It was finally my 23rd birthday—September 21, 2021. I sat shotgun in Cameron's car, feeling both thrilled and exhausted from the past few weeks. Cam, was with me, making me laugh with our usual banter. In my father's car behind us were Mommy and Mags, following closely as we made our way to the Farm at San Benito. Just the thought of a wellness retreat had me excited. It was the perfect way to recharge, and it felt great to spend this special day with the people I loved most.

We stopped over at NLEX for brunch, and everyone was practically buzzing. Mommy and Mags were already talking about Mags' professor.

Habang kumakain kami, bumaling si Mommy sa akin, may tanong sa mga mata. "Shan, anak, bakit hindi sumama ang iba mong mga kaibigan ngayon? Akala ko makikita natin sila Hillary, Zarina, Dylan, at Herbert. Matagal na rin mula noong huli kayong nagkasama nang kumpleto."

I couldn't help but smile, thinking about my little neighborhood squad. "I invited them. I was hoping they could come, but they're all swamped," I explained. Hillary was in Laguna for her first project as a licensed Civil Engineer in Laguna, and her younger sister Zarina, was an Accountant at a bank in Manila. Si Dylan nasa Boracay dahil may gig 'yong banda niya, at si Herbert naman ay busy magpabibo sa opisina because he's after a big promotion. Herbert was a licensed Mechanical Engineer.

My mother's face softened, knowing how close we all were and how much they meant to me. "Well, sana magkita-kita kayo bago ang alis mo sa Thursday papuntang Bali."

I nodded, feeling grateful. "Yeah, it wouldn't feel right not seeing them before I leave. But for now, I have all of you here, and that's more than enough."

After brunch, everyone headed back to the cars, but I stopped Cameron with a glance and a slight wince. "I need the restroom," I muttered, a little embarrassed.

Cameron, ever the dramatic, groaned. "Why is it always me witnessing these moments, Shan?"

"Because you're my most favorite person," biro ko, bahagyang kinurot siya habang naglalakad kami papuntang restroom. "And that's why I love you so much."

He scrunched his nose, pretending to cringe, though I caught a small smile he quickly tried to hide. "Whatever. Just hurry up before I change my mind about sticking around."

Pagkatapos kong mag-CR, nakatayo na siya sa labas, kunwaring inis. "Ayos na? Nakatae ka na?" tanong niya, nakangisi. Tinakpan ko agad 'yong bibig niya. "G*go ka talaga ang ingay mo, baka may makarinig," reklamo ko sa kanya.

Tiningnan niya ako nang masama at irita niyang inalis 'yong kamay ko sa bibig niya. "Salaula ka talaga, eh. Kakatae mo lang tapos ilalagay mo sa bibig ko 'yang kamay mo. Ulol talaga," reklamo niya.

Tumawa ako nang malakas. "Arte mo! Nagsabon naman ako ng kamay saka nag-alcohol din ako!"

"Kahit na. Salaula," iritang sabi niya kaya walang tigil ang tawa ko.

"Salaula pala ha. Baka gusto mong i-post ko 'yong—"

"Hindi na. Hindi na pala. Napakalinis mong tao, Shan," bawi niya kaya pareho kaming humagalpak sa tawa. Naalala niya rin kasi bigla kung ano 'yong naka-save sa phone ko na kasalaulaan niya.

Laughing, we strolled back to his car. But as we neared the parking lot, Cam turned serious. "So... tell me, Shan," he started. "Are you still friends with Charlotte?"

Napahinto ako, bumalik sa isip ko ang mga alaala. It all started when I learned she hadn't been happy that I passed Building Tech—one of only four people in the whole class to do so when we were in 3rd year for the second semester. Charlotte and Varix were among those who didn't pass and had to attend mid-year classes to stay on track. Some girls from our old apartment talked to me about it, and Jasleen—Charlotte's closest friend—told me what Charlotte had said. Apparently, she felt I didn't deserve to pass. I glanced back at Charlotte, feeling a pang of something complicated.

Charlotte was my best girl, that's what I thought. I had really treated her like a real sister. Charlotte and Varix were part of my original circle of friends back in college. Pero dumistansya kaming lahat nina Varix kay Charlotte no'ng nalaman namin lahat ng ginawa at sinabi niya no'ng nakatalikod kami. She even outed Varix for being gay. Varix wasn't okay about it because he was still figuring things out, and he didn't want other people to find out. He trusted us with that secret, and Charlotte went behind his back and spread the secret for him. Marami ring ginawang hindi maganda si Charlotte sa iba pa naming mga kaibigan, pero pinakisamahan pa rin namin siya hanggang sa maka-graduate kami ng architecture school. That's why I was really grateful that I had become friends with Christine and Christian, they were really the best ones. The genuine ones.

"It's hard to hate her, Cam," I admitted softly. "Yes, I know about everything she's said behind my back. How she thought I didn't deserve to pass Building Tech, how she's told people about my family problems, and even the things she's said about Varix. But... her mom had cancer and died, Cam. She had been going through so much already."

