I Just Can’t Say Goodbye - Chapter 43：Birthday Surprise

The waiters came to their table and served their food. Perhaps because he had slept for several hours after an emotional talk with Jia, his mood was perfect. He was enjoying their dinner while listening to the serenade. He was also paying attention to Jia as she ate and helped her cut her meat and vegetables.

After they both put down their cutleries, and sat back to listen to the songs, one of the singers spoke into the microphone. All eyes were on him.

“We are also happy that someone here is celebrating his birthday with us. Our next five songs will be heartily dedicated to him.”

“The first song would be rendered by one of our singers, Mr.Eric Ramirez.”

“The next two songs would be from our guest.”

“The fourth song would be rendered by anyone of us per request by the celebrant.”

“Then the fifth would be a birthday song from all of us.”

Jim was already fidgetting from his seat. He was never used to this set up. However, he managed a gentle laugh as he felt like being tickled deep inside. Soon, the first singer came up.

“Mr. Wayne, this song is heartily dedicated for you. May today be a promise that you will love each other until forever.”

With this, Jia laughed. “Jim, he’s thinking we are couples.”

Jim also laughed softly but heartily.

Soon, the music was played into the background while Mr. Eric held up his microphone to prepare. The song was titled, “SHE” by Elvis Costello.

As the strain of the song played on, Jim felt as if some strings were beautifully strummed deep inside his heart. It reached deep into his heart that he got carried away. He, then, wrapped his arm over Jia’s shoulder and pulled her close. A perfect enactment of the message of the song.

“She may be the song that summer sings ,

Maybe the chill that autumn brings

Maybe a hundred different things

Within the measure of a day.”

Jia instantly felt her blood rushing to her head. Her pulses thumped loudly as a little more pull from him would surely bring himself to kissing her. She could feel his joy as his breathing brushed her ear.

There was a long silence when the song finally ended before the crowd roared to a long and loud applause.

Then the speaker went up to the stage again and took the microphone.

“Mr. Wayne, may the song, “She” had in a way inspire you more in loving her.” He said with a big grin as he fixed his gaze at Jia.

Jia could not help herself from giggling again as she shyly cast a side glance at him. However, Jim had caught her. So, without permission, he wrapped both his arms around her in a tight embrace and planted a kiss on top of her head.

“Mr. Wayne, our next singer will require you to be blindfolded and will ask you to cross your arms so that you won’t be tempted to pull it out.”

Jim got thrilled and excited even if his smile was still pursed up.

“Jim, I want to go to the bathroom. ”

“I’ll go with you. ”

“No. You’re the celebrant, remember,”

she objected while laughing.

Then, the speaker approached him and tied a scarf around his head to cover his eyes. “Remember the rule, Mr. Wayne.. ”

Jim nodded and patiently waited. Soon, the music was released into the background. It was a bit familiar but with the silence of the place and the romantic air, the music intro cut deep into his soul. Soon, the female singer’s voice was heard. It was so cold and beautiful that it sent chills to his spine. He was tempted to tear his blindfold but he remembered the rule. Or else, the singer will stop.

The song was about a message of gratitude for being taken out of nothingness. Instantly, an air of melancholy filled the place and it spread so deeply, wrapping those wounded hearts around. Including Jim’s.

“You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains

You raise me up to walk on stormy seas

I am strong when I am on your shoulders

You raise me up to more than I can be.”

As the song was about to end, tears slid down from his eyes but were absorbed by the cloth of the blindfold.

There was a long silence again before the audience erupted into a wild applause.

Then another music was played. It was a love song. He was familiar with it again. But, the singer’s voice tonight was more beautiful than when he heard it being played online.

And the voice had became more familiar…. His heart raced wildly.

“Did you ever know that you’re my hero,

And everything I would like to be?

I can fly higher than an eagle,

For you are the wind beneath my wings.…”

At the end of the song, the singer spoke up.

“You are my hero, Dr. Jim, and the wind beneath my wings.” She paused for a while then went ahead, “May I would be able to celebrate many more birthdays with you.. Happy birthday.” She smiled but tears were running down her face.

The crowd also got carried away and tears were likewise brimming in their eyes.

There was a long silence again. Jim couldn’t take it anymore. He tossed his blindfold away and run to the stage. It was her! It was really her! He never knew how well she could sing. He then hugged her tight and broke into a stiffled sob.

Soon, the crowd sobbed with them.

After a while, a jolly birthday song was sang by the band and a waiter pushed in front of them a table with a cake and a lighted candle!

A wild and a loud applause erupted again…with a “Happy birthday, Mr. Wayne! “