I woke up to a boisterously bright day. The sun was exuberant since the amount of light seeping in through my blinds were actually giggling; or is it only me? I didn't cover my windows properly yesterday. I cursed out loud. Along with the bright light were the happy chirrups of so many happy birds which outright disgusted me. Nature is happy today and I am not. I am not... why? I got up slowly, stretching my body, bringing back my black loose pajamas back to its position because it was actually cutting into my bottoms if you get what I mean. Yawning loudly very unladylike, I stretched once more and ran my hands through the stubborn knots in my bristles. I should learn to sleep ladylike!

Why am I unhappy today?

I sat there, with crossed legs, looking out through the windows wondering what is wrong with me today. Not that I am fine every day but still today... it's, something else. I blew out frustratingly. Everything I 'think' ends up in a question. Everything I 'do' make me wonder why. Everything that is 'happening', is giving me a migraine. What the heck is this? Is this normal? What is happening to me?

I got up from my tangled bedspread, blankets, and extra pillows, only to fall down face first to the cold marble floor. But, instincts protected me by my strong arms; otherwise, I would have had a nasty nose for my birthday.

I gasped. My birthday! I tried to get up fast; it only helped the tangle to get worse and I fell down... again. Angrily, I pulled out all the tangled cloth mess from my legs and got up. It was a swift reflex and unfortunately, I didn't care for the bedside table. I hit my head hard on the side when I got up and that just numbed me for a while. Then it was fireworks of different kind of pains. I groaned with my fists curled like I want to punch something and frankly, I would have if the much-detested thought didn't come, storming my mind. My birthday!

Sighing, I fell down to the floor and held my head in my hands and cried. Yeah, a good, heartfelt cry! Have you any girls, ever cried on your birthday because your problems are so exhausting but you don't have any idea what you problems exactly are. Yea! You won't be having that kind of a special birthday, right?! Right

After a while, I raised my head and looked away, unable to hold it much longer but I should; I should hold it. I really should hold it. I shouldn't let anyone else see that I am weak, especially if someone under this same roof is against me. Stephen's voice 'don't trust anyone' haunted my brain and I wonder if I can trust Stephen! Don't trust anyone, means it includes Stephen too, right?!

I sigh! So far, nothing dramatic has happened. So far, I am still intact; I didn't turn into some fictional story character or... a zombie, so that means it's good!

Cautiously, I got out from my room and peeked outside. No weird sounds, no out of ordinary sounds, no nothing! Weird! Very, very weird!

Finally, I shrugged and let myself ease out a bit. I let myself feel free and enjoy the day since it's my birthday and I am legally an independent woman. Thus, this time, I will flee for sure. I just need a proper timing, plan and everything just crystal clear. I just need... a good friend; human that I can trust!

I pulled out my best of the best white lace crop top, duh! Skin tight black denim; black suedette elasticated high ankle boots and my favorite black leather jacket. I wanted to switch my jacket to a lovely black lace cardigan but thought against of it. Since I just don't know what will happen today, so, it's better if I put my jackets on with the entire secret compartment I know.

Given that I knew the place was bugged; I took some of my clothes to the balcony and hung it there and clicked some pics of it. It was random t-shirts, shirts, jeans, leggings and some other comfy clothes. And after that, I took a duffle bag and stuffed in some of my undergarments as if I was ditching them and put it on the balcony. Later, when it was night, I pushed all my clothes in the duffle bag and luckily, it all fit. I am not sure if any camera caught it or not. Anyway, I just hope that I can escape without Stephen's help. Or the handsome man's help!

That just bring me to the man I saw in the night, in the obscure light and the man with Pete! Didn't he seem familiar to me before? But was it he that I saw in the night. I think their built was identical, I guess. But his voice was different. Anyway, he is going to come to the oak tree tonight, right! I never forget things... yet; there is something that I feel like I am forgetting.

Anyway, I got out from my room gingerly and walked to the living room downstairs; to gasp in astonishment. My house is throwing a birthday party for me. Me! What? Even Tiffany was helping the prep team. When she saw me, she literally gasped.

"Wow, you are looking boring today. At last! Not like the puke you usually wear." Her scorn was somehow fabricated. What was that all about?

