Chapter 17 - Your Song

Calvin was stunned and looked at Aila, she blushed profusely.

He smiled and said:

"I'm glad you're more open to me now."

"What are you talking about? I've mostly been open to you."

"You know what I mean Honey."

Aila snorted. Refusing to respond to his last statement.

If he only knew the mental calisthenics I had to do in these 2 weeks.

As they arrived at the venue, people's eyes are on them. The party was held by the beach, with lanterns illuminating the whole place. Waiters in toga attire are everywhere. There are some celebrities smathering around as well.

Calvin ushered Aila through the crowd, pausing from time to time to  greet acquaintances. Aila just smiled and politely responded to inquiries directed at her.

They finally arrived where the birthday celebrant is standing.

Aila warmly smiled and said:

"Happy Birthday Dalton, thank you for having us."

"Thank you for your warm greeting Aila. Nice to see you tag along Calvin."

Dalton added sarcastically.

Calvin smirked.

"What are you talking about? Wherever she is, there I'll be. Happy birthday man."

Calvin then smacked Dalton's back.

"Ouch! Easy man! Geez...enjoy the party Aila. I know some people here you might already know anyway."

Ugghh, no I don't think the old Aila even has any close friends.

She was also combing down her memory of the people she saw and meet at this party, some names popped up when she spotted them but none seem to give her that warm feeling only a close acquaintance would give.

"Thanks Dalton, I appreciate that."

She looked to the side and noticed the other trio. Hanna is closely eyeing Calvin at the moment, seeming to want to talk to him but couldn't. The eyes of those closeby are watching them like a hawk.

She can somehow hear the whispers of her becoming Calvin's fiancee being out of the blue and that of rumors that Hanna and Calvin were secret lovers before.

"Ahem...attention everyone. We would like to start the evening of course to have our birthday celebrant here on stage please."

The MC's voice rang out on the venue. Dalton excused himself to get to the stage.

Aila found herself seated among the main characters on the same table.

Urggh, this is awkward.

"Thank you everyone for coming to my birthday party. I was actually not going to celebrate it this year since it reminds me of how old I am."

Chuckles rang out in the crowd. Some women even hooted 'I love you, Dalton!' Like its a fan meet.

"But my good friends talked me into it, so here we are. I am grateful that you have taken the time to come today. I appreciate the gifts as well that came in early. I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening."

They should be the one grateful. This is prime networking at its finest.

Cheers and clapping rang out in the crowd.

"Thank you for that wonderful speech, Master Dalton. And now, before we get to have the candles blown. A special friend has prepared a performance for our beloved birthday celebrant."

Murmurs rang in the crowd and soon the tinkling of notes drew everyone's attention towards the grand piano conveniently placed in the center which seemed to pop out of thin air. Aila didn't notice but Hanna was actually there already.

That was fast.

Hanna is playing Canon in D by Pachelbel. The soft, relaxing music has lulled the crowd. She could see Dalton's eyes transfixed to the female lead, her gaze turned around her table and their eyes are glued to Hanna as well.

Well, that's the heroine's halo for you.

Aila almost yelped when Calvin held her hand underneath the table.

"My goodness, could you warn me a little?" She whispered.

"Warn you of what?" Calvin said cheekily then kissed the hand he held.

The music finally ended and the crowd applauded. The applause was specially loud among the male leads.

"Happy Birthday Dalton, I wish you all the best and I hope you liked my little extra gift for you. I know you love music the most and did my best to play one of your favourites."

Dalton was mouthing 'thank you' to Hanna in response.

"It is also an especially happy event that we have a new addition to our little group, Aila. Maybe you could play a little song as well to our birthday celebrant?"

This little...

Aila's memory suddenly shifted to where the old Aila embarrassed herself by playing an off key violin and was quite engrossed on it in a crowd. She was apparently trying to get Calvin's attention then as well.

She could see the male leads froze as well as Calvin. They know Aila had no musical inclination whatsoever.

Unfortunately for you my friend. I am not the old Aila.

She stood up and the they looked at her perplexed. Some who knew here tensed up, some were quite visibly excited to see her make a spectacle of herself.

Aila walked toward where the piano is and faced the smiling Hanna.

"I don't claim to be a great musician such as yourself, but for our Dalton I'll make an exception."

She could see Dalton's uncertain expression. Hanna's look of triumph. Calvin seemed to be worried. The other two trying to be emotionless.

Sigh...here goes nothing.

Aila sat Infront of the piano. Took a deep breathe and started playing.

Everybody's eyes widened when she also started singing. Her voice sounding that of an angel. Sweet and soft, clear and endearing. Like a lover soothing you to sleep.

Aila is playing Elton John's 'Your Song'. She loved to sing before and thankfully for whatever reason, her voice followed her in this new world.

And you can tell everybody

This is your song.

It may be quite simple, but

Now that it's done.

I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is

While you're in the world.

Aila smiled sweetly at Dalton. She was quite pleased that her singing voice was still with her.

She wasn't aware that she had caught Dalton's attention in the wrong direction and that his vision of her was being colored in roses.

Calvin was quite surprised as well that she was hiding such a talent. He was wondering if she did the off key performance before just for kicks.

The song finally ended and Aila stood up.

"Happy Birthday Dalton." she said with a smile.

"Thank you Aila." Dalton responded almost a whisper.

His heart racing inexplicably.