Sans Rival
Ralph's party was very lowkey. I didn't know that I would enjoy attending a birthday party. It was the first time I attended a birthday party surrounded by rich people. For a moment I felt that I belong. I never realized that I grew up being an introvert person but I guess being surrounded by my classmates and schoolmates help me think that maybe I can change that a bit.
Since my parent's died little by little I tried to change my personality from introvert to extrovert. Well it's not too late for me and I need to do it, so I can be confident and can still look for other part-time jobs.
" Hi! Gena, right? " Chelsea asked. I know her she's one of the "mean girls " I don't consider her as "mean" I find her intimidating unlike with her 2 other friends Belinda and Trisha.
" Uhmm, yes that's right I am Gena," I answered and smiled shyly. I was wondering why she suddenly approached me?
Chelsea smiled in return too.
"Anyway, where is Ralph? " Chelsea asked.
"Uhmm he went to welcome his teammates, so I just let him go alone and I will just wait here," I answered.
"Oh, my apologies I forgot to introduce myself anyway I am Chelsea Tan I am Ralph's childhood friend. I mean "ex" friend because we were once inseparable since birth until we were 12 years old but now he doesn't even talk or look at me." She said and from smiling, she became quiet and sad.
"I am sorry to hear about that. I think if you didn't have that misunderstanding then you should have been his date now? " I answered but then I realized that I was being too frank. I covered my mouth and tried to take back what I said.
"I am sorry for being insensitive Chelsea I didn't mean to offend you. I take it back, I just feel sorry for what happened to your friendship with Ralph." I said trying to lighten the mood.
"No, it's okay no harm done. It was my fault anyway I haven't been a good friend to him since we were 12 and it was really complicated that time." Chelsea said to lighten the atmosphere. She smiled at me.
"I am glad that you are his date. At least now I will feel less guilty because he has you. Please take care of Ralph for me Gena? " Chelsea held my hand and squeezed it.
"Of course Chelsea, I will take care of him it isn't because you said so but because he has been a good friend too since I transferred to ARV." I smiled and squeezed her hand in return and gave her a genuine smile.
"So friends? " Chelsea offered I was shocked a bit but agreed to her offer. She's not really hard to refuse.
"Of course! I am honored to be your friend." We laughed together.
" Ohh, look who's here. My favorite girls are getting along really well, " We heard a woman's voice and we both turn in her direction and found Aunt Monisha approaching us.
"You can probably say that Aunt Monisha. I thought Gena was weird before but now I found out she's not. I guess I will enjoy having her as a friend."Chelsea proudly said.
I was really overwhelmed by how this day turned out to be the best day of my life. Being Ralph's date was really memorable. Meeting Aunt Monisha and offering me to be a model for her Patricia's Collection boutique and meeting a new friend Chelsea. I guess it doesn't hurt to be surrounded by people unlike before when I was an introvert.
"By the way Aunt Monisha where is my Sans Rival cake? " Chelsea asked Aunt Monisha.
"It's in the kitchen, of course, go inside the kitchen and have a bite." Aunt Monisha answered.
"Come on Gena let's go to the kitchen. You know what? Aunt Monisha's Sans Rival cake is the best! " Chelsea was pulling me towards the kitchen.
The kitchen was packed with uniformed crew busy going in and out of the kitchen holding tray or set of dishes, fruits, drinks, and desserts.
We approached the table full of desserts and Chelsea shrieked when she found the Sans Rival cake. She got one slice and had a bite then she chewed it slowly she even closed her eyes to savor the taste.
" This is the best! I really missed Aunt Monisha's Sans Rival cake! " Chelsea said and finishing all the slices of Sans Rival that she got earlier and picking up another slice but this time she offered me a bite.
She was holding the Sans Rival cake and urging me to have a bite. I was feeling a little shy but then I opened my mouth and had a bite. Wow! This cake is so good I enjoyed chewing the meringue and buttercream filling when Chelsea spoke.
" Sans Rival is made of nutty meringue layers, creamy French buttercream filling, and crunchy cashews it's chewy and buttery right? " Chelsea was still observing me trying to see my reaction.
"Yes it's good it's buttercream filling is the best, but wait did you say cashews or nuts? " I asked beginning to feel nervous and I started to catch my breath. My eyesight is beginning to feel blurry too.
" Yes it has crunchy cashews but it also has sprinkled peanuts," Chelsea explained.
But then Chelsea's eyes widen when she saw me catching my breath.
"Are you okay Gena? Wait are you allergic to nuts or any nuts? " Chelsea asked in a panic.
"P p..ea n..uts" I said trying to control my breathing.
"Wait I will just call help. Oh my! I am sorry I didn't know that you have the same allergy as Aunt Monisha. " Chelsea hurried out of the kitchen.
I was still conscious and tried having a clear view as I look for somewhere to sit but then my vision got blurry again as I catch my breath I felt like being choked. Before I lost consciousness I felt a strong arm held me then everything went black.
TO BE CONTINUED