Kabanata 4

Dwindled Birthday

"Seus! Andyan ka lang pala! Asungot ka talaga! Hinahanap ka na nila Tita!" Andre blurted.

Hinihingal na dumating si Louisse. "Kawawa naman 'tong bilbil ko, mamatay na ata! Seus! Taena. Inaantay ka na ng Papa at Mama mo roon!"

"Ok lang 'yan, para mawala na sila ng tuluyan." Jessa laughed pertaining to Louisse's baby fats.

"Ba't ka umalis sa game? Muntikan na tayo matalo, buti nalang meron ako." Andre gushed at the same time he winked.

"Importante."

"Ha?" sabay sulyap sa akin ni Andre.

"Hatdog! Wala! Tara na!"

"Salamat pala, Seus." I full heartedly said.

He smiled and winked at me.

"Tara! I-hatid ka na namin." sabi ni Seus sabay abot ng kamay niya, I grabbed it and stood up.

"Seus! Where have you been? I've cancelled meetings for this and you... just left?" Seus' intimidating mom showed disappointment in her face.

"Son, Where did you go?" Seus' father said worrying.

"May sinamahan." ngumiti siya.

"And who is tha-" 

"Mom, Dad, si Amara."

"Oh hija! How are you? Are you feeling well? Do you want to join us for dinner?" aniya nang nakita ako.

"I'm fine po, ma'am... and I'm very much sorry for your son's actions." I said giving my respects.

"Drop down the honorifics hija, call me, Tita Chandra. 'Tsaka okay lang! I'll handle him..." she smiled.

"Anyways... are you two together? Is he treating you bad?" habang hinahawakan ang dalawa kong kamay.

"Tita! Bestfriend ko 'yan! 'Di sila ni Seus! Ew! 'tsaka masyadong maganda ang bestfriend ko kaysa sa..." nandidiring tinignan ni Louisse si Seus. Aba! Hi-nead-to-foot pa!

"Yep! Tita pagsabihan mo si Seus, He's gonna play again." ani Jessa at umirap.

Tinukso ni Tita Chandra si Seus. First time daw na may pinakilala siya, and wala daw kami.

Mabilis na nagdaan ang ilang buwan. Setyembre na, ang buwan ng aking birthday. Noong nakaraang taon pa ito pinaghahandaan ni Papa. 'Di na ako umapila, dahilan na din na ayaw ko masira ang mga plano niya... Besides! It's my Birthday, I should at least consider it.

"Morning, anak." Mama Beth leaned closer to hug me, Papa on the other hand gave me a glass of milk to drink.

"Regalo namin." sabay abot ni Papa ng maliit na box.

Ganyan talaga sila Papa every time month of birthday ko, hanggang Setyembre 7, since 'yun ang birthday ko. So In total I'll have 7 gifts from them. 'Di din sila umaalis, pinagpapaliban nila ang lahat para sa akin. This month of the year is what I'm looking forward to.

Binuksan ko agad ito, Isa itong Tiffany & Co. Heart Necklace. "Salamat po, Mama and Papa!" I sobbed.

"Oh, wag ka na umiyak, 'nak." ngumiti si Mama Beth.

"Talaga 'tong prinsesa natin." Papa laughed.

"Ehem, Ehem, Ehem." Louisse faked coughed.

"Beke nemen, pa-milktea ka ghorl. Lapet na birthday mo oh!" Ipinakita ni Louisse ang malaking kalendaryo. May pa-doodle pa sa buwan ng aking birthday.

"Ikaw talaga Louisse! Dapat nga si Sapphire ang I-li-libre natin." sumabat si Jessa. "And!" tumaas ang kilay ni Jessa. "Paano nag kasya ang malaking calendar mo, sa maliit na bag mo?" Manghang tanong ni Jessa.

"I have my ways!" ngumisi si Louisse.

"What do you want, Sapphire?" baling na tanong ni Jessa.