Tiningnan niya ako, bakas sa mga mata niya na hindi siya makapaniwala. "Pero hindi ba parang... ang plastic masyado? 'Yong kunwari okay lang lahat?"

"Iba 'yong plastik sa pakikisama," mahinahon kong sagot, pinipiling mabuti ang mga salita. "Pinakikisamahan namin siya kasi ayaw na naming dagdagan pa ang bigat na dinadala niya. It's... it's not fake. It's just choosing kindness over anger."

He sighed, the tension in his shoulders finally easing. "Alright, I get it. You're probably right. It's just hard to see you let things slide when she's been so—"

"—Petty?" I finished, offering a small smile. "Yeah, I know. But maybe we all have our days when we're not our best."

"Eh si Varix, kumusta?" tanong sa 'kin ni Cam.

"Okay naman siya. Bumisita nga siya sa condo namin last month. He didn't pursue apprenticeship anymore, but he's happy with his life now. He's currently a second-courser."

"Oh?" namamangha na sabi ni Cam. "Ano'ng kinuha niyang second program?"

"Fine Arts, finally," nakangiting sagot ko.

The moment we arrived at the Farm at San Benito, I felt a sense of calm settle over me like a warm blanket. Pinaliligiran ang lugar ng malagong halaman, mga huni ng ibon sa di-kalayuan, at banayad na simoy ng hangin na parang kayang tanggalin ang lahat ng stress ng mga nakaraang buwan. As we slowed near the entrance, we spotted signs in front of the reception area: 'Turn off your engine. Clear Air Zone' and 'No cars beyond this point.' Only the club's own electric cars could travel beyond this point, and I couldn't help but smile, appreciating their commitment to maintaining this sanctuary's purity.

Our club car came to a stop in front of our villa—a sprawling, beautiful place that felt private, with enough room for everyone to have their own space and still gather together. Pagpasok namin at nagsimulang mag-ayos ng gamit, narinig ko ang pamilyar na mga boses mula sa may pintuan ng villa. Nang lumingon ako, hindi ako makapaniwala sa nakita ko. My grandparents, all four of my uncles—Uncle Vito, Uncle Celo, Uncle Marlon, Uncle Moren—and Tita Marra had all arrived, each with their families. I hadn't expected to see everyone here, let alone today, and the realization that we'd all be together on my birthday made me feel something deep and warm in my chest. I went from person to person, hugging everyone tightly, barely able to contain my excitement.

"Shan, happy birthday, apo!" my grandmother said, holding my hand with a smile that I could practically feel radiate warmth. My uncles each hugged me in their own bear-like way, joking about how much taller I'd gotten—especially Uncle Vito, who gave Cam a playful nod.

"Look at you, all grown up! And still hanging around with this guy!" Uncle Vito chuckled, nodding in Cam's direction. He'd known Cam for years now, ever since he and I became best friends back in high school, so my family's playful digs at Cam felt like part of the tradition.

I laughed, giving Cam a teasing look as he rolled his eyes with a smile, clearly used to it by now.

Maya-maya, lumapit sa akin ang lolo ko na may matanong na tingin. "Nasaan ang iba mong kaibigan, apo? I thought we might see Hillary, Zarina, Dylan, and Herbert today."

"Oh, they're super busy, Lolo," sagot ko, may nakakaaliw na ngiti. "Inimbitahan ko sila, pero sobrang dami nilang ginagawa."

I turned back to my family, catching up on everyone's updates as we shared stories and laughter. Cam joined in, making everyone laugh with his dry humor, which my uncles and Tita Marra were always ready to encourage.

After a while, Mags tugged on my arm, her eyes hopeful. "Ate, do you think you and Cam could come with me on a walk? This place is too pretty to stay inside."

It was an easy yes. We left the adults chatting in the villa and set out to explore the grounds. The resort was nothing short of breathtaking: winding stone paths, gardens with blooms of every color, and the kind of stillness that made you feel like you could stay here forever. I couldn't resist taking out my phone, snapping pictures not just to remember the day but also to capture details that could serve as inspiration.

Sobrang tutok ko sa pagkuha ng litrato kaya hindi ko napansin si Cam na lumapit sa akin hanggang sa bahagya niyang tinulak ang braso ko. "Shan, are you actually here, or are you working?" biro niya, taas-kilay pa.

Napalunok ako, napagtanto kong ilang segundo na pala akong nakatitig sa isang texture ng pader. "Ay, sorry," natatawa kong sabi, medyo nahihiya. "I know—I should be relaxing, not dissecting the architecture."

"Exactly," Cam said, giving me a look that was both amused and exasperated. "It's your birthday, and you're in paradise. Just breathe and take it all in, work-free."

"Alright, alright." I slipped my phone into my pocket, letting out a deep breath. "Thanks, Cam. I needed that reminder."

Natawa si Mags at inakbayan ako. "Alam mo, Ate, we're here to relax too, and that includes you."

Nagpatuloy kami sa paglalakad, ngayon ay simpleng ninanamnam na lang ang ganda ng paligid. Birds chirped in the distance, and sunlight filtered through the trees, casting soft patterns on the path. We laughed, told stories, and Cam made fun of how I'd zoned out earlier, which Mags was all too eager to back him up on. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my day—just the three of us, walking without a care in the world.

