The results finally came out. My heart was pounding so fast I could almost hear it in my ears. Everyone crowded around their phones, scrolling, screaming, laughing, and crying at the same time.
I looked up at Kiefer. He was already smiling at me like he knew something.
"I got into Hemilton University," I said, trying to hide my excitement, but my voice gave it away.
Then I turned to ask the rest, "What about you guys?"
In perfect timing, everyone shouted in unison,
"Hemilton University!"
We burst into laughter and cheers filled the air. Kiefer chuckled and said,
"Looks like Section E is off to a new adventure in university."
We all cheered again, hugging each other, jumping like kids who just got free from exams. The chaos, the noise, the smiles—after everything we'd been through, it felt like peace had finally found us.
Later that evening, Kiefer walked me home. When we stepped inside, I froze.
Standing there were Aunt Gemma, Mom, Angelo, Percy, Aries, Ella, and Grandma.
All of them were waiting—faces glowing with excitement.
When I closed the door behind me, Angelo immediately asked,
"So? Which university did you get into?"
I smiled and said proudly, "Hemilton University!"
The room exploded in cheers and laughter. Percy rushed to me and said,
"I knew you would do it!"
Then one by one, everyone hugged me—even Ella, who whispered,
"You did great, Jay."
Aries then leaned against the wall and smirked,
"Don't forget, your birthday is next week."
I rolled my eyes playfully. "How could I forget? I'm eager to celebrate it well!"
A Day Before My Birthday
Our house was glowing with decorations—blue ribbons, balloons, and silver streamers hanging from every corner. The smell of food and cake filled the air. I stood in the hallway, admiring how beautiful everything looked.
Then my phone rang.
It was Kiefer.
"Jay, can you come outside for a minute? I have something to tell you," he said, his voice soft but serious.
I quickly headed downstairs and out the door. His car was parked outside. I opened the door and got in.
Kiefer's face didn't look right. His eyes were calm, but there was something behind them—sadness.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
He hesitated before whispering, "I'm sorry."
My heart dropped. "Sorry? For what?"
He took a deep breath and said, "I have to leave tonight… to London. There's an important meeting I can't miss."
For a moment, everything around me went silent. I stared at him, my throat tightening.
"Tonight? But my birthday is tomorrow…"
He looked at me, guilt all over his face, but before he could say another word, I opened the car door and said quietly,
"Have a safe trip."
Then I walked back inside, my chest heavy, my eyes burning. I didn't even look back.
Aries was standing in the hallway, but I ignored him and went straight to my room.
Once inside, I grabbed a pillow and started hitting my bed.
"Why today? Why not next week? Why, why, why!"
Then came a knock at the door.
"Come in…" I muttered weakly.
Aries stepped in. "What's wrong?" he asked softly.
I sighed, grabbed his hand, and made him sit beside me.
Then I told him everything—every word Kiefer said, every feeling boiling in me.
He listened quietly, then suddenly started laughing.
I frowned. "Why are you laughing?"
"At you, of course," he said between chuckles. "You look funny when you're mad."
I grabbed a pillow and glared at him. "You're impossible!"
He stood, still smiling. "Don't worry. I'm sure he'll make it up to you."
Then he left, leaving me staring at the door, confused but a bit calmer.
Midnight
My phone rang once. Then again. On the third ring, I finally picked up.
Before I could say a word, a soft voice started singing—
🎵 Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to you… 🎵
When the song ended, the same voice said,
"Happy birthday, my Jasper Jean Marino Fernandez—soon to be Watson."
My heart stopped. I checked the screen.
It was Kiefer.
"Thanks…" I whispered, smiling through tears, "but I'm still mad you won't be here on my birthday."
Before I could say more, the line went dead.
A second later, my phone began
to buzz again.
Messages poured in—one after the other.
From our Group which was different from the section e group
Ci-N: "Yo birthday girl! Don't eat all the cake without me 😎."
Ciel: "Happy birthday, Jay! Don't break any tables today 😂."
Calix: "Queen Jay! Have an epic day — and try not to punch anyone out of excitement 🤭."
Felix: "Happy birthday! I made you a cake… but Percy amd I ate it. Sorry 😭."
Yuri: "Happy birthday, shortcake 😜 You're older but still shorter."
David: "Enjoy your day, Jay. You've earned every bit of peace."
Adrian: "May this year bring you more light, Jayjay. You deserve it."
Valerie (voice mail): sings happy birthday in Korean — soft and stylish, her own melody that makes me laugh and cry at the same time.
Edrix: "Happy birthday! Don't forget to save me a seat near the food table."
Denzel: "Enjoy your day, . You're the heart of Section E."
Grace: "Happy birthday, Jay! Keep shining like the sky-blue dress I know you'll wear 💙."
Freya: "Don't forget to dance tonight! We'll celebrate when we meet!"
Mica: "Happy birthday, Jayjay 💖 You've been like a sister to me."
Honey: "Save me a slice of cake or I'll haunt you 😤🎂."
Rakki: "Happy birthday! Don't make me cry with those emotional speeches again 😭."
Keiran: "Happy birthday, Ate Jay! You're the coolest!"
Keagan: "Happy birthday! Thanks for saving us, hero 😁."
Eman: "You're amazing, Jay. Hope today reminds you of that."
Eren: "Happy birthday! Don't forget to take a break from fighting villains 😂."
Saimon: "Another year older, still dangerous 😏."
Josh: "Happy birthday! Section E loves you, Jay 💙."
I laughed and replied to each one, my heart full. Even without Kiefer here, I felt surrounded by love.
Then, tired but happy, I placed my phone beside me and slowly drifted to sleep.
That evening
The house was buzzing with energy. Food was arriving, the cake was huge and beautiful, and the decorations shimmered under the evening light.
It was 7:30 PM—the party would begin soon.
Mom and Aunt Gemma helped me get ready, fixing my dress and makeup.
The dress was sky blue, with soft sparkles that shimmered when I moved. I looked in the mirror and took a deep breath.
When I finally walked out and stood on the stairs, my eyes widened.
Everyone was there—Yuri, David, Ci-N, Felix, Calix, Edrix, Adrian, Ciel, Valerie, Mica, Aries, Ella, Honey, Keiren, Keagan, Freya, Rakki, Grace, Denzel, Eman, Eren, Saimon, Josh… all of them.
Everyone… except Kiefer.
I smiled, but deep inside, my heart ached.
Why does it feel like something's missing…?