Chapter 15: Dance

How arrogant he is. He's so sure that it will never happen. Well, let's just see.

"So, are you giving me these flowers because?" I smiled.

"Kailangan pa ba'ng may ibig sabihin? Birthday mo kaya binigyan kita, okay na?"

"Well, okay..." I shrugged as my attention went on Archie who's now holding a chocolate cake.

"Blow your cake na, Audrey."

"Tanga, blow the candle hindi cake," sambit ni Zian kay Archie.

"Sige, ulit nga. Epic tuloy, balik ako sa labas..." Lalabas na sana siya nang hilahin siya ni Zian.

"Gabi na, huwag ka nang pabagal-bagal diyan."

I tsked and sighed. "Okay, I'll blow it." As I closed my eyes, I realized something. This is my first time in my teenage life will blow a candle on my birthday.

I noticed there's just a few inside the club, hindi rin masyadong maingay at tila binago ang musika sa loob. It became classic and slow.  And it feels like something... heart-warming.

"What just happened?" I asked Archie.

"Ako pa ba? It's my plan," mayabang na aniya.

I shook my head and just laughed at him. "You silly. Thank you."

"Wala 'yon, sige na, enjoy. Upo lang ako rito sa gilid." Umalis na siya at naupo sa gilid habang panay ang pagpicture. Hays, Archie. Didn't know na may silbi ka rin pala. You're a heck of a cousin.

"Maliban sa dalawang babae sa buhay ko, I've never danced other girl in my life... So, may I have this dance?"

I bit my lowerlip. I found this cheesy before, but now... I am in that shoes and this feels like amazing than I thought.

Tinawag at ibinigay ko muna kay Archie ang bouquet of pink roses bago dahan-dahang ipinatong ang kamay sa kay Zian.

"Am I honored, then?" I whispered.

"Hmm, maybe?"

"Well, you're honored too..."

"Why?" he asked, slowly... his hand found its way on my waist. I gulped.

"You're my first romantic dance..." I lifted my gaze until it met his.

"E, ano iyong kasayaw mo kanina?" His brows furrowed.

I put my lips into thin line. "Mukha bang romantic iyon? Stupid..."

"Kahit na."

"E, di bahala ka."

I slowly put my arms around his neck, we're both moving slowly, sinusundan ko lang ang galaw niya pati ng musika.

I laughed mentally. How it ended up like this? It's weird since this is a club, but I didn't mind no more as my thoughts filled something about him.

"I'm gladly honored, then." He sexily chuckled.

This feels wonderful. And I'm thinking that this will be the most memorable and heart-warming night ever.

I swallowed hard as I felt a lump in my throat. I remembered my sister's debut last year. Walang-wala ako, para bang hindi ako kabilang. Engrande ang kaarawan niya, it held in a hotel. My parents were there... even their colleagues. Maraming tao sa kaarawan niyang iyon, lahat ng magandang p'wedeng mangyari ay nangyari.

My parents hugged her that time, too. It's a hug that I'm longing for. It was different. Halatang mahal na mahal nila si Fiona. Habang ako, lagi nalang nauudlot, but I realized something... kahit papaano ay hindi gaya ng kaarawan ko noon ang ngayon. I have my friends, Archie, and Zian. They're enough to make my day memorable.

"Zian..." I called. Pakiramdam ko ay siya lang ang nakikita ko ngayong gabi. As if, we're alone in the dark romantic room, dancing with a music on.

He lowered his gaze at me and licked his lowerlip before asking. "What?"

"Can you grant me a wish?"

He tilted his head. His hold on my waist tightened. "Sure, 'wag lang umabot ng one hundred thousand," he joked.

I pulled his neck closer to me. "No, jerk. It's a priceless gift I'll receive from you."

"Okay, what is it?"

"Can you give me a... warm hug just this once?" I almost hesitant.

He didn't let me speak, and just grabbed me for a tight hug. My hug on his neck tightened too, I hid my face on his neck, feeling emotional.