"'Yung mas maayos, 'di tulad noong dati." sagot ko. Nagkatinginan kaming tatlo at biglang humalagpak sa tawa. We don't even know kung ano pinagta-tawanan namin.

"Eh! Mali mali kasi ginagawa ni Louisse! It's her fault." humalukipkip si Jessa, habang nakangiti.

"Maganda naman kaya 'yung explosion box naten! Nasira lang siguro nung pinadala sa 'yo, Yung handler o courier 'yun!" giit ni Louisse.

"And by the way! I made a dance para sayawin namin for your birth-" nagulat si Louisse at agad pinalo si Jessa.

"Ba't mo sinabi! Secret 'yun eh! Tungeks!" Louisse complained.

"Eh! Still the same! She'll know it din lang naman!" Jessa defended her side.

I laughed. "Make sure maganda 'yun ha!"

Agad kinuha ni Seus ang aking gamit. "Good morning." 

"Morning." I replied.

"Lapit na 'yung Graduation ah." Seus babbled.

"Oo nga! I'll probably enroll here." I murmured, I saw a smile forming in his face smile. I smiled.

"Good." aniya sa mababang tono.

"Huh?" kunot noo ko.

"Hamburger." He laughed.

"My birthday is coming by, punta ka ha? I'll give the invitations as soon as they're done."

"Sige." simple niyang sabi, ngunit parang may kung ano siyang iniisip.

I looked at him, baka nag jo-joke lang siya.

"Promise!" pag de-depensa niya sa sarili.

"'tsaka may spesyal akong ibibigay." he said without breaking our eye contact.

"Ano?" I said getting interested, what would it be?

"Basta, Pupunta ako antayin mo ako."

Next days came by... all I've been thinking was kung ano man ang regalo ni Seus. I find presents really exciting!

Jessa broked her ankle because of the dance they were preparing. I said sorry, sabi niya 'di ko naman daw kasalanan. Still sasayaw pa din daw si Louisse at ibang kaibigan pa namin. Ibinigay ko na ang invitation, para at least maging masaya si Jessa. Halos lahat ng schoolmates ko ay dadalo. Ang theme ay royal ball.

"Taena! ang bongga! 'yung damit ko baka maging basahan lang!" nang nakita ni Louisse ang invitation.

"O baka naman kailangan ng Carriage?" ngumuso si Louisse. "Alam mo 'yun? 'yung sa Cinderella ay..." asik ni Louisse kay Jessa.

"Gagi! Wala ako pera dun 'no!" dagdag ni Louisse.

"Nope! I don't think kailangan mo 'yun Louisse, ang kailangan mo is a Fairy Godmother!" tawa ni Jessa habang nakaupo sa wheelchair.

"Hmph! Ansama!" Louisse pouted.

"Sorry na! I'll help you! I have my gowns and makeups sa bahay!" Jessa pleaded, making up for her unreasonable actions.

"Saan pala sila Seus?" I asked.

"Naku! Naku! Wag mo sabihing na-fa-fall ka na?!" 

"Easy! Louisse! Mag-i-imbita lang si Sapph!" Jessa defended me, tumango ako.

"'Di ko den alam eh." Bumaling si Louisse kay Andre. "Hoy! Andre! San 'yung mokong mong kaibigan?" 

"Math Contest." Andre simply said as he looked back at the book he's reading.

"Takte! ngayon ko lang naalala!" Louisse exclaimed.

"Sana ma-answeran niya, Boba pa man din 'yung mokong kong pinsan." Louisse laughed.

"Hindi kaya, Louisse." ani ko. Tumango tango si Jessa.

Louisse told me that Seus won. I congratulated him. He's smart, like really smart. He has a good and bright future in front of him.

Papa and Mama really got my Birthday party prepared, they made it as perfect as they could. I felt happiness. Medias are even asking for permission to go to my birthday. I guess you could say that this is an awaited event.  

"Lights!" the photographer asked. We are doing a simple photoshoot.

"Vance, are you sure na ikaw na mag e-escort sa akin? I feel uncomfortable kasi 'yung girlfrie-"

"I'm damn sure! We've broken, up don't worry." agad na putol niya.

