40 - Birthday

When they were traveling to the Philippines, her family had an emergency, they were forced to return to Pittsburgh and go to the Hospital where his mother is confined. It was evening when they arrived. Her face immediately turned sour when she saw Kate talking to Zig. It looks like she came from the photoshoot because of the make-up she wears like ramping on stage.

“How’s Mom?”

"She's okay," Zig replied lazily. “She’ll wake up soon. For now, let Mom rest.”

She felt pity as he watched Mrs. McCluskey is now resting. She remembers her mother. She last called her family, after Zyd's game and they were okay. Tomorrow morning too, she will call again and say hello.

Zyd nodded and suggested that they take her home first. She did not refuse because she was tired too. Zyd also returned to the Hospital immediately after changing his clothes and was told to rest. It's just sad because Muning, Tacu and Lula are gone. She was the only one in that big house.

She immediately dropped her body on the soft bed and did not realize she had fallen asleep because she was tired. She even dreamed that she and Zyd were walking along the lake and kate suddenly appeared in front of them. She pulled her husband away from her and left them both until she woke up.

She was stunned when she saw that it is morning already. A dream visits her, it’s even worse. She stretched out her hand first and decided to go down. She noticed that Zyd was not there yet. Didn’t he home yet? She hurried upstairs and knocked on he’s door. No Zyd. She sluggishly returned to her room and took a shower. Her husband may still be in the hospital, and the thought make her smile. She will visit Mrs. McCluskey and say hello to her.

She first bought a basket of fresh flowers and went to the hospital. Till this day she is still thrilled every time she remembers the happy moments when they are in the Paris. That was the most beautiful event that happened in her whole life, except that Zyd always took her to different dimensions. More of the most of that! She giggled at the mischievous thought.

Mrs. McCluskey was alone when she arrived at it. She rolled her eyes when she didn’t see her husband. Maybe he’s out or he slept on the other house. Lianne shrugged and quickly approach Zyd’s mother. She smiled at her but she was unable to speak because a mechanical ventilator was attached to her mouth. She placed the flower on the side table and sat down next to her.

“How are you Ma’am?” she asked smiling. "I'm praying for your fast recovery." She held out her hand without a vein.

She smiled but immediately looked away from her. It's as if she doesn't know the reason.

"Fuck!"

She was surprised when someone suddenly grabbed the flower and immediately threw it in the trash. Zyd is the one she saw and he hasn’t changed yet. His hair is messy and he is not dressed well. She wanted to ask what happened, but Zyd preceded him.

“The fuck, Elhouette! My Mom is allergic to flowers!” he was angry with her, "Do you want to kill her?!"

She looked at Mrs. McCluskey and bit her lip. The Lady is allergic. But she didn’t know that. She looked down and apologized. "I-I'm sorry ... I didn't know ..."

"Get out, please?" he’s cold response.

She was surprised by what Zyd said. She wanted to speak but the anger she saw in its eyes was different. She felt sorry for Mrs. McCluskey held out her hand. She looked at her and smiled.

“What are you waiting for? I said, get out. Now!” Zyd’s loud shout and angrily pointed at the door.

She bit her lip so hard and forced herself to calm down even though she wanted to answer. She thought, Zyd might be in a bad mood now. She shouldn’t beat the heat of its head. She understands it’s her fault. She brought a flower even though his mommy is allergic to flower. Without hesitation she stood up, saying goodbye to Mrs. McCluskey and no words came out.

She saw Kate leaning against the door and smiling foolishly. She has changed her clothes and looks like she’s going into a ramp again in her strapless dress and cardigan.

"I heard that." She laughed artistically looked at her from head to toe.

She just stared at her and smirked. It seems that the morning will throw a joke. She skipped it. She didn't have time to answer, especially since she could feel it, her whole face was red. She has no right to be hurt by what Zyd did, but why does she feel that way? Why does part of his heart hurt?

"Want to know a little dirty secret, honey?"

Lianne did not listen. Are they close and still have a secret to share?

"Zyd and I slept together last night," she whispered.

Lianne was stunned by what Kate said. She was unable to speak what she said and even more so she was unable to step on her foot. She automatically looked at the woman and raised an eyebrow at her.

“Yes, you heard it right. We. Slept. Together last night. See? I’m wearing his cap.”

It was only then that she noticed that she was wearing his husband’s cap but she was not affected. She just smiled so sweetly and shook her head. “Did your Mom feed you a bottle of idiocy when you were a baby?”

"I'm sorry?" angrily she raised an eyebrow at her. "Watch your mouth, bitch."

She just grinned and approached her. “So, what if you two did? I believe, I’m way better good in bed,” she whispered to her ear.

