Chapter 73

The spotlight was on Mrs. Cliford and as she spoke into the microphone, I could see how powerful a person she was. She isn't feisty, but she isn't cheery either. I'm not sure what type of expression she has, but it's clear from her behaviors that she's a wealthy and intelligent woman. She's also stunning, just like Aly's mother, and I wouldn't guess they'd already had a child if I didn't know them. Their skin was pristine, and they were in the superb physique. They can even get into modeling because it won't be noticeable that they already have a child, and their children will look exactly like their siblings.
Mrs. Cliford called her son and he immediately went up to the stage. Ivan was wearing a tuxedo that and his look was further enhanced because of the simple make-up done on him. He was smiling from ear to ear as he took the microphone from his mom. He looked at the people he had invited and gave a short speech about his gratitude that he had reached the age of 18.
After his brief speech, he returned the microphone to his mother, and as he now stands next to his parents, it is noticeable that he scans each table, as if looking for something, until his gaze lands on our table. He waved a little and smiled, then I smiled back. As his Dad was holding the microphone, he instantly averted his gaze from me when his Dad spoke. He fixed his gaze on his father, who was delivering a message to him. His father was extremely touched as he delivered his message, and I could see he is grateful to have Ivan in his life.
I felt a pain in my throat as the message took me to the edge of dripping my tears. I felt touch even though the message wasn't for me, thus I just averted my eyes from the stage. I bit my lower lip and look up to hold my tears not to drop. I don't want my friends to see that I'm in this situation because I'll just embarrass myself and I don't want them to think I'm too overreacting and emotional even though I'm not in Ivan's position.
I was disgusted with myself because I was affected. I won't be able to receive such a message from my father because I won't be able to receive even his response to my messages. Perhaps this is why I feel this way because I aspire to have a father like Ivan's dad. If I told that my Dad's financial assistance was enough for me to sense his love and care for me, I'd be lying.
I closed my eyes and glanced about to check if anyone was looking in my direction; if no one was, I just wiped a few tears from my eyes. When Ivan's father's message concluded, I wasn't the only one who was affected. Even Ivan cried and he hugged his Dad while laughing at his emotionality.
The microphone went to Mrs. Clifford again and she stated that the guests could enjoy the entire party. Some waiters toured the entire area and they had placed food and wine that was unfamiliar to me. Raf, Teren, and Carew stayed at the table and we ate together until our attention shifted to the newcomer.
It was Ivan who was standing beside me while his hands were inside of his pants pocket. "Can I join you?" he asked smiling and his friend just smirked at him as a response. Aly stood up and she moved her chair; he placed it near Raf's seat to place a chair for Ivan. He left his stand again to take an extra chair and when he got back, he placed it between Aly and me.
His friends greeted him with a "happy birthday, bro." They dispersed their gifts in similar-sized paper bags. It isn't particularly large, but neither is a small paper bag.
"H-happy birthday, Ivan," Aly greeted and she handed her gift using both of her hands as she bowed her head.
"Thank you all," he responded while he took the gift from Aly, and the smile on his lips never faded. His gaze shifted to me perhaps he was waiting for me to greet him as well and give the gift. He place his elbow on the table and his hand supported his head which was slightly tilted because he was looking at me.
As he stared at me, I caught sight of our friends. They all looked at me while there was a sweet smile on their lips except Raf. I looked back at him again and smiled at him before I greeted him.
"Happy birthday," I greeted. His smile widened as he nodded his head.
"Thank you very much," he responded. He stared at me for a few more seconds before asking. "Where's my gift?" he asked.
I gulp before I respond, "Can I give it later?" I asked. I like to give my gift when we"re just the two of us together.
"Sure," he responded before making his seat straight. "I'm leaving first because I'm just going to Mom and Dad. I will come back here later," he stated and we all nodded. He looked at me again and I nodded to him before he left our table I breathed a sigh of relief when he no longer invited me to come with him to introduce me to his parents.
All of the visitors were done eating and the ambient light was replaced. The surroundings became dim so El approached me immediately. "What happened?" she asked. I can't answer her because I'm also one of those people who doesn't know the current situation.
"It's time to dance, ladies," Teren responded and at the same time, the gentle music played. Some went in the middle while they had their respective partners and they danced like Teren said who is now no longer at our table. I didn"t know where he went and I was surprised to see him on the dance floor with a sexy woman. Carew also stood up and stretched his body before leaving our table to find someone he could dance to while Raf remained seated and didn"t care about the surroundings.
I look at Aly after she cleared her throat. "El, where's the comfort room here?" she asked.
I blink my eyes twice before I respond to her. "I don't know either, El." She bit his lower lip as she heard my response and we were both surprised when Raf spoke.
"As far as I know, they don"t have a comfort room outside. Their comfort room is inside," he stated before he stood up. "I can go with you," he suggested which makes me gulp. I immediately looked at Aly and she seemed to get what I wanted to convey that I didn't want to go inside because Ivan's parents might be there.
"It"s okay, El. Just the two of us going there. Just wait for us here," she whispered. I nodded at her in response and then she approached Raf's place. I know that she was comfortable with him because they became close because of their similarities with the books they read. Maybe Raf is the second close friend of Aly and I also trust Raf because he is different from Teren and Carew who are crazy about women. I"m not shipping them as a couple; I just have no worries even if they are together.
They both went, leaving me alone at our table. I saw the couples dancing and wondered aloud when I will have the opportunity to dance in the middle of the dance floor amid soothing music. I'm not in the craving for it, but I'd like to share it with someone precious to me, someone who makes my heart flutter and truly makes me happy, but that doesn't appear to be the case when I noticed Ivan approaching me with a smile on his face.