Chapter 43

"Happy birthday," Yves whispered while we're in front of the bay.

It's still 2 in the morning and he will finally send me back home. We're just standing near his motorcycle while he's hugging me from behind. Nakasandal lang ang katawan ko sa kaniya. The wind is so cold that's why I held him tight. I feel like I'm going to lose him if I'll let go of his touch.

Kaya kahit kanina niya pa ako gustong iuwi sa mansion, umaayaw ako.

"I hope this will be my best birthday ever," I told him and faced him. I wrapped my arms around his neck as I leaned closer to his chest and hugged him. "Pumunta ka mamaya. I'll surely be happy.."

Naramdaman ko namang tumango siya. "I'll be there. Promise.."

Ngumiti naman ako nang kaunti at tumingala saka siya inabot para halikan nang mabilis. I chuckled after I bit his lip and he groaned.

"You'll miss me?"

Bigla naman akong nalungkot nang maalalang kailangan niya na pala akong ihatid.

“Of course." He leaned forward to me and kissed the tip of my nose. He smiled boyishly after that. "I'll miss hugging you.. kissing you. Pero ayos lang, it's your birthday. Hindi ako magrereklamong hindi kita makakasama nang matagal ngayon. I'm not selfish, Alindra. I want you to celebrate your special day with your family and friends."

I just nodded at him. Ngumiti naman siya ulit at umakbay sa akin habang naglalakad kami papalapit sa lighthouse. Tumigil naman kami sandali. I thought he'll finally propose to me when he suddenly took out a box from his pocket. It's apparently a silver necklace. Its pendant is like a wave and it has tiny details of diamond stones on its sides.

"Yves," naluluhang tawag ko sa kaniya. He just smiled at me. Naramdaman ko na lang na isinuot niya na ang kwintas sa akin.

Tumulo naman ang luha ko habang nakatingin sa kaniya. I smiled and hugged him tight.

"I hope you like it.."

"I love it!"

I looked at the necklace again. I already received a lot of jewelries before. From the affordable and simple ones up to the most expensive. I've seen it all. Pero ngayon lang ako nakatanggap nang ganito kaganda at tuwang-tuwa pa ako. Especially Yves gave this to me. This is more than just an ordinary silver necklace.

"Thank you so much," I said and gave him a quick kiss on his lips. I stopped for a moment when he caught my lips and deepened the kiss.

I smiled as I held his face while we're kissing. Kasabay ng pag-alon at paghangin nang marahan ang bawat paggalaw ng mga labi namin. Hindi mabilis. Hindi mabagal. Sapat lang para maramdaman namin ang pagmamahal.

"I love you," he whispered between our soft kisses.

"I love you, too.."

I frowned when he didn't kiss me anymore and we started walking again. He's holding my hand while we're walking. Ngayon pa lang, parang gusto ko na lang na dito na lang kami. Ayaw ko nang ihatid niya pa ako pauwi. I don't want to be away from him. I'll miss him even if he already promised that he'll go to the mansion again later.

I just always want to be with him.

Pakiramdam ko, mababaliw ako kapag hindi ko siya nakakasama o nakikita. That's his effect on me.

"Let's go. Ihahatid na kita.”

Mas lalo naman akong sumimangot. "Ayaw ko nang umuwi, Yves. I just want to hug and kiss you the whole day."

He shook his head but I saw how his faced turned red after that. "Hindi pwede. You'll celebrate your birthday---"

"That's how I'll celebrate my day from now on! I'll be with you for 24 hours and I'll be happy! Please?"

I guess, I'm now really crazy.

"Alindra, nag-usap na tayo tungkol dito. 'Di ba?" malambing namang sabi niya sa akin. His words are hypnotizing and I just nodded.

I have no choice but to follow him. Mabilis kaming nakarating sa subdivision namin. Mas lalo akong nalungkot lalo na nang kailangan ko nang bumaba.

"Take care. Alright?" I told him kahit pa gusto ko na lang siyang papasukin sa mansion.

I startled a bit when he came closer and kissed me on my cheek quickly. I feel like a lovesick teenager after that. Nag-init ang mukha ko hanggang leeg pagkatapos na hindi ko na magawang makapagpaalam nang maayos. I also forgot that I'm sad because he has to leave me again.

. . .

Hindi ko namalayan na nakatulog pala ako pagkapasok ng room. I looked at the wall clock and my eyes widened when I saw that it's already 1:09 in the afternoon! They didn't wake me up!