She saw that Kate was speechless and could not speak immediately. She let out a loud laugh and artistically left the woman. But deep inside, it was as if her heart was choked by what she found out. Whether it's true or not, imagine that they are sleeping together ... It's like a needle has pierced her poor heart. She gently wiped away the tears that began to drip from her eyes. It doesn't hurt at all.

"Yow, Elhouette?"

She quickly wiped away the tears when she met Zig. This one might even annoy him, eh.

“Wait, are you crying?

She turned around and smirked, "No."

He got serious and messed up. Sometimes, the two siblings have the same habit, that is to mess up when they get serious. "You sure?"

“Yes, of course. Why?”

"Because your eyes show what's inside." It pointed to her heart.

Wow, a lot of it knows ah. She ignored it. He just kept going to the elevator. She will just rest at home again.

-
Lianne decided to go to the Coffee Shop that day but it was still closed. So, she decided to visit her favorite spot again; the swing. She sat there quietly and freely gazed at the beautiful plant in the distance. It seemed like only yesterday that Zyd and I were still happy and in a flash his attitude towards her suddenly changed. She smiled bitterly; she hadn't prepared for that. She sighed slowly. She was on the swing for an hour and she didn’t realize she fell asleep while leaning on the rope.

She just woke up when someone caressed her cheek, she sees Henrik and smiled fondly at him. "I'm sorry if I wake you up."

Her cheeks flushed and she sat up and smiled sweetly. "Hey!" she got to greet him.

Henrik just smiled and sat on the other swing. “How’s life? You seem sad? Something bothered you?”

She laughed at Henrik's many questions. Maybe they will ha a question and answer portion now, ah. “I’m okay. What are you doing here?"

"Jogging?"

"In this hot weather?"

"Um, what?"

She laughed. "Nothing," Lianne shook her head quickly. Obviously, every time they meet the young man, always wears jogging pants and his abs are scratched on the wet shirt.

She forgot what happened earlier now that Henrik is here. Henrik was like Mr. sunny when it’s about to rain.

They happily talked about Henrik’s recent vacation in Africa. She laughed out loud at Henrik’s story about the Cape Town, Africa area. She also shares the sweet escapade she and Zyd had in Paris. It was ridiculous as she spoke. She admits it, he really like Henrik but as a friend. More than friends? She doesn’t know.

Henrik even invited her to go out this Sunday if she is free. Lianne frowned; it was not possible. It is her birthday. “I can’t. That’s my birthday ...”

Henrik was surprised by what he heard and smile broadly. “Then I invite myself.” He laughed. “We’re friends and I want to see you blow your candle and make a wish.”

She laughed in return. He is also funny sometimes, eh. “Yeah, yeah! Whatever.” She jokingly stared at it and Henrik just laughed.

He even offered to take her on the next spot but she ignored what Henrik’s offer. Henrik also said goodbye immediately and continued jogging. They also talked for almost two hours as if they have not seen each other for a long time. They just ignored the others taking pictures of them. They didn’t do anything wrong and she doesn’t care.

She went to the coffee shop and ate lunch with Hera and Trixie. It was late when she got home because the three of them had their long talks because obviously there were no customers. He found Zyd in the living room and sat on the sofa without emotion. He was looking at her.

She was hesitant to greet him, but it is better to not greet, he still mad and she don’t want him to shout. She just kept going up to the stairs and she didn’t hear her name. Lianne bit her lip so hard. Is this the start? What’s that? It’s just liked a trial showing her when they are in Paris? She didn’t believe what Kate said, but seemed to believe now.

Tired, she dropped her body on the bed, she would go to bed early after she called her family in the Philippines. She was not surprised when Sheena sent her many messages. Netizens threw pictures of her and Henrik happily talking on the swing and saying bad comments. She ignored it all, it’s not all true. That night she even dreamed of Zyd entering her room and gently stroking her cheek. Zyd kissed her on the forehead and apologized.



Days had passed. He barely saw Zyd anymore. The formerly happy house with the man, seems to have suddenly changed. Only with her was Muning and the two dogs who seem to feel her loneliness. Two days left and it’s her birthday. She didn’t think of a fancy party, and she will go to her aunt’s house to celebrate her birthday. She also invited Hera and Trixie and also Henrik. Zyd just didn’t.

"Zyd!" she happily opened up to his husband when he came in. She noticed that he didn't shave and his hair was also messy. The half captured his handsomeness again but anyway, his husband is still handsome. “My birthday—”

“I’m tired, wife. Please, not now.”

“But you just arrived, ah. Tired right away? Where? On me or on us?” she asked jokingly. She did not let Zyyd feel she was offended on Zyd avoiding her. Bullsh*t heart.

“Look, Elhouette. I’m serious, I’m really tired.” He didn't bother to face her; he just went upstairs and went to his room upstairs.

“My birthday is coming….” She said in a whisper as her gaze followed to the man. She smiled bitterly. May had changed. She slowly calmed herself, she was hurt in assuming too much.