introduced Gray to my father yet!

"Dad!" I yelled, my voice ringing through the compound.

"He's already inside your house," Hallie informed before giving an amused look at our current disposition, "And I think it's time for you guys to go as well."

Shaking my head, I filled up my glass before I took another shot, "No thank you, Hal."

With her hands on her hips, she gave as an intimidating glare, trying once again to be the mature older relative act, "Come on, I know I'm already dead to uncle and auntie for getting you near any alcohol."

Let me tell you something, she was still in fact my cousin so like me, she's terrifying when she's angry and even though I barely fear anyone with or without alcohol, the fire in her eyes told me that if we argue, we would be sleeping on the ground tonight.

So we opted to follow her orders instead of facing her wrath. When we got inside, dad did us all the favor of blowing up the air mattress and pushing the rustic coffee table to the side to make space for it in the living room.

Oh right, sleeping arrangements.

We didn't really have much of a choice because the moment Evan saw an opportunity to lie down, he plopped down on the couch, not even bothering to take off his shoes or his jacket.

"Guess that leaves you with the air bed, babe," I told Gray as I held onto Vivian's shoulders to steer her towards the staircase.

He looked less than pleased with getting stuck in the same room as Evan but it was either that or he sleeps with the chickens outside. Mom has taken over the guestroom and dad would have a panic attack if he learns that I slept in the same bed as my boyfriend under his roof.

And it's not like I can leave Vivian to sleep here with Evan. I might wake up a little too early than initially planned cause they might start yelling at each other again – if it was Gray that was stuck with him here, the worst they can do is sit at opposite ends of the room while blatantly ignoring each other. Gray's not going to harm Evan physically, I know that because I trust him.

Nevertheless, when I turned around before he could protest, he let out a loud groan while slowly lowering himself down on the mattress.

Although she was already tripping on her own feet, we managed to make our way to the room. I deposited her on the bed where she proceeded to hog whole the whole space. Rolling my eyes, I changed into an oversized shirt and soft cotton shorts before more or less, shoving her away to make room for myself.

My sleep didn't last long though as about six in the morning, Vivian was snoring like a loud chainsaw while her arms was right on my face, her body sprawled on the whole bed. I tried going back into a peaceful slumber but that idea was thrown out the window when she let out another snore.

Breaking myself free, I got up and grabbed a jacket from my duffel bag. Thankfully, the hangover this time wasn't as bad as the others I used to get. It was nothing more but a slight throbbing and a dry mouth, something a tall glass of water and a piece of toast can easily fix.

And that was exactly what I pampered myself in. I drank some water as the coffee maker buzzed behind me and toaster did its thing. The boys were still fast asleep but I noticed that the front door was slightly ajar.

After I poured a mug of coffee and grabbing my toast, I headed outside. Creaking the door open, I looked around the compound. The gate that was wide open yesterday was shut for the night, the tables from the party were still there but the tablecloths were gone and the chairs were neatly stacked onto one side.

Sipping my hot beverage, I paused when I saw two figures standing by the field. One was a woman who had wrapped herself in a robe and a man who couldn't care less about what the cold temperature may inflict.

It only took one glance for me to figure out that those were my parents.

They were farther away than one may think because if I lifted a hand, they would be just as tall as my thumb from my point of vision. Sitting on the patio steps, it made a sound at the sudden weight but I ignored it, opting to finish my breakfast instead.

Whether I would be able to figure out what they're discussing or not, I guess sitting here outside is better than staying with Vivian. I should have just accepted Gray's idea and let him sleep up there with me. Evan was so shattered that I'm afraid that a typhoon wouldn't be able to wake him.

I barely felt the party or the time with my family but I guess I did quite enjoy last night. Getting reunited with your boyfriend after a whole week plus finding out the amusing tale of how three people who seemed to despise each other managed to go through a five hour drive to the countryside was undeniably hilarious.

Even if I'm a little pissed at them constantly arguing.