"Put your arms around her." the photographer said.

I smiled awkwardly, I looked at Papa and Mama. Konti nalang makakatulog na si Papa, samantalang si Mama Beth nag thu-thumbs up.

4:56 pm

itsmelouisselara

Gagi! Nakita ko post mo! Ang ganda ng pictures!

4:56 pm

imjessamendez

That's true! Vance definitely has a crush on you!

4:57 pm

ms_sapphiremerritt

Nope! It's all just for a picture.

4:58 pm

itsmelouisselara

Sus! Deny ka pa ghorl?!

4: 58 pm

imjessamendez

Your Party is gonna be so perfect! I'm so proud!

4:58 pm

ms_sapphiremerritt

Awe! Thank you guys! Really appreciate the help kahapon lalo na sa pag de-decorate!

4:59 pm

itsmelouisselara

Takte! Ganun talaga! Mas maganda kapag tayo mismo mag de-decorate!

5:00 pm

ms_sapphiremerritt

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH

5:00

imjessamendez

I'm so excited for this Sapph!

Few days passed by, got super busy sa shoots. Some friends in Manila will come by, even from other schools. Papa even invited his business partners, but of course, he asked for my permission.

"Hey, Louisse, pakibigay 'to sa pinsan mo." sabay abot ko ng limang invitations.

"'Di 'yan pupunta!"

"Huh who?" I asked confused.

"Shunga ka! May competition 'yung Hazel!"

"Competition?" Jessa raised her brows.

"Yes ser! May volleyball competition na magaganap sa Palawan"

"'Yung pina-pabigay ni Hazel, 'yun 'yon!" 

"He'll probably go." I said hoping, He promised.

"Let's call on, our birthday celebrant! Amara Althaia Sapphire Merritt!"

Ang nag escort sa akin ay si Vance, bumaba na agad kami ng grand staircase. The music was very soothing, may palamuti kung saan saan. Napakaganda! I didn't expect it would be this beautiful! Umaga kasi noong nag decorate kami. It feels surreal at night.

I saw Louisse, her mouth said 'Parents ko nandito, sorry 'di ako makasigaw, papagalitan eh' I gave a thumbs up. 

"Good evening, everyone. Enjoy the night!" I smiled habang luminga linga ako. As soon as the speech and stuff, I immediately went to find Seus, pero I came by Louisse's table.

"Good eve po, Ma'am and Sir." I greeted Louisse's parents. They just looked at me. It had been years since I last seen them... and I didn't know na pupunta sila.

"Mom, Dad, I'll go na po." Louisse smiled nervously.

Tumango lamang sila.

"Hello po, Ma'am, Sir." I payed my respects unto Jessa's parents.

I shivered. Natatakot ako kasi baka pagalitan ako eh ako kasi rason kung bakit nakaupo si Jessa sa wheelchair ngayon.

"Good eve, great party!" Jessa's mom said, parang wala lang sa kanya yung nabaling ankle ni Jessa.

"Thank you po!" I smiled nervously.

"Call us, Tita and Tito instead." ngumiti si Tita at itinaas ang wine. Sinuklian ko din si Tita nang ngiti.

"I love the theme! Happy Birthday my Sapphie!" Jessa made a sign na mag crouch ako, then she hugged me.

"Louisse, how've you been?" Tita asked nang nakita niya si Louisse.

"Okay lang po, Tita! Great dress!" sabay ngiti ni Louisse.

I greeted almost all the people that got invited, even the business partners of Papa. Then, I sat down, Preparing for the speeches they are gonna give me. I even wished to not cry.

"Happy Sweet 15th Birthday Sapphire!" Nanay Denis continued with their speech together with the other Manang and Manongs. They cried and I cried too.

"Keep your outshining love!" Louisse hugged me. It was such an emotional night.

"I love you so much my princess." Papa cried.

"Even if I am not your Mom by blood, I still love you... for you, Sapph" Mama Beth gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you for being there. You are such a precious gem!" Vance then gave me a big stuff toy.

