[JV's POV]

I groaned from my sleep when I heard someone knocking on my door. Katutulog ko lang kanina, bakit ba nila ako ginigising? Importante ba ang sasabihin nila at bakit ngayon pa talaga?

Hindi ko maiwasang mainis dahil nasira ang pagtulog ko! Gahd! I was so tired from school works. Can't I just get a nice sleep?

Now, I'm starting to realize that sleep is a luxury too...

Felt my eyes were burning by the sudden interruption from sleeping. My eyebrows were furrowed. Bumangon ako sa pagkakahiga at ang isang mata ko ay nakapikit pa. Bagsak ang balikat ko nang maglakad ako sa malamig na tiles ng aking kwarto. Hindi na ako nag-abalang isuot ang aking bedroom slippers.

Gusto ko nang bumalik sa pagtulog!

Before I held the doorknob I could hear the indistinct chattering behind it. Pagpihit ko ng doorknob para bumukas ay tsaka ko lang na-realize na baka hating gabi na at birthday ko na—

"Happy birthday!" masaya nilang bati sa akin.

Nawindang ang diwa ko dahil sa lakas ng kanilang pagbati. Bigla akong napakurap. Nawala ang pagkayamot ko nang makita ang itsura nila. They were all wearing a happy birthday hat with their pajama outfit.

The smile on their faces were so wide, kulang na lang ata na mapunit ito. Even their eyes were cheerful looking at me.

Wala sa sarili akong napatawa nang magsimulang kumanta sila nanay, tatay, pati ang hampaslupa kong kuya.

"Happy birthday to you!" They were energized while chanting the song for me while clapping their hands with the beat.

"Happy birthday pangit!"

"Happy birthday! Happy birthday!"

Kahit na sabay-sabay silang tatlo ay hindi nakakatakas ang panglalait na naririnig ko sa pagkanta ng hampaslupa kong kapatid.

I didn't know where they got that liveliness even though they seemed like they didn't sleep yet.

How sweet... My heat is melting...

I pouted my lips and hugged them when they finished singing. Nangilid pa ang luha ko habang yakap ko sila.

"Thank you..."

Humiwalay ako sa kanila.

Kuya put a birthday hat on my head. "There your crown, pangit." Sobra ang ngiti niya nang makita akong mainis.

Inirapan ko siya. "Thanks." Mukhang labag sa loob ko ang pagsabi no'n dahil naasar ako sa kaniya.

Nanay held my hand so I looked at her, still smiling at me. "Blow your candle, anak."

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ko at tinignan sila isa-isa para hanapin kung sino ang may hawak ng cake, pero wala ni isa sa kanila ang may hawak.

Kumunot ang noo ko at pinasadahan ko sila ng tingin. "Wala namang cake?"

They step aside and a tall man came out behind my brother. He was also wearing pajama outfit and a birthday hat, so unusual seeing him wearing other outfit aside from his corporate attire.

I gasped. "Dad!" Awtomatikong gumuhit ang malapad na ngiti sa aking labi!

I yelped and was about to run to give him a hug, but he stepped back. "Wait, princess, I'm holding your cake."

Napahinto ako. "Oh." Bumaba ang tingin ko sa cake na hawak niya at nakasindi na ang mga kandila no'n. Hindi ko napansin na siya pala ang may hawak dahil masyado akong natuwa nang makita ko siyang nandito.

"Make a wish!" Nanay exclaimed out of excitement for me.

"Okay." My hands clasped in front of my chest. I closed my eyes and wished.

The sweet scent from the vanilla cake was running through my nostrils, as well as the burning candle, while I was saying my wishes on my mind.

I smiled as I opened my eyes. Huminga ako nang malalim tsaka pinalobo ang aking pisngi. Inihipan ko ang mga kandila.

"Yey!"

They all clapped their hands and cheered.

"Woah! Happy birthday, ugly sister!"

"Gahd!" Napasigaw ako nang nagpaputok ang hampaslupa kong kuya ng party poppers.

I glared at him. "That's not necessary!"

They all laughed.

Hinawi niya ang mga nahulog na confetti sa harapan ng mukha niya bago siya magsalita. "It's necessary, I always bring party poppers on your birthday, it's a tradition." pakikipagtalo niya. "It shouldn't be broken."

Dad chucked softly. "Enough, kids. Let's go downstairs and eat this cake."

"Tradition ka pa riyan— Pwe!"

My brother laughed so hard when a piece of paper entered my mouth. Hinampas ko ang balikat niya pagkatanggal ko ng nasa bibig ko.

Habang bumababa kami ay tinanong ko si dad na nauunang maglakad pababa.

"I thought you were busy, dad?"

"I am, but I can't miss your birthday..."

"Kuya said you couldn't come..."

"Oh, so you believe it?" puno ng sarkasmo at pang-aasar ang kaniyang tono.

Napatawa na naman si dad nang makababa na kami nang tuluyan at dumiretso sa kusina.

"Your brother was so persistent on insisting that I should cancel all my appointments."

Kuya Zed tsked and murmured. "See? Tapos nang-aaway ka pa."

"K. Thanks!"

Kuya Zed gasped dramatically. "Look at her, dad! So ungrateful."

"I am grateful! Nakakaasar ka lang!"

Tinawanan nila kami.

Dad and my hampaslupang kuya pulled the chairs adjacent to the end seat of the dining table. Nanay and tatay sat on the opposite side to face them. I was the birthday celebrant so they let take the seat at the end of the table.

Mukhang may meeting kami at ako ang namumuno.

Nanay cut the cake and put one slice on our plates.

"May handa pa naman akong iba mamaya, right?" I'm expecting!

"Wala na." mabilis na sagot ng hampaslupa kong kapatid.

Matalim ko siyang tinignan at nginisihan niya lang ako habang hinahati niya ang kaniyang cake gamit ang tinidor.

"Meron pa, pero mamayang umaga pa kami maghahanda." sagot ni nanay.

Nakita ko sa aking peripheral view ang pagbelat ng kapatid ko, kaya napairap na lang ako.

"Can we play some classical music while eating?" dad asked.

"Good suggestion!" Tatay exclaimed and stood up.

Both of them were really fond of classical music.

"It's so boring..." mahinang reklamo ng kapatid ko.

"Princess, do you want to receive your gifts now or after eating the cake?" nakangiting tanong sa akin ni dad habang hawak niya ang tinidor at sa kabila naman ay ang maliit na kutsilyo.

Sasagot na sana ako nang mapatingin siya sa likuran ko nang magsimulang tumugtog ang classical music mula sa horn ng aming gramophone.

A calm smile stretched his face while listening to the song, and I know he remembered some things...

Tatay went back to his seat. "Now, I can enjoy the cake, very well..."

Napailing na lang ang kapatid ko, hindi na siya mahilig sa ganitong mga tugtog, simula nang mawala si mom.

Ito ang madalas na naririnig namin sa bahay noong nabubuhay pa siya.

Dad and mom always danced with this kind of song...

Napakagat ako sa aking labi nang maalala ang mga pagkakataong 'yon, parang bumalik ako sa nakaraan.

I could hear the laughter of dad and mom on my mind, the sight of them dancing barefoot on our red carpet, my brother circling them to capture the moments with his camera...on the other hand, I was there sitting on the couch, giggling, watching, enjoying the scene I mostly witnessed during Sunday's after coming back from the church...

I miss mom...I miss her so much... Kung nandito siya panigurado ay nagsimula na kaming magsayawan...

"So, when do you like to accept your gifts?"

Napabalik ako sa reyalidad nang magtanong ulit si dad sa akin.

Napakurap ako nang ilang beses. I pursed my lips while recalling the other question a while ago.

"Ngayon na lang po."

"I knew you would say that." Dad gave me a sweet smile. "Okay, birthday princess..." Tinignan niya sila nanay, tatay at ang kapatid ko. "Who'll go first?"

Walang sumagot pero lahat ng mata nila ay tumingin kay Kuya Zed kaya pati ako ay napatingin sa kaniya. Busy siya sa kaniyang pagkain at mukhang hindi niya alam na siya ang mauuna. Bago niya isubo ang cake na nasa tinidor niya ay napatingin siya sa amin.

Sinubo niya ang cake. "What?" tanong niya habang ang cake ay nakaumbok sa kaniyang pisngi.

Dad's eyebrows creased while looking at my brother. "Don't talk with your mouth full." he sounded strict.

Bumaling ang tingin niya kay dad. "My mouth is not full—"

Napatigil siya nang taasan siya ng kilay ni dad. Nalukot ang mukha niya na parang batang napagalitan.