Habang pabalik kami sa villa, tumingin ako sa hardin, pero sa pagkakataong ito, hindi sa pamamagitan ng lente ng camera kundi sa sarili kong mga mata, pinapahalagahan ang bawat detalye. Today was supposed to be about unwinding, and I could already feel myself letting go of all the stress I'd been carrying. As we approached the villa, I noticed my family still outside, chatting, laughing, and sharing stories that filled the evening air with warmth.

Inside, the dining area was glowing under warm, dim lights. The villa staff had transformed the space to feel magical. Each setting had hand-carved wooden tableware, candles, and touches of greenery that reflected the farm's natural beauty. Ang mesa ay puno ng mga sariwa at makukulay na putahe: mabangong salad na puno ng mga gulay, inihaw na kalabasa at talong, isdang pinalaki sa farm na may mga halamang pampalasa, at mga homemade na dressing. Even the simplest dishes felt thoughtful, like each had been made with care. And the cake—a masterful creation made from local fruits and grains—was an absolute showpiece, topped with edible flowers.

As everyone gathered around, laughter bubbled up, and my mother started leading the group in singing "Happy Birthday." Seeing my family, friends, and relatives all together, all here for me, was one of those moments that felt too good to be true. I closed my eyes, making a wish as the song filled the room, and blew out the candle, feeling a soft weight of gratitude settle in my chest. I'd been so caught up with school, responsibilities, and life lately that it felt like this night was a reminder of everything that truly mattered.

After everyone finished clapping and cheering, the gifts began. Mommy had chosen a delicate charm bracelet, each charm representing a special memory. "So you can carry a little love with you, always," she said softly, giving my hand a squeeze. Mags gave me a card she'd handwritten, pouring her heart into each word. As I read it, I couldn't help but smile and tear up a little, marveling at how much she had grown.

Sunod naman ang regalo ng mga lolo't lola ko—isang maliit na panyo na may burda na matagal nang nasa pamilya. Ipinaliwanag ni Lola kung paano ito pinasa-pasa sa aming angkan, ang kanyang mga mata ay puno ng pagmamalaki habang inaabot niya ito sa akin. Each gift felt like a piece of home, a piece of them.

And then, at last, Cameron walked over, his hands behind his back, wearing a knowing smile.

"I hope you like this one," he said, as he handed me a neatly wrapped package. I looked up at him, wondering what he'd cooked up this time. With a tug, I pulled off the paper to find a framed portrait—of me. Natulala ako, walang masabi.

The sketch was stunning—his lines and shading were soft but precise, capturing the smallest details, from the wave of my hair to the light in my eyes. Cameron always had an extraordinary talent for drawing, but this was something else. It was like he'd captured a side of me I'd never fully seen.

I looked up, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "Cam... I don't even know what to say. This is... incredible."

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, visibly relieved that I liked it. "Well, I figured it'd be nice to give you something that would last, you know? It's just... a way to say happy birthday to my favorite person."

I felt a wave of emotion and hugged him tight, trying to put all the gratitude I felt into words. "Thank you, Cam. This really... it means the world."

He laughed, slightly embarrassed but genuinely pleased. "Sige na, sige na. Baka maiyak ka pa diyan," biro niya, pero ang kanyang mga mata ay puno ng init. "Kain na tayo!" With that, we all dug in, sharing food, laughter, and memories.

Later, when dinner had nearly wrapped up, I excused myself for a moment and took a breath, reflecting on the joy of the night. As I returned to the dining area, the sound of familiar laughter caught my attention. I walked in, only to be greeted by an unexpected sight—Hillary, Zarina, Dylan, and Herbert stood around a large cake, their faces lit up with excitement.

Nanlaki ang mata ko, napanganga. "What...? How did you guys know about this?"

Nagtinginan silang lahat, tumatawa habang si Cam naman ay may pailing-iling na ngiti, parang nahihiya. Lumapit si Hillary at niyakap ako. "Oh, Shan! You really thought we wouldn't know about Bali?"

I blinked, still in disbelief. "Pero hindi ko pa naman sinabi sa inyo..."

"Oh, Cam here made sure we knew," singit ni Zarina, sabay kindat kay Cam. "Since you introduced us, naging tropa na rin siya. He told us everything and made sure na makakapunta kami today."

I turned to Cam, a wave of gratitude filling my chest. All I could think was how lucky I was to be surrounded by people who cared so deeply. Cam chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "What? It was only fair that your best friends get to celebrate you before you head off on this big adventure."

Looking around at my family, relatives, and friends, I felt a warmth that was almost overwhelming. Dapat birthday party lang 'to, pero bakit parangdespedida na rin? Pakiramdam ko tuloy, parang nakakatakot umalis at lumayo sakanila... Parang may parte sa akin na natatakot iwan ang lahat ng 'to, ang lahatng taong nandito, sa harap ko, kasama ko.

_____

a/n: Chapters 7-8 will be posted later tonight :))