Other Way Around

Crazy --- “Happy birthday, Rhyme baby!” My family threw a grand party for my 16th birthday. As an only child, I get to enjoy the perks of being treated like a princess. I grew up having everything and anything I wanted. Mommy showers me with love and care and Daddy will do everything to please me. My life is perfect. “Thank you, Mara. Where’s my gift?” I happily looked at my best friend. She’s wearing a gold off-shoulder dress and her skin is flawless like milk. She’s beautiful, but I’m breathtaking. “Gift?” She looked puzzled as I squinted my eyes at her. Don’t tell me- “My love for you is already a gift, Rhy!” I rolled my eyes. She’s so good at excuses. “Hmp! Whatever! You never bought me gifts!” “You know I love you. Material things will pass through time, but my love is timeless!” She’s so passionate about her love. Sometimes I don’t know why I like her as my friend. I guess I just don’t have a choice. I dramatically sighed and left Amara with her parents for a while to greet my other guests, who are mostly our family friends and partners in business. My parents were by my side and guiding me to socialize. Well, I’ve been trained to be a social butterfly ever since I was born. It’s tiring, but it's nice to meet and interact with other human beings. I smoothly greeted every guest and expressed my gratitude to them for attending my party. I had already met most of my guests before at the other party, since my parents often bring me along and introduced me as the heiress of Daddy's company. "Excuse me. I'll just go to the powder room." I politely excused myself, and they immediately granted my request before continuing their talks about business. I just need to retouch my make-up. Argh, I can feel my face being itchy? What the hell? After doing my little retouch, I decided to return and look for Mara. I was walking elegantly in the hallway when I came across an unknown man leaning in the corridor who was looking pissed while staring at his phone. I raised my brows and slowly walked towards him. I slowed my pace, hoping he'd notice me. Lift your head, boy! How did I not greet or even see this man earlier? This is my birthday party and I know all the guests. But this man... Is he a party crasher? "Excuse me. Who are you?" He's attention was all on his phone that I felt the need to repeat my question again. People always brag that I'm the best at socializing because I always get along with people in just a short conversation. I guess this man is an exemption to my ability. He raised his head to look at me. Oh my! He's cute! Our stares were cut short when his phone beeped. Perhaps I looked so dumb just staring at his beauty. But we're the only people in this hallway so... Who's this cutie guy, huh? Why did I not see him before? Maybe he's not from a wealthy family? A driver in one of our family friends? Now, he looks very relaxed after staring at his phone. Maybe his girlfriend assured him that there was no other guy? What the heck am I thinking right now? He was typing something and his dimples were showing a little. Supressing his smile, I see. I squinted my eyes and rolled my eyes. Is he blind? Can't he see beauty in front of him? Before I could even utter a word, he turned his back and walked towards the crowd of people. Woah. He's rude. But... I liked him. A smile slowly crept into my mouth. He'll be mine soon. I find my way to Mara's table, her plate is full of food. God, is she being deprived of food at home? She immediately noticed my presence in her peripheral view. "Hi, baby! Have you eaten already? I love the food! I wish it's your birthday every day!" Maybe this is the reason why I like her as my friend. She may come from a wealthy family, but she's simple and doesn't care about anyone's opinion of her. She's just being herself whatever the situation. She loves food and eats like a starved woman. She's honest and unapologetic about who she is. "Heh! Don't call me baby! I'm sixteen already, Mara. And you're just two years older than me!" I sneered at her and swirled the wine in my hand. I roamed my eyes in the crowd, hoping to find the cute guy I met earlier. Petty, I didn't get to know his name. "Yeah, I guess I'm at the age where my parents can arrange a marriage for me." My eyes widened at her. "What the? You're getting married?" She looked so defeated while nodding her head. Damn. "But you're just eighteen, Amara Reign!" She can barely cook and drive a car. Oh my god. She can't handle marriage. "You know, it's a family thing. I can't defy it." She smiled gently and continued eating her food like she hadn't dropped a bomb on me. I can't believe she's so calm about this. "Did you know the man? Tell me so that I can rate his ugliness." I leaned closer to her and toned down my voice. I was so engrossed with our topic that I didn't notice my Mommy making her way to us. Before Amara could even speak, my Mommy already spoke. "Amara, darling, I'd like to excuse your friend for a while, is it okay?" "Sure, Auntie. Rhyme, let's just talk later." I can sense her hesitance, but she also can't decline my mother. I sighed and looked at Mommy. Maybe this is an important guest to my parents. "Rhyme dear, come with me. I have someone to introduce to you." I nodded and followed her towards the guest she was talking about. Along the way, some people greeted me and I conversed with them well. At last, I saw my Dad talking to a woman who I estimated to be in her early 40s and a man whose arms were snaked in the woman's waist. Judging by their position, they're probably a married couple. As we got closer to them, I noticed the same guy I had seen in the hall earlier! Oh my! This is destiny telling me we're meant to be. I felt nervous while watching him. His beauty is unexplainable. He's so handsome. "Rhyme, my dear. Meet your Auntie Elyse and Uncle Dexter. They're your godparents. Your Daddy's good friends back in college." Mommy introduced me to them. I smiled at the couple and greeted them. They looked so regal and their aura screamed class. "I'm Rhyme. Nice to meet you, Auntie Elylse and Uncle Dexter. I hope you enjoy my birthday party." I said smoothly to them. "Yes. Happy birthday, Rhyme! You've grown tall. The last time we saw you, you were just below my waist and now! God, you have turned into a fine beautiful lady." Auntie Elyse warmly hugs me like her own daughter. My heart flutters and uttered my thanks. Maybe I met them in the past but was too young to remember it. "Happy birthday, Rhyme." were all Uncle Dexter's words for me. But I'm thankful they have come to my party. "And oh, here's my sons." Auntie Elyse signaled her boys to come near them. "Zor, Ker. Meet your Auntie Dianne and Uncle Rios with their daughter Rhyme. They're Mama and Papa's friends." They politely oblige to their mother's command. Well, at least Zor didn't make it feel like just formality. "Hello, Auntie and Uncle. I'm Zorene, but you can call me Zor for short. Sweet sixteen, Rhyme. Thanks for inviting us." Zor was warm like his mother. He's handsome too, but Ker is just on another level. "Good evening, Sir and Ma'am. I'm Kerious. Happy birthday, Rhyme." He slightly bowed to my parents and stole a glance at me, before he quickly returned to his seat. What a snob. But I like it. I liked him. Oh my god!