I stuck my tongue out. He narrowed his eyes at me and swallowed the cake without even chewing!

"Present your gift to your sister, you'll go first." Dad instructed him.

He took a deep breath and pulled something out of his pocket.

"Here, happy birthday, ugly sister!" Ngumiti siya nang malapad nang iabot niya sa akin ang kaniyang regalo.

It was a black thin-square box with a red ribbon tied on it.

Ngumiti ako at na-excite nang abutin 'yon. "Thank you!"

I untied it and opened. My lips parted when I saw a set of jewelries— a necklace and a pair of earrings. The light from our chandelier bounce back on the stones from the jewelries.

The earrings were classic and a button type with a diamond stones on it.

I pulled the necklace out of the bed of the box. It was a snake type of chain, and the pendant was a classic round diamond, but there was a reserved pendant at the side, it was symbol of protection— hamsa— and formed by small shiny stones too.

"It's so pretty..." I said under my breath.

"Let me put it on you..." My brother pushed his chair back and walked behind my seat. He reached for the necklace. I groped and pulled up my hair so he could put it easily.

"Iwala mo, ha? Mura lang 'to nabili ko lang sa bangketa." sarkastiko niyang sabi.

Ngumiti ako kahit hindi niya nakikita. "Okay, sabi mo ih."

"What!?" Nainis siya. "They're made out of white silver and the stones are real diamond!"

We all chuckled.

I felt a bit of cold from the necklace when it touched my skin.

Our parents praised the gift and me, they said it suits me very well.

Binitawan ko ang buhok ko at hinawakan ang pendant. Nagbaba ako ng tingin kahit na hindi ko ito makitang nakasuot sa akin. Pinakaramdaman ko 'yon.

"I love it..." I smiled sweetly to my brother who returned to his chair. "Thank you!"

He smiled too, sincerely. "You're welcome."

Dad tapped his shoulders. "Impressive, you have a good taste. I'm sure you'll choose a nice ring also for your future wife."

Lips parted and shocked eyes, mukhang hindi siya makapaniwala sa narinig niya. Naguguluhan siyang tinitigan ang ama namin. "What are you talking about?"

Napahinto ako at nanlaki ang aking mata nang ma-realize ang ibig sabihin ni dad. Nagpabalik-balik ang tingin ko sa kanilang dalawa. "Huh!? May gf na si kuya!?"

"You already have a girlfriend!?" gulat na tanong ni nanay.

"And you didn't tell us!?" dismayadong tanong ni tatay.

My brother's eyebrows furrowed and looked at us. "What!?"

Tumawa si dad at tinignan kami. "How I wish."

"Oh, so wala pa?" biglang kalma ni nanay.

"Ang sabi ko lang, mukhang maganda rin ang pipiliing singsing ni Zed sa mapapangasawa niya, pero hindi ko sinabing meron na siyang mapapangasawa." Dad laughed harder because of our assumptions.

Napairap ang kapatid ko habang naiiling. "Let's just proceed to the next gift." inis niyang sabi.

Wala sa sarili akong napatawa. "Akala ko meron na! Himala kung gano'n!"

Kuya Zed looked pissed. "Having fun?"

Nag-thumbs ako habang patuloy pa ring tumatawa. "Very!"

Sa sobrang inis niya ay napakuha pa siya ng isang slice ng cake.

Nang humupa ang aming tawa ay sunod namang binigay nila nanay at tatay ang kanilang regalo sa akin.

May inabot din silang maliit na box.

Maybe a jewelry again.

Pagkabukas ko ay napanganga ako lalo. I could hear their giggles while looking at me. Kinuha ko ang car key ng BMW.

"Is this a key to a car!?" hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong nang tignan ko silang dalawa.

They both nodded.

I made silent screams. I got up and hug them both. "Thank you! I love you!" I kissed their cheeks. Bumalik ako sa upuan ko at patuloy pa ring pinakatitigan ang aking hawak.

Kinilig ako. Stifled squealing noises escaped from me.

"Are you ready for your next gift?" dad asked between his chuckles.

I looked at him and nodded.

Tumingin ako sa lamesa nang may inilapag din siyang box doon at iniusog sa harapan ko.

"Another car?" tanong ko sa kaniya.

He shook his head. "Open it..." gesturing me to.

I pursed my lips and opened it. Kumunot ang noo ko nang may nakitang susi at card. Napatagilid ang ulo ko nang binasa ito.

Napasinghap ako. "It was like the key card of Greyson to his condo unit!"

Hindi ko alam kung kikiligin ako o malulungkot... It's a condo unit, meaning I'm gonna live there without them...

Tumango si dad habang nakangiti sa akin. "Yes, binili ko ang katapat na condo unit niya. It's already renovated to suit your style and preference."

Lumipat ang tingin ko kina nanay at tatay. "Doon na ako titira?" malungkot kong tanong.

Dad held my hand. "If you want, so you could learn how to live on your own and Greyson is there to help you."

Saglit akong napatigil.

"You're entrusting me to Greyson?" nag-aalangan kong tanong.

He titled his head. "Why not? He already proved his worth and gained my trust."

Napakagat ako sa aking labi. Tumayo ako at niyakap siya.

"Awe, dad! It means so much to me! Thank you, dad! I love you!" Hinalikan ko rin siya sa kaniyang pisngi.

Tinapik niya ang kamay ko. "I love you too..." kapagkuwan ay naging seryoso siya. "Make sure you'll not gonna stay in his unit nor he'll stay in yours for a night."

Oh, dad don't know about the night I stayed there!

I nodded. "I know! I love you, thank you for trusting me!"

"Ako 'di mo ba ako love?" rinig kong sabi ng kapatid ko. "Ako lang ang hindi niyakap at binigyan ng kiss, 'di rin sinabihan ng I love you..." pagpaparinig niya.

Natawa ako at agad na pumunta sa kaniya para yakapin siya. "I love you, kuya!" I kissed his cheek. "Thank you for the jewelries! Iwawala ko 'yon kaagad gaya nang sabi mo kanina, promise susundin ko ang paalala mo!"

"Ugly." He giggled and caressed my hand. "I love you too, li'l sis."

Dad stood up and clapped his hands to get our attention.

"I think it's time for us to dance. Let's cherish this moment and celebrate, we shouldn't waste the classical music!"

"Couldn't agree more!" tatay stood up and offered his hand to nanay like a prince. "May I have a dance with my beautiful wife?"

Napipigil akong tumili.

Mahinhing tumawa si nanay. "Of course, my husband." Inabot niya ang kamay ni tatay at tumayo.

We all cheered for them. Pumunta sila sa bakanteng ispasyo at nagsimulang sumayaw.

"Come here, kids!" pag-aaya ni dad.

Inilahad niya ang dalawang kamay niya at inabot ko ang isa. Ayaw pa ng kapatid ko no'ng una pero sumama rin naman, kung hindi pa namin pinilit hindi pa tatayo.

The three of us danced too. Nasa magkabilaan kaming kamay ni dad. Pinaikot niya ako at pinaikot niya rin si kuya. All of us were dancing and laughing. Hindi naman siguro magigising si Manang Carmen.

I'm happy they're here, yet deep down, my heart wants mom to be with us too... Dad would be so glad if she was here, in his arms dancing with the music like they used to...

We danced for about a half an hour. Pagkatapos naming sumayaw ay nagligpit na sila nang pinagkainan namin. Hindi muna ako dumiretso sa aking kwarto para matulog, pumunta ako sa swimming pool area namin kung nasaan si dad.

I wanted to have some quality time with him.

His back was facing me. Nakaupo siya sa putting longue habang pinagmamasdan ang swimming pool naming maliwanag dahil sa mga ilaw na nasa ilalim ng tubig.

"Hi, dad."

Nakiupo ako sa tabi niya.

"Hi, princess. Not yet sleepy?"

Umiling ako at tumingin sa swimming pool.

"You'll stay until morning, right?" I asked assumingly 'coz I want him to be here until my day ended.

On my peripheral vision I saw him smiled. His hand reached for my hair and ruffled it. "Yes of course, princess."

I smiled. Buti naman.

"How's school?" tanong niya.

Ngumiwi ako at humingang malalim. "Nakakapagod but handleable. Ibang-iba lang kumpara no'ng highschool. We are more diverse now."

Mahina siyang napabuntong hininga. I looked at him and he was staring at me, examining my face. "Your mom would be proud if she was here," wala sa sarili siyang napangiti. "you even look like her now when she was at your age."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "My age? You know her already when you were at my age?"

I didn't know yet how they met.

Lumawak ang ngiti niya na parang naalala niya ang nakaraan. "Yes..." Tumingin siya sa pool. "Both of us don't like each other back then."

