Chapter 3 - Birthday: Part 3

Suddenly Jennifer's gaze went somewhere far away, soon Sarah looked in the same direction as her and literally stopped moving. Not understanding their reaction, Selene turned in the direction they were staring and in an instant, she understood their delight - two handsome men sat a couple of tables behind them. One of them was a tall, dark haired man with chocolate eyes and a muscular figure. Next to him sat a blonde of medium height, slim, with blue eyes who, compared to the dark haired one, looked kind of inconspicuous.

- Tell me it's a dream...- Sarah stammered.

- They're so damn sexy.- Jennifer spoke up, staring at them.

Selene didn't say anything, just looked at the brunet. Suddenly she saw his face as he turned towards their table - he looked as the guy from the nightmare! Selene immediately turned to her friends, and her terrified expression surprised Sarah, who for a moment looked back from the boys.

- Hello.- Selene heard a velvety voice above her. She looked up and saw the brunet leaning over the table which made her slightly jump up on the chair. Only then Selene noticed that the boy looked completely different than a moment ago and he observed her with a slight surprise painted on his face.

- "Well... He probably thinks I'm crazy.- thought Selene. -"But guess I am crazy, otherwise I wouldn't have been delusional. How could I mistake him for this guy from my nightmare?"- she frowned.

- I'm sorry if I scared you.- the brunette spoke to her in a gentle tone.- I wanted to ask if me and my friend could join you?- he said, looking at the other girls.

- Of course.- Jennifer said with a wide smile, patting the seat next to her encouragingly. The brunette sat down next to her, and his blonde friend took the place on the bench next to Selene.

- Ladies, let me introduce myself...- the brunet started.- My name is Eleazar.- he added with a smile.

- And I am Michael.- the blonde added, winking at Sarah who, slightly embarrassed, instantly looked down.

- We are very pleased to met you. I'm Jennifer.- this friend spoke first, of course.

- My name is Sarah.- she added shyly from behind Jenny.

- Selene.- she replied shortly, smiling uncertainly.

- See? You are not the only one in this city who has an unusual name.- Michael turned to Eleazar, who just smiled and patted his friend on the shoulder.

Jennifer, of course, started to flood everyone with her talking, asking the guys about various things. It turned out that Eleazar had come to California on vacation, and was staying with Michael's parents house, who knew his family. As it turned out, the boys liked each other very much and decided to hang out.

Selene felt a strange connection with Eleazar, however, it was not sympathy, much less love. It was as if they were of the same... race? Where did she get such stupid comparisons from? Selene shook her head slightly to chase such thoughts away especially that Eleazar was looking in her direction. When their eyes met, he smiled, clearly just pretending that listened to Jennifer's chatter, one could clearly tell he wasn't interested in her. Part of Selene was honored that such a cool biy was more interested in her than obviously more attractive friend, but at the same time she felt a bit shy because of the attention he was paying to her. Michael kept talking to Sarah and looked at her with a disarming smile. After 4 p.m. Eleazar got up from the table.

- I'm afraid it's time for me to go.- he said, looking briefly into Selene's eyes with a slight sadness.- Michael, you can stay here, of course, you're not going with me anyway.- Eleazar then turned to his friend.

- Well, honestly, I wanted to take Sarah to the cinema.- Michael looked at the girl significantly and she looked down shyly, but clearly smiling.

- Come on, say yes.- Jennifer whispered into her ear and nudged slightly.

- Okay.- Sarah got up and walked over to Michael. He took her hand, and they both left the coffee shop, headed for the parking lot, and got into a silver Honda.

- Then see you later.- Eleazar said goodbye, with hopeful eyes, looking at Selene one last time and finally left the cafe.

~~~~~~

Around 5 p.m. Meredith finished preparing for the birthday party. There was a cake on the table, the entire living room was festooned with balloons, and on the main wall was a banner that read "Happy birthday, Selene." She looked at everything a few more times to make sure it looked perfect. Meredith felt really proud of work that was done even though she helped herself with magic, but only a little. She wanted not only Selene to be delighted, but most of all the rest of the guests, because wizards and sorceresses from the most eminent families would appear. Meredith wanted to impress them very much and show that a lonely witch, not having a husband and a large family to help, can cope well with raising a child and taking care of a house. The elders kept telling Meredith that she should get married because then life would be easier, and she should give birth to her own children. Meredith, however, did not care about it, because she had to guard the "chosen one" and did not feel like dating. In addition, among wizards her age there was no bachelor who interested her even a little.

The bell rang for the first time as Meredith arranged the drinks and salty snacks on the table.

- Oh, first guests are here.- she thought, then put down the last bottle with soda and went to open the door.

~~~~~~

Selene said goodbye to Jennifer after 5:30 p.m, and at 6.00 p.m was already near home. She could see the light shining from the living room and someone's murmur.

- So the guests are already here... I wonder what kind of family it is that they're visiting me only now?- Selene said to herself ironically. It was strange and honestly made her a little angry, for she had already lived in this world for 16 years and they had many opportunities to visit them. Nor had Selene seen any of them help aunt Meredith, and she had to deal with all the difficulties alone. Until now, Selene hadn't even known about their existence, and now they suddenly wanted to visit her? Only on 16th birthday?

In the end, however, to calm down, she took a deep breath and opened the door, then heard a thunderous "Happy Birthday." Selene saw the living room all decorated with balloons, in the center of it stood a table on which was a huge cake with sixteen candles and lots of gifts. Nine women and two men stood around the table, but no face she knew, except that of aunt standing at the front. She stared at her, not wanting to look at the others.

Meredith walked over to her stunned niece and hugged her tightly.

- Happy birthday, Selene.- she whispered in her ear.

- Thank you, aunt Meredith.- Selene cuddled up to her. She felt strange in a living room full of strangers, but the closeness of her aunt restored her peace.

- Since today is your sixteenth birthday, I have to tell you who you really are...- Meredith began.

Selene gave her a surprised look, wondering what aunt wanted to tell her.