I expected that someone will greet me when I went downstairs but I didn't even see their shadows. I just shrugged my shoulders and ate my lunch while watching the rain to pour. I sharply sighed and looked around. Hindi ko sila nakikita. Kahit sina Yasmin na paikot-ikot sa mansion, wala. The maids are not also here.

I'm not waiting for the surprise anymore if they ever have. I'm just waiting for them to show up now to greet me! Or did they forget that today's my birthday? Maybe. They're not even talking about the celebration of my birthday these past few days.

Baka nga may meeting pa sina Mom and Dad ngayon. They surely forgot about me already.

Papasok na sana ulit ako sa room nang may lumapit sa akin at tinakpan ang buong mukha ko. After few seconds, I suddenly felt dizzy and I want to sleep so bad.

. . .

Nagising ako sa isang madilim at masikip na lugar. I panicked when I realized that I'm inside a box and I'm now suffocating. I pushed and punched the box forcefully just to open it and to my surprise – I successfully did it. My eyes widened when I saw a lot of people in front of me after I ruined the box. Nagulat din akong nakasuot na rin pala ako ng champagne gown. I didn't have time to appreciate when I saw the smiles of people in front of me.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the celebrant! Alindra Rivera!"

They all clapped after that. The photographers started to take photos of me. I just awkwardly smiled because I'm still shocked. I also realized that we're inside a big hotel. Champagne is the main color that I'm seeing right now. Kumikinang ang bawat detalye ng mga palamuti sa mata ko. Hanggang sa mga tables at upuan ay may mga maliliit na batong kumikislap.

I wonder who organized this all..

"Happy 21st birthday, anak! Did you like our surprise?"

Nagulat naman ako nang makita si Mom sa baba ng maliit na stage na inaapakan ko. She's also wearing a champagne dress. The only difference is that mine is sleeveless while hers has short sleeves on it. Hindi ko magawang ngumiti kahit pa alam kong inihanda nila 'to para sa akin.

She even kissed me on my cheeks after that. Dad followed her while he's wearing his black long sleeves and coat. He also wished me a happy birthday and kissed me on my cheeks just like Mom. I just thanked him and faced the other guests. I'm seeing a lot of familiar faces pero hindi ko pa nakikita ang mga kaibigan ko. Sina Erica at Milan. I'm not gonna expect Rachel to come anymore. I don't need her here.

May ibang hinahanap ang mata ko.

I tried to search for him but I didn't even see his shadows. Hahanapin ko pa sana siya sa dami ng bisita nang harangin ako ni Lola.

"Where are you going? My amigas want to see you," sabi naman niya sa akin. She's just wearing a peach dress with some tiny sequins.

I don't expect that she'll be here on my celebration. Dati ay lagi niyang tinatanggihan ang imbitasyon sa kaniya ni Dad tuwing ganitong birthday ko. Pero ngayon.. pumunta siya.

Should I be happy?

Napalunok naman ako at sinundan si Lola. She still looks strong despite her age. Hindi na nga niya kailangan ng nurse o ang pag-alalay ni Yasmin at Adam.

Nagulat naman ako nang makita ang iba ko pang pinsan sa table nina Lola. Yelena is also here, too. She's with a very hot and handsome guy that I believe, it's her soon to be husband. I also noticed my Titas on the table and Lola's friends that I already saw before.

Nakataas ang kilay ng iilan pero nang tumabi ako kay Lola, nanahimik naman sila.

"Ate Yelena, dito ka na tumabi sa akin kung naiinis ka sa Lope de Vega na 'yan," narinig ko pang sabi ni Yasmin pero hindi ko na lang masyadong pinansin.

"Mi amigas, this is my granddaughter, Alindra. The daughter of my son, Alesso Rivera.."

Hindi ko alam kung ano ba dapat ang mararamdaman ko nang sabihin 'yon ni Lola. They smiled at me after that. I stopped for a moment. Talaga bang kinikilala na ako ni Lola na apo niya? Am I dreaming right now?

Naputol naman ang pag-iisip ko nang may magsalita.

"She looks exactly like her mom. Singkit din ang mga mata. Maputi at mestiza. Your granddaughter is so beautiful, amiga," nakangiting sabi ng isang babaeng matanda sa akin. I just smiled a bit.

"Talagang nagmana sa kaniyang ina," sagot naman ni Lola na naupo na sa tabi ni Adam at Tita. I already forgot her name.

"Alesso must be lucky. I heard, honor student daw itong anak niya katulad lang din ni Yelena. Hindi ba, hija?" Pareho naman kaming tumango ni Yelena.