Hindi ko alam kung ba't ako natawa. "Why?"

"Your mom doesn't like lazy people, like me, when it comes to studying. She was my classmate in high school. Your mom always excelled in acads but there I am not bothering to study 'coz I'm busy with my sport. I was just chilling 'coz I know I'll be save from my acads because of my 'varsity card' but I was wrong, my teacher scolded me for not taking the subjects seriously."

Oh wow, parang nararamdaman kong pang wattpad ata ang story nila.

"I was about to be kicked from my football team 'coz my grades were dropping, as a player there was still a need to maintain our grades, it was a must— a requirement." Napangisi siya. "So I asked your mother to help me so I could cope up. Saan pa ba ako hihingi ng tulong 'di ba? She was the valedictorian after all."

"However, she rejected me. Can you imagine that!?" Napailling siya. "He rejected the captain! The heartthrob of campus!"

Napahagalpak ako ng tawa.

"Para ko siyang nililigawan no'n para lang pumayag siyang turuan ako."

"Why her? You could've asked for someone else to help you, you're a heartthrob, right? There would be a lot of girls who would be willing to give you a hand."

My father looked at me plainly. "I can't, your mother would get jealous."

Napatawa na naman ako. "Jealous!? Ni-reject ka nga 'di ba? Bakit naman siya magseselos?"

"Ramdam ko na crush niya ako no'n." matipid niyang sagot.

Paulit-ulit kong nahampas ang binti ko habang tumatawa. "Dad, you were so assuming!"

He tsked. "I swear she had a crush on me. Besides, I don't like someone tutoring me but her."

Hinawakan ko ang balikat niya at sinubukang 'wag tumawa sa sasabihin ko. "Dad, you're the one who had a crush on her."

His face flattened and couldn't deny! Hahaha!

Mas lalo akong napatawa sa iniasta niya. Hindi siya nagpatalo at pinilit pa ring gusto siya ni mom. 'Di kalaunan nang napapayag niya na daw si mom na turuan siya ay umamin na din siyang matagal niya nang gusto si mom kaya pati siya ay napaamin na rin kay dad noon— crush nga talaga siya ni mom noon kahit naiinis siya kay dad dahil ang tamad mag-aral. Pero inamin din ni dad na siya talaga ang unang nagka-crush kay mom! Hahaha!

Mukhang marupok din si mom, sa kaniya ata ako nagmana pati ang tipo sa lalaki, mahilig sa sporty.

We talked for about an hour until I felt sleepy. Natulog na ako sa kwarto ko no'n dahil kailangan ko pang gumising nang maaga dahil magsisimba kami ng 1st mass mamaya. Nag-alarm ang phone ko saktong alas singko. Pinatay ko 'yon at napansing may message pala si Greyson kaninang 12 am! Hindi ko na napansin kanina dahil masyado akong naging busy sa aking fam.

My favorite hooman: Happy birthday, love!

Kumunot ang noo ko at in-scroll ang chat box namin. Napanguso ako. Bakit wala ng kasunod?

Hmm... Oo na, nag-expect lang naman ako ng sweet message! Kahit na medyo nalungkot ako ay nag-send pa rin ako ng thank you.

Dumiretso ako sa bathroom ko at naligo. I pulled my color wine turtle neck long sleeve and above the knee maong skirt. I paired it with my white snickers. Sinuot ko ang kwentas at hikaw na binigay ng kapatid ko sa akin. I straightened my hair and put a light make up on my face.

Bumaba na ako pagkatapos habang dala ang aking phone. My brother was already finished and sitting on the sofa watching some anime on Netflix.

He was wearing a brownish polo shirt, the first two button weren't closed, paired with his jeans and black rubber shoes. The silver classic watch on his veiny wrist add up to his look.

Umupo ako at nanood din sa TV.

"You're so ugly." rinig ko na namang sabi niya.

Expression niya na ata 'yon tuwing makikita ako kaya hindi ko na lang siya pinansin.

Maya't maya'y bumaba na rin sila nanay at tatay. Nanay was wearing a simple pink sheath dress, she looked taller because of her white stiletto shoes but tatay was still taller even with his black leather boat shoes. He wore a lilac polo shirt tucked it in his maong jeans.

"Where's dad?" tanong ko. Siya nalang ang kulang.

Narinig ko ang pagsarado ng pinto mula sa taas.

"Here," he casually said while walking downstairs and putting his watch.

Dad folded his long sleeve up to his elbow. Ang weird niyang makitang nakasuot ng ibang kulay maliban sa black and white— corporate or mafia outfit.

What he's wearing right now is a dirty yellow polo shirt!

He tucked it in his slacks and completed the look with his black oxford shoes.

Napanguso ako habang tinitignan siya. Pakiramdam ko maraming magkaka-crush sa kaniya mamaya sa simbahan. Naka-wax ang buhok niya. Hindi rin nakasarado ang dalawang butones ng kaniyang polo kaya medyo exposed ang kaniyang dibdib.

Bahala siya kapag nagselos si mom at kasalanan niya na 'yan kapag multuhin siya mamaya.

Si Mang Ben ang naghatid sa amin sa simbahan gamit ang aming van. Pagkapasok namin sa simbahan ay hindi pa gano'n karami ang tao sa loob. Pumwesto kami sa malapit sa altar. Ako ang nasa gitna nila, nanay and tatay were on my left, my brother and dad were on my right, next to the center aisle.

Lahat ng tao ay tumayo nang magsimula ang misa. Napatingin ako sa aisle nang naglakad ang mga sacristan pati ang pari at ang iba pang kasamahan nito. My eyes shifted to the other side of aisle when I saw a familiar figure.

When our eyes met, he smiled and winked playfully. I bit the insides of my cheeks. Pinandilatan ko siya ng aking mata para magtigil, saglit kong sinilip ang mga katabi ko kung nakita nila 'yon. Ang hampaslupa kong kapatid ay nakitaan ko ng mapilyong ngiti habang nakatingin nang diretso sa altar.

Gahd, nakita niya 'yon for sure!

Kinabahan ako bigla. Saglit kong sinulyapan si Greyson at sinamaan ng tingin para tumigil sa kalalandi niya, parang tanga kasi!

Greyson was wearing a navy blue linen shirt, its sleeves was rolled up to his elbow, paired with regular black jeans. Kumunot ang noo ko at napangiwi nang makita ang umbok ng kaniyang pang-upo. Agad kong iniiwas ang aking tingin roon at tinignan ang katabi niya. Si Timothy. Katabi niya lang ang aisle kaya't kita ko ang pagkahalukipkip ng kaniyang kamay, na-define tuloy ang kaniyang muscles sa braso. Timothy wore a classic short sleeve turquoise polo shirt tucked it in his greyish wool trouser.

Pinaupo kami ng pari at nagsimula na ang misa. Paminsan-minsan ay napapatingin ako sa gawi nila Greyson. Mas maharap ang kanilang pwesto kumpara sa amin kaya kita ko kung mapapalingon siya sa aming gawi.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang ang babaeng katabi ni Greyson ay saglit na tinagilid ang kaniyang ulo para bumulong sa kaniya, nakita ko ang mukha nito.

My lips parted when I realized who was the woman. Is that Tita Rose?

Mahina akong siniko ng kapatid ko para mag-focus sa homily ni father.

Saglit ko siyang sinimangutan bago nakinig sa pari. Sorry po G, medyo nawawala ako sa focus sa pakikinig. Pagkatapos ng misa ay lumabas kami ng simbahan. Maliwanag na ang kalangitan at medyo malamig pa ang paligid. May mga batang nagtitinda ng sampaguita malapit sa bungad ng pintuan para alukin ang mga tao na bumili.

"Rose!" masayang tawag ni nanay.

Wala sa sarili akong napaayos ng tayo nang makitang palapit ang pamilya nila Greyson. Namawis ang kamay ko nang makita si Tita Rose. It had been so long since I last saw her.

"Clarisse!" tawag niya rin kay nanay.

They both beso. Nanay beso with... ahm I don't know him, but I guess this is tita's husband, the father of Greyson and Timothy. He was proud showing off his green eyes unlike the two who was using contact lenses...

They all greeted each other while I was just there standing, stiffened.

I gulped when Tita Rose stopped in front of me. Kinabahan tuloy ako!

Amoy ko ang kaniyang matamis na pabango. She looked so fresh with her fancy grey jumpsuit paired with black stilettos.

"Hi, tita." I smiled awkwardly and held her hand. Nagmano ako.

