EAST ASIA
Shelly adjusted the blankets around her mother, who lay on the bed sick and bald. She was just finishing her mother's tea when her phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a notification—a trending video of Bruno's pre-birthday bash in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
"Mr. Bruno? But it's not his birthday yet."
She scrolled through the feed and found out it was a pre-birthday party organized for his Puerto Rico fans. She let out a sigh, a tight feeling of disappointment settling in her chest.
Her mother opened her eyes slowly, noticing Shelly's expression. Gently, she reached out and placed her hand over Shelly's.
"What's wrong, dear?"
Shelly forced a small smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"It's nothing, Mom. Just... just Bruno Hathaway, the guy, you know... I told you I had a crush on. He's having this big pre-birthday party in Puerto Rico, that's all."
Her mother's eyes lowered sadly.
"You should be there, if you didn't need to take care of me. I know how much you loved that young man."
Shelly shook her head, her hand resting on her mother's shoulder.
"Mom, you know I'm not leaving you here alone—not ever, not even for Bruno Hathaway. So stop sounding as if I'm forcing myself to be with you." She offered a little laugh, though sadness was still in her eyes. "I can catch the next one, maybe."
Her mother sighed softly, tilting her head.
"I don't want you missing out because of me, Shelly. You've been more than a daughter to me."
She squeezed Shelly's hand, her voice weak.
"Promise me you won't let all of life pass you by while taking care of me."
Shelly felt her throat tighten, blinking back the dampness in her eyes.
"You're not 'life passing me by,' Mom," she frowned. "I want to be here for you, and that's that. Stop saying sad stuff like that!"
They sat in silence for a few moments, fighting their emotions.
After a long pause, Shelly's mother broke the silence.
"You could go visit the company's headquarters in America instead. See Bruno there... maybe you two will fall in love at first sight."
She winked.
Shelly shook her head, a soft smile on her lips as she took her mother's hand in both of hers.
"I'll wait," she replied. "The company's next big tour is supposed to be in East Asia, so they'll be closer soon. By then, you'll be feeling better too, and I'll have plenty of chances to celebrate. Right now, I'd rather be here with you till you get better... you can beat this cancer... I know it."
She leaned down, pressing a light kiss on her mother's forehead.
"I love you, Mom."
_______________
Jessie and Beauty arrived at the party, wide-eyed at how big the event was—totally unexpected.
Photographers and journalists swarmed the entryway, the flash of cameras and hum of conversation filling the air as stars, influencers, and models paraded down the red carpet. They posed briefly for the cameras. Beauty didn't feel as anxious as usual, maybe because Jessie was beside her.
Afterwards, they headed inside the event hall.
"Well—look, it's trending already everywhere!"
She held up her phone, showing Beauty the stream of live updates and photos flooding social media.
Beauty managed a faint smile, trying to keep her cool, though her attention was elsewhere.
Bruno... where is he?
She could see the giant throne chair, the cake, but not the celebrant. He was tall enough to be noticed.
Before long, she heard cheering at the center of the hall. She hoped it was who she was looking for.
"We have a surprise artist in the building tonight, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome, Luis Fonsi!"
The DJ announced, calling all attention.
The guests went crazy as the artist started performing his famous song, Despacito.
Jessie let out a squeal, tugging Beauty's arm.
"Oh my goodness! I love him!"
Beauty smiled, amused at Jessie's excitement.
Jessie sang along enthusiastically, losing herself in the lyrics as Fonsi worked the crowd with a charismatic grin.
Beauty glanced back at the center of the room and finally spotted Bruno, dancing with a woman with a stunning figure, moving her hips to the music and giggling at Bruno. They were surrounded by an admiring crowd. A knot of jealousy tightened in her stomach. She couldn't look away, her wet eyes fixed on Bruno and Elena as they swayed to the music, the crowd cheering them on, taking pictures and videos as the artist walked over to sing to them, as if it were some wedding party.
"Wow, that's Elena, the current Miss World," Jessie whispered to Beauty.
Beauty swallowed and forced herself to look away.
"Well... he's having fun... we should have fun too, you know."
Jessie felt bad for her friend.
"If I had known, I wouldn't have suggested coming. That girl makes every lady in the room look average. We have to leave—Bruno is an asshole."
"It's okay, Jessie. Your sentimental speeches are not going to help me right now," Beauty replied, her voice stricter than usual.
Jessie could tell she was frustrated and mad about the situation.
Beauty stole a glance at Bruno. Somehow, he gazed across the room, and their eyes met. Beauty's heart skipped a beat, but he looked away just as quickly, as if he didn't recognize her—though she was very sure he did. His eyes said it all. She bit her lower lip, trying to keep her composure.
"Let's leave," Jessie suggested.
Beauty said nothing and continued watching Bruno dance with Elena. She blinked back her tears and stared down at her bulging tummy, her insecurities creeping back, threatening to shatter her self-esteem.
Elena had a wardrobe malfunction, and her stylist pulled her aside to help her with it. Bruno was waiting nervously for his... date, maybe.
"This is your chance, Beauty," a voice yelled inside her.
"Let's get out of here".
Jessie told her.
Beauty said nothing, again.
Before Jessie could say anything else, she found Beauty moving through the crowd, her eyes on Bruno and her heart pounding in her chest.
The crowd seemed to part around her, and as she neared him, Bruno noticed her approaching. His expression changed—surprise, curiosity, wondering what must be going on in her mind. He swallowed tightly and took a glass of drink to distract himself.
Beauty walked straight up to him with a confidence that was new to her, knowing everyone must be watching. The Despacito song was louder and louder, echoing in her head.
The Justin Bieber remix came on.
🎶Comin′ over in my direction
So thankful for that, it's such a blessin′, yeah
Turn every situation into heaven, yeah
Oh-oh, you are
My sunrise on the darkest day
Got me feelin' some kind of way
Make me wanna savor every moment slowly, slowly...🎶
But before Bruno could react, she was in front of him, her hand reaching up to cradle his face, and she pressed her lips to his in a kiss that shocked the whole world around them.
Bruno froze instantly, his eyes widened; he wanted to push her away but...
🎶You fit me tailor-made, love how you put it on
Got the only key, know how to turn it on
The way you nibble on my ear, the only words I wanna hear
Baby, take it slow, so we can last long (oh)🎶
Elena returned, her jaw on the floor, both offended and irritated.
"What the heck!" she snapped.