"Thank you for being there for me. Naalala mo pa 'yung may sakit ako? You rushed outside just to buy me a medicine kahit na nauulanan ka na, the reason why nagkasakit ka den. See! We were twinning that time! I really feel special to have you." Jessa talked more about me.

Louisse danced, I thought naman kung hip hop kasi nabali ankle ni Jessa tapos it was just a tiktok song. The photographers were everywhere, they even captured me laughing at Louisse's dance. Tinawag ako ng parents ni Vance we had a little talk, kaya 'di ko napuntahan si Louisse backstage. Minutes came by...

Nakita kong mabilis na ini-ro-roll ni Jessa ang gulong upang makapunta sa'kin. "Sapphire! Si Louisse kawawa..."

"What happened?!" I loudly said. Sayawan na kasi, kaya maingay ang ball room. 

"Sshh!" tinakpan ni Jessa bunganga ko, para bang may makakarinig.

"Ano nangyari? Is she okay? Ba't paanong kawaw-"

"Let's... g-go sa back... b-backstage" pagpipigil ng hikbi ni Jessa. Itinulak ko ang wheelchair  n'ya, at may iba pang bumati, kahit kita ang pagmamadali kong pumunta sa likuran ng stage.

"I f-feel... so bad kay Louisse," she exclaimed. "She performed... the d-dance I t-taught her, pero she danced it..." bumuntong hininga si Jessa. "Ridiculously. kasi she thought her parents left a-already! And... and-" pagpapatuloy niya.

"After that I abangan her in the backstage," she paused for a second and then continued.  "Kaya lang antagal niya! O-Our friends were done in dancing, kaya n-nakaalis na sila."

"Then! I-I went to get water! Kasi I was nauuhaw!" I listened to Jessa.

"Then I heard Tita A-Alex..." she stopped. 

"You don't have to say it, Jessa, I'll listen wheneveryou're read-" naputol ako.

"Slapping Louisse," hindi na napigilan ni Jessa ang umiyak. I know Tita Alex and Tito Louis is very strict, but I didn't think it would come this far.

"She s-said... "What was that Louisse?! Your dance! So Immature! You aren't thinking! What will my business partners say?! The videos of you dancing! I am so disappointed in you! I'm not gonna allow you to go to parties anymore! Childish child! Estupido!"" Nagkwento si Jessa. Nakita ko na naapektuhan siya. 

Jessa went home, but plenty of people were still there, parang 'di nabawasan. All of them were dancing. I went to Papa, pupuntahan ko sana si Louisse but then I thought her parents didn't allow any visitors sa bahay nila. Even If I want to go there, I don't know where her house is...

"Pa, I'll go outside for a bit." nagpaalam ako, I feel like I am missing something.

"Gusto mo magpasama kay Mang Ram?" Papa asked me, umiling ako.

"Excuse me, Mr. Aragon and Mrs. Aragon." sabi ni Papa, napagtanto kong may kausap pala si Papa.

"Sorry po, Mr. and Mrs. Aragon." pagpapaumanhin ko. 

"Oh! It's okay hija! Go ahead." ngumiti si Mrs. Aragon.

"Ba't ka malungkot, Anak?" Papa asked me.

"Pa, your business partners were talking to you, we can talk naman mamaya. Don't worry." I smiled to reassure Papa.

"No, anak. You need me right now, they can wait. Tell me what's bothering you. Let's solve it." Papa said then he hugged me.

Kwinento ko kay Papa ang nangyari kay Louisse, naibsan naman lungkot ko but still I felt a hollow in my chest.

"That's how they parent their child, anak, Don't worry! takasin natin si Louisse at Jessa magkwe-kwek kwek tayo." pagbabasakali ni Papa na maibsan ang lungkot ko.

I stayed outside, I insisted kaya umalis din si Papa. It looked like I was waiting for someone, but I didn't know who that was.