"Happy birthday, hija!" Malapad ang ngiti niya sa akin at pinanggigilan ang aking pisngi. "Dalaga ka na! You already look like your mother!" Hindi pa rin nagbabago si tita, mataas pa rin ang energy lagi!

Nilawakan ko na lang ang ngiti ko dahil hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko!

"This is my daughter," Dad came up to me and placed his hand on my shoulder to pulled me in front of a tall man— the one that has a strong resemblance to my baby!

Brushed up hair. Black shades was hanging on his white shirt, on top of it was a shiny leather jacket, partnered with jeans and black boots.

Kumalabog lalo ang puso ko, para siyang nakakatakot! Idagdag mo pa ang beared niyang mukhang kaaahit lang last week!

He was giving the reckless type of vibe, a daredevil who got so many side chicks when he was young! Opposite to dad who seemed more cautious, calm, composed and seious type.

Parang alam ko na kung saan nagmana si Greyson sa kagalangian niyang mapahulog ng isang babae. Hmp!

"Princes—"

Mahina kong siniko si dad dahil muntik niya na akong matawag sa nickname niya sa akin!

He cleared his throat. "Victoria, this is your Tito Xian, your future father-in-law."

My lips parted. Bakit may paganon dad!?

"Ohhh." rinig kong pang-aasar ng hampaslupa kong kapatid. Pati tuloy sila nanay nakisama sa mahihina nilang kantsaw sa akin! Nakita ko pa ang mahinang pagtulak ni Kuya Zed kay Greyson.

I don't know what to do! Pinagtritripan ba nila ako!? Nahihiya na ako!

"Hi po..." nahihiya kong bati at inabot ang kaniyang kamay para magmano, medyo nanginig pa kamay ko!

Tita Xian chuckled softly. "You seem nervous," puna niya.

"Hehe."

What the heck!? Hehe!? Ba't 'yon ang lumabas sa bibig ko!? Nakakahiya! Oh my gahd huhuhu. Bagsak na ata ako sa first impression sa dad ng boyfriend ko!

Tito tapped my head lightly. "Happy birthday!" He gave me a sweet wide smile. Hmm, he seems nice but still scary! "Anak ko na lang regalo ko sa'yo, ha?"

Laglag panga.

Tita Rose beamed him. "Huwag mo ngang pagtripan." natatawa niyang sabi.

Napakamot na lang ako sa aking batok habang tinatawanan na lang sila. Sa totoo lang kanina pa ako naiinitan! Pakiramdam ko sobrang pula na rin ng mukha ko dahil sa pang-aasar nila sa akin!

Dad helped me and stopped the teasing. Inaya niya na kaming dumiretso sa bahay.

Inakbayan ako ng kapatid ko at hinila papuntang sasakyan namin.

"You look like a tomato!" he muttered while laughing.

Tinabig ko ang kamay niya at hinampas ang kaniyang balikat.

I know! Don't say it even more!

Pagkarating naming bahay ay nagsimula na silang maghanda ng mga pagkain. Hindi nila kami pinasamang magluto— ako, Greyson at Timothy. Ang hampaslupa kong kuya naman ay pinahanda lang nila ng cake, pagkalagay niya sa oven ay pinalayas na rin siya sa kusina. Gusto nila kaming mag-relax at mag-bonding.

Pumasok si Timothy sa pintuan namin na may dala-dalang pulang box, galing siya sa kanilang kotse para kunin iyon. Tinaas niya 'yon at inalog.

Nakangiti siya sa amin ni Greyson nang maupo siya sa aming carpet. "Tara laro na."

"What's that?" Yumuko ako mula sa pagkakaupo ko sa sofa at inabot ang box. Bago pa ito dahil hindi pa naalis ang transparent platic. "Catan?" paggbabasa ko.

"Yeah, catan." Kinuha ni Timothy 'yon at binuksan.

"Another board game, huh?" Umupo ako sa carpet.

Binigyan ako ni Greyson ng unan para ilagay sa ibabaw ng aking binti tsaka siya tumabi sa akin. Kuza Zed walked toward us from the kitchen, holding a glass of water. He sat on the sofa while looking at the board game. I could see the curiosity in his eyes.

"What's that?" Dumukwang siya at pinakatitigan ang laman ng box habang si Timothy ay binabasa ang instruction.

Ako ang sumagot. "Board game, sali ka!"

Kunot noo niya akong nilingon. "Ano ako bata?" Sumandal siya at uminom sa kaniyang baso.

"It's 3 to 4 players." sabi ni Timothy.

"Oh tatlo na kayo, kaya niyo na 'yan, 'wag niyo na akong idamay sa mga pambata niyong laro."

Sumimangot ako. "KJ." bulong ko.

Hindi niya ako pinansin at binuksan niya na lang ang TV.

.

.

.

"I wanna trade, okay, then I want another city and yeah road." My hampaslupang kuya laughed, enjoying the game! "You guys are going down."

Napairap ako dahil masyado niyang ginagalingan. "Ano ako bata?" I saracastically mimicked his phrase a while ago.

Tinaasan niya ako ng kaniyang kilay. "Natatalo ka lang."

Umirap ako at ngumiwi habang hinihintay ang turn ko. Mas matanda si Kuya Zed sa amin ng limang taon pero kahit na gano'n, hindi niya kami pinagbibigyan na manalo sa larong 'to! Kung tutuusin mas marami pa siyang lamang keysa sa'min dahil nagagamit niya ang mga alam niya tungkol sa business!

Kuya Zed laughed evilly. "I won!"

"Malamang masyado mong ginalingan!" inis kong sabi.

Timothy put the pieces back onto the box and close it. Bad trip pa rin ako, 'di man lang ako nagkaroon ng tatlong road! Umupo ako sa sofa at niyakap ang unan. Kuya Zed sat beside me and rested his hand on my head.

"We have something for you."

I raised a brow at him. "What?"

"Remember the day when Timothy made a promise?" Tinignan niya si Timothy. "That we'll let you ride at the bike with us on your birthday?"

"Yeah, pero 'di naman natuloy kasi 'di bumalik 'yong isa riyan." pagpaparinig ko.

Timothy smirked. "We're gonna fulfill that promise, today." Ngumiwi siya. "But with some adjacements 'coz you already know how to bike."

Kuya Zed looked at me. "We're gonna bike all."

Huh? "All?"

Tumango ang kapatid ko at inutusan ako. "Change to your shorts so we could bike, now."

Hindi ako tumayo kaagad at nagtatanong na tinaasan ko siya ng aking kilay.

"Go, now!" pag-uulit niya.

Umirap ako at umakyat sa kwarto at dali-daling nagpalit, pagkababa ko ay wala na sila sa sala. Lumabas ako ng bahay at nakita si Greyson at Timothy na nakasakay sa kani-kanilang mountain bike.

"Nagdala kayo ng bike niyo!?" rinig ko sa aking boses ang kagalakan.

"Yes, love." Greyson smiled.

I grinned my teeth.

Kuya Zed was walking from our garage with the two mountain bikes on each side, holding them on its top tube. One for him and one for me.

I learned how to bike when Greyson was in coma. Timothy taught me with his own bike to distract myself from pain, so on Kuya Zed bought one for myself.

Agad akong nagtungo sa kaniya at kinuha ang bike ko at sumakay. Sabay-sabay kaming nag-bike papuntang gate namin. Mang Ben opened it and we pedaled our bikes to the road.

My hampaslupang kuya and Timothy were ahead of us— I and Greyson.

"Like it?" Greyson asked with the smile on his face. 

I nodded many times. "Very much!"

Narinig ko ang bulungan nang nasa unahan namin, palihim pang nagtatawanan. Mas binilisan nilang dalawang magpedal kaya medyo nakalayo sila sa amin habang kami ni Greyson ay medyo mabagal lang.

"I heard about your childhood stories from my brother..." Greyson started a conversation.

Ngumiwi ako at napasimangot. "Nasabi niya bang lagi nila akong iniiwan sa veranda namin at hinahayaan lang akong manood mula roon habang sila nagba-bike sa kalsada?"

He giggled. "Yeah... Sana nandoon na lang ako para ako ang kasama mong manood sa kanilang dalawa."

My brows arched. "Hindi ka rin marunong mag-bike noon?"

"Hindi."

Tumawa kami.

"Sinong nagturo sa'yo mag-bike?"

He gave me a sad smile. "My foster dad..."

I bet he misses them.

Humigpit ang paghawak ko sa manibela at tumingin sa kalsada. Nagi-guilty na naman ako sa kung bakit hindi niya sila makasama ngayon.

"Hey."

Lumingon ako sa kaniya.

