CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

It's has been a long one week without hearing anything from Jayden. I signed as I lay down thinking. My fevers have been more persistent and I have been having insomnia. Mimi went out early this morning and I have absolutely no idea where she went or is. I got a birthday text from Jasmine this morning at exactly twelve in the morning. Yeah. It's my birthday.

I decided to go outside to get something and I met Mimi who was beaming with smiles.

"Hey. I was about to call you to come out. We're going somewhere. No buts. Get in." She literally shoved me into her car and began driving. Before I knew it, my eyes were blindfolded. I only shook my head. This is definitely a prank.

"It's not yet April and you doing April fool's already?" I asked her trying to stifle my laughs.

"You'll see." That was the only statement she muttered till we got to the destination.

She led me in as she helped me to get off her car.

"Take gentle steps dear." She continued like this till we finally stopped. She removed my blindfolds carefully. I was welcomed by the bright rays of light and the smiles of everyone. By everyone I mean Mimi, Jasmine, Ben, Kyle, Mia, Kyla and Cole. No sign of Jayden. The house was gigantic and I had no idea whose house it was. There were balloons everywhere and a huge banner that said ' HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA. WE LOVE YOU '

This is actually my first surprise ever. I actually never expected it. There were shouts of happy birthday and suddenly the lights went off. And back on again. But it lingered only on a keyboard. Sitted beside the keyboard was Jayden. I gasped. He was actually playing the keyboard. Jasmine and Mimi were close to him as he played. Mimi was with a mic. "Ladies and gentlemen, this song is dedicated to the birthday girl. From us." There was cheering and clapping as Cole and Kyla helped me to a seat. I guess they've settled their issues.

Jayden started playing and Jasmine began to sing.

It was Tatiana Manaois's Like You.

You gotta get up

You gotta get up and make a move

'Cause the world won't ever see you 'til you do

No, they don't really care what you're going through

So, you gotta show 'em, baby

You gotta show 'em the real you

You gotta give 'em what you've got

No, don't let them see what you're not

'Cause you are strong

At this point I was already in tears.

You are wise

You are worth beyond a thousand reasons why

And you can't be perfect, baby

'Cause nobody's perfect, darling

But no, no, no, no, there's nobody in the world

Like you

Mimi collected the mic as she sang the next verse.

What do you do when you can't let go?

What do you say

When you just don't know how you feel?

And you know nobody knows how you feel

'Cause everybody's got their own damn problems

So everybody's tryna find their way

And day-by-day is a struggle

In this world, you know you have to hustle

Just know, that you're not alone

You don't always have to be strong, all by yourself

I said it's okay to ask for help

Now listen

People will find you, but they don't define you

And you will find people, who help redesign you

People will find you, but they don't define you

And you will find people, who help redesign you

You are a work of art

Bet you didn't think you'd come this far

Now, here you are

Baby, you are strong

You are wise

You are worth beyond a thousand reasons why

And you can't be perfect, baby

'Cause nobody's perfect, darling

But no, no, no, no, there's nobody in the world

Like you…..

I ran to them and hugged everyone of them. This is the best birthday of my life and I never wanted anything else. Just here, being with the people I love and those I care about, is everything I ever needed.

I hugged Jayden last and he kissed me in the presence of everyone. I turned and looked at Mimi who was smiling. Why wasn't she mad? I mouthed an "are you okay with it?" And she nodded. I smiled.

The party ended a while later as everyone gave me gifts and presents. Cole directed me to the rest room when I wanted to relieve myself. Turns out, it was his family house. Unlike Jayden, Cole's family are not politicians but his father was wealthy.

After easing myself, I came out and saw Jayden leaning on the door.

"Hey." He said casually with his hands in his pockets.

"I'm still mad at you, you know." I said trying to walk away but he stopped me.

"I thought I appeased you by playing the keyboard. That is a talent I never share with anyone." He replied, pouting.

" Okay, stop pouting. Geez. You look like a five year old." We both laughed and he stared at me.

"You've messed up my life Alyssa. I can't be away from you for long." He told me sternly.

I smiled. "Same here Jayden. I don't know who I am anymore." I said and he smirked.

"Let's go back to meet the others." He held my hand in his as we both went together.

Aside this cancer, I feel I do not have anything else to worry about. I feel fulfilled.