"Thank you, Zian..." I whispered. "Thank you for letting me experience those things I haven't before... with you. I felt something... awakened in me. And I am really sorry for the mistakes I've done to you since day one."

He carassed my back and breathe heavily.

Nagpatuloy ako. "I am feeling better now than earlier. I am somehow lucky because you guys are here... even though I'm that harsh and mean."

We fell in silence until he spoke.

"I couldn't say anything, you just made me speechless, but I'm glad I've done something good to you. Happy birthday, Persian Audrey."

I felt a hot liquid rolled down on my cheeks. "You just made me cry..." natatawang sambit ko at lalong nagtago sa kaniya.

Why am I crying? Do I feel better or not? But, one thing's so sure... I just want to stay like this. I feel like I don't wanna be parted from him... from his hug.

It's a priceless gift I've received and never be forgotten. What he did was just simple, but it just made me feel everything. Siguro nga, kulang lang talaga ako sa yakap at comfort.

I'll surely treasure this night forever.

"Uy, sino pala sila Audrey?" Marga asked when they got back in our table after that dream-like happening.

"Kayo ba kaibigan ni Audrey? Sino sa inyong dalawa ang bad influence?" Archie asked.

"Wala sa 'ming dalawa, ito iyon, oh," pakikisabay naman ni Rhiane sabay turo sa 'kin.

"Shut up."

"I'm Marga, ikaw?"

"Archie, pinsan ni Audrey."

"Gano'n? Ang gwapo mo naman."

"'Sus, s'yempre ako pa ba..."

"Pero mas gwapo itong isa, ano name mo?" si Marga sabay lahad ng kamay kay Zian.

I glared at her and swayed her hand. "Stop it, Margaret."

"Galit iyan? By the way, ako naman si Rhiane," pagpapakilala ni Rhiane kay Archie.

I grabbed Zian and hid him behind me. "Stay there," I whispered.

His forehead creased. "Ikinakahiya mo ba ako sa kanila?"

"What? Bakit naman kita ikakahiya, e, dapat nga ipagmalaki ka..." I noticed he smirked, so I have to be careful in my words. "Nevermind, forget it."

"Bakit ayaw mo ipakilala iyang kasama mo, Audrey?" si Marga.

I glared. "I just don't. He's kinda private, kaya p'wede ba?"

"Woah, possessive iyan?" si Rhiane.

I glared at them more. "Shut the fvck up." I grabbed Zian and sat on the couch.

"Saan pala kayo nagkakilala ni Audrey?" Marga asked Zian while pouring a drink on her glass.

Zian was about to answer when I covered his mouth.

"Ang dami niyong tanong," I said.

"Curious lang!"

Kanina ko pa rin napapansin ang makahulugang tingin ni Archie sa akin na nasa kabilang upuan katabi ni Zian.

"Mukhang ayaw ka talaga ipakilala ni Audrey, ah? Did she introduce herself to you?"

"Yes."

I glared at him.

"Ano sabi?"

"She's... Persian Audrey?" He's kinda hesitant by mentioning my name. But, I realized earlier was the first time he mentioned my name!

"Weh, totoo? As in, sinabi niya buong pangalan niya?"

"Yeah, why?"

I bit my lowerlip and just straightly drank my wine.

"Audrey doesn't usually introduce herself! Lalaki mismo ang nagpapakilala sa kaniya. Did just Audrey made the first move?"

Kunot noo lang na nakikinig si Zian sa kadaldalan ni Marga atsaka naman siya babaling sa 'kin, taas ang kilay at minsa'y may multo ng ngiti sa labi.

"So, ano? Did you two kiss?" Marga giggled, she's drunk.

"No way," agap ni Zian.

I glanced at him and raised a brow. "Proud?"

He didn't answer me and just laid back on his seat, crossed legs.

"Oh my, really? Ang hina mo naman, Audrey! Parang dati wala pang minuto nakukuha mo agad!"