It's so awkward for me especially they're telling a lot of things about me while I'm just standing in front of them. Gusto kong tawagin na lang ng event organizer para makaiwas sa mga sasabihin at tanong nila.

"Do you have a boyfriend, hija? Mukhang babagay ka sa aking apo. You should check him. Nasa unibersidad siya ngayon at nag-aaral.."

"A-Actually---"

I didn't finish my words when Lola cut me off, "Olivia, 'wag ka nang umeksena. Ipakakasal ko ang apo ko sa anak ni Mariano El Vierro..'

Hindi ko alam kung paano niya nagawang tumawa pa pagkatapos no'n. My cousins are now looking at me like they pity me. Umiiling na lang sila habang nakatingin sa akin. Lalo na ang mga Tita ko na umiirap paminsan.

"Talagang hindi pa rin nawawala sa inyong pamilya ang fixed marriage. Dapat tanungin mo muna ang apo mo kung gusto niya ba iyon," mahinahong sabi pa ng matanda.

"I guess, she's right, Lola. You should still ask me especially now that I already have a boyfriend.."

"Boyfriend? If you have a boyfriend then he must be here beside you right now. Wala naman akong nakikitang lalaki sa tabi mo, Alindra..."

Para na rin akong sinampal ni Lola sa sinabi niya. Mas lalo pang umiling ang mga pinsan ko. They looked so disappointed while looking at me. I can't even defend myself more 'cause I know I'll just sound disrespectful.

Umikot naman ang paningin ko sa paligid para hanapin si Yves pero hindi ko siya nakita. He should be here! He promised me! Right?

"What's happening here, anak?"

Nagulat naman ako nang biglang tumabi sa akin si Mom kasabay ni Dad. I just shook my head as an answer.

"Mama, baka naman pinagagalitan niyo si Alindra---"

"I'm not doing anything to your daughter, Alesso kahit tanungin mo pa siya.."

Nakita ko namang uminom pa ng wine si Lola na kaagad pinagalitan nina Yasmin. My other Titas are merely looking at me and even crossing their arms. Lola may be finally introduced me as her granddaughter to them but they still don't accept me.

This shouldn't be stressing me out anymore. Right? I'm already used to this..

"Pumunta ka na lang sa emcee, anak. They're looking for you," bulong naman ni Mom sa akin. Even if I'm still mad at her, it's a good thing that she saved me from them.

"Excuse me po," I told them but before I leave, Lola said something.

"Bumalik ka rito mamaya pagdating ng anak ni Mariano. Ipakikilala kita.."

Napatingin ako kay Mom. She just nodded at me. I, then looked at Dad to ask for help but he's now talking to a familiar old man.

I was about to go to the emcee while carefully holding my long dress when someone greeted me. I looked up only to see a guy who's maybe years older than me. 

He's cute, I must admit.

"Happy birthday, Alindra. I didn't see you for years huh.."

Tumabi naman ako sa gilid para sagutin siya. There are also few people who are greeting me.

"Huh? I'm sorry pero ngayon lang kita nakita," nangingiti kong sabi. I took one glass of wine when the waiter passed by beside me and I immediately sipped on it.

He looked so happy when he smiled at me. "Oh, really? Alam ko, hindi. By the way, I'm Vander. Vander Everson Lope de Vega."

His name is familiar. Also his face. Everything. It seems like I've already known him before. Hindi ko lang matandaan kung saan, kailan at paano.

"See you around, Alindra..."

He mysteriously smiled at me. Hindi na ako nakasagot pa sa kaniya nang may humawak sa braso ko at paharapin sa kaniya. There are still a lot of people greeting me but I'm not totally minding them. Ngumingisi lang ako nang hilaw.

"Your Lola is calling you on stage," sabi ni Mom na nagpalingon sa akin sa stage.

I looked at my grandmother who's now on stage with a tall guy. He's so unfamiliar.

"Mom.. ayaw ko," I told her 'cause I know very well what will going to happen. Napapatingin na rin ang ibang guests sa amin nina Lola.

"Umakyat ka sa stage, Alindra. Just follow me," Mom intently told me. Hindi sumisigaw pero nanlalaki ang mata sa akin.

I have no choice but to follow what she told me to do. I went up to the stage, frowning. Nakangiti kaagad ang mga tao sa akin at pumalakpak nang muli akong tawagin ni Lola. I noticed through a small window that the rain is already pouring.

Umulan na at lahat.. wala pa si Yves.

