Chapter 33: Small Celebration
Fera's Pov
She got into school and took a long breath of fresh air, it was a fine sunny day and peace was just how she wanted it. Today was her first birthday as Fera. The first peaceful birthday, no cameras, no noble guest, no heavy make-up, no different dresses to wear, and no stressing rules and things you should do. It was a normal calm day in her life that tasted freedom.
She hasn't seen him yet, he just texted that he'll be late so she could go to school alone. She traces a gravel pathway with a half-cylinder cover above painted red to her building for her first-period class.
She saw Mika but she didn't even cast a look at her. She also saw Tunner but he passed her as if he saw nothing.
"Great," she whispered while holding a smile. "Thank God, they cooperate this time. She got into her room and the lecture started without Nick. After a few minutes, he arrived.
"Where have you been?" she asked as he sat on his seat.
"Nothing, my grandmother called and scolded me about I don't know."
"Quite!"
They immediately face the front and she saw her terror teacher's face.
"Luzares," she called her and asked her to stand.
"What do you think about bullying?"
"Doings of hypocrite people, people who act strong and confident but truly insecure." She truthfully answered which made Mika gulp.
"And what do you think we should do to these people?"
"I would be lying if I don want them to suffer as how the person they had bullied suffered but I am not ignorant enough to not root in their situation and life beyond the strong image. They have a broken heart to be understood and heard. They ached for attention for some reason, they have frustrations that made them be that person.
Let them socially pay for all of it, people's judgments, and regrets. One day, they will realize that everything they had done was wrong and it's too late for them to make things a better way." On the edge of her vision, she did not miss Mika who look away.
"Very well." The teacher signaled her to sit and she proceeded to her lectures about bullying.

In the hallway to the gate with a full crowd of students who were about to leave the room, she was calm walking with them even if someone would hit her arm or accidentally hit her. Their gate was too small and everyone seemed in rush. Another thing that she wasn't used to, she'd have her bodyguard around her and she usually walks in a spacious area.
"Lola(grandma) asked us to have dinner at home." He suddenly whispered in her ears as they went out of the gate and saw their car waiting.
"For what?" she confusingly asked.
"I don't know, she misses you maybe? Do you have plans?"
"Nothing," she uncertainly answered and he had already opened the door for her. She left with no choice but to get in but before he could close the door she saw the held-back smile on his face which made her think a bit. 'What is up?' she thought.
She turned her tracker on, she trust him a bit but she needed to be so sure for peace of mind. He turned to the other side and sat next to her.
"Why would your grandmother ask for dinner all of a sudden?" she asked but he only shrugged. "Don't you think I need to change?" she pointed to her uniform but he shook his head.
"Are you nervous still?" he asked so she rested her head on the headboard and crossed her arms.
"Of course not?"
"You don't need to anyway. They maybe have something to celebrate and ask you to come over." But she was still suspicious about it. "Don't think too much about it, it's just nothing.
"I just felt odd, no heads up? Like all of the sudden... never mind."
"You overthink too much, calm down."
They arrived at his house and he never forget to open her door. "What have you done this time?" she whispered at him but he only laugh at it.
"I'm not doing anything."
She also noticed that they were heading in another direction instead of heading to their main door. And they reached the pool area. Near their pool was their gazebo where the dinner was set up.
"Fera honey," his grandmother greeted her and wave her hand. He kissed his grandparents and Fera did too but she saw a cake on the table. And the words written there got her attention. 'Happy Birthday, Fera.'
"Happy birthday, Honey." She greeted her and lolo (Grandpa) gave her a bouquet of red roses. She froze when she heard it. She instantly turned to Nick who was smiling wide.
"Happy birthday?" he awkwardly greeted, worried she didn't like what he did.
But a tear fell from her right eye and it was followed by a rain of tears which he immediately wiped. "How did you know?" she asked while hugging Nick. He chuckled as he heard her speak as a relief, he was worried of she might don't like it.
"I just know, I thought you don't like it."
"I don't JUST like it, idiot! I love it, thank you," and she hit him lightly. She immediately turned to Lola Clarita and hug her too.
"Thank you, thank you for this. I didn't expect any celebration at all. I was only planning a visit to my parents' grave and stay at home." She blurted out and thank Mr. Nikolas who was silent on the side.
"Happy birthday, Fera." He also greeted her and offered a handshake which she gladly accepted. "How old are you now?"
"I'm seventeen now, thank you very much." She was too shy to talk more and she also didn't know what to say.
"Let's eat!" Lola Clarita announced.
"I heard you only planned on visiting your parents grave. Do you mind if I asked you about them?" she asked. While Fera was thinking of another way to avoid it.
"Ahm...-"
"She's not fine talking about it, Lola." Nick frankly told her grandmother and she noticed Mr. Nikolas's stares at Nick and her.
"It's okay," she said. "My mom died long ago, while my father died just months ago."
"We should not talk about it and ruin the atmosphere. How's your stay here?"
"It's been quite good, I am planning to stay longer? I love the peace in here and the fresh air, quiet afternoon, and peaceful night. I just love the trees around and the nature vibe."
"I am glad to hear that,"

AFTER their dinner Lola Clarita hand her a birthday gift.
"Open it." It was a huge box with a white ribbon and a red box.
"Wow," she didn't expect any present but she was surprised how they care about her when they were not her relatives or even family friend.
Before she could touch it, she saw the box move a bit making her step back. She bumped him and felt him touch both of her shoulders.
"Come on," she looked up to him and saw his reassuring smile before stepping forward again. She nervously remove the cover at the top and saw a chocolate brown puppy in it. It was eyeing her intently which she mirrored. They stared at each other for a few minutes then the puppy barked and even tried to jump out to her which made her smile and lift the puppy.
"Thank you, I never had a puppy. Thank you very much." Her voice was too small avoiding tearing up again.
"Your welcome, honey." As she looked at lola Clarita's eyes, she saw genuine care and glee causing her to shed tears more.
"I don't know how to thank you, guys. I hope I can do anything to return the favor."