Chapter 313 - 313: Joint Task Force Mini-Reunion

Time passed by too quickly. Today was the celebration of Marie's 28th Birthday. She thought she would just celebrate her birthday together with her parents.

But surprisingly, when her parents brought her to the Centennial Resort some of her friends and former colleagues were already there waiting for them. They reserved one pool area in the resort, exclusively for the party.

She was glad to see them. She found out that it was Allen who organized this pool party for her. She was grateful to him.

"Marie! Happy Birthday! We miss you so much, sis!" It was Jane who greeted her first.

Jane was her partner in Special Task Force Eagle. 

"Thank you, Jane."

Rose and April also approached her. They gave her a hug before greeting a happy birthday. Marie's parents entertained their other guests while Marie stayed with her former colleagues in the task force.

The girls were having a conversation when June and Bryan arrived in the venue. They walked towards them to greet the girls. Carl and Allen also joined the group.

"This seems to be a mini-reunion for the members of the joint task force!" June blurted out cheerfully.

"Yes… and as usual, our two heads are late. Where is Chief Lee and Captain Jason?" Carl commented, peering at the area while searching for Chief Lee and Captain Jason.

"It's Major General Jason now, not Captain." Allen corrected him.

"Salute to our three Senior Sergeants!" Bryan said to them, emphasizing their promotion.

Allen, Carl, and Jane were promoted as Senior Sergeants while Captain Jason was promoted as Major General. This happened after Catseye's case was closed. Only the members of Alpha Cinco refused the promotion.

The group erupted into a peal of laughter. Though Marie couldn't remember everything she still felt comfortable with their company.

"By the way, did you bring your swimwear? Let's forget about everything and just enjoy the day!" Rose said, her eyes filled with excitement.

"Of course, yes! That's one of the reasons why we are here! Right timing, the weather is hot today. Let's soak in the pool all day!" June declared.

"Hey… hey… let's eat first and wait for others to arrive. Chief Lee and Captain Jason are not yet here." Allen reminded them.

April secretly approached Bryan.

"Hey, do you think Aliyah will come today? You said that Chief Lee invited her, right?"

"Yes, but I am not sure if she's available today," Bryan replied to her.

"Hehe… I hope she can make it. I wonder what will be the reaction of the former members of Special Task Force Eagle once they see her." April let out a soft giggle.

"I could still remember our funny reaction when Aliyah appeared in front of us. We were shocked. We thought she's a ghost!" she added as she continued laughing.

"I bet… they will also be surprised!" Bryan said with a grin.

"Let's wait for Chief Lee. We never know he's late because he went to fetch Aliyah."

****************

Meanwhile, the two people whom Bryan and April were talking about were now together.

Erick dropped by her apartment. He went there to pick her up. Now, they were on their way to the venue.

"I'm glad you can come with me today. I thought you would reject my invitation." Erick said.

"Do you think this is a good idea? I think I will be out of place there. Remember, I am an outsider. I didn't even know the celebrant. I feel like I am gatecrashing with this party." Elle lamented at him.

'You knew them! You are just pretending that you don't know them.' Erick thought to himself.

Erick merely smiled but didn't respond.

Elle heaved a sigh of frustration.

"Why are you doing this to me, Chief Lee? You know I couldn't say no to you!"

Erick chuckled.

"Can you just call me, Erick? Stop calling me Chief Lee. You are not my colleague nor my subordinate."

"But others also call you that, not only your subordinates and colleagues."

Erick averted his gaze to Elle. "But you are not others. You are you. You are special!"

"You are just saying this because I look like your Elle." she quietly grumbled, but it was loud enough for Erick to hear.

'Because you are definitely Elle!'

Erick had no plan to argue with her today so he changed the topic.

"Before I forget… I would like to ask you." Erick paused for a moment before he continued.

"Did you bring swimwear?" he asked with anticipation.

Elle rolled her eyes skyward after hearing that.

"No!" Elle promptly said.

"Huh? Why not?"

"I have no plan to go swimming. I am allergic to chlorine and pool waters. Do you want me to get sick?"

Erick couldn't refute that. He knew she wanted to hide her scars from him. He already expected this.

Seeing the disappointment in Erick's expression, Elle spoke up again.

"Next time, invite me to go to the beach. Then I might consider wearing a swimsuit in front of you." Elle said with a taunting smile on her lovely face.

Erick suddenly stopped the car after hearing her statement.

"Hey, why did you stop?" Elle asked, looking at him with confusion.

Erick turned sideways to face her.

"Do you want to go to the beach now?"

"Erick... Seriously? Are you asking me that, right now? For goodness' sake, we are here to attend a birthday party of your friend!" Elle said exasperatedly.

Erick gazed at her with a trace of warmth in his eyes. His face instantly lit up as a gentle smile hung on his lips.

'Oh gosh. How could this man be so good-looking as he smiles like this!' Elle complained to herself.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?!"

"I like it… I love to hear you calling my name." Erick said with a satisfied smile on his face.

Elle was rendered speechless. She didn't know what to say. After a while, Erick averted his gaze back to the road and continued driving. The smile on his face didn't disappear.

***************

Back to the Centennial Resort, Major Jason also arrived. Now, they were just waiting for Erick to complete the team. 

Unknown to them, there was also another presence, watching over them not too far away. Black Shadow was there, waiting for the right timing to greet Marie personally in secret.