UNEXPECTED ANNOUNCEMENT

The reason why I made an effort to cook tonight was to celebrate my 26th birthday here in my new shelter before the day ends. I just feel like cooking something for everyone, which has been a long time since I last did for anybody. 

Earlier today, I went to our home to visit my mother. I wanted to at least treat her to a fancy restaurant, due to my special occasion, but after what had happened to our family and her loss of appetite for going out, I just decided to order a takeout and had a simple celebration with her at home. I would have stayed there for a night, if she didn't push me out and told me to spend my birthday with Gabriel.

What I intended to prepare, before Gabriel's sudden interruption of my plans for the night, was one of my father's favorite pasta dishes. Dad had always been my biggest fan when it comes to cooking and was also my biggest critic as well. When it comes to my culinary knowledge (which was not much) and with arts (which was also not much), my father has always been very supportive of me. My mother was also a fan, but dad was at the top of the list. It was supposed to be a commemoration of him in my own simple way, but due to an untimely turn of events, my plans for the evening got ruined. 

I thought Gabriel knew that today was my birthday, but what would I expect? He knew nothing about me, and I just confirmed it when I heard him ask why I was cooking earlier. So part of not exposing my personal details to him, which might just backfire on me knowing how argumentative he is, I just said what was highly appropriate as an answer. I made an excuse that I was cooking to make amends to him for what I have done at the third level the other day. But unexpected things do happen and now, I am at Levine's mansion where I actually didn't expect to be at the least. 

The first thing I noticed the minute I set foot at Levine's mansion was its grandiose exterior. Anyone seeing it for the first time would be awestruck. The entire exterior, from the meticulously manicured gardens to the intricate architectural structure of towering columns and numerous wide windows to the imposing entryway, all are in regal symmetry. This opulent mansion defines an exclusive lifestyle that is way beyond what most can afford. It screams luxury at its finest and symbolizes extreme wealth. 

No wonder the Levines are famous and are at the top of their craft. This mansion alone speaks for itself. And people below their level will definitely be intimidated to come here. Good thing tonight, I was invited by the master of the house himself. If not, I wouldn't be able to set ground to this kind of surrounding, well maybe only in my dreams. 

If I was mesmerized by the exterior facade of this mansion, I am lost in words the moment I entered. The interior was ten times more grand and luxurious than the exterior. I was greeted with expensively boasting marbled floors, elegant chandeliers and ornate furnishings that you could only see in a world class lifestyle magazine. The expansive area is adorned with an abundance of luxury and state-of-the art materials, from gold and marble to intricate stone carvings and statues I have never seen before. But what really caught my eyes are its sweeping staircases, which I only saw in classic movies I've watched before. Everything in here screams splendor and exudes an air of sophistication. 

"Have I sit, my dear, while we wait for your husband's return. Sit beside me. I'd like to know more about you" Gabriel's aunt continued while she held my hand and led me further inside the living room. 

Although this was my first time meeting her and her family, the feeling of being warmly welcomed overpowered me. I normally didn't get this much attention, except from my parents, so this was all new to me. Their warm approach, especially Aunt Felicity, made me feel like I'm at home. I could vividly identify her genuineness towards me. Although she may look like a filthy rich villain in a classic soap opera, her affectionate and earnest gestures creates a homely feeling for me to like her immediately. 

"Are we set for dinner? I think we should all be settling down in the dining room, since we are waiting for no one anymore" Gabriel's father confided to one of the servants. 

"The dining room is set, Sir, and so are the servers." 

"Alright. Everyone! Let's all head to the dining room so everyone can eat first" He added before leading the way. 

Gabriel still hasn't returned, but his father assured everyone that he would join us in a while. Aunt Felicity never leaves my side as we walk along with the rest. She continues to ask me personal things that I wholeheartedly answered without the feeling of being pried at. I adored her sweetness and enthusiasm, making her appear to be an old friend to me, which I didn't mind at all. 

She asked me to sit next to her as she sat beside her husband. We left a space empty, which was next to me, for Gabriel to settle in when he arrives. The servers started bringing the dishes that almost overflowed from the long table the moment they finished serving. Gabriel just settled in when his aunt said something that captured everyone's attention and shocked mine. 

"I always knew my nephew to be so secretive, but I didn't expect that even with us, your family, you would dare not to share how special this day is. That's so selfish of you, Gabriel" She loudly yet cheerfully announced while looking straight to Gabriel, which made everyone look her way with query stares. 

"What? What's with today, Felicity?" Mr. Levine probed with curiosity as he looked from his sister to his son. 

"Ask you son, Ferdinand." 

"Gabriel? Anything I should know about?" Mr. Levine gazed at him with question marks written all over his slightly wrinkled face. 

"I don't know, Dad. I don't have any clue on what Aunt Felicity was talking about." 

"Still the pretentious and reserved boy I always knew. Alright then! Since Gabriel would not tell, I will be the one to disclose the couple's secret for everyone to know" My forehead slightly creased at what his aunt was pointing out. "Today is a very special day, not just for everyone that is present here tonight, but most especially for Angelou. Today is Angelou's 26th birthday! Happy birthday, my dear! Thank you for celebrating it with us!" 

My mouth literally fell at her unexpected announcement. I wasn't aware that she would reveal to everyone what I told her earlier when she asked when my birthday was. I almost hid under the table out of embarrassment if she just wasn't holding my arm. All eyes landed on me. I was put in the spotlight where I slightly felt uneasy. 

"Happy birthday, Angelou!" 

Almost everybody greeted me in unison. Gabriel's father even gave me a tight hug and promised me that he'll send me his late gift, same goes with Aunt Felicity and her husband. Gabriel, on the other hand, gazed at me like he had seen a ghost or got bitten by a deadly snake. The look on his face was a combination of surprise and nonbelief. He wasn't even blinking and I couldn't read what's going on inside his head. 

"Don't just stare at her as if you really didn't know it's her birthday, Gabriel! What kind of a husband are you if you don't remember your beloved wife's special day? It's one of those occasions that the husband shouldn't be forgetting" His aunt slightly mocked him and eyed him incredulously, which made him do what I never anticipated he would ever do. 

With a blink of an eye, as he stared straight at me, leaning forward and closing our gap. It was my turn to get stunned as his face moved closer, so close that our nose almost touched, making me inhale his expensively intoxicating and manly perfume. Without a word, he delved his lips on mine. This kiss was different from his past unannounced kisses, this one is more gentle and full of warmth, which made my mind stop circulating and my body froze. He let it linger for a while, taking his time. 

I don't know how to react as my mind continues to wander in circles, unable to interpret what I just heard. While my mind was trapped in a labyrinth, my heart was radically thumping and I felt something inside my stomach that I couldn't identify what it was. 

If what he did caught me off guard and immobilized, the words that came out of his mouth afterwards, almost made me fall from my seat. 

"Happy 26th birthday, Sweetheart. I love you so much, Angelou."