"Shut the fvck up, Marga. Will you?" turan ko nang napansin ang nanliliit na mata nina Zian at Archie sa tabi.

"You're drunk, umuwi ka na nga."

"They went all the way here, tapos papauwiin mo nang ganoon lang?" I heard Zian almost whispered, but they heard it since the place is not that loud.

"Oo nga," pagsang-ayon ni Rhiane.

"Did you guys have a driver with you?"

"Si Rhiane, nakisabay lang ako. Ano na ba oras? Baka abutan tayo ng liwanag dito at talagang makikita natin ang liwanag kapag late tayong umuwi."

I softly chuckled. "Go home, then."

"Uwi na kami, uwi ka na rin, ah? Miss na kita." I stood up when they spread their arms. I hugged the two of them. "You girls are the best. Thank you, take care."

"Sige, nandiyan lang naman sa labas iyong sundo, e. Happy birthday, bye."

"Hatid ko nalang sila palabas baka mapaano," si Archie.

I nodded and went back on my sit. I felt my eyes were tired and wanted to close, feeling sleepy.

"Zian..." I called.

"Are you sleepy?" he asked, his hand on the back of my head, supporting it.

I smiled. "Gwapo mo pala, 'no?" I complimented as I ran my fingers on his features. He just let me, and just stared at me like I'm going to vanish if he looks away.

"You know what? I've never felt this before...  Tuwing birthday ko, wala lang. My parents are always busy, tapos hindi rin naman kami magkasundo ni Fiona..."

"Who's Fiona?"

Napaayos ako ng tayo at tinaliman siya ng tingin. "Why are you asking?"

"I'm just curious."

"Well, she's a trash-kind of sister."

He just nodded and smiled a bit. "Maganda ka pala, 'no?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Ginagaya mo ba 'ko?" tanong ko, namumungay ang mata.

"No, I'm serious. You look more beautiful whenever you're yourself."

I smiled. "Do I? Ang dami mong napapansin sa 'kin, are you paying attention that much?"

He chuckled. "Napansin ko lang, hindi naman ibig sabihin sa 'yo lang nakatuon ang atensyon ko. Assuming."

I pouted. "What made you change your mind to come here, anyway?"

"Well, kasi hindi na pala ako busy no'n."

I rolled my eyes. "You're not a good liar," I pointed out as I pinched his nose.

"Sige na nga. Gusto ko lang, paki mo ba?"

"Oh, e, ba't parang galit ka?"

"Galit ba 'ko hindi naman." Inihilig niya ang ulo sa kamay na ngayon ay nakapatong na rin sa sandalan ng couch, ang isang kamay niya ay nakasuporta sa ulo ko sakaling makatulog ako. That's his position while talking to me in the eyes.

"So, mind to share why you're celebrating your birthday here?"

"Because I feel like this place is where I belong. Whenever I feel sad or anything I always party and drink. It comforts me whenever no one does. My parents are busy and the supposed celebration got delayed kaya nandito ako. Well, I'm fine now, sanay na rin naman na ako isa pa I have my friends, but for me... it's still not enough."

"You have me now."

"What?" I got stunned, lips parted. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you can share your thoughts with me. I'm just here to listen and comfort you. Or... you can make me your drinking buddy."

I giggled. "You're making my heart flutter!"

He smiled. "Can you do it again?"

"The what?" inosenteng tanong ko, lasing na nga yata.

"Just... what you did."

"What? You're making my heart flutter?"

"Yeah, plus that reaction..." Nangingiti niya akong tinuro 'tsaka   kinamot ang ilong gamit ang hintuturo.

"What reaction, Zian?!" I laughed on his confused face.

"Just giggle."

I pouted. "I'm not uto-uto!"

"Isa lang naman, arte mo."

"Kiss mo muna ako?"

"Hindi ba p'wedeng gawin mo nalang at nanghihingi ka pa ng kapalit?"

