Choices (Dear Jann Series 2)

Chapter 2: Repercussions

“We only live once. Live it to the fullest.”

The long-awaited birthday celebration of Nia finally arrived. And just like the previous days, we were all excited for the rare event. Our peer prepared for the said celebration and we all went to the venue at the same time. The venue was at their church ground.

The lively music was already in the air when we arrived. There were many guests of whom some, we don’t even know. They were likely some relatives, family friends and church members. The sky was overcast with brilliant stars which added a great ambiance of the place. They had dazzling lights everywhere making the venue shine brightly. The mini stage was furnished with a white backdrop and flowers on the corners. In the middle of the backdrop were letters saying, “Nia’s 18th Birthday.”

Anne, Nia's younger sister, saw and approached us as soon as we arrived. She knows us so well and guided us to the table that was reserved exclusively for our peers. We felt so special and we are thankful that Nia really reserved a table just for the whole gang. We took our seats and enjoyed the music while waiting for the party to start.

While waiting, Ruby and Theresa approached me from the other side of the table. They were both grinning at me. Somehow, it made me think that they were planning something silly. I shook my head and gave them a reprimanding look. I didn’t want any trouble on the special day of Nia.

“Stop looking like idiots.” I told them and they both laughed.

“We want you to meet someone later. I think you will like him.” Ruby said and giggled.

“Him?” Jessa questioned them. They both looked at her and started giggling again.

“Yes, him. Jann is single now anyways.” Theresa answered while still giggling.

“Excuse me, I am still here. Don’t talk about me on my face.” I said and they all laughed.

Ruby and Theresa weren't able to say more about their plan because the party started. They both returned to their seats and we all watched as the event unfolds in front of us.

The master of the ceremony made the necessary introduction and called for the birthday celebrant in front where the mini stage was. The music started and there she was, walking down the stairs with her gown. She looked so beautiful with her pinkish floral long gown and make up on. We haven’t seen her dressed up like that. More so, we never dressed up in gowns so it was really a good sight.

She sat on the seat and waved at our table. She was teary when she saw us all complete on the table. She had been begging us to be at her party. We are very happy for her as we are watching her enjoying the once in a lifetime event.

“May we welcome the 18 treasures. We ask all the bearers to come forward and give the treasure and say your message to our celebrant.” the master of ceremony said smiling.

We suddenly felt a surge of panic. We weren't ready. We never thought that would be giving messages to her and in front of everybody. Let’s just say that we all have stage fright. Everyone started asking what they would say. I, myself, was having a hard time coming up with my speech. I felt like we were having a graded recitation. I tried to laugh it out and just settled with a short message.

“Nia, happy birthday. We’ve known each other for a long time and we have been into some crazy adventures together. I just wanted you to know that I enjoyed everything and I love your company so much. I am very happy for you because you are finally a lady. Hoot! Hoot!” I said and faced our peers on the table who cheered with me.

“I wish you all the best and more blessings to come. I wish I could meet him soon.” I ended and winked at her.

I went to her and gave the treasure and she happily accepted it. I hugged her and she whispered to me.

“I will really kill you after this!” she said smiling and I just laughed.

Everyone was laughing when I went back to our table. I know for sure they knew what I was talking about. I just saw the implication of my message when I was seated. My sight was caught by the stern look on Nia's father. I could see he was not happy at all. His gaze was sending chills all over my spine. It made me regret what I said. I should have been more sensitive with my message. I know Nia’s father didn’t agree with our friendship since that night.

***Flashback***

Nia and I were the closest with each other among the rest of the group. Sometimes, we have secrets that only the two of us knew of. Meaning, we didn't disclose it to the other members of our group. We were just in first year high school when Nia had her first boyfriend, Randy. She doesn’t want her parents and other people to know about their relationship so she made me swear to keep it a secret.

Since their relationship was a secret, they also met in secret. Most of the time, I was with them. I didn't mind it because I was eyeing on Randy's friend, Joel. Whenever they were together, I was with Joel too. So it wasn't really a bother. If someone inquires about them, I try to cover up for both of them.

I just finished freshening up and was ready to go to bed when I heard someone knocking on the door. I hesitated to open since it was already late. Then I heard Nia's voice from behind the door.

"Dad, please. I think Jann is already sleeping. Let's just go home." she said pleading.