"Oh! Vance! Ba't ka andito? May pagkain pa sa loob" I said when I saw him walking towards me.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

Am I too obvious with my feelings and emotions?

"Yes, na-touch ako sa mga sinabi niyo, that's why I feel emotional. I feel blessed." I cheerfully said.

"Sorry, pala sa dati." He said, I nodded.

"Portia, was very jealous of you." Vance shyly looked down.

"It's okay, past na 'yun." I said. Forgiving him for all what he has done.

"Really?" His eyes shined.

"Yep!" and I hugged him.

Inalis ko 'yung pagkahug sa kanya nang may narinig akong tahol ng aso. Sabay kaming tumawa.

"Hija! Kamusta?" tawag ni Tita Chandra sa akin, sabay abot ng isang simpleng paper bag, kakapasok lang namin sa loob.

"I'm fine po, and Good evening po Tita." I formally said, Tita Chandra then looked at Vance.

"Oh! Tita, si Vance po, kaibigan ko po." I introduced Vance.

"Your dress is fascinating! Oh and I'm sorry for being late." Tita Chandra apologized, she probably went to Hazel's volleyball competition. 

"Happy Birthday!" magiliw na ngumiti si Tita.

"Good evening po, Aeacus." I greeted Seus' brother. They looked alike but he looked more matured, he also has eyeglasses. You know? 'yung mukhang seryoso, No time for jokes. 

"You know me?" He had his poker face, low baritone voice, masculine body.

"Tsk! 'tong Aziel na 'to!" I think siya yung panganay sa magkakapatid, Si Alielle.

"Hi! I'm Persephone Alielle!" She smiled as she grooved to the music.

"I'm Amar-" pinutol niya ako.

"Amara Althaia Sapphire Merritt." she continued, sinipat naman siya ni Aeacus.

"Alielle." mababang tonong sabi ni Aeacus.

"I have to say what I have to say. I'm the panganay you know?" Umirap si Ate Alielle. Nagmana ata si Seus sa kanya.

"Also nalaman ko yung name mo dahil kay Seus! Kwento nang kwento! Alam mo ba 'yon? Uh- Asan nga pala 'yun?!" nagtaka si Ate Alielle.

"Probably with Girls." Aeacus smirked.

"Saan kaya siy-" naputol ng sinigaw ang pangalan ko.

"Sapphire!" tawag ng mga kaklase ko. Itinaas nila ang kanilang mga juice at pagkain.

"Uh! Saan kaya si Seu-" tanong ko muli ngunit tinawag ulit ako ng mga kaklase ko.

"Sapphire! halika!" sabay kaway nila.

"Ah! Pupunta na po ako, tinatawag na po kasi ako. Enjoy the night." I smiled.

"Bye, Sapphire!" Alielle waved, I waved and naglakad na ako papalayo.

"Stop it, you don't look like a Med student, you look like a child who's begging for candy." Aeacus chuckled.

"Eh 'di hindi, eh ganun ka din naman kay-" 'di ko na narinig katuloy dahil sa ingay.

I invited some poor children outside the venue. Nahihiya pa silang kumuha ng pagkain kaya ako na mismo ang naghain para sa kanila. They were very thankful...

"Salamat po talaga Ate! 'Tsaka kakaiba ang mga pagkain! pang mayaman!" nakangiting sambit ni Xyrielle. Ang batang nakilala ko sa labas ng venue.

"I cooked some of them... Nagustuhan niyo ba?" tanong ko.

"Opo! Napakasarap! pero ate akala ko po kayo ang may Birthday..." kunot noong tugon ni Boy.

"Hmm... Paano mo nasabing 'di ko birthday?"

"Kasi po... Sa araw-araw naming nandito kayo lang po ang nagatubiling bigyan kami ng pagkain. Pang mayaman 'to at mukhang mahal ang bayad sa venue. At nasabi niyo pong kayo ang nagluto! Wala akong kilala na Birthday Celebrant na nagluluto ng sariling handa !" I slightly chuckled after what they said.

