HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE: HAPPINESS? 4

"I found it surprising that you did not contradict anything my mother had said. I was expecting you to argue," David put Christine in his arms as they gazed at the beauty of the garden.

It was the blooming season, so even if it was dark, the flowering can still be recognized. Besides, the garden is filled with extraordinary lighting . It looked like they were in a park. Even the stars in the sky were quite more in number compared to the previous evenings. It was very romantic indeed!

Christine leaned on David's shoulder, "What could I do? She saw the reality behind my mask."

"And I failed to see that?" David asked.

Christine laughed, "Not really. You just saw the other part."

He chuckled and then remembered, "Anyways, about Joe's birthday party…"

"Everything is set for Thursday," Christine informed him.

David kissed her forehead, "Thank you for everything Christine. This really means a lot to me."

She nodded, "I do hope this will make her forgive you."

He smiled, "She has a very kind heart. She will. But the question is will you?"

Christine's forehead wrinkled. "Huh?" She sat up straight and looked at him.

David smirked. "Will you forgive me if I steal something from you?"

"Huh?" Christine became even more confused.

David bridged the gap between their lips. She was surprised at first but responded after a moment.

Joe quickly stopped and hid behind the wall after witnessing David and Christine kiss. Her heart began to race and she could feel her knees weakening. She knows about the relationship. She knows about it too well. But tonight, the relationship became the truth to her.

A tear fell from her eye. The reality hurts. 'He does not need me anymore.'

She closed her eyes and took deep breaths. Then, she braced herself well and walked away from the garden back to the mansion before anyone could see her.

Not too far away, looking outside his window, Kenji witnessed everything. He sighed and shook his head. 'If I was your choice, you would never get hurt.'

The couple's kiss ended. "So am I forgiven?"

"I love you David Ji, though you are quite corny sometimes," Christine replied and giggled.

David planted a kiss on Christine's forehead. Together, they stayed in each other's arms listening to the evening nature's music unaware of the emotions they had stirred to those who witnessed them.

*****

Joe found herself walking straight to Madame Lila's bedchamber. She knocked first. "Who is it?" she heard the Madame asked.

"Joe...I mean Josephine," she answered.

"Come in," Madame Lila replied

Joe opened the door and came in. Then, she slowly closed the door behind her and walked closer to the Madame who was reading a book.

"What is it?" Madame Lila asked and took off her reading glasses.

"I am amenable to accept your offer. I will go to Francua," she told her

Madame Lila smiled and nodded, "I am really glad that you had reconsidered. When do you wish to leave?"

"The day after tomorrow," Joe responded

Madame scrunched her forehead, "So soon?"

Joe nodded, "You did say as soon as possible. The day after tomorrow is the soonest possible time."

"I know… but it is your birthday. I was planning to have a celebration," Madame replied

Joe gave her a faint smile, "You said that the class is for a year. I do not wish to celebrate this year. Next year, when I am ready to face the society as a Chen, then I'll have that birthday celebration. That day, you will be proud of me and I will be proud of myself."

Madame Lila beamed. Her eyes filled with pride, "Spoken like a true Chen. I could see your mother in you."

Joe stood up straight. "I am after all Josephine Eliza Chen. A true Chen and the only heiress of the Chen family."

Madame Lila nodded, "Very well then, I will arrange your flight for that day. David will be excited, I will tell him."

Joe quickly disagreed. "I will tell him myself," she replied and excused herself.

She closed the door behind her and sighed deeply. This time, her feet led her to Kenji's room. She knocked three times before the door was opened. "Hey," she said and smiled.

"Are you okay?" Kenji asked her with eyes full of concern.

She nodded and asked, "Can I come in?"

Kenji opened the door wider, "Sure."

Joe sat on Kenji's keyboard chair while Kenji took his place by the study desk not too far from her. They were quiet for a while. Kenji watched as Joe swiped the keys of the keyboard and created music.

"You know when I was a little girl, I really, really wanted to learn how to play the piano. But then I became David's best friend so I did not have time to do it. I'd rather play basketball with him and my father was so proud of me," she began and smiled at Kenji. "Then, that tragedy happened." Kenji chose to listen as Joe continued, "I'm leaving for Francua on Thursday," she said.

Kenji scrunched his forehead as a response, "Why?"

She took a deep breath before answering, "The Madame enrolled me for a year at a Woman's University to continue my Interior Designs. I have beauty and etiquette classes too.. To refine my behavior and manners."

"You must hate it. I'm sorry I could not do anything," Kenji told her.

Joe chuckled and smiled at Kenji. "At first I did not like the idea. But then, I realized it is time for me to focus on myself. I guess I deprived myself too much. So… for once, just this time, I want to think for myself. Will that be too selfish of me?"

Kenji gently shook his head, "You need to be vain once in a while…"

They both chuckled even if the ambience was FAREWELL.

"When are you going to tell David?"

She shook her head, "I won't."

"Are you still angry with him? Don't you think he deserves to know?" Kenji asked again.

She shook her head again, "It's not about that. I couldn't be angry with him for long."

"Then, why?" he inquired.

She looked down. "I might not have the strength to leave when he asks me to stay. I love him that much," she said and tears fell down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away and looked at Kenji, "Promise me, you will not tell him."

Kenji gave her a small smile, "I promise. It's not my secret to tell."

She smiled, "Thanks for everything Ken."

Kenji stood up, "Need a hug?"

She looked away and sighed once more, "Not this time… I have to be strong."