True Love Waits

Chapter 25 Not A Real Boy

Whenever there was an upcoming party or event, Dixon would be in charge of the head count of the people who were going to participate. After all, he was very meticulous about everything -- it was a job for a perfectionist.

So, at the mention of Kristina's birthday, he had already asked who was going to come and take part in the occasion. Debbie, who was one of Kristina's good friends, sat up straight as if she was going to make an announcement. "Kristina, you'll be twenty years old, isn't that right?" she inquired, making sure she was not mistaken even though she knew she couldn't be wrong. She knew the celebrant better than anybody else ever did.

Kristina took Debbie's arm and gently placed her cheek against her shoulder. "Yes, that's right. I can't wait to celebrate my birthday. It's gonna be grand!" she exclaimed in excitement.

It was fortunate that nothing that would harm Debbie had happened last night. Otherwise, the celebrant would have paid no mind to her birthday and would show no interest in celebrating it.

However, this did not mean that she did not have a hunch that something bad could have happened the night before. She was wondering how Debbie had managed to escape Carlos' wrath. But, she knew she had better set it aside and just ask her friend in some private time later.

Kristina and Debbie were already having their own mini celebration while holding each other's hands in excitement when Kasie, who looked into a vanity mirror to fix her hair, rolled her eyes and snickered, "You should stay away from that tomboy, Kristina. You make it seem like she's your boyfriend. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps."

Kristina, who actually genuinely loved the friendship she had with Debbie, cast Kasie a challenging look and snapped back, "You talk as if you didn't use to pester her like I do." She stroked her long, curly hair and thought, 'I should dye my hair like Debbie's. The colors look great on her. I'm sure it would look more vivid under the sun.' She compared her hair to her friend's.

Debbie put her arm around her friend's shoulders like a boy would and argued in her defense, "Ladies, please do not quarrel over me. There's more to go around. What's our next class? Let's get to it." "You really are meandering mindlessly, huh? There's no more class. We need to get lunch," Kasie reminded her in a very sarcastic tone. With resignation, she shoved her mirror and books inside her bag and went ahead to the cafeteria.

Debbie checked the time and found that Kasie was right. It was almost twelve o'clock. "Okay," she said, "let's go get our lunch then." She grabbed her bag and stood up from her seat. She led the way and the others followed.

The group was leaving the classroom when a boy who was sitting in the first row raised his head. The boy named Gregory Song intensely observed Debbie's retreating figure, his eyes full of affection. He thought, 'May I take part in the party as well, Debbie?'

Another boy approached Gregory Song. "Aren't you going to have lunch?" the curious boy asked.

Gregory Song immediately broke his contact with the group and packed his stuff confirming, "Yes, I'm coming with you." He flashed a friendly smile and left the classroom along with his friend.

The day had passed and it was already time for Kristina's twentieth birthday party. Debbie and Kassie went to the mall and shopped. After buying their dear friend a few gifts, they went to the club venue that Kristina had reserved for the party.

were more than a dozen students in the private booth. Some of

became close to the point that they could play Truth

a minute!" Kasie

blushed scarlet with shyness since some of

loser. "I quit!" the celebrant yelled and ran towards the door, trying to escape the situation that she was in But, before she could make

Kristina looked around and then pointed

was pointing and burst into

over the matter herself. She was already a bit buzzed from the alcohol she had drunk and

feet like a spoiled brat and pounced on her friend yelling, "Debbie, honey, why don't you

that doesn't count!" Dixon complained as he pulled

had an idea. "Since you say that it doesn't count, then why don't you be the one

They began to whistle, not expecting the birthday

go of Dixon and concluded it calmly like

a teasing smile. Dixon glanced at Kasie who had

her eyes at the perfectionist's remark and retorted, "It was my

other your first

to echo her idea. Jared even gave a loud whistle and yelled, "Be a man

the crowd seconded. "Come on!" they shouted, urging

to see how

covered her hot cheeks and sat back in her seat. "Don't make fun of us, you guys! It's my

something we could call 'two happy events taking place one after the other?" It was their tradition to make fun of the birthday celebrant. They could all clearly recall that the last time, it was Debbie they had made fun

into laughter at Kasie's

and everyone had already shared their bounty. When the party came to a close, Debbie was already blackout drunk since she had downed the alcohol bottle after bottle; she drank more than

and immediately staggered. Luckily, she was able to keep herself from falling and one of