I went closer to him and cupped his face, lalayo na sana siya nang nagsalita ako. "I won't kiss you, chill."

"I said... you're making my heart flutter, okay..." I smiled as my vision went black.

"Hoy, gumising ka..." Niyugyog ako ng kung sino. "Sige, 'pag 'di ka gumising iiwanan kita rito."

I groaned as I slowly and forcedly opened my eyes. "What..."

"Uuwi na tayo, tingnan mo ang dami mong ininom..." He helped me stood up and put his arm around my shoulders for support.

"Are you going to send me home?" I asked sleepy.

"Nandiyan naman si Archie, bakit ako pa maghahatid sa 'yo?" Zian said.

I smirked and wrapped my arm around his waist. "Just send me home, okay?" I pinched his cheek while we're walking.

"Stop it," saway niya at iniilag ang mukha.

"Why, what's wrong?" I asked as I pinched his cheek again.

"You're drunk, 'wag ka malikot."

"Hmm, okay." I kissed him on his cheek instead.

He stopped in disbelief. "Seriously? I said no kissing."

"I did not kiss you on your lips, sa cheek lang... conservative mo naman," I said and grabbed him to continue our walk.

"Archie, Zian will send me home, una ka na..."

"Huwag mo nang istorbohin si Zian, gabing-gabi na, oh. Halika na!"

I sighed. "Fine, okay! Whatever. I'll talk to him first, just go inside your car."

"Bilisan mo, ah?" He then went on his car and hopped in.

"Hey, date me tomorrow, okay?"

"What? What are you talking about? Lasing ka lang, umuwi ka na."

"No, I'm serious! I-date mo ako bukas bago ako umalis, okay?"

"Saan ka ba pupunta?"

"Bakit mamimiss mo 'ko?" I teased.

"Tss, nagtatanong lang. We'll just talk about it when you're sober, I don't think you mean it. Sige na."

"Seryoso nga kasi ako! Fine, tomorrow. I'll repeat what I said, okay?"

"Oo na, pumasok ka na."

"Bye, take care." I brushed my finger against his lips and winked. "I'll kiss you in the future without permission, so..." I shrugged and turned my back.

When we arrived at home, I saw two persons when I got inside.

"What are you doing here?" I asked when I saw Fiona and Kurt.

"Oh, hey little sister. Where the hell have you been?" She glanced at my outfit then rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you came from hell."

"Oh, nandito pala sila. Fiona?" si Archie sa likuran ko.

"Oh, hi cousin! Tita and Tito are already asleep and we're just waiting here for Audrey. This is Kurt, our friend," she introduced Kurt to Archie.

I crossed my arms. "So, ano'ng sadya mo?"

"Ikaw. We're about to celebrate your birthday, pero mukhang nagcelebrate ka na sa club na naman? You're too pathetic."

I gritted my teeth. "Just go back where the hell you belong."

"Fiona, stop it. We're here not to pick a fight, aren't we?" Kurt said.

I sighed. "I'm going to sleep —"

"Hindi mo ba iwe-welcome ang mga bisita mo? Kanina pa kami naghihintay rito, tapos tutulugan mo lang kami?"

"What the fvck do you want, Fiona? Just leave me alone."

"Well, I wanted to greet you a lonely birthday..."

"Fiona, tama na 'yan. Bukas na," si Archie.

"Well, hindi kami magtatagal, don't worry."

"Happy birthday, Audrey," Kurt greeted.

"Well, I guess Kurt's finished greeting you, so we should get going now."

"Can we talk for a moment?" Kurt cut off.

Hindi niya na ako hinintay na magsalita nang sinenyasan ni Archie si Fiona na umalis muna.

I sighed. "What?"

"Are you doing fine?"

"Mukha ba?"

"Audrey... I'm just worried... I missed you," he said.

"Okay?" I waited for him to continue while playing with my perfectly manicured nails.

"I'm sorry if we're late."

"I didn't invite you guys to come over. So, why are you sorry?"