I swear if I haven't had makeup and my hair in a fancy ponytail, I would have done something to calm myself down. What did I just say? Oh, well, I was about to run my hands through the hair, you see. And rub my hands through the face too, since I was really disgusted and angry with her, with the party, with the thing! The point is; I don't want to ruin my makeup and my hair.

Without saying anything, I was about to go out but Tom stopped me from nowhere.

"Hi pumpkin; surprise!" and with that, a life-size teddy just the way I love, came from behind me. And few many balloons; and many other fancy things.

My face didn't gleam in happiness; in fact, I was watching everything with a different mindset. I was scared of it all. Scared, thinking what is going to happen, after all of this!

"Oh my, thank you, uncle. Really! But, I am not in myself right now, can I just catch a few breath of fresh air."

Tom closed his eyes and breathed out through his nostrils. He then let go of me and folded his hands on the chest. He had a very irritated face expression but I didn't let that faze me. I stood there waiting for his approval since if I didn't wait for his approval; I am not sure what he will take away from me. I can't afford him to take away my bike from me; particularly not now.

"You have changed a lot." He said with so much annoyance in his voice which angered me a bit.

"Yea, well, the world is not spinning around me as it was a few weeks ago."

He sighed! "Darling, please, you are taking everything too seriously. Let it go. Everything will be easy. I am here for you no matter what!"

"Uncle, please... It's hard to explain, can I just be out for while, and I will come back soon."

"Sure."

I had my duffle bag drop to the ground before I got out from my room. I walked to the garage and took my keys from the keyboard. I have never taken my black Audi for a while but I know someone else has been using her. I revved her up and took her to the front gate. I ran back to pick my duffel bag; luckily it was still there. I dropped it into my car. I wonder if anyone saw it there and deliberately left it to see what I was up to. Luckily no one asked me anything. But, I am sure, someone was looking through the living room French windows by the entrance door.

I drove straight to Mickey's cafe. Like planned, my dear Pete was sitting there. He smiled broadly and got up from the seat to greet me. Even before I can get inside, he hugged me in the doorway and yelled, "Happy birthday Lillian."

Everyone in the café applauded for me. I genuinely felt happy. I never expected this. I looked at Pete when he was grinning broadly as if he planned it all. Just then, Mickey came with a black iced cake; wow, my favorite color. Everyone in the café stood and came to the table in the center and rounded the place. They all cheered and sang me a happy birthday song. I never knew any of these people apart from a few familiar faces. Yet here they were, entertaining for me. I cut the cake and Mickey served them all. He kissed me on my forehead like a father and side hugged me. He gave me a little package and I ripped it open as Pete was caking my face with the black icing. The present was a beautiful silver chain with a cupid pendant.

"Oh, Mickey... this is so cliché..."

"You will one day be the cliché masterpiece darling." He said chuckling. Afterward, he looked at me really affectionately and said, "It was my daughter's. She died... a few years back and you are, fairly like her. So..." he said with his voice stuttering.

I hugged him hard and ordered a full meal to his ears. To which he laughed hard, making me ineffably happy.

Finally, after cleaning my face from the black mask, I sat down with Pete to enjoy my meal. It was then he presented me his gift. It was a small package. When I opened the package, it was a beautiful set of black and deep purple bands the kind the bike riders wear. A simple gift; he said sheepishly, he didn't know what he was supposed to buy for a girl. I literally squealed because I really fell in love with the bands. And there was a card which had many heartfelt comments and messages. With tears in my eyes, I whispered an earnest thank you.

Oh, I kind of forgot to tell you the main thing. When everyone was crowded onto the table to eat and cut the cake, I kind of saw someone outside the glass windows, in between the crowd, watching the shop. He was dressed exactly like the way I saw the other guy a few days back when I was sitting in the café eating my pie. His dark tinted glass almost covered his upper face. But, I ditched the feeling of creepiness, since he walked away after a while. I can't just get paranoid about everything now, can I?

And in between the celebration, I handed my duffle bag to Pete and said, "Didn't you say there are some poor people you need to help with clothes. It's for them; I am not sure about the size but yeah." I know I can't fool a pack of cunning fox, but I can try. And I certainly will.

