His Birthday

      SOBRANG bilis lumipas ng mga araw kasama siya. Araw-araw kaming busy sa mga kanya kanyang trabaho pero palagi kaming naglalaan ng oras para sa isa't-isa.

I'm learning to open my heart to him, fully and genuinely. Everything is perfect: Zuriel Reeve treats me like a queen every second of our lives together.

Love is powerful that you can't control it, no matter how much you want to.

Sabi nga nila, Love works in mysterious way. Hindi ko naman sinasabi na mahal ko na si Reeve, but there's a part in me that I find him special.

I like him.

Months with him were bliss. He makes me feel secured, and love all the time. Saka, kasundo rin niya ang mga magulang at mga kapatid ko. That's a plus point for him.

But I don't want to confess it right away. I wanted to make sure that I was really sure about my feelings. I still have to wait for the right time to confess how I feel about him.

Today is the first day of December.

Just like what they say, medyo malamig na nga ang simoy ng hangin. Hindi na masyadong mainit ang sinag ng araw at napapansin kong mas bumibilis na ang pagdilim sa labas.

This month is also Reeve's birthday. On December 17, he will turn 33 years old. I decided to prepare a surprise birthday party for him. So, I contacted Luhen to inform their other friends about it.

"Dra, eto na po iyong result ng CT scan at ultrasound ni Mrs Jeon."

When the two interns approached me, the bubble of thoughts in my head popped. Mabilis tuloy akong bumalik sa kasulukuyan. I composed myself and gave them a quick look.

"Thank you, Dr. Lim." I opened the folder and scanned the result of her test. I raised my eyes at the two residents in front of me.

"Prepare the OR. We will be doing Myotomy surgery for the patient," I announced.

"Sige po, dra!"

Mahigit dalawang oras ang itinagal ng operasyon. Thankfully, it was successful. Naghuhugas na ako ng kamay nang makita lumapit si Ashleigh para maghugas din. She smiled so wide at me.

"Hindi ka ba susunduin ng boyfriend mo, dra? I saw on the Internet that he owned the famous Zuriel Lés Arómes! He's so gwapo, no? Do you think magugustuhan niya ako kung walang kayo?" Tuloy-tuloy na tanong niya.

Nagpintig ang aking tenga nang marinig ang huli niyang sinabi. What the heck is wrong with this girl? Pinigilan ko ang mapairap dahil ayaw kong maging bastos.

"You searched him up?" I kept my tone as casual as possible.

"H-Hindi naman siguro masama, dra. Di'ba?" She looked reluctant.

I held back a snarl. I fake a smile as I surveyed her from head to toe. Then, umiling ako habang may ngiti pa rin sa labi.

"You're not his type." I said straightforwardly.

Her mouth fell open before she chuckled nervously. "Syempre naman, dra! Alam ko naman na ikaw ang tipo niya. N-Nagbibiro lang ako," she gave me an apologetic smile.

"At least you knew," I muttered, letting out a fake chuckle.

Annoyance sparked in her eyes, and I smiled. "M-Mauna na ako, dra. Baka hinahanap na ako ng mga pasyente ko," she muttered, stuttering.

Tumango lang ako sa kaniya. Nang maiwan ako sa loob ng scrub sink ay hindi ko maiwasan ang hindi magpakawala ng malalim na buntong-hininga. Hindi ako 'yong tipo ng tao na nagtatanim ng sama ng loob pero. . . I am starting to hate her guts. There's something in her that doesn't feel like before. 

Days went on, and tomorrow was Reeve's born day. He doesn't have any idea that I know that it was his birthday, making me feel excited about his reaction to my surprise.

"Reeve, do you wanna come with me?" Tanong ko habang inaayos 'yong crochet flower na binigay niya kahapon.

"Hmm? I already did, right? Thrice, last night," he said sensually.

My mouth gaped as I felt my cheeks burn. "Reeve nga! I mean, do you want to come with me tomorrow? Samahan mo ako somewhere."

He let a low laugh. He snakes his arm on my shoulder before kissing my temple. "I'm just kidding, wife. Where are you heading to?"

I scoffed. "I was asked to check the property that my parents bought. They were busy kasi," I muttered.

"Alright. I'll come with you tomorrow."

My face lightened up. "Thank you!" I kissed him on his cheeks.

"What about on my lips?" he chirps, wiggling his eyebrows.