"Paabyaan mo na ate! Mas maganda ka sa nag Bi-birthday!" ani nung pinakabata sa kanila.

Kumuha ako ng handkerchief na nakahanda sa table at pinunas sa labi nung bata, punong-puno ng sauce! "Oo nga ate! Ang ganda ng gown mo!"

"Thank you! I'll pack more food for the four of you..." 

Mag a-alos dos ng madaling araw na nung matapos ang party. I helped manong and manangs to clean all the confetti's and all the left over food and I almost opened all the gifts they gave me, pero wala pa din si Seus. To be honest, I didn't even know why I was waiting for him. Although nag pu-puyat na ako, Papa didn't mind me, He just checks on me with his worrying face. I always smile to reassure him. It was a fun day and emotional too.

"Anak, Mag a-alas tres na. Your mom already left gusto mo na umuwi?" I didn't respond, didn't know what to say. I badly want to go home...

Papa looked like he knew my reason. "We'll pick you here later, meron pa naman si Manong Roel doon. Ihahatid ko lang sila Nanay Denis naantok na." Then Papa gave me his oversized puffy jacket. 

"Si Seus lang ang 'di tumugon sa aking imbitasyon." nanghihina kong sinabi. 

I waited Seus for so many hours, I didn't even get to sleep. I was so tired. I then saw Manong Roel slept in his arms, I gave him the jacket Papa lent me. It looked like he needed it more than me.

I went outside, I felt the cold breeze of the air. It was raining.

"Maybe, I should text him." I murmured as i touched my headband.

"Nope! I should wait for him, mas makikita ko siya kapag sa labas." ininda ko ang lamig ng ulan.

"Makapal naman 'tong damit ko." I excused myself. Hours came...

"Why am I even waiting for him?" I asked myself.

"Dumb girl!" I stood up.

"It's not like I like him anyways."

I texted Manong Boyet to fetch us. Nakita pa ako ni Nanay na basa, galit niya akong pinagalitan. I used hot water to clean myself. It made me feel relaxed somewhat. I got home and slept peacefully.

Sumikat ang araw, I felt dizzy. May sakit ba ako?! 

No, No, No May pasok ngayon! Umiling ako. Tumayo ako kahit masakit ulo ko, I felt coldness. Uminom ng mainit na tubig. At naghanda.

"Sapphire, next time wag ka nang magba-bad sa tubig ulan." pangaral ni Nanay sa akin.

"Oh siya, kain ka na. Masarap 'to" at yinakap ako ni Nanay Denis. Gulat na napatingin sa'kin si Nanay, para bang nakakita nang multo.

"Diyos ko! Ang init mo!" tumakbo si Nanay Denis upang kunin ang naka charge na selpon. Inutusan niya pa si Manang Elda na kunan ako ng temperature. 

"Asan si Donato? Naku! Eh, ang init init ng bata! Paano na? Ipagpaliban na muna?" namromroblemang sabi ni Nanay sa kabilang linya.

"Anak, Matulog ka na muna. Ipagpaliban mo muna ang pagpasok sa eskwela." Nilagay ni Nanay ang kamay niya sa aking noo. Umiling siya.

Kahit gusto kong pumasok upang makita si Seus, at para na din makapagpaliwanag siya. Pumunta ako sa aking kwarto upang matulog muli. Nagising ako sa boses na pamilyar.

"Paano po siya nagkasakit, Nay?"

Boses ni Ate Alielle 'yun ah! 

Why is Ate Alielle here?

Wait! Baka andito din si Seus?

"'Di ko din alam, pero umuwing basang basa. Pinagalitan ko nga, eh." Sinumbong ako ni Nanay Denis.

Wala siya... Unti unti kong binuksan ang aking mga mata.

"Okay ka lang?" I froze. Unti-unti akong tumingin sa kanya.

"Naku! Ang sweet pala ng boyfriend mo, Sapphire! Pinagluto ka! Nagdala pa siya ng doktora!" Nanay clapped.

"Tapos! nag absent pa siya para sa 'yo!" Nanay smiled so happily.