"Good afternoon to all of you. I know some of you don't personally know my apo, Alindra Rivera. The daughter of my unico hijo, Alesso Rivera," sabi ni Lola at hinila ako unti palapit sa kaniya. I felt that her hand is slightly trembling. "Hindi ko siya nakasama for almost 20 years because of some issues of our family. 'Wag niyo na lang alamin kung ano."

The guests laughed after that. I want to roll my eyes right now. I don't really care what they are saying. I'm very busy waiting for Yves to arrive.. if ever he will.

"And now that my apo is finally 21 years old, she's already on her legal age. I'm not getting any younger anymore.. also her Mom and Dad so I want her to settle down and build a family with the grandson of my amiga, Mohan El Vierro."

Kumunot ang noo ko nang pumalakpak ang mga tao. I didn't clearly hear what Lola said a while 'cause I'm too busy looking for Yves. Nahagip naman ng mata ko ang lalaking nagpakilala sa akin kanina, si Vander.

I don't know why he's looking at me in a sad way.

I almost jumped when the guy named Mohan El Vierro suddenly held my hand in front of the guests. Tatanggalin ko na sana ang pagkakahawak niya sa kamay ko pero mas lalo niya pang hinigpitan 'yon. He also smiled at me. His smile appeared like he's telling me to just shut up and obey them.

"Bagay na bagay, amiga!" narinig kong sabi ng isang matanda.

"Actually, we're now planning to have an engagement party soon. Mukha namang mabilis magkaigihan ang mga batang ito. Ang binatang El Vierro ay manang-mana sa kaniyang ama. Your son is so handsome, Mariano.."

Nagulat naman ako nang biglang makita sina Erica sa entrance door. She's with Milan and beside her is Yves. I saw how he looked at my hand that Mohan is holding now. Pinilit kong makawala sa paghawak niya sa kamay ko. Ngumiti naman sa akin si Yves nang malungkot.

I just want to run and hug him right now.

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko at inagaw ko na sa emcee ang mic lalo na nang mag-umpisa na silang mag-usap sa engagement party.

"I'm sorry, Lola. Hindi po ako magpapakasal sa kaniya." I looked at Mohan for a while. "May boyfriend po ako. May iba na akong mahal. He's the one that I will marry someday, not him! Hindi siya na pinilit niyo lang sa akin!"

"Anak, what's happening?" Dad asked, almost now on the stage because of what he heard from me. Nanlalaki naman ang mata sa akin ni Mom.

I looked at the guests and they're looking at me with a confused look. Si Lola ay mukhang galit na galit sa akin.

"Hindi ko po alam kung bakit kailangan niyo pang ipilit kami sa isa't-isa. I don't know what's the purpose of this freaking arrange marriage thing!"

"Alindra, your mouth! Nakakahiya!" sabi ni Mom sa akin nang mariin. Nakaakyat na pala siya sa stage.

Hindi ko siya pinansin. I looked at all of them, especially at Lola. "Lola, may boyfriend na po ako. He's Yves Marcus Antonio. I know that you won't like him for me but he's the one that I love.. he's the one that I will marry not Mohan.. not anyone else."

"Alindra, what are you talking about?!" galit na galit na sabi ni Lola sa akin. I'm now crying in front of them. "'Wag mo akong ipahiya! Bawiin mo ang sinabi mo!"

I shook my head. "N-No. Hindi ko po babawiin. Mahal na mahal ko si Yves. I don't care if he's my professor. I don't care about everything that stopping us!" Tumingin naman ako kay Yves at mas lalo pa akong naluha nang nakatitig lang siya sa akin. "Just please, Dad, Mom.. please allow me to love him. This is all I could ask for. Please. Ayaw kong ikasal sa iba.. siya lang, please."

"Your professor is also your boyfriend? Kahiya-hiya ka sa pamilyang 'to! Nakakahiya sa mga bisita at amiga ko!" Lola shouted at me and left the stage. She looked so disappointed in me.

I cried while almost kneeling down in front of many people. Some people are eyeing at me with disgust in their eyes. Ang iba naman ay mukhang naaawa sa akin.. lalo na sina Erica na hindi ako magawang lapitan dahil kina Mom.

"Excuse me, I'm just gonna talk to my daughter.."

Sapilitan akong pinatayo ni Mom. Pinigilan naman siya ni Dad. Kitang-kita ko kung paano tumingin sa amin ang mga bisita. This is the very first time that I got embarrassed around many people. This is the first time that I disobeyed my parents.. even my Lola just for a man.

A man that I truly love.

I looked at Yves before Mom pulled me. I wearily smiled at him. If he's not gonna fight for us now.. I will.

... ... ...