He didn't talk for a moment and changed the subject. "When will you come back?"

"When the class starts."

"Well, okay... I'll see you soon, then. Happy birthday, Audrey." He took out a small box and handed it to me.

"What is this?" I accepted and opened the box. It's a bracelet.

"Why are you giving me this?" I added, confused.

"It's my birthday present for you..."

"No, I can't accept this." I gave the small box back to him.

"But, it's just a birthday gift, I swear."

"Even so, I don't accept gifts from a guy," palusot ko. I just felt uncomfortable.

Lumaylay ang balikat niya. "But we're friends..."

"Even if we are. I cannot accept it. Just keep it or give it to someone..."

"Okay, as you wish... We'll go now... Take care."

I nodded.

I turned myself to go back, but I saw Fiona coming towards me. "You rejected Kurt's gift? Oh, how dare you... Wala ka talagang puso, 'no?"

"Who are you to meddle?"

She flipped her hair. "Are you doing this to fill your satisfaction dahil wala na namang oras sina Mommy at Daddy sa 'yo? Well, tama lang 'yon. You deserve it, loser."

"Aalis ka ba o sasapakin ko iyang pagmumukha mo?" I clenched my fist.

"Right. You're using violence if you're triggered. Just see when you come back, Audrey. They'll sue you," she warned as she turned his back at me.

Sue, my foot. As if I'm scared.

I calmed myself down. C'mon, Audrey. You're already eighteen, ang tulad ni Fiona ay hindi na dapat pinapatulan.

"Okay ka lang Audrey? Umakyat ka na para magpahinga, pinaalis ko na sila." Archie has his worried expression.

I rolled my eyes. "You're not seeing me like a loser, right? I'm fine, Archie."

"Hindi, ah. Ba't naman? Sige na, matulog ka na roon."

"Okay, good night."

KINABUKASAN ay nag-text ako kay Zian bandang tanghali.

Me:

You’ll date me, Zian.

Minutes passed when he replied.

Zian:

Aalis ako, brat.

Me:

Where are you going? : ((

Zian:

Mamamalengke ako haha

Me:

Sama ako! Please! : ))

Zian:

Sa arte mong ‘yan? Hindi ka pa nakakapasok sa palengke baka himatayin ka na. Huwag na.

Me:

I hate you! Sasama nga ako, ‘di ba? I’m on my way there.

Zian:

You’re so stubborn, bahala ka. Basta huwag ka lang magsisi. : p

Stupid. I chuckled and immediately stood up to get dressed.

I was wearing a plain white halter cami top paired with my denim shorts and a sandals.

"Archie, let's go."

"Sa'n ka pupunta?" takang tanong niya nang pasadahan ako ng tingin.

"May date kami ni Zian."

He gave me a teasing look and threw his key in the air before catching it again. "Tara."

"Bakit ba gustong-gusto mong sumama?" Zian asked when we're already walking somewhere.

"Wala lang, paki mo ba?"

"Gusto mo talagang makipag-date sa 'kin?"

I nodded shamelessly.

He nodded too. "You know, I'm not fond of fancy restaurants, expensive dates... When I want to date a girl, alam mo kung saan?"

"Where?"

"Sa gilid ng kalsada."

Napahinto ako. "What do you mean?"

"If you want to date me, we're going to eat street foods. That's what I want. Ano, gusto mo pa rin ba ako i-date?"

I nodded attentively. "Oo nga."

"Kahit sa palengke?"

"I said yes! Kahit saan pa 'yan, basta gusto ko sumama sa 'yo."

Nagpatuloy na siya sa paglalakad, kaya sumunod ako.

"May gusto ka ba sa 'kin?"

I looked at him in total disbelief and guilt. "Porke't gusto kong sumama, gusto na agad kita?"

"Ako, gusto kita..."

My eyes widened in shock. "Gusto mo 'ko?!"

"Gusto kitang pilayan, ang bagal-bagal mong maglakad."