When I arrived home, I decided not to mention my meeting with Lea and her two companions. Why should I? But it was quiet; not a soul was seen. They're so obvious. I yawned as I walked around, pretending to search for the household.
I saw a red tail twitching behind a corner. It was Mars. So I had to follow him. He led me to the backyard, and surprise, surprise. There was everyone holding confetti and champagne glasses.
After singing the birthday song in the traditional Scottish language, our employees brought in food and cake. My parents invited all our old friends, including my childhood friends. Yes, I have friends.
"Ladies, and not gentlemen. The competition will be held after lunch. Gentlemen, you will follow my husband and entertain yourselves," my mom announced. The women giggled. "Now, let's eat!"
Everyone devoured everything. Some even took doggy bags for later. Bridget was an excellent cook, after all. When two o'clock came, Mars and I went to get ready. The men and women split into two groups. Children? No brat will attend my party.
Now, it was organised in the competition that there would be no 'best talent', or 'best speech', or such nonsense. Mars and I will just show off. To do that, first we would appear in front of the ladies wearing only pants of our choosing.
Second round, a pair of swimming trunks. Last round, our best suit. In the changing room, which is the barn, I turned to Mars.
"Show me. I want to see what you really look like," I insisted. He didn't say anything. I stared in amazement as his body shimmered.
He grew taller, darker, and smoother. He was huge! At least a foot taller than me. He stared at me with long red hair, golden eyes, and a bulky body. I don't know why, but I felt anger inside me.
"You-you. You don't even go to the gym, and you eat only meat! Why do you look so fit? It's not fair!"
"That's your problem?" Mars asked incredulously. What is he talking about? Naturally, it bothers me. He lazes the whole day away while I work hard to maintain my body. Damn cat!
"Do all of your kind look like you?" I muttered sullenly.
"Yes. Although some have light red hair, depending on their status."
"Are you telling me you're important in Fairyland?" I asked spitefully.
Mars grimaced irritably. "It's not Fairyland. It's called Álfheimr. And yes, I'm important at home."
"Okay." I snubbed him. My audience was seated on the lawn, holding forms, and prattled among themselves. Mom was the host and waited on the stage.
Everything was very professional. My mom is the best! When she saw me and Mars, she lifted the microphone.
"Ladies of all ages! We have a treat for you today. And not only cake, I mean." It was not much of a joke, but people laughed politely.
"Here comes our most handsome men. To find out which is the best, it is up to you to decide. There will be three rounds, and you will give a rank out of ten to who you think is the sexiest.
Afterwards, the one with the highest number will be the winner!" Mom cried enthusiastically.
Was it just me, or was she into this way too much? The women cheered. Mars looked depressed.
"Let the competition commence!" More clapping. Am I regretting this? Heck no. I'm enjoying his dark expression. I waved teasingly at the women, making Mars scowl.
He followed me, arms crossed. Dude, you're supposed to show off, or you'll receive bad marks.
Whatever.
"First up, my only beloved son, Nathan! He wears black Levi jeans and Timberland boots. He intends to grow his hair to just below his shoulders," my mom described me as I turned, flicked my hair, and flexed my muscles.
The women blushed, giggled, and one closed her eyes. Why, though? "Presently, he lives in South Korea and is single. Hot stuff!" She shouted, flustered. She really was into this.
I threw my head, letting my blonde hair whip in the air, before leaving the stage. I heard cries of amazement. Well, I'm an amazing guy.
"Beat that, Mars," I smirked when I passed the red-haired man. He sighed. I hung back when Mars took centre stage. He stood straight, his head up, as if he were a soldier.
"Second, Nathan's rival and our friend, Mars. The true name is unknown. He wears Calvin Klein jeans and Nike shoes. Courtesy of my husband."
As my mom described him, he stood there unmoving. But for some reason, the serious atmosphere drew everyone's attention.
They gaped at Mars. Staring at his large frame, which took up the whole stage. Mom awkwardly continued, "He is partnered with Nathan in South Korea.