Uminit ang magkabilang pisngi ko. "Reeve nga!"

He let out a low yet sexy laugh before he slowly gets up, halfway from me. Tinukod niya ang magkabilang kamay sa magkabilang gilid ko para doon kumuha ng lakas, when our face labeled, he planted a soft kiss on my lips.

"Reeve! You're so spoiled!" I hissed after the kiss.

He let out a low chuckle, caging me with his arms. "I love you," he mumbles.

I WOKE from a deep slumber when I felt a shower of soft kisses on my neck up to my jaw and cheeks. I moaned when a warm hand covered my boobs and gently squeezed them.

Unti unti akong nagbukas ng mga mata at napasinghap nang bumungad si Reeve na nasa ilalim ng suot kong damit. The birthday boy was enjoying feasting on my boobs!

His eyes stretched for a smile and continued doing his thing.  Pinamulahan ako ng pisngi. I pushed his head away from my boobs before I hit him on his chest.

"Oh, God! Reeve, what the heck?" I exclaimed.

"Good morning, wife," he even dares to greet me with a wide smile!

Umismid ako. "What time is it?"

"Almost eight in the morning, wife." He says, and about to get back on feasting my boobs when I push his head away from me.

"Later, Reeve. We need to get ready for work!" I chastised.

His lips puckered in defeat. Napailing ako at pinatakan siya ng isang magaan at mabilis na halik. Gumuhit ang isang ngiti sa labi niya pero mabilis 'yon nawala nang makitang tumayo na ako paalis sa kama.

He groaned. "Wife, come back here!" he grumbled like a kid.

Natawa ako. "Later! Don't be such a kid, Reeve!"

He let out a low groan before he stood up, sailing on my order. I marched towards the bathroom to take a shower but I stopped midway, and face him. He looked at me in confusion, but I could see that his eyes were a bit lack of light.

"I'm going home early today. Around five in the Afternoon, we will be going to my parent's property, okay?" I fibbed.

He nodded. "Alright, wife."

I winked at him before I jog towards the bathroom. Maybe he thinks I don't know that today is his birthday because I haven't greeted him. But the truth is, I wanted him to be surprised. I'll make sure this birthday suprise for him will be perfect.

Everything is under my control, starting from the food I plan with one of his chefs in Zuriel's. I still remember the time when I went there under his nose, and his staff instantly recognized me. They even knew that I was his wife!

About the place, I asked my sister Khrizanta to do the honor since she knew a lot of places here in Manila. It could have been at home, but I wanted a new place for his birthday. And the property we are going to later was actually the house I rented for his birthday. Too sad, Celine wasn't here yet.

Hours passed, and it was time for my acting skill to be activated. Dahil mas nauna akong nakauwi sa kaniya ay nauna na akong nagbihis.

I wore an olive green silk dress that reaches under my knees. On my feet was a pair of white rosette leather sandals from Prada. For my accessories, I wear a gold necklace with a green gemstone pendant.

I was about to close my jewellery box when my eyes laid on a familiar ring. Our wedding ring. Dinampot ko 'yon at pinasok sa loob ng bag ko. I'm thinking of wearing it from now on. . .

"We're just going to check the house. Why do you need to be this beautiful? Hmm?" A strong arm wrapped my waist, hugging me from behind.

"Reeve!" I startled.

He planted a gentle kiss on my exposed shoulder. I looked at his reflection in the mirror.

"I'm always dressed up beautifully. What were you saying?" I acted clueless.

His lips rose, and a grin curved in it. "You're always beautiful, wife. Your beauty is Alluring," he says.

Heat cascaded on my cheeks. "Aren't you going to dress up? Can I pick your outfit for today, please?"

He looked stunned. Ngumiti ako sa kaniya kaya bahagyang umawang ang labi niya. He thought I was joking? I wasn't!

"So.  .  . Pwede ba?" I asked, asking for his permission.

He licked his bottom lips and nodded abruptly. "O-Of course!" his voice perked up.

I grin, and I quickly stood up. He moves to the side to give me a way to his closet. When I was in front of the wardrobe, I immediately scanned all of his clothes. All of his clothes are lined up by color and by brand.

I put my hand on my chin, mulling what to pick for him. In the end, I chose the same color as my outfit so we could match.

"Here!" I handed him the clothes I chose. "Wear this. I haven't seen you wearing this one."