Kunot ang kaniyang noo. "You're blaming yourself again..." Huminto siya sa pagpepedal at nagpreno kasabay nang pagbaba niya ng kaniyang paa sa kalsada para huminto ang kaniyang bike.

He could feel me...

Nagpreno ako at huminto rin.

"Love, don't do that, okay? It's not your fault." He tucked my hair behind my ear.

I bit the insides of my lower lip and nodded.

"It's your birthday, we should celebrate it and make new happy memories, okay?" He gave me a sweet smile to uplift me.

I nodded again.

"Good." He kissed my temple.

Gresyon positioned himself again to start pedaling.

"Kapag nahuli ka, ki-kiss mo ako later."

Then he drove away!

Nanlaki ang mata ko.

"Greyson!" sigaw ko tsaka nagpedal. "Madaya ka!"

Narinig ko ang pagtawa niya, kaya pati ako ay napangiti na rin nang mas binilisan ko pa ang pagpepedal ko, pero wait. Bagalan ko na lang kaya? Joke lang!

Hinabol ko sila at nang medyo nakalayo na kami sa amin ay napagpasiyahan na naming bumalik. It was nice having them beside me during my birthday. I'm so glad, even my heart was smiling.

"Oh wala na akong utang sa'yo na promise, ah?" Timothy said while putting their bikes behind their van.

Tumawa ako. "Wala na! Thanks! Buti naman natupad na 'no?" Nang humarap siya ay nagbilang ako sa kamay ko para sa taong pinaghintay niya ako. "After 6 years!"

"Tinupad naman." laban niya.

We entered our house. Hindi pa sila tapos mag-prepare ng pagkain no'n kaya inabala muna namin ang sarili namin sa kung ano anong mga bagay—Netflix, board games, cards, video games.

"Kuya help me!" sigaw ko nang mabaril ako nang kalaban.

Hindi ko naman ako naglalaro ng PUBG, ngayon lang! Hindi naman masamang ma-knocked down ako lagi, 'di ba!?

My hampaslupang kuya tsked. "Huwag mo kasing titigan kapag nasa harapan mo na, barilin mo!" Pinagbabaril niya ang kalaban na nakapalibot sa akin tsaka niya ako hineal.

Napanguso na lang ako. Ako lagi ang namamatay sa aming apat.

"Kasalanan ko bang nakakagulat!?"

I heard Greyson chuckled soflty who was beside me. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin habang nakatuon ang atensyon niya sa kaniyang phone. Ang ganda nilang pasabugan ng granada, pero 'di ko naman sila matamaan kapag ginagawa ko 'yon nakakatakbo sila kaagad kaya ako naman ang ginagano'n nila!

Tumigil lang kami sa paglalaro nang tawagin na nila kami. Ikakain ko na lang ang pagkaimbyerna ko sa laro namin!

Nakalagay na sa mesa ang mga pagkain na inihanda nila para sa akin— cake, salad, pancit, carbonara, spaghetti, graham, dynamite, shanghai, siomai, fresh lumpia, etc. Masaya kaming nagsalo-salo para sa tanghalian. All food was so delicious!

We toke many pics, before, during and after eating. Tita Rose and Tito Xian gave me there gifts also. Tita gave me a set of jewelry hair clips! May bago na naman akong gagamitin sa iba't ibang okasyon. Tito gave me perfumes. The one smells sweet, the other one emits more matured scent.

Their two children, however, didn't give their presents to me, yet. I assumed they have some.

Kinahapunan ay nag-barbecue kami sa pool area. Lee family had their clothes for it, they were prepared! Hanggang gabi ay naglalaro kami sa swimming pool habang ang mga may edad ay naroon sa barbecue-han nag-i-enjoy sa kanilang wine habang nagkwekwentuhan.

Nang magsawa ay nagbanlaw na kami. Nagsuot na lang ako t-shirt at shorts pagkatapos kong maligo sa aking banyo. Lumabas akong kwarto at naaubutan si Timothy na nakaupo at nakasandal sa dingding, katapat ng room ko. Hawak niya ang kaniyang phone, rinig na rinig ko ang putukan ng baril— mukhang nagpa-PUBG na naman. Hindi na lang siya naupo roon sa sofa malapit sa railings ng hagdan.

Nag-angat siya ng tingin at tumayo. "Tagal mo naman." reklamo niya. Mukhang kanina pa siya tapos maligo dahil medyo tuyo na ang kaniyang buhok.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Bakit maglalaro na naman?"

Umiling siya at pinindot ang off button ng kaniyang phone. Tinago niya 'yon sa bulsa ng kaniyang shorts. Paglabas ng kamay niya sa kaniyang bulsa ay nakakuyom ito. He extended his arm at me.

Kahit nagtataka ako kung ano 'yon ay binuksan ko ang palad ko para saluhin ang ibibigay niya. Nahulog ang tatlong barnuts sa kamay ko.

Tinuro niya ang ang bawat barnut kasabay nang pagbikas niya ng mga salita. "Happy. Birthday. Tasia."

Walang emosyon ko siyang tinignan habang siya ay nakangisi sa akin. Namulsa siya habang tinitignan ako. Pinipigilan niya ang kaniyang pagtawa.

"Regalo ko 'yan sa'yo, 'di mo nagustuhan?"

Hindi ko alam kung maiinis o matatawa ako.

I gave him a glare. "Na-appreciate ko naman kahit ito lang, pero mukha ka kasing nang-iinis!"

Tinawanan niya na ako. "Kidding!"

May hinugot siya ulit sa kaniyang bulsa. Sinundan ko ng tingin ang maliit na box na nabalot ng gift wrapper na may design na music sheet.

"Here... Happy birthday, Tasia." he sounded sincere now.

Bigla akong napangiti. "Thank you..." Maingat ko 'yong inabot at tinignan siya. "Buksan ko na?" Na-i-excite akong makita ang laman!

Tumango siya.

Pinunit ko ang wrapper at tumambad sa akin ang box ng airpods. Naguguluhan ako kung bakit gano'n.

Still I gave him a smile. "I already have one, but thank you! I'll keep this in case I lose mine."

He raised his brow and smirked. "Yeah, sure, but open it later."

May iba pa bang laman ang airpods?

Nagbaba ako nang tingin at akmang bubuksan na 'yon nang bumukas ang pinto ng guest room. Lumabas si Greyson at basa pa ang buhok, hindi niya pa rin sinusuklayan. He pushed back his hair.

Sumama ang itsura niya nang tignan niya ang kaniyang kapatid. Lumapit siya sa tabi ko at pinakatitigan niya si Timothy. Humalukipkip siya.

Umirap si Timothy. "Chill, dumbass."

Tumalikod siya sa amin at winagayway ang kaniyang kamay. "Enjoy the bebe time!"

I beamed him, lightly. "He just gave me his present." pagpapaalam ko sa kaniya para hindi siya mag-alala. Mukha kasi siyang nagseselos.

He looked down at me with his green eyes. Magkasalubong pa rin ang kaniyang kilay. Hindi ko napigilang tumawa at pumunta sa harapan niya. Maingat kong pinadaan ang dalawang hinlalaki ko sa makabilaan niyang kilay.

"You're still attractive with your pissed off face, but I like to see your smile more."

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin at namula ang kaniyang tenga, napansin ko rin ang pagpipigil niya ng ngiti.

Hinawakan ko ang kamay niyang nakaharang sa kaniyang dibdib kaya napatingin siya sa akin. Inalis ko ang pagkakahalukipkip niya at niyakap siya.

I closed my eyes and listened to his fast heartbeat.

"Mahal kita..." pagpapakalma ko sa kaniya.

Mas lalo kong naramdaman ang pagtibok ng kaniyang puso, palihim akong napangiti.

"Love..." malambing niyang tawag sa akin. "Mahal din kita..." I could hear the smile on his voice. Niyakap niya akong mahigpit.

"Don't be jealous, okay?" masuyo kong sabi sa kaniya at nag-angat ako ng tingin.

Kumunot na naman ang noo niya. "I can't help it."

Muli ko siyang niyakap. "Okay, I'll just make this again to make you feel better, in case you'll get jealous..."

I heard him giggled. He moved closer to my ear. "Then I'll be jealous always..."

Mahina kong hinampas ang likuran niya. "Your taking advantage of it."

"I know..."

Nanatili kami sa gano'ng posisyon hanggang sa magsalita siya.

"Love, gusto mo na bang makita regalo ko sa'yo?"

Mabilis akong nag-angat nang tingin. "Yes, of course!"

"But, I'll need a charger, naiwan ko 'yong akin at dead bat na ako."

I smiled. "Okay!"

Pumasok kami sa kwarto ko at pumunta ako sa aking study table. Binigay niya ang phone niya sa akin at chinarge ko.

