Excited conversations filled the air that night. Soft music played across the open air as tea candles lit the now off boundaries pool. The day time decorations were all still around with the exception of the childish banner. It was now night and the official birthday party have started.

Everyone, including the entire Lee family was dressed to their finest. Ann was wearing her new favorite black strapless dress that stopped short above her knees. The pink heart necklace twinkled in the light every time she moved and earned several friends’ envious remarks. And Xiao Shan, as if playing the counterpart to her sister, was wearing a full length white dress that revealed only her back. The bracelet that Lu Han had brought and given to her earlier of the day was nowhere to be seen.

As friends gathered around Ann, Mrs. Lee had pulled Xiao Shan aside. Smilingly, she asked, “Having a good time?”

Xiao Shan, always the one to hide her feelings nodded her head. Casting an absent-minded look around the place, she added, “It’s beautiful, the place. Thanks mom.”

Mrs. Lee smiled, the light make-up she had on lit up her face even more, making her seemed years younger. Pulling her step-daughter into a warm hug, she resolved herself to say, “No, I should be thanking you, Xiao Shan. After all these years, you treated me like your own mother and you never resented both me and Ann.”

Breaking free, she added more, “I know you don’t really enjoy places like this but you’re still doing it for Ann. You’re a great girl, Xiao Shan, you really are.”

Xiao Shan smiled, this time, a smile that reached her eyes. “That’s the least I can do, mom.” She looked aside to look at her sister that was laughing at something that her friend just said. “I want everyone to be happy and that’s enough for me.”

Mrs. Lee sighed at that declaration. Somehow, she felt guilty. Maybe she was not being a greater mother to Xiao Shan, that she’s feeling this way. The younger girl has always acted out of consideration for all of them. It was almost as if she did not have a single selfishness in her, or willfulness.

“Maybe you should start thinking of your own happiness, Xiao Shan? Look at all the guys around; you should try to make friends with them. I’m sure Ann can introduce some nice guys to you.”

Xiao Shan shook her head. She stopped her sight at Lu Han, who was now making his way to a small stage that was set-up for tonight’s event. Pulling away, she looked at her mom in the way she usually looked when she wanted to end the conversation. “There isn’t any guy that Ann can introduce that I’ll want, mom.”

Lu Han cleared his throat several times while adjusting the mike in front of him. The shrill ring from the speakers stopped everyone in their activities and turned their heads to the stage. Music was killed.

He laughed softly at the effect while tugging the tie around his neck. He was never good with speeches and certainly not very good in front of the public. But tonight wasn’t about him.

“Good evening everyone. In case some of you don’t know me, my name is Lu Han.” The crowd laughed at his silly attempt to joke. “Tonight, we are here to celebrate my girlfriend, Ann’s, and her sister, Xiao Shan’s birthdays.” Shouts and claps echoed from the audience.

When the crowd died down, he continued, “To date, I have known the Lee family since I was a kid, friends with Ann and Xiao Shan since five years ago. I first met them at a wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Lee’s.” He raised his glass of champagne at the elder couple, who raised theirs in return.

“Xiao Shan was sitting at a corner, crying that day, because for some reason she told me, dust had gotten into her eyes.” Again, the crowd laughed and he winked at Xiao Shan, who returned his wink with a bitter smile. “Today, she’s no longer a crybaby but a grown lady. Happy birthday to you, Xiao Shan...”

Claps and wishes ensued as they drank to that toast. But Lu Han wasn’t finished.

“And to Ann, the most wonderful girl in my life...” His face lit up into a bright smile. “She said I looked like a girl that day at the wedding and even though it offended me at first, we became friends. Because that’s just how Ann is. She’s honest and she doesn’t care who you are, she treats you equally.”

“That is why when I asked her out three years ago and she said yes, she made me the happiest person around. Dating Ann is the best thing that ever happened to me and I don’t know if I say this enough but I love you, Ann.”

The crowd cooed at the confession. Some friends who were standing nearby turned to pat Ann on the back, telling her she’s lucky to have such a great guy as a boyfriend. The couple locked eyes and they smiled at each other. Nothing else seemed to matter now.

“Now and forever, I wish we can be together, always. Happy birthday, my love,” Lu Han said, raising his glass for the third time and everyone drank to the toast.

The crowd cheered. Some friends had stepped forward to drag the lucky girl to the stage, following the chanting. “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”

“Come on, guys, this is so not necessary!” Lu Han protested quickly as the blushing Ann was pushed onto the stage. Both male and female booed at the statement then quickly resuming the chant.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee laughed at the scene before them, reminiscing how much they were alike in their younger days. The other daughter stood beside, clapping along with the rest, eyes downcast.

And quickly, Lu Han raised one hand to stop the chaos. “Happy birthday, Ann.” and he quickly leaned in to kiss his girlfriend on the lips. The crowd cheered.

On the same time, knowing that it was about to happen, Xiao Shan looked up from the ground. Her eyes stubbornly fixed to the happy couple in front of her, refusing even to blink, as the tear she has been holding on rolled down unknowingly from her eyes. Quickly wiping them away, she whispered to herself.

“You need this, Xiao Shan…”

She turned away when the two stepped down from the stage to be surrounded by their friends and the music came back to live. Walking away from the scene, her heart silently continued her weeping. It had become a skill; to remain emotionless on the outside when deep inside, she knew she was hurting.

“This will end…” she told herself more. She couldn’t even get it started on the day of the wedding. At that time, she had known him first, the guy who sat by her when she was crying alone and asked no question. But she was too afraid to open up to him. Ann was braver than her. She was the better girl.

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Another update!! ^^ I figure I should get a poster and a better background for this story. Anyone can help me with this? 

Comments and subscribers are welcomed~

@layferxoxo: I'm glad you like the flow of the story. Some of my friends said it's kinda long-winded but I think it's necessary. Oh well... Thanks for the comment again and enjoy reading.