"Knock again and do it harder so she can hear it. We will not go home until I speak with her." answered her dad furiously.

I knew there was something wrong just by the sound of Nia's voice. I was sure she was crying, more on sobbing. She could barely say the words clearly. I heard her knock again so I slowly opened the door. I was right, Nia was crying and her dad was looking at me, angry.

"Hey Nia. Good evening, sir." I greeted them politely.

"I need to speak with you. Now." demanded her dad.

I looked at Nia but she bowed her head in defeat. I took a deep breath and let them in. Once inside, I let them sit on the couch. They did and waited for me to sit. I sat on the smaller couch across them. The tension between the three of us was scary. I felt like her dad was going to shout at me any moment. Nia was no help. She could not even look at me for comfort. My heart was racing and I was starting to get scared.

"I want to know where you were last Friday. I know you were with Nia and I wanted to know where the two of you went." her dad started.

Blood was drained from my face. I never expected that we would be caught with our little crazy adventure. I looked at Nia but she was crying and her head was down. I was terrible at lying but I lied anyways.

"Well… it was… it was Jessa's birthday and we both went to their house." I lied.

I saw Nia looking up at me. I thought it would make us safe but all I saw on her face was fear. She bowed her head and cried some more. Her father shook her head and took a deep breath before talking.

"This is what I am saying. Both of you are lying. Nia said it was your birthday, and now, you are telling me that it was Jessa's. If we all go to Jessa and ask, I am sure she will give me another name. I did not raise you to be a liar!" he shouted at Nia.

I was so surprised too with his voice. Nia and I were in deep trouble. I was feeling terrible because I lied and the lie did not even save us. It was frustrating.

"I don't know what you two did but I want to make it clear to both of you, I want you guys to end this friendship. You are both bad influences to each other. Does your mom even know what you are doing?" he was addressing it to me. I shook my head.

"Jann, I know your mom so well. We are good friends but I will not tolerate this kind of attitude from both of you. You better stop or else I will let your mom know all about it." he said and pulled Nia out of the door.

I was left alone, crying. Fear was suddenly overtaking me. I didn't want my parents to know about my foolishness. I was actually scared of the idea that Nia's father will be speaking with my mom about it. I was certain my mom would scold me really hard. I slept that night feeling scared to face my mom the next day.

The following day, Nia was absent. The other members of the group were clueless as to where she was. I mentioned to them what happened that night and everyone was sick and worried about her. I even thought that they blamed me for not covering up good for her.

"Nia. Can we talk?" I asked her the day she attended the school again.

"Jann, I am in a rush. I need to do something else." she answered.

"Don't you dare lie to my face, Nia. Are you blaming me for what happened to you? Angry that I didn't cover you up so well with what you've done?" I asked annoyingly.

She looked at me and I saw her eyes watered. She looked pained with what I asked. I wanted to know her thoughts and I would not stop until I knew it.

"Jann, I am sorry. I am not angry at you and will never blame you for what happened. I was just embarrassed with what my dad did. I never imagined that he would do that. I am really sorry." she said.

"What did your dad say?" I asked curiously.

"He wanted me to avoid you. I swear Jann, I could never do that. You are a very good person and I love you so much. But, I think we both should lay low for now." she explained.

"What do you mean?"

"I am breaking up with Randy."

"What?! Are you serious?" I was surprised.

"Yes, Jann. I am sure of it." she said melancholy and left.

I didn't know what to say so I just let her do what she thought was right. I felt bad but all I could do was to understand her. I was really hurt with the way she was treating me but I sucked it up. It was up to her.

Since then, I have almost never been welcomed in their house. Even her siblings looked at me like I was bad news. I know for sure that they blamed me for what happened to their sister that day. I tried to avoid her father too. Whenever we went to their house, I made sure that her father was not home and didn't go there if he was home. He didn’t mention anything to my mom which I am very grateful for. I was simply clueless on how to explain to my mom if ever she learned anything about it.

Starting that day too, there was an unbreakable wall between Nia and me. The wall became a reminder for both of us of the repercussion of our actions. The wall started from a wooden wall until it became bigger and wider until we both drifted away. We still hang out but we are always with the rest of the group. Everything changed. I was still happy that we are still good friends even if we were not the same close buddies like before.