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Part 36

It's my birthday today and although my happiness is diminished greatly by the fact that I wouldn't be seeing Kongpob Suthiluck, I must say that I'm still pretty excited. After all, it's not everyday that a person turns twenty.

And if Kongpob Suthiluck decided to ditch my birthday party to tutor some girl then...hmmph, his loss!

"Arthit?" Mrs Suthiluck was knocking on my door, stopping me from kicking my pillow angrily and pretending it was Kongpob's face on it.

...

Fine! I admit it, behind my smile, I was pissed at Kongpob, okay??? Pissed!!!

"Come in Auntie!" I called her inside and sat on the edge of the bed.

She walked in with a huge grin on her face, hiding her hands behind her.

"Look, what I've got for you!" She grinned at me excitedly. I saw that she was holding a beautiful white suit in his hands, matched with long white dress pants. It had very stylish cut-outs and sharp shoulders that would part from the shoulders and make them look broader. There was a black suit underneath and just from one look, I realized it was very well made and the material was excellent as well. Auntie had really outdone herself this time.

Even a simple baka like me would look absolutely dashing in such a suit!

"This is so stylish, Auntie, thank you so much!" I exclaimed excitedly, seeing a very pleased expression on her face.

"There's more to come!"

"M... more?" I stammered a little. She took out this little box and opened it, showing me an array of TIES! My mouth fell open. Yes, unbelievable as this seems, this is my first set of formal ties. And there was tons of different colors and kinds, blue, dark green, black, and even some bowties to have fun with. I sighed in awe and ran my fingers gently over them. I never had a mother figure in my life until Auntie and she was taking care of me so lovingly as a real mother would. And this gift may have seemed simple for some, but for me...it meant everything. I couldn't control the tears that were brimming in my eyes as I turned and hugged Auntie tightly.

"Thanks so much Auntie, you're like the mother I never had."

I heard her gasp in shock and then she burst into tears, hugging me tighter.

"And you will be the best son-in-law I could ever have... ... Hey, there's only one hour left before the guests will arrive, I need to continue cooking...and you need to get dressed in your new suit, so you can surprise all your guests." She remarked with a happy chuckle and we both burst out laughing, and the sadness in the air disappeared immediately. Oh gosh, what would I do without Auntie?

"But first...let me help you highlight your handsomeness." She spoke and ordered me to quickly get dressed in the new clothes she'd bought. She didn't even give me a chance to check myself in the mirror as she grabbed my hand and hurriedly dragged me to the toilet to clean up my face before starting work.

I simply sat there like a doll, opening my eyes, closing my eyes, tilting my face first to one side and the other, opening my mouth, closing my mouth at her commands as she applied light makeup on me.

After what felt like forever, she squealed happily, "Okay done!" Auntie had a really satisfied look on her face as she stared at me. "Here have a look at yourself, Arthit. You are so handsome~"

I turned, looked at my reflection in the mirror and immediately my eyes widened to their maximum circumference. Who was this handsome gentleman in the mirror? It was me? ME???

The guy in the mirror had eyes that were as round as saucers with a shocked expression on his face. However, thin layer of eyeliner had been skillfully applied to emphasize the doe-like eyes, and mascara had been applied to darken the long eyelashes. His complexion was fair like the snow with a faint bloom of roses in his cheeks and his soft lips were glistening a soft pink. The hair had been styled into a messy look that seemed effortless yet handsome. I could hardly believe my eyes.

"This is me?" I heard the disbelief in my voice as I reached out and touched the mirror, almost expecting to feel the warm flesh of a different person standing in front of me.

"Yes Arthit, haven't you realized how handsome you are?" Auntie beamed at me with soft pride and love.

"But...I am the ugly duckling."

"Who has blossomed into a handsome swan." She gushed at me and left the room to hurry to her favorite room in the house - the kitchen.

I felt a new sense of confidence when I added a dab of musky Hugo Boss perfume that I used only during special occasions (which was like...2-3 times a year?), before leaving the room. Okay, let's be honest, the guy in the mirror wasn't drop dead gorgeous or anything. I mean I would have to admit that Jessica is still prettier than me, but in a different way...like a girl would be – however, the handsome guy in the mirror could definitely hold his own.

What wouldn't I give for Kongpob Suthiluck to see me like this?

I sighed. Well, life isn't always a bed of roses. At least now Arthit has regained some of his lost self-confidence in himself.

"Arthit!"

I turned and was shocked to see Aya and May turn up with a guy each! They looked equally startled to see me.

"OMG, you look so handsome, Arthit!"

I blushed and then turned curiously to their...umm partners? "Who, who's this?"

"Boyfriend!" Aya and May simultaneously. Then the guys were introduced to me, but honestly, half in shock, I immediately forgot their names! I must admit that I was pretty upset that they never let on that they were attached! I mean, aren't we all best friends?

However, on second thoughts, they all knew about my sad history (and present) with Kongpob Suthiluck, so they probably didn't want to upset me any further by revealing they were happily dating.

And, I must admit that although the guys were pretty nondescript, they seemed to be very decent and fond of their girlfriends. I was glad that Aya and May had found their other halves. At the same time, I had to admit I was feeling even lonelier than before, when I saw them chattering happily and behaving intimately with their boyfriends. I was not jealous, not at all, just...lonely.