Together, they solved many cases and helped many people. He mentors and guides Nathan. Now, uh, please rate him out of ten."
He's just standing there. Yet, how come everyone won't stop staring at him? Hello? Finally, he left the stage.
"Well done to you two. Next up, my favourite swimming gear! Give them twenty minutes to change, then we'll start round two!" She held up two fingers and winked. They rallied.
Mars and I returned to the barn, passing many sulky men. They were supposed to be with my dad watching sports, but I guess there were stragglers.
Mars looked infuriated when he saw his swimwear. Serve him right. We both wore speedos. I swim a lot and love speedos, but he fumed when we came out.
"At least they're not asking us to ride the horse while judging," I taunted. The horse was still in the barn, but it was very old. Mars shivered. It wouldn't bother me, but it would be torture for him.
The women swooned as we came out. Mom included. "Look at our competitors," she breathed. Coughing, she continued the round. "Now, time for our swimming round. First up, Nathan."
I came forward, did my special pose, flashed my glorious smile, and returned.
They loved it. I never had so much attention from a large audience at once. It felt very addictive. Maybe I should do some modelling?
"Next up, Mars!" He went, he stood, and he returned. Yet they loved him. "The last round is in twenty minutes. Do your best, Nathan and Mars." I am getting really mad now.
Minutes later, I wore a Fabiani Navy suit that I had purchased.
My hair was tied in a loose ponytail that hung across my shoulder. I twirled a white rose that I intended to pose with.
Mars wore a traditional black suit my dad bought for him, with his hair in a braid. My dad bought him everything since he doesn't know any fashion in the human world.
"Firstly, Nathan!" I stepped into the spotlight. "He's wearing a Fabiani suit-" my mom happily chatted into the microphone as I posed sexily. Bringing a rose was a good idea. You could see the hearts in their eyes.
I walked off, knowing I had won.
"Come on up, Mars. You're next!" My mom called. He advanced, twirled around, and returned. I snickered.
"Now let's tally up the rankings. Results will be out in thirty minutes. Until then, please go and assure your husband that you have not fallen in love with these two." My mom joked.
The seats emptied until only my mom and the employees were left. Mars and I went to get dressed.
"I'm going to win. I mean, you hardly did anything," I said.
"I wasn't planning to make myself look like a fool in front of everyone," he snapped.
"Well, to win our bet, you should have. Besides, don't you think it's fun to have everyone's attention all to yourself?" I grinned.
"Why should I? And as for our bet, the winner hasn't been announced yet." Yeah, yeah. Later, Mars and I sat on the provided chairs on the stage while mom eagerly held a folded piece of paper.
There were fewer women seated. I guess their husbands weren't very happy. "Here are the results. First round: Nathan against Mars. The winner... is Mars!" Huh? Wait, huh? Everyone clapped.
Mom went on, "Second round. The winner is... Nathan!" Phew. So now it's a draw. Dammit.
"Last round! Nathan against Mars. The winner is... Nathan and Mars?" Mom announced it confusedly.
She sighed. "No guys. Both can't win. You must choose between them."
"We can't," a woman interrupted. No! You can. It's me. Me!
"They're both so good-looking. We can't choose between them. So, we chose both!" an older female said. Mom smiled at the audience.
"I agree. I think they're both great. But they themselves won't be satisfied."
"You're telling me we must pick one?"
"Yes."
I bit my lip while Mars looked disinterested. Hey, this is important to me, dumb cat!
"I like blondes. So I pick Nathan."
"Nathan, for me too." I happily listened as they continued to pick me, and I inwardly cursed those who picked Mars.
"Counting: nine for Mars and thirteen for Nathan. Congratulations, Nathan, you won!" Mom clapped. I smiled in return. Somehow, I didn't feel as happy as I thought.
Mars had returned to his ginger cat form after everyone had left. He refused to speak to anyone.
We still have eight days of holidays left before we have to return to South Korea. Darn. It's going to be a long eight days.