2. Friends
The following morning, Bea rose early and dressed in a stunning blue dress adorned with white lace around the hem and sleeves. She then gathered her brunette locks into a carefree, messy bun, adding a touch of effortless charm to her look.
Bea smiled at her reflection in the mirror, pleased with her look in the blue dress and messy bun.
Beatrice Belrose
(Jo messaged me at night to get ready early in the morning and come to her home.)
After getting ready, Bea descended the stairs, her heart filled with excitement for the day ahead.
In the living room, Bea's mother was skillfully braiding her sister's hair in a traditional French style.
Bea, not understanding the hairstyle, didn't pay them much attention as she headed toward the door. However, her stepfather William stopped her before she could leave.
William Harrison
Where are you going, Bea?
Beatrice Belrose
*turns to him*
Bea felt immediately uncomfortable when she noticed William's lascivious gaze fixated on her.
Beatrice Belrose
Going out.
Beatrice Belrose
Apparently, I have turned 18 today, so I'm going to celebrate it.
As she spoke, her eyes instinctively drifted towards her mother, who was in the midst of braiding her sister's hair.
The movement of her mother's hands paused momentarily, the fingers gently holding a strand of hair frozen in midair.
Eleanor Moreau
Ohh, happy birthday, Bea. ☺️
Arielle Moreau
What's so special about turning 18?
Bea rolled her eyes at Arielle and chose not to reply. As she turned to open the door, William interrupted her once more by holding the door knob and pushing it closed again, preventing her from leaving.
She clenched her jaw in irritation but dared not look up, unwilling to meet his lecherous gaze.
William Harrison
Celebrate your birthday with your family, Bea.
Beatrice Belrose
I am afraid I can't and I don't want to.
Beatrice Belrose
And please don't block the door. It's very irritating.
*glares at him*
William Harrison
............
Eleanor Moreau
Bea, what's with your tone-
Bea angrily barged open the door and left immediately.
After leaving her house, Bea closed the door firmly behind her and leaned against it, feeling a mix of hurt over her forgotten birthday and anger towards William's audacity earlier.
Memories of William's smug demeanor made her jaw clench with frustration as she fought back tears, her fists tightening at her sides.
Beatrice Belrose
(I hate that bastard... He is not my dad. Who does he think he is? What makes him think that he will take over the decisions of my life?)
But when Bea looked up ahead, she saw the three young Richards standing on the side lane in front of their home, each wearing birthday hats. Jeremy held a party bomb, and Dennis seemed excited to sing an embarrassingly loud rendition of "Happy Birthday."
Journey extended her arms in a gesture of a hug, and Bea eagerly ran towards them, embracing Journey with joy.
Jeremy playfully popped the party bomb over Bea's head, showering her with confetti. Some of them got on her hair and shoulder. Dennis quickly patted her hair to help clear away the confetti that landed on her.
Dennis Richards Hernandez
Don't ruin her hair, dumbass.
Jerome Richards
I am not ruining her hair
Bea broke the hug and looked at the three Richards standing before her wearing a weird and embarrassing birthday hat.
Bea realized she did not need to hide her tears in front of these three.
She smiled through her tears grateful for the simple kindness and reminder that she was surrounded by friends who cared.
As the chapter drew to a close, the Richards began their rendition of a personalized, slightly embarrassing version of "Happy Birthday."
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