Even Daniel was there, sitting on the couch and sipping his lemonade, simply staring at me. I must admit, since the weekend at that holiday inn, Daniel has been acting a bit weird around me. I still haven't figure out why...

"Where on earth is Kongpob? He's very late!" Mrs Suthiluck complained aloud as she looked at the clock. "It's almost time to cut the cake..."

"Oh, Auntie, we...we don't have to wait for him. Kongpob told me that he wouldn't be coming."

I saw a frown darken on Mrs Suthiluck's face, she looked quite scary to be honest – oops...was it a secret? I really hoped that I haven't gotten Kongpob Suthiluck into trouble. Again. That was definitely not my intention.

Luckily, my dad and Mr Suthiluck were there to calm her down and soon, everyone gathered around as the birthday song was sung and Auntie brought out a big vanilla and strawberry cake. When it was time to cut the cake, I closed my eyes tightly and made my wish, "Please let me always be together with Kongpob Suthiluck and let him fall in love with me. Please please please..." I whispered to myself, leaned close and made sure that all the candles were blown out on my first try.

When I lifted my eyes, I saw sympathetic expressions on both my best friends' faces. A bitter smile twisted my lips for an instance – even without wishing it aloud, everyone obviously knows what poor love-sick Arthit is wishing for. However, I didn't care – I would do anything, anything if my wish could come true...

Then, Auntie helped me to cut the cake - it was really delicious with fresh cream and strawberries – my favorite.

"Birthday boy to the living room," Mrs Kongpob was chirping brightly. "Time to open the gifts!"

I smiled excitedly and sat down in all my glory as the presents were handed out to me one by one to be opened. It was the best moment of the evening. My mouth fell open when I opened the present that Aya, May and their boyfriends had given me as a group. A sheer white nightgown fell onto my lap. The gossamer-like material was soft and silky, and weighing almost nothing. I could see the entire shape of my hand through the silk as I held it up – geeeez it would be as good as wearing nothing to wear this piece of lingerie!

"This is in preparation for your wedding night," Aya winked mischievously at me and they laughed uproariously as I turned bright red and watched my dad cough awkwardly, yet smiling at me with encouragement. I knew my father would always understand and support me. I quickly but carefully put it to one side.

To my surprise, Daniel walked up to me and wordlessly passed a small box to me.

"Thank you, Daniel," I opened the little package and found a delicate silver bracelet. "I love it!" I quickly wore it on my wrist. On impulse, I bent down and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you! Thank you, thank you!"

Daniel blushed bright red, however, he didn't jump backwards in horror as I had expected him to. I let him go and he moved back to his spot on the couch, staring at me with a small smile on his face. Honestly, I was almost moved to tears, I never thought Daniel would give me a gift, let alone a silver bracelet! Gosh...he really is full of surprises, that little one.

Next, I opened my Dad's present. I unfolded a piece of the most beautiful Kimono fabric that I have ever seen. It had a white background on which brightly colored threads were woven into the loveliest, most delicate patterns of red and golden – it looked almost royal. It was a work of art.

"Dad, this must have cost a lot!" I exclaimed in awe as I stroked the lovely fabric with gentle fingers.

"It's okay Arthit, it's worth every cent I paid for it. This marks you growing up Arthit. If your mother in heaven is looking down upon us at this moment, I'm sure she is very very happy for you."

Tears sprang into my eyes and I quickly dabbed them away with my fingers, noticing black ink on them – darn, having make-up on is indeed quite troublesome at times.

"Hey, I brought some horoscope books, let's go and read our future!" Aya quickly cut in, probably to distract me from my crying. She's always been the most considerate friend that anyone can have.

I nodded at her and we quickly gathered around in the living room.

"Aya, let's see if Kongpob and Arthit are compatible according to their stars!"

My heartbeat suddenly started racing at May's suggestion and I swallowed nervously.

"Okay, let's look at this book ...Mm...Oh no, Arthit and Kongpob are as compatible as water and oil..." I flinched at her words – this was exactly what I had feared - oil and water do not mix well. They just keep fighting each other...didn't that sound quite familiar?

"Don't take it seriously Arthit," Ayai hurriedly said as she looked at my rapidly paling face. "No one believes in these things anyway, we should just have fun with it! Let's try another book..."

"...Hmm...when Arthit and Kongpob's signs come together – they need to give each other a lot of time to understand each other and their relationship... Their signs are at the opposite ends of the spectrum... Arthit has an irrational, emotional approach to life, whilst Kongpob has an offbeat, unconventional approach to nearly every situation ...Let's eerr...try another book... Okay, Arthit's sign is ruled by the Moon – a radiant spirited energy, whilst Kongpob's sign is ruled by Saturn and Uranus. The Moon is a radiant, spiritual energy and Saturn is a cool, contained masculine energy. Uranus is about all things abnormal and novel. The Moon is emotional, concerned with growth and domesticity. Saturn is about hard work and discipline to achieve its goals, while Uranus symbolizes forward thought and rash actions. The two are known not to get alo— you know what... let's try another book..."

I was getting more and more distressed by the minute as everything that Aya was reading out showed how incompatible I was with Kongpob Suthiluck. Was it really decided by the stars? That we were bound to not match with each other?

Ever...?

"Okay, last one...." Aya said as she quickly flipped open the last book in her lap and I held my breath anxiously.

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