When I was young, I was always fascinated with how magical fairy tales always work. It starts with “Once Upon a Time\'\' and it always ends with “Happily Ever After”. I was jealous of how they always get to solve the problem and make the villains suffer. I wanted to be a princess myself. I wanted to be a damsel in distress waiting for a prince charming to come. A prince I could love and live happily ever after with. 

To be honest, fairy tales are far from being my real-life story. My story is more of a drama series. When I was a kid, my father Nick and my mother Lisa got a divorce. So, life has been a little complicated after that. They told me that they had the divorce because they aren\'t compatible anymore, that’s it. They did not explain things to me back then because they told me that I was too young to understand things like that. Later on, when I was old enough to understand complicated things, I realized it was because my dad loved someone else. 

I haven\'t introduced myself, have I? I am Nina. I am a young girl and an only child. Growing up without a sibling was a bit tough for me since my parents were not on good terms either. I wanted a sister or a brother to talk to, at least, when my parents are arguing or having a heated conversation. Having a sibling meant that I could divert my attention to him or her instead of my parents. I always wished to have one but unfortunately, I did not have one.  

Even though I did not have a sibling of my own, I luckily had met a neighbor that became my best friend. His name is Andy and he just lived right across our house. Every time my parents would argue, I would leave our house and go to his. We would always play outdoor games when the sun is high and then play board games when the weather is not good. We even built a treehouse in their backyard to serve as our own space whenever we need to play. Throughout my lifetime, I always thought of his house as my second home. It is because I feel more at ease when I am with him. 

Apparently, today is my birthday and it is not just an ordinary birthday. Today is the day that I turn eighteen. I am officially going to be welcomed to adulthood. I am actually having mixed feelings right now. I feel happy and nervous at the same time. I feel happy because reaching the legal age gives you privilege on things. On the other hand, it makes me nervous because being an adult means being more responsible and mature and I don\'t think I am ready for that yet.

[Nina’s Perspective]

As I walked down the flight of stairs, all eyes were on me. I am very happy to see my close friends and family here today.  I’m wearing a blue ombre ball gown with my silver pumps. My hair is tied back with a princess braid and I am wearing a small crown too. I really feel like a princess today, it’s my debut after all. 

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, my father was already waiting for me. I took my dad’s hand and we walked towards the stage. As we were walking, I heard Andy introducing me. 

“Let us all welcome our lovely debutant, Nina!” 

After saying that, people applauded until my dad and I were able to reach the stage. After that Andy led the event again and proceeded with the other parts of the program. While Andy was busy talking, I wasn’t fully listening to him. I just smiled and nodded whenever he mentioned the word ‘debutant’. I wasn\'t paying much attention because someone is still missing - that someone is my mom. 

Moments later, Andy announced that it was time to give my speech before we could all eat. So, I stood up from where I was sitting and walked towards the end of the stage. 

“I sincerely thank each and every one of you for coming to my debut tonight. I feel so happy seeing you all here.” I spoke. 

“Also, I would like to thank my dad who made time today to attend this event despite his busy schedule.” I looked at my dad as I said those words. He pretended to frown and sigh which made everyone chuckle. 

“Lastly, I would also like to thank my mom. I know that she is honored and proud to have me, wherever she may be right now. 

Suddenly, people started murmuring. After a while, one of my aunts shouted.

“Sorry dear, we didn’t know she passed away” 

“Oh no. My mom is still alive. I think she is just late.” 

Just as I finished saying those words, I heard my mom shouting in the distance. 

“I’m sorry honey. I’m sorry I’m late” she said while panting. It was obvious that my mom tried her best to come here right away. 

She immediately approached me and hugged me.

“I’m so sorry honey. There was an accident on the road so we had to wait for first responders on the scene before we could go.” She explained to me. 

“It’s okay, mom. I’m just glad you are already here.” I said as I smiled sweetly at her and kissed her on the cheek.

After eating, we proceeded with the eighteen gifts and eighteen wishes. When the last speaker for the eighteen wishes said her wish to me, an upbeat song started to play. 

“It’s party time!” Andy shouted through the microphone. 

I took that as a cue to go down the stage and interact with my guests. Everyone cheered and danced along with the beat. The DJ was playing cool and trendy beats that made everyone move. Whenever one song finishes, the DJ starts with another cool song. I liked his song choices so I wanted to meet him.  