"Nay! Hindi maganda ang lumiban! and Plus! He's not my boyfriend" bumaling ako kay Seus. "Why are you here?" ani ko.

"Hindi ka pumasok." Paos niyang sabi.

"And so?" Sarkastik kong sabi. Why am I mad at him? Hindi ba dapat ay masaya ako na andi-dito na siya?

"Easy! May sakit ka Amara."

"I know." 

"You look like an angel that has a pitchfork." He chuckled.

"You should eat, I cooked." I looked at him. He's wearing my apron. A purple with a bunch of  hearts. It looked so small when he's wearing it...

I laughed. "Ba't 'yan? akin 'yan, ah?" Seus would never wear that.

"Well, cute naman, eh. 'Tsaka mas lalo nga gumanda dahil ako sumuot." sabay tawa niya.

"Are you saying that I look bad wearing that?" Tinignan ko siya ng matalim habang naka pout.

"No, you never looked bad. In fact you are the most beautiful girl I've known." 

Am I supposed to thank him for that? or be sarcastic?

"Hoy! Ba't ako ba? Babae din ako ah?" Alielle waved her hand. Umiling si Seus at tumawa.

Iginala ko ang aking mga mata, Naghahanap ng gagawin. Paano ba naman kasi ang awkward!

 Oo nga pala, pwede'yung niluto niya! Hinigop ko ang sabaw.

He looked at me like I'm a puzzle to solve. "Is it good?"

"Not bad." sabay takam sa iba pa.

"It's my first time cooking." nahihiya niyang sagot. Halos maibuga ko ang tinitikman kong sabaw. First time? talaga? Too good for a first timer. 

"Talagang ganyan ang kapatid ko. Turuan mo, Sapph." sabay turo kay Seus. 

"Ate!" iritadong sagot ni Seus, mukhang nahihiyang magpaturo sa akin. 

"Papasalamatan mo ako niyan promise!" tumingin si Ate Alielle sa relo niya.

 "Ah! May pasok pa ako, punta na ako Sapphire! Magpagaling ka! May gamot akong iniwan" sabay nguso niya sa aking desk.

"Hatid na kita Doc!" Nanay said smiling. Tinginan niya ako ng makahulugan at umalis.

"Hindi pa po ako Doctora, Nay, pero soon!" Ngumiti siya.

They left. The awkwardness was on the level 101. I am so uneasy when he's looking at me without saying a word.

"Stop looking at me."

"Your eyes are bewitching, so why would I?" 

I didn't know what to say. Am I supposed to say a word?

"Hmmm." he pouted.

"So? Kayo na ni Hazel?" I asked.

"You went to Palawan right?" I added.

"Palawan? Palawan express?" Tumawa siya.

"'Yung volleyball competition niya Seus!" I exclaimed.

"Dahil doon hindi mo pinuntahan birthday ko..." I pouted. 

Stupid! Why did I say that?!

"An angel with a pitchfork is jealous." He smirked.

"No! I'm not!" I defended myself.

"Don't be jealous, baby, I spent all my time drawing you." He looked like he wanted to say more but stopped himself by licking his lips.

Tinuro niya nag drawing. Hinanap ng mata ko ito, Nanlaki ang mata ko! Ngayon ko lang napagtanto na nasa kwarto ko siya! He's in my room! Kinuha ko ang pillows at pinalo siya pa-paalis sa aking kwarto.

"Ano?" naguguluhan niyang tanong.

"You're in my room!" I shouted.

"Oh, eh, ano naman?" sabay kuha niya ng mga pungan na ipinapalo ko sa kanya,

"Ugh!" Naalala ko ang sabi ko noon na hindi ako magdadala ng lalaki sa kwarto ko unless kami na.

Tinulak ko siya papalayo.

"Baby Panda?" tanong niya.

"Get out!" I said, umiling ako. Ang bigat niya! Halos 'di ko na matulak.

Umalis na siya, at nagmadali akong buksan ng regalo niya. 

