Chapter Forty-seven
I stared at my reflection in the mirror and a wide smile appeared on my face. Satisfied that I looked perfectly okay, I left the house. It's funny that I'm actually dressing up to go see Rio. Today's his birthday and I just want to give him a surprise. I'm sure he doesn't know that I've been discharged yet so I'm to be his surprise.
Much before he had stopped visiting, Rio and I had settled our issues. We're cool friends now or so I guess. I just wonder why he never showed up again. I was a little bit worried but I pushed it aside as always. During my stay at the hospital, he literally did everything to remind me that he still loved me so he can't possibly just stop now. I fancied his little attempts to make me blush with his flirty lines, they made me smile. Sadly, Styles is still in the picture. Whenever I think of him - which is quite often- I get drawn into moments of depression but it's never been for a while. Rio as a darling that he is was always there to drag me out of it and I'm grateful for that. Kyra has been the best friend I've always known and my friends are just amazing. Everything is perfect, will be perfect rather. Just gotta find out what it is with Rio. I think I'm falling for him.
Back to reality, I stopped a cab and headed over to Rio's house where the party was been held. Kyra was meant to arrive later with Kyle. The ride wasn't long and soon I was at Rio's building. The place was beautiful, there were a few decorations and I could hear light music from inside. As I stepped inside, the amazing aroma of freshly baked cake hit me and I felt my stomach flip. It smelt yummy!
Everyone seemed to be busy with something, either a discussion or their ones or just drinks. The birthday boy was not too far away. And gosh! He was looking devastatingly handsome that my throat ran dry. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt with the first two buttons open revealing his finely chiseled chest that made me blush for no reason and black wash jeans with white strip lines. He looked so formal and casual and that undoubtedly attracted me. He had seen me and was walking towards me, a drink in his hand and a very surprised look on his face.
" Is someone surprised to see me?" I asked with a smile as he reached me.
" Gosh! Anny, when were you discharged?" he asked still surprised.
" Um...let's see! Two days ago, I guess"
" How come I didn't know?"
" Someone hadn't cared to visit or call"
" I'm really sorry Anny. I actually lost my sim, that's why I couldn't call. And mum got me tied up with this birthday celebration, I couldn't find time to come out of it though I really wanted to see you"Rio apologized.
" Nah! Don't apologize " I said waving it off.I felt really relieved, at least nothing was wrong. He was just busy. All the stupid thoughts I had come up with in my head, none of it were true.
Rio hugged me with a heart warming smile.
" Look at you! Back to your feet and looking so stunning " He said after the hug. I smiled, a blush creeping into my cheeks.
" You look beautiful Anny" he added and I smiled more. I was on a strapless red dress and a deep blue jean jacket. My hairdo was a simple ponytail that fell to one side. My makeup was simple too and I know I was beautiful just as Rio said.
" Thanks. You look amazing too " I said.
" Yeah, as usual "Rio said and we laughed.
" Lest I forget" I said as I took out a medium sized box wrapped presentably from my hand bag.
" Happy birthday Rio"
He smiled sweetly as he took the box from my hands.
" Thanks a lot Anny. Can I open it?"
I shrugged and he went on tearing the wrap till he opened it up.
" Awwwn! I can't believe you took the stress to get me this. This is amazing" Rio said. It was a golden wristwatch, had cost me a fortune but it was worth it if Rio liked it.
" Thanks Anny" Rio said as he hugged me again. I replied with a smile.
" So come on, let me show you to my parents" He said as he took my hand in his.
" Whoa! Easy dude! Why are you showing me to your parents?"I said holding him back.
" You scared already?"
" I'm not scared,I just don't see reason "
" You're my friend, okay?"
" Just friends, right? No tags?" I said and Rio nodded. I didn't want him introducing me as anything more than friends, just Incase nothing works out between us. I know it isn't normal to just introduce a girl friend to your parents when there's nothing going on but it's Rio's birthday. I can't afford to hurt him today so I agreed.
" Though I so hope for the day we'll go beyond the title of friends " Rio said " I'm willing to wait no matter how long it takes so I can call you mine "he added. It was the same line he had used at the hospital that day. I found myself smiling.
" Hopefully you won't wait long" I said and for the first time, I saw hope light up in his eyes. He smiled delightfully and held my hand tighter. That little action of his lit my heart up in a way I couldn't understand. Am I falling already?