Chapter 567 - The Feast

J and Jacob reached Lodgepole Estate and although she had anticipated it she was still surprised when she saw everyone from the horse farm and orchard gathered at the house. Apparently, Jacob told Mrs. Potters that they were coming and that she should prepare something for her.

But, Mrs. Potters did not just prepare something for her, she prepared a feast for her and called everyone to celebrate J's birthday. Thou they were given notice that it would be just a short visit.

The feast is complete with main courses and desserts. The women were busy helping Mrs. Potters in the preparation, kids were running around and men were gathered in groups casually chatting.

J's hand is in her mouth in surprise. "Did you tell them to do this?" She asked Jacob who is standing beside her. It seems that no one has ever noticed their arrival yet.

Jacob shook her head. "No." He was astounded as well. "I just told Mrs. Potters to prepare something."

"Well, I guess you didn't give her an exact definition of something." She said without taking her eyes off the people gathered around.

"They're here!" They heard someone shouted from somewhere then everyone looked at their direction. They were standing at the balcony of the house that is overlooking the ocean. There is also a lemon orchard at the back of the house where everyone is gathered and busy preparing for the banquet.

"Uhm...I feel like running." J said feeling nervous that everyone is looking at her. She hates being the center of everyone's attention.

When Mrs. Potters heard the commotion, she came out of the kitchen and meet J and Jacob at the balcony.

"You're here." Mrs. Potters said as she walked towards them. "Happy Birthday." Then she gave J a tight hug.

"Thank you Mrs. Potters." She looked around after they pulled apart. "You shouldn't have prepared something like this." She said which made everyone felt a little awkward. They eventually noticed that J doesn't seem to like what they have prepared.

J sensed the awkwardness, "Oh no! That's not what I meant. It's just that... isn't it too much?" She said feeling a little apologetic.

"Ha-ha. Honey, I know you are not used to this kind of birthday celebration. You are used to being with just Diana and Lance during your past birthdays and I know that sometimes you would rather spend the day alone and not celebrate it." Jacob said words to convey a message that J didn't mean to be insensitive and that she is just not used to this.

"But you have to get used to this because from now on, we will be celebrating your birthday just like this." Jacob smiled while he strokes her hair.

"Oh Miss J. I can't even remember the last time you celebrated your birthday here. I guess it was before that incident happened." Mrs. Potters hugged her again, she was talking about that ambush.

"And since then, you were sent by Elder Do abroad and I doubt if you ever celebrated your birthday since then." J becomes teary-eyed because what Mrs. Potters said was right.

J never celebrated her birthday abroad even if Lance insisted. He would invite her to a club, a bar or dinner at a restaurant or even at home but she is adamant about not doing anything. She would rather sleep or spend the day at a speedway. Even so, Lance would still give her a present which J cannot refuse.

"When Dr. Jacob said that you were coming and that we should prepare something for you, I seized the opportunity to make up for the years that you were alone on your birthday. I called them here to celebrate with you."

J gulped the knot that formed in her throat. She felt guilty. She pulled herself away from Mrs. Potters. "No, I guess I was just surprised and overwhelmed. I'm sorry."

She turned and looked at everyone. "Thank you for this." She said then she gave them a faint smile.

They actually didn't mind. They just felt awkward seeing her reaction. Thou they are used to her cold and aloof demeanor, the were too overwhelmed by the celebration in the air that they seemed to forgot about it.

They all smiled at her with understanding. They have known about her past and the sufferings that she experienced and they can't help but sympathize with her.

They each greeted her and there were even kids who gave her wildflowers.