He gaze on the pair of shirt and pants I chose for him to wear. I beamed in excitement if he'll like it. He raised his gaze on mine, and it flickered into mine.

"Alright, I'll wear that." he agreed quickly.

Mas lalong lumawak ang ngiti ko sa narinig. Before he went to the bathroom to take a shower, he gave me a quick kiss that made me flustered. Napangiti na lang ako habang umiiling.

While he was inside the shower, I texted Luhen and my fellow doctors. I told them not to park their cars near the house para hindi makahalata si Reeve kapag nakarating kami doon. I also texted the staff of Reeve that I asked for help with the food and design.

One of his staff sent me the set-up they made, and I'm loving how they designed the poolside. Naglagay sila ng backdrop na kulay black na may gintong lettering. The balloon stands were also black and gold. The foods were also already placed on the long table. May dalawang mahabang lamesa na rin sa poolside, and a karaoke machine.

After a few minutes, he came out of the bathroom wearing the clothes I chose. My mouth agape as I stared at him, walking like a model with an oozing fresh smell.

He was wearing an olive Ralph Lauren short sleeves button-down polo, causing his tattoos to be exposed. His slacks were dark gray that matched the polo I chose. I even picked his belt, a matt ebony belt.

"You're so handsome!" I praised him and handed him the wristwatch I secretly bought yesterday before I went home. "Here, wear this. . ."

He eyed me with a confused expression. He accepted the wristwatch and tilted his head to me.

"This isn't mine?" he asked in confusion and curiosity.

"It's now yours," I muttered, smiling at his confused expression.

His mouth fell open when he realized that it was a gift. He immediately wore the wristwatch on him, then stared at it like it was a gem. Napangiti ako nang makitang bumagay talaga iyon sa suot niya.

The wristwatch I bought was actually from France, but it was made in Switzerland. It was an underrated brand, and the watch adopts a classic military-style dial. I bought one is because it reminds me of him. 

 "Come! Let's pick your shoes!" I muttered excitedly.

A beautiful smile plays across his lips when he raised his gaze at me.

"Merci, wife," he mumbles.

Napakunot noo ako.

"How did you know? That was really from the brand Merci!"

"W-What? I mean, thank you, wife," he muttered, stifling a chuckle.

I dazed. "Oh. . . You're welcome," An awkward laugh ensues.

He wrapped his arm around my shoulders. Suddenly, I feel him. His lips are in my hair as he leans over me. Napangiti na lang ako.

When we arrived at the townhouse, mas ginandahan ko pa ang acting skills ko. We tour the house like it was nothing. Until I excuse myself that I am going to pee. Nang nakapasok na ako sa banyo ay mabilis kong nitext si Luhen. I texted him that we were going to the poolside, so they need to get ready at any minute.

I took a deep breath and composed my relaxed face before I made my way out of the bathroom.

"Reeve, Let's go. Check natin 'yong pool side," I muttered casually.

He nodded. "Alright, wife."

We sauntered downstairs and went to the kitchen, where there's a sliding door for the pool. The moment Reeve slid the sliding door, nagsilaban ang mga kaibigan niya at mga kaibigan ko.

"Happy birthday, Reeve!"

I tilted my head to his side, watching his reaction. Halata sa mukha niya na hindi niya inaasahan na makita ang mga kakilala niya. A wide smile peal on my face when his gaze went at me.

"Y-You plan this?" he asked in bewilderment.

I nodded, smiling so wide. "Happy birthday, Reeve. . ."

His eyes gleam in happiness. He was about to kiss me when his friends coughed, causing us to look at them. My eyes grew wider when he muttered a cussed. Pasimple ko siyang siniko at pinandilatan ng mata.

"Mamaya na 'yan! Let's eat first, birthday boy!" Naunang lumapit si Luhen at hinila si Reeve paalis para makalapit sa mga kaibigan nilang ngayon ko lang nakita.

Nagsilapitan naman ang mga kasamahan ko sa hospital. I Invited Nurse Eva, Dale, Dra. Eunice, Nurse Joyce, and many more na nakilala na ni Reeve noon. Although not all of them could go because of their schedule, which I totally understand.

"Ang effort mo, Dra! Nakakakilig kayo!" Nurse Eva giggled.

I felt my cheeks heated up. Pasimple tuloy akong napahawak sa pisngi ko para hindi nila mahalata ang pamumula no'n.