"Nasa phone mo regalo mo, for me?" tanong ko tsaka ako humarap.

Napahinto ako nang nabunggo ko ang dibdib niya. Napaatras ako, tumama ang pang-upo ko sa lamesa.

Greyson bended and rested both of his hands on my table, he trapped me.

"Yes," he said with deep voice while looking at me intently. Nagbago bigla ang aura niya.

Kumalabog bigla ang dibdib ko at hindi ko naiwasang bumaba ang aking tingin sa kaniyang labi. I gulped when I looked back to his eyes.

Bumaba rin ang tingin niya sa labi ko. "Don't do that, love..."

"A-ahm, w-what do you mean—"

His lips parted and kissed me. Hindi niya ako pinatapos! His kisses were soft, gentle...

Greyson stopped. "I'm just claiming my prize a while ago..." he said against my lips.

Ang sabi niya, iki-kiss ko siya, pero siya naman ang humalik sa akin. Baliw.

Bago pa ako makasagot ay muli na naman niya akong hinalikan. My hands automatically wrapped on his neck when our kisses deepened. I gasped when he held my legs and pushed me to make me sit on my table. He licked my lips and sucked it.

My heart was beating so fast; it was going wild!

Napasinghap ako nang mag-vibrate ang phone niya sa table ko nang nag-open mula sa pagkaka-dead bat.

"Fuck." he hissed, seemed disappointed we stopped.

Bigla akong nahiya. Okay, what now!?

I cleared my throat and jumped out of my table. "Ihi lang!" nagmamadali kong sabi tsaka dumiretso sa banyo. Sinarado ko ang pinto at napasandal sa aking pintuan.

Napatakip ako sa aking bibig. Malakas pa rin ang kalabog ng dibdib ko. JV anong kalandian ang pinaggagawa mo!?

Oh my gahd! Paano ko siya haharapin, nahihiya na ako!

Napasabunot ako sa aking buhok at tinignan ang aking sarili sa salamin. "Ang landi mo!" I mouthed, talking to myself.

Pinaypayan ko ang aking sarili gamit ang kamay ko para kumalma, pero imbes na kumalma mas lalo akong kinabahan dahil paulit-ulit na tumatakbo sa isipan ko ang nangyari kanina!

"Hey."

Napatalon ako sa gulat nang kumatok siya sa pintuan.

"You okay, love?" maingat niyang tanong.

"Y-yes!" Flinush ko ang toilet kahit na hindi naman talaga ako umihi! Naghugas ako ng kamay bago lumabas.

"Oh fck—!"

Gahd Greyson! Hindi na nga ako mapakali tapos tatayo pa siya sa harapan ng pintuan! Sinong hindi magugulat!? What the heck, I'm so tense!

He laughed at me while standing there. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. Pinatay ko ang ilaw ng CR at sinara ang pintuan.

"Happy?" inis kong sabi tsaka siya nilagpasan.

"Very much..."

Umupo ako sa harap ng aking vanity table. Siya naman ay umupo sa harapan ng study table ko. Malaki ang agwat ng distansya naming dalawa dahil nakapwesto kami sa magkabilaang bahagi ng kwarto.

Humalukipkip siya habang tinitigan lang ako. Kumunot ang noo ko at nag-iwas ng tingin. "Epal mo." bulong ko.

"The epal of your life."

I gave him a death glare. On my peripheral view I saw my bed. Napapikit ako dahil sa kung ano-anong mga bagay na pumasok sa isipan ko. Humarap ako sa CR.

"Love, halika na rito, papakita ko na sa'yo 'yong gift ko para sa'yo."

Tumaas ang kilay ko at tinignan siya.

"Bakit ako ang lalapit, ikaw ang magbibigay 'di ba?"

He grinned his teeth while enjoying the sight of me getting pissed. I know he knows why I'm acting like this!

"Nagcha-charge."

Talagang gusto niya lang akong palapitin!

Umirap ako at tumayo papunta sa kaniya. Nag-angat siya ng tingin.

"Saan ka uupo?" tanong niya.

"Huh?"

He giggled and reached his phone.

"Baliw!" sabi ko nang ma-gets siya, nang-aasar talaga!

Bumalik ako sa vanity area ko at hinila ang upuan mula roon papunta sa kaniya. Umupo ako at humalukipkip habang hinihintay siyang matapos sa kaniyang ginagawa. Patawa-tawa pa siya riyan!

"Ang tagal." reklamo ko.

"Huwag ka munang mainis, para ipakita ko na."

Ngumiti ako nang pilit, labas ngipin. "Akin na." Inilahad ko ang kamay ko.

Tinawanan niya ako. "Okay, here." Binigay niya sa akin ang phone.

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin nang makitang hindi abot ang charger ko sa aking pwesto. Hinila ko palapit sa kaniya ang upuan. Magkalapit na naman kami!

Greyson tapped the screen to play the video.

Nawala ang pagkakunot ng noo ko nang magsimula. It's like an animated video!

Tumaas ang kilay ko nang makita ang isang pigura ng babaeng nakatalikod at nakaharap sa elevator, naka-uniform gaya ng akin. It looks...like...

"It's you." Greyson said.

Saglit ko siyang tinignan at bumalik din ang tingin ko sa phone para walang makaligtaan.

Unti-unting lumapit ang focus sa akin. Napatagilid ang ulo ko nang mapansing parang perspective 'yon ng isang tao. Nang bumukas ang elevator ay pumasok ang babae. Since it was a mirrored type of elevator, I saw the reflection of a man when he came in! I knew it's a POV of someone!

Dalawa lang kaming nandoon, I meant the girl— which is I— and the guy.

The reflection of the guy on the mirror, reflected. Napatawa ako nang mapansing pasulyap-sulyap siya sa akin, habang ako ay busy sa pagpo-phone, mukha rin akong maldita dahil sa itsura ko. Haha!

He always glanced at me even tho I'm not giving a damn on his presence. That's when I realized the man was Greyson...

"It's the first time I saw you, personally, again..." he whispered on my ear.

Nangilid ang luha ko habang nakatuon pa rin ang atensyon ko sa pinapanood. Sobrang lalim ng emosyon ang nararamdaman ko dala na rin ng nakakalambot na background music.

Saglit akong napatawa nang pinakita niya rin sa animated video no'ng unang beses ko siyang makita sa room. No'ng mga panahong nagtama ang mata naming dalawa at inilihis ko ang aking tingin na parang wala lang.

"And that's the first time I saw you!" masaya kong sabi habang nanonood pa rin.

The next and last scene was at the basketball court. The first time we interacted as him being Greyson. Naiiyak ako sa tuwa, kilig, at pagmamahal na naramdaman ko sa kaniya. The vid doesn't have conversation, verbally, but the expression and body language speaks for it.

"Happy birthday, Jess." he whispered with full of love.

Tinignan ko siya. Naiiyak ako. "Love! It's so beautiful!!!" Agad ko siyang niyakap at binigyan ng halik sa kaniyang pisngi. "I love it! Thank you!"

He smiled and his eyes wear also teary. "I know it isn't that much but I want you to know that those memories are so precious to me..."

Pinunasan ko ang mata ko. "Love! It means so much! I like it, very much appreciated!" I smiled more for him to feel that I really love it!

"Are you sure? Hindi ba pangit?"

Sumimangot ako. "It's pretty!" pagpupumilit ko.

He chuckled softly. "Buti naman pasado ako sa standards mo."

"Always!"

Muli kong pinanood ulit ang animated video na ginawa niya. Hindi ako nagsasawang ulit-ulitin!

"It's my first output from digital arts..."

Mas lalo na naman akong natuwa! "Really!?" Napanguso ako. "Awe! Thank you for making your first output for me! I love you..."

"Of course, love, for you..." He kissed my forehead. "I love you too..."

Simple things from you, would always be the best things I'll ever have!

Sabay kaming napalingon ni Greyson sa pinto nang may kumatok.

"Hey, ugly sister!" I heard the muffled voice of my hampaslupang kuya.

"What!?"

Medyo nainis ako, nasira landian moments namin!

Binuksan niya ang pinto at hinanap kung nasaan ako. Nang magtama ang tingin namin ay tinaasan niya ako ng kaniyang kilay.

"Dad, wants to talk to you."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Why?"

He shrugged. "Puntahan mo na lang nasa veranda. Then pumunta ka sa room ko dahil may pag-uusapan din tayo."

"Okay..." Mukhang importante.

Nagpaalam na muna ako kay Greyson at agad na pinuntahan si dad sa veranda. Hindi madilim ang paligid dahil nakabukas ang aming porch light.