"I'm so excited!" sabik kong tugon at dahan dahang tinanggal ang wrapper.

"Woah!" mangha kong sabi nang makita ang realistic drawing gamit ang graphite.

 Ang ganda! I hanged it in my room, exactly at the center... 

"Didn't know a playboy could be this talented." ngumiti ako, sabay iling.

Pumasok din lang ako nang hapon at sobra ang pagaalala nila Jessa at Louisse. May dala pa silang Comfort food, kahit na hindi ngayon ang araw na itinakda namin. At siyempre iba't ibang gamot. Natawa pa ako dahil may Vicks na dala si Louisse. 

The drawing made by Seus is what I see for the first in the morning and what I see before I close my eyes at night. Time came so fast. It came like a breeze of wind... 

"Amara Althaia Sapphire Merritt." tawag ng aming dean.

Umakyat ako ng stage at tinanggap ang certificates at medals. Papa and Mama, were there, with me.

"Happy Graduation!" yinakap ako ni Louisse.

"I'm so proud of us!" Jessa remarked.

"Malapit na tayo mag Senior High!" I smiled widely.

"I know it's gonna be hard, pero we should aim and chase our dreams together" Jessa happily said while clapping.

"Together natin aabutin ang pangarap natin ha?" I said.

"Yes!" sigaw ni Jessa.

"Oo, naman." Louisse joyfully said.

"Walang bitawan?" tanong ko.

"Walang bitawan." Louisse smiled.

"Walang bitawan!" Jessa exclaimed.

Mukhang iiyak na kami kaya naman chi-nange ni Louisse ang topic. "Senior High na pero wala pa din nabi-bingwit." 

"Jowa again?!" namro-mroblemang sabi ni Jessa. Teka! umurong ata ang luha namin!

Louisse's parents weren't there with her. Ang mga Magulang ni Seus, Mommy ni Jessa at ang mga Magulang ko ang nagsabit ng medalya kay Louisse. Papa then felt bad kaya naman kumain kami ng street foods. Pinilit ni Papa na tumkihim si Jessa, pero umayaw pa din. Jessa is definitely missing out.

"Congrats! mokong kong pinsan!" sigaw ni Louisse ng makapunta kami sa field ng aming school.

"Oh! Pasok ka pala." pagbibiro ni Seus kay Louisse.

"Gagi ka! Matalino kaya ako!" gigil na sagot ni Louisse.

"Oo nga naman! You're so masama Seus!" Pagdedepensa ni Jessa kay Louisse.

"Sorry na." nag puppy eyes si Seus, tumawa kami.

"Amporkchop! anong klaseng puppy eyes 'yan? mukha kang asong ulol!" ngumiwi si Louisse. 

We had graduation party sa school. Hindi pinayagan si Louisse kaya maaga din lang kami umuwi. It was fun though. Summer came, we went around the Europe as a trip. There were so many good places there. I even bought pasalubong. I also visited some of my old friends in Manila. 

There were also some times that I would insist Papa, na dito ako mag aral sa Nueva Vizcaya. Kasi Papa had been very weird, at sinabi na baka hindi niya kaya na maging mayor dito. Too much work for him. Luckily, pinayagan parin ako nila Mama at Papa na dito mag aral.

7:15 pm

itsmelouisselara

Kamusta sa Tour niyo around Europe, Sapph? takte! Sanaol! 

7:15 pm

imjessamendez

Yeah Is it good there? Did you go to the stores I recommended you?

7:16 pm

ms_sapphiremerritt

Yes, super ganda!

7:18 om

imjessamendez

Soooo.....

7:18 pm

itsmelouisselara

Ehem ehem ehem

7:18 pm

ms_sapphiremerritt

And don't worry about the pasalubong. Alam niyo naman na I would never forget about my two dearest best friends...

Notification then popped from Seus.

〰〰〰〰『𖤣𖥧𖡼..✎ ..𖡼𖥧𖤣』〰〰〰〰

sofiagii

Lovelots♡