"Sino nagluto ng mga pagkain, Dra?"

"Me—"

Dra. Eunice interject. "Really? Kinaya mo lahat 'to?"

I shook my head. "I asked for some help, of course." 

"Oh! This is my gift for your boyfie!" Dra. Eunice handed me a brown paper bag.

"Thank you, Eunice." Ngumiti ako. "Come on, let's eat! You can also use the pool," I declared.

"Mabuti na lang nagdala ako ng swimsuit!"

"Ikaw ba, dra? Magswimming ka?"

I smiled awkwardly, and shrugged. "I'm not sure. I didn't bought a swimsuit with me. Baka kasi makahalata si Reeve."

"Sabagay! Tara, kain na, dra!"

Hindi ko maiwasan ang hindi mapangiti habang pinapanood ang lahat na nagsasaya. My smile grew wider when I saw Reeve walking towards me, and quickly pulled me for a hug. I can feel his warmth breath in my skin.

"Thank you, wife," he whispered, and then I felt his lips on the top of my head.

"Mhm. You're welcome," I smiled. "Kain na tayo?"

He held my hand and intertwined it. "Let me introduce you first to my friends,"

I nodded. "Sure."

"Care to introduce your woman to us, mate?" A guy with a playful smirk on his lips asked.

"My wife, Kelsea. These men are my best buddies," Reeve introduces them to me.

I plastered a smile. "Hi, Kelsea Altamira—"

"Roschefort," Reeve interject.

His friends immediately let out a chortle. I turned to him, and slightly pursed my lips. Fine. Pagbigyan tutal birthday naman niya,'eh.

"I'm Kelsea Roschefort. Nice to meet y'all," I greeted them all with a smile.

"You too, Mrs. Roschefort."

"Pleasure to meet the love of my best friends," One of them offered a hand, and I accepted it as a sign of respect.

"Thank you for coming," I muttered, looking at them.

Reeve squeeze my waist a little, making me look at him. His eyes sliced with admiration and jealousy. Napangiwi ako at binawi kaagad ang kamay.

Pagkatapos niya akong ipakilala sa mga kaibigan niya ay nagpaalam kami para kumuha ng pagkain. We sauntered to my friends and I let him greeted them. Hindi ko maiwasan ang hindi mapangiti dahil nakikita ko kung paano niya pakitunguhan ang mga kaibigan ko.

It was around five pm when the music switched on, and a remix of Spanish song Gasolina blasted the place. The disco lights turned on, making everyone hype on dancing.

When my eyes flew to the people dancing, I gasped when I spotted Dra. Eunice dancing with one of Reeve's friends while Nurse Eva was dancing with Dale. Everyone was so wild!

My breathing hitched when I felt his body pressed against mine. I felt his warm and calloused hands touch the small area of my back. Until his hand snaked around my waist, holding me like I wasn't allowed to get off his firm touch.

We both danced in the waves of erotic music. Bawat paggalaw ng katawan ko ay sinasabayan niya. He really got the groove! Kinagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko habang linalabanan ang malalim at mainit niyang titig. I smiled at him seductively, making his jaw clenched while his eyes simmered with desire.

I laid my face on the shallow part of his neck while we're still dancing seductively. I felt his body tense against mine when my lips touches his skin.

"Let's get out of here wife.  .  . Hmm?" he whispered.

Bumangon ako at tumitig sa kaniya. I shook my head in his idea. "No, Reeve. This is your party, and it's not ethical to leave your guest behind. Let's just make the party end fast?" I softly muttered

He took a dramatic sigh before he growled in anticipation. "Fine," he agreed.

I gave him a quick kiss on his lips before I sauntered in the middle and held the microphone.

"Everyone! Let's make a wish for the birthday celebrant!" I announced.

I pulled Reeve to the table where his cake was placed. Nagsilapitan naman kaagad ang mga bisita. We started singing a happy birthday while his friends were playfully changing the lyrics, making us laugh.

"Happy birthday, Reeve!" They announced in unison, including me.

A smile peal on his lips before he leans towards his cake and blows it. The moment the candle's torch evaporated, loud applause ensued.

"What did you wish for?" I whispered.

"I didn't wish for anything,"

"Why?"

"There aren't any more things to hope for. What else is needed when you have already come to me." he says.

I could see sparkling hearts in his eyes as he stared at me.

© Fushia