A cup of coffee was in his hand.

"Hi, dad." I greeted casually and sat on our wodden bench.

"How's the bebe time?" he asked calmy.

Nanlaki ang mata ko at awtomatikong napalingon. "Huh!? Saan mo naman nakuha 'yang salitang 'yan, dad?"

He chuckled. "Kay Timothy, sinabi niya 'yon kanina no'ng tinanong ko kung bakit hindi niya kayo kasamang pumunta sa swimming pool area. He said both of you, Greyson, were having bebe time."

Sumimangot ako. Matatamaan ka mamaya sa akin Timothy!

Hindi ako umimik. Humalukipkip ako at sumandal.

Kinalma ko na muna ang sarili ko bago ko iniba ang usapan. "Kuya said, you want to talk to me?"

Uminom muna siya ng kape niya bago siya magsalita.

"Hmm, yes." He sounded serious. Dad put down his mug on the wooden stant on his side.

Medyo kinabahan ako sa kung ano ang pag-uusapan namin. Tungkol kaya 'yon kay Greyson o ang pagiging parte ko sa organization?

Pinaglaruan ko ang aking kamay habang hinihintay ang susunod niyang sasabihin.

"Are you sure you're ready to be part of the organization?" he asked without hesitation.

My brows palpitated. Sabi ko na nga isa roon.

Tumango ako habang nakayuko. "Yes... but kuya said I'm not yet ready..."

He smirked, that made me looked at him. Hindi pa rin siya nakatingin sa akin. "It's not that you're not ready... The truth is, he's the one who's not ready."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What do you mean?"

"He's not ready to see you change because of the organization... A lot of things are happening there, you already know that, right?"

I nodded.

"Even I, is not ready to let you in. There are matters that could hurt you... change the way you see things and think." He looked at me sincerely and caressed my hair. "You're a sweet girl, princess, I don't want to see your hands holding a gun, ready to kill someone."

I don't want that too...

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin sa akin at humugot ng malalim na hininga. "Killing is normal in organization. Your brother and I use to do those things, are you ready to see the other side of us?"

Kumuyom ang kamay ko.

"Are you ready to see us— ordering someone to kill a person? Does your mind will not change on how you look at us? Won't you call us monsters after you know things?"

"Dad." mabilis kong pagpuputol sa kaniya. "I understand the risk, your work, your responsibilities. It always has reasons why you're doing those things. I will never see you as a monster. Never."

Masuyo niya akong tinignan. "Princess, it's easy to say... You'll never know until you're there."

"I know. What's the difference of I knowing you're doing those things versus I seeing you really doing it?"

"It's more painful and scarier."

Naluluha ako. Yumuko ako, hindi nagsalita.

"Do you still want to be part of it?"

Nag-isip pa akong mabuti, ulit, pero matagal ko na 'tong napagdesisyunan, wala pa rin namang nagbago sa gusto ko.

"You could still think about it..."

"No, I don't need to think again." Tinignan ko siya. "When Clement died, I promise to myself that I'll find whoever it was who did that to him. I promise to mom; I'll get the justice I need. I even see myself killing that person. So yes, I'm ready to be part of it."

He pursed his lips. "That's not gonna happen."

"Dad..." Hinawakan ko ang braso niya. "Please... I'm your daughter why are you keeping me from this?"

"Because I love you, I don't want you to be like us, monsters, cold-hearted. You could have a peaceful life if you walk away from this."

Binitawan ko siya at galit siyang tinignan. "You're saying I should walk away from Greyson too, to have a peaceful life." He's my future husband! "He is there, he's part of my life now. You and kuya are my family. Who'll watch your back, if you get in to serious trouble? Do you not trust me?"

"I trust you, but these things we're doing are serious."

"I'm also serious. Both of us know, I can't get away from this. I can't 'coz I don't want to. Sooner or later I'm gonna involve with this too."

Oh wait.

Humalukipkip ako. "Mali pala, not sooner or later. Actually, I'm already involve."

Tumaas ang kilay niya, nagtataka siya. "How's that?" naghahamon niyang tanong. Akala niya ata nagloloko ako.

Ngumisi ako. "Secret. Seems like kuya doesn't tell you yet."

"You're up to something?"

I just shrugged. "Maybe."

"What is it?" naiinip at nag-aalala niyang tanong.

Mukhang alam ko na kung saan nagmana ang kapatid ko. Gusto agad malaman.

"Payagan mo muna ako."

Kumunot ang noo niya lalo, pero mas nginitian ko siya ay nagpa-cute. I don't know if I'll get what I want with this but I just want to give my shot!

Huminga siya nang malalim at sumandal. "Okay, fine." Uminom siya sa kaniyang kape.

Agad na nagliwanag ang aura ko. "Really!?" Just like that!?

"Yes." walang gana niyang sabi.

"Awe! Thank you, dad! Alam ko namang 'di mo ako matitiis! Love you!" Niyakap ko siya.

He tsked. "It should be your free will to walk away and have your own life without involving with the organization. The tradition is to always recruit your children to be a mafia."

I giggled. "I'll never walk away, because if I did it also means, I turn my back on you and to my brother... You can't push me, dad. I know you're trying to change my mind but you're too late, kuya told me about the tradition. Kapag nalaman na ng mga anak ang tungkol sa organization, they can decide if they want to part of it or not. The parents can't decide if they'll be in or out, but most parents force their child to be part of it to carry on their legacy and continue what they've started." Binigyan ko siya ng malapad na ngiti para maasar siya. "However, my dad, was pushing me." pagpaparinig ko.

Masuyo ko siyang niyakap, muli. "I love you, dad. I know you just want to protect me..."

Muli na naman siyang napabuntong hininga. "I love you too, princess." malambing niyang sabi at niyakap ang kamay kong nakapulupot sa tiyan niya. "We may be too protective sometimes, but just know we just don't want you to get hurt..."

I know, obvious naman. "Not sometimes, most of the times." mahinang pagtatama ko.

"I know..." he chuckled softly. Dad changed the topic while caressing my hair. "Your brother told me about your fight last week. I just want to inform you that we also fought because of the same reason, before..."

Humiwalay ako at gulat siyang tinignan. "You did? Why?"

Tumaas ang kilay niya at hindi makapaniwala sa naging tanong ko. "It made me angry. Both of you should be the secret's keeper of each other not keeping secrets from each other... What he did was wrong. We disputed for that...but I understood his point. He's your brother and more like a father to you than I am. Zed would make everything to protect you even if he needs to go against me..."

"No, he won't." paninigurado ko.

Natatawa siyang umiling. "You don't know that."

"What do you mean?"

He shrugged. "I just know..."

Ngumiwi ako, baka ayaw niya nang sabihin, kaya sige hahayaan ko na lang.

"But you guys are already okay, right?" I asked assumingly.

"Of course, princess." He chuckled. "I don't hold grudges to you, my kids. Parents always forgive their children even if you caused us pain, sometimes... We're good, don't worry... I'm his number one best friend, he can't ignore me for so long, he loves me too not just you." pagmamalaki niya sa akin.

I smiled and hugged him again. "Good to know..." Naisip kong asarin siya ulit. "but he didn't tell you what I'm up to... Natiis niya 'yong hindi sabihin sa'yo."

Kumalas ako sa pagkakayakap para makita ang itsura niya at tawanan siya. A stifled smile formed his lips and lightly shook his head.

"So how's the bebe time, you didn't answer me a while ago?" pag-iiba niya bigla ng topic. Awtomatiko akong napasimnagot. Wow, siya naman ngayon ang nang-aasar!

"Dad!" suway ko.

Tinawanan niya ako kapagkuwan ay nagseryo siya. Tinaasan niya ako ng kaniyang kilay. "Just don't forget your limitations, Victoria. Okay?"

Tumango ako na parang bata. "Opo, dad."

He sighed and smiled. "I'm happy you're back with yourself again..."

I glanced at him but didn't say anything.

"I could see that you really love Greyson."

Ngumiwi ako at nagbaba ng tingin, nahiya ako bigla. "Of course, I love him..."

"He loves you too..."

Napakagat ako sa aking labi, iba ang saya kapag pinupuri niya si Greyson. Iba sa pakiramdam na gusto niya si Greyson para sa akin.

"I'm sorry I wasn't by your side always while he was gone..."

I looked at him and gave him a sweet smile. "Dad, it's okay... I understand, I know you did your best to give me time, as much as you could, I appreciated your effort, visiting me, during those days even with your hectic schedule..."

His eyes twinkled because of the trapped tears. Hinaplos niya ang buhok ko. Saglit niya pa akong pinakatitigan nang mabuti bago magsalita. "You really are just like your mother...understanding, patient, loving... I don't want that to vanish...Promise me, you'll never change..."