I walked across the ballroom to find where my friends were. Moments later, I saw them dancing near their table. 

“Hey guys” I greeted my friends. 

“Hey, girl” Kathy said.

“Happy Birthday Nina!” Andy greeted me again. 

“Oh, thank you Andy.” I replied.  

\"That DJ is so handsome!\" Kathy suddenly told us while we were dancing. 

She kept on looking at the DJ vibing at the left side of the stage. 

\"Yes! Yes! I think so too. But you know what? His appearance fee is very expensive.\" I replied to Kathy. 

\"I really don\'t understand what kind of charm he has that fascinates you so much. Clearly, what he did can be done by anyone else! What sets him apart then?\" Andy looked puzzled.

“I know that, Andy. The difference is his handsomeness” Kathy replied to Andy. 

“So, what if he is handsome? Just look at him, his vibes are the dangerous kind. He looks like a player” Andy told Kathy again. 

“No, he does not Andy. Never judge a book by its cover. We will never know unless we meet him personally” Kathy rebutted. 

Both Andy and Kathy were teasing each other and I just stood there laughing at them. Seconds later, the music changed in pace. The music the DJ played was a romantic song for a slow dance. Right then and there, in the corner of the ballroom, we heard people screaming at each other. 

My friends and I went to the scene as soon as possible to see who it was. When we arrived, I saw my mom and dad arguing again. Apparently, dad brought another date with him. 

“I can’t believe you actually brought her here!” My mom said towards dad. 

“Why? Can’t I bring my date with me?” Dad answered. 

“Date? Are you not ashamed? She is the reason why we are divorced. She is the reason why Nina has a broken family” my mom rebutted. 

“Stop saying that! There are a lot of people here!”

“You want me to stop? Let her leave then. For God’s sake, Nick, today is our daughter’s birthday!” my mom shouted again. She even put emphasis on the word ‘our’ 

“Wait a second Lisa. Nina and I have a good relationship. I think that you are the only one uncomfortable with me being here.” Sara interrupted. 

“That is what I thought so too. Our marriage ended long ago Lisa. Stop this nonsense. Nina is okay with Sara being here.”  Dad defended Sara. It made my mom sadder. 

I know why my mom hates Sara so much. It is true that she was the reason my parents broke up. Back then, since mom and dad were busy with work, I was left alone to do my assignments and other school work. I struggled with completing them so mom and dad decided to get me a private tutor.  

Sara was the private tutor that mom hired. It just happened that she was dad’s first girlfriend, his one true love. Mom did not know this fact which is why she trusted Sara with me and dad. But dad broke that trust when he had an affair with Sara and asked for divorce when he got caught.

Everything was becoming too much to handle. I’m feeling more and more sad and irritated.

\"Will you stop arguing? Please!” I shouted at them

“Can’t you see? People are already staring” I added. 

I was so mad. I can’t believe they couldn’t even handle this in a civil manner or take it outside instead. 

\"It\'s not my fault. Blame your damn father for bringing that bitch here.\" Mom shouted angrily.

My dad just looked sharply at mom and then turned to look at Sara. 

\"It\'s okay, it\'s okay.\" Dad comforted Sara.

“I’m fine Nick. It’s okay.” Sara assured dad. 

After a few seconds, my mom spoke again.

\"Since everyone now knows that you are a bitch, why don\'t you bring me a glass of red wine?\" My mom demanded and looked at Sara impatiently.

The tone of mom’s voice was daring and it was scary. 

\"Don\'t listen to her, you are my fiancé, not her servant.\" Dad defended Sara again. 

I could see hurt in mom’s eyes again. She obviously said those words to defend herself at least. 

“Oh my God! Stop! Just Stop!” I told them again. 

All three of them just looked at me and stayed quiet. I thought that they all decided to stop for real now but I was wrong. 

Sara moved away from dad and went to the buffet area to get a glass of red wine. Dad was shocked with her actions. When Sara was approaching mom, dad stopped her mid-way and whispered something to each other.

“Sara, you don’t have to do this” Dad said. 

“No, I have to.” Sara answered Dad. 

After that, she approached my mom directly. 

“You wanted a glass of red wine right? Here you go!” Sara said as she splashed the glass of red wine to my mom’s dress. 

I was shocked with what she did. How could she do that to my mom? 

