The Alpha's Tribrid

Chapter 3

“JOHNSON Rigor…” Oz muttered.

Unlike me, Oz was a senior. He study at Virginia College, next to Hillwood. I was not so sure if he knew Johnson, but I told him anyway. But not just him, but to Martin, Cambria, and my grandmother as well. They were the ones I live with in this house since I was a kid, so it short of became a hobby to tell them everything like they were my diary.

Martin and Cambria’s parents were abroad. They were siblings. Oz parents, however, were dead long before. We were here for as long as I could remember. As for my parents… I didn’y know. I have asked my grandma a lot of times before but her response was always vague. I was forced to think they were dead and that she probably just didn’t want to say it because she was protecting my feelings. I was curious. But as I age, I began to lose interest in knowing if they were still alive.

I wasn’t sure if it was because no one was willing to answer me, or I just simply grew tired asking, but I eventually felt as if I didn’t need to know more. Just like that, I got used living without them, and I found a way to be contented.

My grandmother was the one taking care of us. Martin and Cambria’s parents were sending money. My grandma had a work before but she stopped when she started feeling pain on her joints. It was when Oz applied for a job to help our grandma with the bills and all. After a few years, as we all reached the age when we were capable to earn, we managed to get ourselves a job. And now, we were now living a stable life, and I could say that it was much better than before because at least, my grandma wouldn’t have to think about how she’d make the ends meet.

Going back, I went home at about, six. I saw all of them in the living room playing cards. My grandmother, Historia, was cooking at the kitchen. I figured I should tell them about what happened, since we were complete. To talk further about my birthday celebration and to ask permission, too.

I just felt a little scared of how Oz would react, because among my cousins, he was the most strict. He didn’t like anybody. I’ve never met someone as unsociable and unapproachable as him.

“The captain.” He raised a brow. “You sure it isn’t a joke?”

He knew him.

“Beatrix doesn’t believe him, she wanted to invite him on my birthday to see if it’s real.”

“Invite him? What, is it her birthday?” He threw me a scornful look.

“Oz.”

He inhaled.

“Fine. Let him come. I’ll get to know him,” he said, now with his serious tone.

“Get your act right, Oz.” It was Cambria. “This will be the first.”

Martin chuckled. “We can’t be nice in front of him, ‘Bria. Not until he’s approved.”

“This is why she rarely gets a suitor.”

“Can’t just let anybody lay their hands on this nitwit.” It was Oz before he stood up. “Tell him he’s invited. But no friends included.”

That was good enough.

At least, Beatrix wouldn’t have to give me an earful saying I let passed the opportunity to determine Johnson’s intention and genuinity.

But I had to say, that it was different from what I was expecting. I thought he would get mad at me. Oz had a cold shoulder for these things. He was naturally cold, and stiff. He couldn’t even say hi to my friends. Let alone smile at Beatrix to at least make her feel like she was welcomed.

I can’t wait for a time when he’ll be head over heels for a girl. Only I hope that when it happens, it will be with a girl who can change him.

“Would that be okay, Grandma?” I asked, loking over my shoulder.

“Of course, darling.”

I smiled at her. “There’s also one thing I need to ask permission for.”

“You invited another friend?”

I shook my head. “Beatrix suggested that we should... prepare drinks.”

She gave me a srutinizing look. “Drinks?”

I looked down. “But it’s okay if we can’t. I just asked––“

“No. I’m actually waiting for that. Your Aunt Matilde sent you money for you birthday. She wanted us to celebrate. Is there anything else you’d like?”

“Really?” My face brightened up.

“We can invite our neighboors. I’ll prepare a lot. Oz also gave me a sum. He wants a cater.”

“A cater?” My brows furrowed. “Why…”

“You can thank him, he’s just on his room.” My grandmother held my hand and caressed it. “This is your eighteenth birthday. Don’t hold back and tell me if you need anything else.”

My eyes went to my cousin, Cambria. She just smiled at me, so did Martin. I was speechless. I couldn’t believe they prepared a budget for my birthday. I bit my lower lip and thought about telling the news to Bea and Andy.

When we finished eating, Cambria and I washed the dishes. It was still early so I asked them to play cards with me. After four plays or five, we stopped to watch a movie. It was ony the three of us since Oz was in his room.

Speaking of, I felt deeply thankful to Oz. I mean, I was used celebrating my birthday with just us, and my friends. I was used in a simple and small celebration, so having to know I’d have my debut pretty different from what I was experiencing every year was just new to me. Knowing Oz was the one with the idea moved me.

I know he wasn’t the nicest. But he made me really happy.

