3.

Enzo:

I sighed as I sat on the stool by the counter, spreading peanut butter on my bread and biting into it. I had a sting from waking up again to an empty house. The maid hasn't called in yet and the butler had taken a leave yesterday. Apparently his wife was sick. I had to permit him.

I poured myself a glass of cold orange juice and drank it up. I have gotten to used to fending for myself since my parents are never, ever around. Cooking for myself and ruling myself were my speciality.

I was hungover from the drinks last night. I knew I shouldn't have taken them but something had to put me out of my misery. My sad reality was today being my birthday and my parents haven't called to wish me or at least send a gift like they usually do. It was as if the older I got, the less they thought about me.

I was born in luxury, my parents made sure I had more than enough. I have a sister but she's married now. I hated it when she got engaged and I hated her fiance because I knew he was going to take her away from me. She was the only thing that ensured that I wasn't lonely and knowing that she was getting married filled me with anger but most importantly fear because she wasn't going to be with me anymore. I hate her husband for taking her from me and leaving me alone. If she were here today, the whole house would have been alive.

She used to come visit but now she's based in the Maldives, which is way from here. I slowly accepted the fact that she wasn't going to be around and gradually got used to living without her. I remember crying so much secretly on her wedding day but oh well, if she's happy, then I'm happy.

My phone beeped, snapping me out of my thoughts. Message notifications were all over my screen. I sighed as I scrolled past them, expecting a text from my parents but who was I kidding? A smile graced my face as I found a text from Rebecca, my sister and it read:

Happy birthday baby brother. I so wish to spend today with you but unfortunately I can't. I hope you enjoy your day and make memories today. Love you so much Enzo.

I crafted a reply and sent it:

Thanks. Do come visit when you can. The house is empty without you .

I cherished the fact that despite being married and with two kids, she always made time for me when she could.

I smiled as I read her reply:

I will. Congratulations by the way, you've finished high school. Have you filled out college applications?

Choosing a college of was a tough battle but after a while, I finally narrowed down my choice to Stanford University school of medicine. I sent my application a week ago.

I replied:

Yup. I chose to study medicine. Stanford University actually, since a lot of my friends are going there and I don't want to be anywhere near here.

She knew I didn't exactly despise my parents for their lackadaisical attitude towards their kids but I just wasn't proud of them.

I waited for about five minutes for her reply and when it didn't come, I realized something might have come up. After all, she did have a schedule.

I dropped my phone on the counter and washed up the dish I had used. My head was still aching but I expected the ice pack I took from the fridge to work some wonder. I grudgingly strolled to the stairs, with the plan of locking myself in my room but all that crashed when I got a text from my Friend Bentley:

Dude, please tell me you're as hungover as I am.

His use of emojis were hilarious. I pictured him wearing a face that cried for help.

I texted him back:

I did tell you to cut down on the alcohol supply but you just fucking had to. Now my brain is fighting to stay alive in my body right now.

He texted me back almost immediately:

It was the last day of high school, the alcohol was needed. Besides, it escaped my memory that I'd be severely hungover if I drink too much. I swear I've never been this hungover before. And when I woke up this morning, I nearly died of a heart attack at the state of my house. Bottles and condoms everywhere. I even found a purple lace tong in my parents favourite mug. Not that I'm going to tell them but how the heck did a tong end up in my cup cabinet?

I nearly died of laughter as he queued the weeping emoji. As if seeing the halo emoji wasn't trigger enough. I replied:

You were holding a party on the last day of high school with adequate supply of alcohol and hormonal teenagers and you're surprised?

He replied with an eye roll and then proceeded to text:

Anyways dad, the maid would be cleaning up. I already begged her and the buttler to not tell my parents, so I'm coming over in now. I can't survive in the state of that house. Vacuum cleaners and every sound is threatening to make him sore head burst.

My brows furrowed, something was fishy. I had a strong feeling that Bentley was up to mischief. I barely had enough time to construct my next reply when I heard the door bell. Hopefully it is the cleaner. I darted to the door and did a silent prayer because behold was Bentley and the rest of the guys, and they all looked sleep deprived and messed up. In simpler words, they looked like shit.

"Happy birthday bruh." Said Bentley as he pulled me into a hug.

"Happy birthday dude." Said Carter, the blonde of the team as he held what looked like a package in his hands.

"Happy birthday Enzo my man." Daniel was smiling, mischief glinting in those hazel eyes of his.

"Happy birthday Santana." Luca blew confetti on my face and I let out a dry cough, spitting out the confetti that had gotten in my mouth.

"I'm going to kill you guys if you mess up my house so any plans of creating a mess should be aborted." My eyes landing on Luca who was smiling proudly.

"Cool off Enzo. It's your birthday and although we're hungover and look like shit..." Bentley began till I cut him off.

"No shit about that." I said which earned me a direct eye roll from Bentley.

"... as I was saying, though we look like shit and are hungover, it doesn't stop us from celebrating your freaking birthday. You're turning Nineteen bruh. You should celebrate and what better way than a party at your place."

My mouth dropped open, dry from what I had just heard. No wonder Daniel reeked of mischief. He was in on the whole thing.

"A surprise birthday party bro." Said Carter.

"Well, it's not a surprise anymore since I already know and there definitely isn't going to be a party at my house." I snapped.

I couldn't afford to have a party here. Almost everything in this house was glass and antique, and very expensive. Though my parents can easily replace it, I'd rather not have them do that.

"Too late bruh." Said Luca and he wasn't kidding.

Cars had started pulling up. What is with these kids? Aren't they supposed to be home resting from the previous night. Landing my eyes on Bentley, I gritted my teeth at him. "Carson, what did you do?" Carson was his middle name. He never liked it when I called him that.

"I tweeted your birthday, with a hashtag party at your place from morning till dawn and people replied with definite pullups. So surprise!" He flares his arms to add more dramatic effects.

I watched in shock as the kids made their way into my house, their mouths dropping in awe as they beheld the glory of my house. Except Bently and Daniel along with Luca. They've been in my house a lot. Didn't these kids have parents to let them not go out this morning?

"Yo, I've been in your house a couple times but damn, this place is heavenly and looks expensive too." Said Carter.

"I'm glad you noticed. So if anything breaks, I'd snaps all your necks." I threatened them and I knew they got the message.

I'm grateful for their thoughtfulness and all but I'd rather not have my house in shambles by party animals.

I looked at the screen of my phone and I didn't even realize it was already 1pm. How long did I sleep? I didn't even have time to base in my thoughts because everyone that walked past me and into my house said their birthday wishes to me. And they didn't come empty handed either.

I dragged a palm across my face. This was definitely going to be one hell of a day and a dramatic summer with the way things are going.