So now, I was comfortably eating my meal when I got a message from Tom saying the party starts sharply at ten and I said I will be there. About when the meal was over, Seb walked in with a very goofy smile and a bunch of flowers. It had peonies, freesias, roses, and some other flowers I didn't know. It was very pretty. His intense stare really melted my innards but I didn't blush. Surprise! I don't blush. It's true. "To the birthday girl," the card simply read.

I thanked him for the gesture since he barely knew me. And then he gave me a card which he said I should only open after he leaves me and I am alone. So, I promised, since I am so done with secrecy and I am not sure I can handle anything as such, right now.

Well, after his arrival, my mood escalated and everything felt bliss. Shaun messaged me earlier greeting me and said he can't wait to see me at my party. But, I am not so excited to see him. Poof! My brain and feelings!

Anyway, my happiness can never stay forever, can it? Seb left saying he has work to do and that it is going to get intense since it's some important project in hand. Yeah! Everyone has something to do. Then, Pete too left, nodding at me saying that the duffle bag is safe with him and if I need anything, I should only text him and he will come flying by, to rescue me.

That was the plan and I beg and plead and hope that I won't regret it later.

Anyway, Pete gave me the empty duffle bag; then I walked to my Audi and inspected it before I got in since I don't want any accidents to kill me now. Trusting my instincts, I rode away to my home and should I say I was surprised? Nope! I was flabbergasted, shocked and split to smithereens. My house was wonderfully decorated and it was set to party for a very classy, chic function. My eyes bled. I so, don't want anything.

Parking my car, I got out and bothered not to take the bag with me. I walked to my room and saw a dress waiting for me on the bed. It was white, beautifully designed and sequined in the upper half. It didn't look anything like a brides dress. But, no matter what, I am not wearing that.

Evelyn came in and stood an arm's length away hesitating the urge to hug me. Anyhow, she hugged me and said in my ears, "Please look under the dress," and got away from me as if disgusted.

"Dress up appropriately."

"Sorry, I am dressed and appropriately. I will stay this way."

"I am not going to argue since it's your day and don't feel so special when everyone turns eighteen, we host a family friends and business party."

"Yea, I know."

"Good."

And with that, she was away. Ok, I am quite surprised, now.

I scrutinized my room as if I am seeing it for the first time. I searched every nook and cranny of my room with my eyes searching for something; something out of place or surprising to me. When I found nothing; I became so agitated. What was I so scared of? What was the message that was sent to me? What the fuc*? Was that such an entire prank? Was I being paranoid just because some silly hormonal people ridiculed me?

I screamed leaving all the pent up emotions and feelings in my heart. When I was finished, I was literally shaking and feeling my chest rise up and down like a machine. When I felt like screaming again, I bit on my fists and screamed.

I shrieked when I saw Tom rushing to my aid fearing something happened to me. I gulped in a few breaths and said, "I am fine." He looked really startled.

Then, with wild eyes that searched frantically my face, he gave me a package. It was covered in brown paper and had no address. I took it from him and looked at him. He said nothing. I asked him nothing. Silently, Tom went out and I sat on my bed only to feel the dress crinkle. Wait, does fabric sound like paper crinkling. Oh, the message from Evelyn.

I looked upon it trying to be discrete because I don't want any... wait! What if there are no cameras here. What if all of this is just a sham? A joke!

I just want to scream again. But, keeping it all in, I opened the carefully folded piece of paper.

It only said, "Whatever happens today, my dear, I will be always with you. You shouldn't fear because I will safeguard you like I did all these years. You must know, I don't hate you; we don't hate you and it's not your fault. Nothing is your fault. Your aunt, Eve!

P.S Please discard this paper as soon as you finish reading. Please!"

WHAT?! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUC*? WHAT? Aunt! My aunt! Is Evelyn my aunt? What the fuc* does this mean?

I was boiling with rage. Without even my knowledge, I tore open the package and saw that it held a few papers that were signed to my name. Only papers... Strange! But before all of it was an old yellowish crinkled yet neatly folded paper.

It started; oh it was a letter by the way, and it started with a very neatly written handwriting which was in every way feminine... that was not what startled me and gave me a heart attack... it was this: "To my dearest daughter,"

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Dun Dun Dun... and drumroll people... the story is about to being and you are going to enjoy this ride! Hold tight onto your popcorn cause we are going absolutely crazy after this! Stay tuned for more!

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