That night, I thanked my Aunt Matilde. Oz, too. Who I think was too awkward to even say “you’re welcome” to me. Before I go to sleep, I told the two about the news that there’ll be a cater. Beatrix was happy the most about it, definitely because it was what she wanted. She was delightful about the drinks, too. We planned to go before my shift at my work tomorrow to buy drinks. Some clothes, too. Beatrix insisted we all should buy one.

My work schedule was Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but since my birthday will be held on Friday, I told my boss I’d take shift at Thursday. The next morning, I took my two subject. I waited for Andy, and Beatrix, and went to botique store. It was Beatrix’s treat. The next stop was on a liquor store. I went to my workplace at two pm and it ended at nine.

When I arrived home, there already were men placing chairs and tables in front of the house. Some were even placing entrance pathway. There were tables’ cloth. I guess it was the cater Oz paid for. It was beautiful that I couldn’t help but watch them, imagining what it would be like tomorrow, on the window. The curtains and color used are green and white. It matched the dress I bought this afternoon.

I spent the night thinking about tomorrow. Beatrix was still online then so I asked her about Johnson. She told me she have informed him and he said yes. It was more reason for me to feel thrilled.

And so, the next morning, I woke up early.

The sky was still dim, then. When I looked outside the window, the chairs and tables were done. So were the red carpet in the middle and the tents in front. I quickly washed my face and get my towel. Oz was drinking coffee at the living room but he was doing somethiing on his laptop so I didn’t bother him.

“Happy birthday, Orphis.” Cambria greeted me with a hug from behind.

I was startled. I was still brushing my teeth.

I gargled with water before I turned around to face her. She was still hugging me. I smiled warmly and caressed her back up and down using my left hand. “Thank you, ‘Bria.”

“Happy legal age.” She pulled out and gave me a proud look. Her lips moved downward. “I’d help you with your look.”

“Okay.” I chuckled. “You and Beatrix can do that.”

She nodded in agreement. “I’m gonna cook breakfast. What would you like?”

“Ham would be fine.”

“How about toasted bread?”

“That, too.”

I helped Cambria. We cooked fried rice, ham, egg, and bacon. Grandma woke up just before we finished. She greeted me with a gift. The first gift I’ve ever received today. On the dining table, my three cousin gave me theirs. Including, Oz, whom I didn’t think would still give one because he already paid for the cater service. Nonetheless, I still thanked them.

Our close neighborhood also came in the house to greet me. Grandma invited them. We started cooking foods at one p.m. Andy and Beatrix arrived at the same time. I helped with the work until it was three and it was time for myself to wash up.

“You’re gonna be a fairy, today.” It was Cambria.

I was on my room. Beatrix brought her make-up set. Including the accessories she insisted I would wear. There were three of them in front of the mirror. Cambria had just finished picking my first outfit so they were going to do my face now.

“No.” Beatrix stood in front of me. She was holding a brush. “She’s gonna be the queen.”

Cambria grinned before she held my chin to made me look up. She was now putting a primer on my face. “What time is Johnson Rigor coming, Beatrix?”

My brows formed a line. For a shortwhile, I forgot that he was coming. Though it allowed me to be greatly excited about what would happen, I felt pressured, now that I suddenly remember it. What time was he coming, indeed?

Most of all, how am I going to face him if he greet me? Surely, Beatrix, Andy, and Cambria would voluntarily give me an alone time with him. Them three would definitely do things that would satisfy their overly malicious eyes. I could almost imagine Beatrix pushing me to Rigor, hyping me up to dance with him.

“Please.” I sighed. Just thinking about it embarrassed me. “No stunts, Beatrix. You know I’ve never been around a man, except my cousins.”

“Which is why I think it’s a good thing that he’s coming over.” Cambria put down her hand after she was done massaging it for a minute with a primer. “Try him, Orphis. Come out of your safe zone, and try hanging out with a male just for once. Have fun and don’t hold yourself up.”

That was easier said than done. For someone like me who had zero experience when it comes to dating, the phrase don’t hold back was confusing and scary.

Beatrix stepped up with her foundation. “I invited him to test him, Orphis. I am not going to do anything that will ruin your day.” She lifted her brows before opening the lid. “So chill and let this be as magical as it could be.”

The knot on my forehead relaxed. “But really, what time is he coming—”

My words were cutted straight when I heard a clear sound of a gunshot just outside. It wasn’t an echo. Not one that sounded from an open television, either. It was loud, and near that I automatically stood up. Beatrix, and Cambria, who were focused on me looked shocked and startled, either.

I was about to asked the two when I heard another gunshot. But this time, it was followed by a series of screams.