When I felt somebody settle down beside me, I didn't have to think for another second who it was. Leaning my head against his shoulder, I eyed the blue mug in his hand as he drew out a long breath, "I missed you."

Closing my eyes, I smiled softly at his words, "And I missed you."

Finally, a moment when it was just us.

Gray draped an arm around my shoulder, enjoying the rare silence that we were able to grab. We would be leaving this place in a matter of hours and then we will be thrown back into the busy city where I'm sure our group would be rejoicing to find their king has returned.

"I never intended to leave, you know," he mumbled, placing a kiss on top my head before he continued, "When I got home, I got into another fight with the folks so I ran."

And I did say that I wouldn't follow him, "You could've ran to me."

I felt him shake his head, "I ran to my 'Nan."

I don't know much about his grandmother but all I knew that compared to his parents, she kept him in a tight leash all the while being the most caring person out there. She would scold him until his ear bled before patting him on the head and giving him a cookie.

So now I'm not really surprised that out of everyone, he had decided to run to her. She would tell him what he needed to hear while being the person to also say what he wanted.

"And my phone calls?" I questioned, reaching down to grab his hand in mine. It was absolutely freezing and it only made me grasp onto it tighter, trying to give him some kind of warmth.

"No charger and 'Nan is still so indifferent with iPhones," he chuckled, seemingly finding the piece of information funny, "Then I thought about surprising you by coming here and you know where that ended up in."

One the greatest entrances my family has ever seen.

"I came back to you, Clara," he told me in a victorious tone, "And I will always come back to you."

It was a statement and a promise coupled with the strong determination in his voice. With that, my heart swelled and I couldn't help it anymore.

I was drained, I sunk down while clutching to that silver of hope that he would return soon. Bryan said that he believed that I would wait for him and I did everything in my power to make sure I didn't betray his trust.

"I love you."

The words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them and frankly, I didn't care anymore if he returned the words. I know that he does, I've heard it say it before but it was not directed towards me. I've been holding it in for the sake of his feelings but after being left out of the blue, I want nothing but hold onto him and tell him that I wholeheartedly love him.

Slowly raising my head, I stared up at him and a smirk escaped his lips, "I know."

No grand gesture, no flowers, no chocolates, no anything. We weren't in the middle of something big nor were we saying this for the sake of a tearful goodbye or greeting.

When he placed his lips on mine, I never needed to hear the words being uttered back to me. The kiss was a gentle promise that he would cherish this relationship as much as I would.

He released our hold together as his hand went to cup my cheek, drawing smooth circles on my skin before he pulled back, looking my directly in the eyes before he whispered, "I love you."

Grinning contentedly, I knew that everything has fallen back to its place. Well, that was before he spoke, "We live in a shitty world."

Humming in agreement, I tangled our fingers together again, "I don't mind it as much anymore."

The only thing that snapped us out of our tender moment was a clicking sound and we both jumped apart, turning to the inside of the house to see Vivian grinning widely while holding her phone in her hand, not even trying to be discreet with the fact that she took a picture of us.

Right behind her was Evan looking worse for wear, his hair sticking all over the place as he cradled his head while having a mug of coffee in his hand.

From my peripheral vision, I saw my two parents finally make their way back to the house and I exhaled loudly, pushing myself back onto my feet before I nudged my head towards the open doorway, "Come on, and let's go get a proper breakfast."

Yeah, life may be bullshit but I guess it's easier to accept it that way with the people I've managed to surround myself with.

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Tonight is a no sleep night 'cause I won't be able to have time do my schoolwork all weekend so I'm sorry if I sound like a blabbering mess and I hope autocorrect will help me through. But hey, we still have an update!

Filipino readers! I'll be having a signing this Sunday (Sept.18) 10-11:30am, at MIBF along with your other Pop Fiction authors. FFTO is on sale for only Php100 so go grab your copies and I'll be glad to meet you. 

Dedicated to _Lost-Cause_ for the beautiful cover. I'm so in love with this one!

That's it for now, don't forget to comment, vote, and follow. I love you all and I shall see you next chapter.