Sara’s action made mom even madder. My mom was wearing a white lacy dress so the stain of the wine was obvious and it greatly ruined my mom’s dress. They started arguing again. At this point, the music has already died down and all my visitors are already watching the scene. 

“What the hell, Sara?” Mom shouted in shock.

“You deserve that. That is for calling me a bitch” Sara said. 

“I did not lie though.” My mom countered while smirking. 

After saying that, mom also grabbed a glass of champagne on the table and directly splashed it onto Sara’s face. As a result, Sara’s make-up came undone which made her look horrible. 

That was all it took until both of them rushed toward each other and pulled each other\'s hair. 

“No! Mom! Aunt Sara! Stop! Please Stop!” I shouted at them while trying to pull them away. 

Neither of them listened to me. 

“Dad! Please! Stop them!” I looked at my dad with pleading eyes. 

He tried to stop them too but both of them did not even budge. They continued shouting, pulling each other’s hair and rolling on the carpeted floor. 

I looked at all my guests watching. I felt so mad, ashamed and humiliated at the same time. I know that both of them know that everyone is watching yet both of them still insisted on going on with their stunt. I wanted to cry on the spot. This birthday party was supposed to be a happy and memorable event but because of my parents’ unresolved matters of the heart, this party is the most memorable disaster in my life. 

This is just so unfair! I turned and ran away from the scene. I cannot take it anymore. My heart ached so bad. 

“Nina, wait” I heard Andy call me. 

I ignored his call and just continued to run away. Later on, I found myself standing outside the hotel’s balcony. 

I breathed heavily. I was tired from running away while crying. To comfort myself, I looked up and stared at the stars. Suddenly, a shooting star appeared. 

“Please! Let this be just a dream.” I shouted at the star. 

After that, I sat down crying heavily again. Seconds later, I felt two strong arms hug me from behind. I knew right away who it was. He is the only one who cares to comfort me anyway. 

“Stop crying now please.” His voice was soft, almost pleading.

“I can’t Andy! It is just too much to handle right now. My own parents ruined my birthday” I ranted at him. 

“I’m so sorry Nina.” Andy apologized, not knowing what to say. 

“Oh. Andy!” I cried again. 

This time, Andy did not say a thing. He silently let me pour my heart out until I was satisfied. He just caressed my back repeatedly until I calmed down. 

\"Are you good now? Your eyes look like they have been stung by a bee. They are so red and puffy Nina\" Andy teased me.

\"Go away Andy!\" I slightly chucked while drying my tears. 

After my mood stabilized, I turned and looked at Andy.

\"I should have been used to it. After so many quarrels, that should have been normal to me right? Why is it that whenever they quarrel, I am always the saddest one?\" I said while looking at Andy sadly.

\"Maybe it\'s because they are your parents. You are sad because you worry about them the most. You love them so much that is why you are hurting so much too. If that happened to strangers, I am 100 percent sure that you won\'t be sad for them” 

I nodded my head in agreement. Andy’s words somehow comforted me. 

\"Seeing them like this, I promised myself that I would never fall in love in the future. I think true love can\'t exist in this world at all.\" I said while looking at Andy confidently.

\"Don\'t say that, true love exists.\" Andy said then smiled, and so did I.

“Why don’t we go back inside?” Andy offered. 

“Let me stay here for a while. I will follow you after.” I told Andy.

“Are you sure? Do you still feel bad?” Andy asked, worried. 

“I’m okay Andy. Just leave me alone for a little while” 

“Alright then, if you say so.” Andy answered with a reassuring smile.

Moments later, Dad walked into the balcony.

“Nina, honey, can we talk?” dad asked me from behind. 

I nodded as a response but I did not turn to look at him. 

“I’m sorry.” he started off.

“Let me fix this. Trust me, Nina. I can handle this” Dad continued. 

Dad wanted to hold my hand, but I quickly pulled my hand away from his. I was still mad at him for what happened. 

\"I\'m sorry I screwed up your party, but I actually prepared a present for you.\" He tried to woo me. 

\"I have no interest at all.\"

\"This is a necklace I specially made for you in Paris. I think it would look really good on you.\" I turned and saw the necklace. My eyes suddenly lit up.

\"Not only that, but I also arranged a trip for you and your friends on the island you own.\" Dad looked at me with a little smile.

I could not contain my excitement anymore. Dad’s presents really lifted my mood up. 

“Am I forgiven?” He asked.

\"Yes dad\" I said and hugged my father happily.