"Promise."

Bumuntong hininga na naman siya, hindi pa rin mapalagay. "I know you got stronger but are you sure, you really want to be part of the organization? Do you undoubtedly make up your mind?"

I know he's scared for me to be hurt... Alam kong ayaw niya ring madungisan ang kamay ko, lalong lalo na ang puso ko.

"I'm sure, dad. You don't have to worry about me... I can handle those, I have you and kuya..."

"Are you really sure?"

Napatawa ako. "Dad, yes, I'm sure as hell." Ang kulit, ih.

"Princess, language." His voice became stern.

Napalabi ako. "Sorry, dad."

An'dami niyang naging paalala sa akin, paulit-ulit niya rin akong tinanong kung sigurado na ba talaga ako sa gusto ko, kaya paulit-ulit ko rin siyang sinagot ng oo. Nagtungo ako sa tapat ng kwarto ng hampaslupa kong kapatid pagkatapos naming mag-usap ni dad.

Kumatok ako nang tatlong beses.

"Come in."

Pumasok ako. Nag-angat siya kaagad ng tingin sa akin mula sa pagkakaharap niya sa kaniyang laptop. He raised a brow and closed his laptop.

"What is it?" tanong ko kaagad sa kaniya, atat na malaman kaagad.

He looked at the couch on the side across his bed, asking me to sit. Umupo ako roon at umampat sa armrest. Pinanood ko siyang buksan ang kaniyang drawer at may inilabas na catalog envelope. Tumayo siya at inabot 'yon sa akin.

Kinuha ko. "Another gift?"

"Maybe." Umupo siya sa kaniyang higaan at siya naman ang nanood sa akin nang buksan 'yon. "It's the result."

Tumaas ang kilay ko at saglit siyang sinulyapan. Kinabahan ako. Muli kong tinuon ang aking atensyon sa envelope. Pinaikot ko ang string. Sa loob ay naroon naka-zip lock ang dalawang swiss knife. Hinayaan ko 'yon ay hinila ko palabas ang papel.

"May nag-match ba?" tanong ko kahit 'di ko pa binabasa.

"I don't know."

Kumunot ang noo ko at tinignan siya. "You don't know? Hindi mo tinignan?"

Himala ata 'yon?

"Hindi."

My brows arched because of amusement.

"Sabi mo, sasabihin mo rin naman sa akin kung ano ang resulta kapag nalaman mo na." Nag-iwas siya ng tingin. "Even if I was so eager to look at that, I didn't. Ayokong pangunahan ka. I want you to know that I'm trusting you to handle whatever the result that's written in the there."

"You would be disappointed in me and feel betrayed, again, if I did that. There are things I can't interfere anymore and let you decide for yourself. Hindi ko binuksan dahil gusto kong nang simulan na hayaan kang maramdaman ang mga bagay nang hindi ako nangingialam. I want you to feel things first hand. I'm sorry for doubting you, I know you're strong but I was just eaten by my fear. Ayokong nakikita kang nasasaktan kaya kapag may mga bagay na alam kong makakasakit sa'yo, inilalayo na kita kaagad doon o kung hindi ko kayang iiwas ka roon sinusubukan kong bawasan ang sakit na maidudulot no'n sa'yo. I used to let it pass through me so I could decide if it's bearable for you to handle or not."

"I'm sorry for not trusting your capabilities... Iiwasan ko nang gawin ang mga nakagawian ko na magdesisyon at pangunahan ka sa pwede mong maramdaman, gaya nang ginawa ko noong nasa coma si Clement."

My brother was so sincere. Nagbadyang tumulo ang luha sa aking mga mata.

He was like a strainer... Filtering the pain I might get.

"I'm sorry, I didn't notice you are growing, my eyes were blinded by the past." He sighed and looked at me. "Pain is inevitable, indeed, but your heart got stronger than before, and you're right, you're my ugly sister. I know you can handle them and if not, I'm always here to support you."

Binigyan ko siya ng matamis na ngiti. "Thank you for trusting me, I love you too..."

My brother loves me in his own way... Dad was right; my brother is like a father to me. Kuya Zed didn't mean to hurt me. It is the least thing he would ever do.

"You're so ugly, don't you dare cry, it's your birthday." He rolled his eyes. "Tignan mo na 'yong result, gusto ko nang malaman." pag-iiba niya.

"You making me cry." I sniffled. Natawa ako saglit tsaka ko tinignan ang papel na aking hawak. Tahimik ko itong binasa hanggang sa maabot ko ang gusto kong makita.

Napalabi ako. "There's a match..."

"Then who is it?"

I raised a brow at him. "Hindi ka talaga nangialam, huh?" natatawa kong sabi.

He hummed. "I did a bit."

"Edi alam mo na?" Hindi talaga siya mapirmi, kahit kailan.

Umiling siya. "No. Pina-scan ko na rati pa ang unang swiss knife mo. Maliban sa fingerprint mo, walang nahanap na record ang isa pang may ari ng fingerpints, kaya wala akong napala noon. Sa pangawalang swiss knife na inuwi mo, pinahanap ko ulit pero hindi ko alam kung kaninong mga fingerprints ang nahanap, maliban sa'yo." Inirapan niya ako. "Nandiyan din ang results, hindi ko tinignan."

"Pakilamero ka talaga, 'no?"

Poker face niya akong sinagot. "Sa naunang swiss knife, yes, pero sa pangalawa hindi ko tinignan kung kaninong mga fingerprints ang nandiyan, tinulungan lang kita." pampalubag niya.

Binasa ko ang iba pang papel na narito.

"Hindi ko alam kung saan mo nakuha ang pangalawang swiss knife, pero malakas ang kutob ko na ang tumulong sa'yo ay 'yong walang record, kaya pinahanap ko ang mga record ng iba pang fingerprints na nariyan sa pangalawang swiss knife para malaman kung kanino ang mga 'yon, dahil alam kong kapag nag-match ang fingerprints sa walang record na taong 'yon, wala ka ring mapapala gaya ko rati. Unless you know who owns the second swiss knife, but in case you don't know, we could investigate on someone who touched it and might lead to that person."

Kumunot ang noo ko nang makita ang tatlong sets ng fingerprints na nahanap sa pangawalang swiss knife, nakasulat ang buong panglan ko sa tapat ng mga fingerprints ko, pati ang buong pangalan ni Lexy dahil sa kaniyang mga bakas, pero ang ibang fingerprints na nag-match sa unang swiff knife ay walang pangalang nakalagay.

"It was her."

"Her?"

Tinignan ko siya nang diretso at binigay ang papel para makita niya. "Yes, Steccy... Ang pangalawang swiss knife na nakuha ko ay sa kaniya. Lexy borrowed it when we were on camp that's why her fingerprint was there. Magkasama kami no'ng gamit ni Lexy ang swiss knife kaya napag-alaman ko ring kay Steccy 'yon."

"What? Jaylor's mistress?" hindi niya makapaniwalang tanong habang nakatingin roon.

Tumango ako. "Yeah."

Nagtataka niya akong tinignan. "Oh, okay... How did you obtain the swiss knife then, you befriend her?"

Natawa ako sa kaniya. "No! I stole it."

"It was bad, but good job." Binalik niya sa akin ang papel.

I sighed and put back the papers. "I can't think of reasons why it was her who helped me and has something to do with Clement's accident, maybe you could investigate about her, now that we're sure."

"Gather information about her too..." he said. "Maybe you could find other leads."

Pakiramdam ko ay kasali na rin ako sa organization!

I smiled. "I already have a plan; I want to talk to her tomorrow about it. In case she gets away with this, tell your men to stand by for her actions after I confronted her. You should monitor her."

"Yes, ma'am." he sarcastically said.

Nilapag ko ang envelope sa aking binti at tinignan siya. "Akala ko pa naman hindi ka na talaga nangialam. So not you, in case." sarkastiko kong sabi.

Hindi siya sumagot, mukhang guilty. His brow arched. "Anyway," pag-iiba niya na naman ng topic. "You earned your membership on this mission."

Napaawang ang bibig ko, naramdaman ko ang guhit sa aking labi. Naintindihan ko ang kaniyang sinabi! "Member? Mission?" but I wanted to be sure.

"Yes, because you found a strong lead that none of us does."

"So I'm official!?"

He smirked. "Yes but not yet, really."

Napasigaw ako nang pigil at binigyan siya ng yakap. "O my gahd! Thank you!" Kahit na hindi pa totally na official, okay lang! At least payag na sila!

Natawa siya sa akin. "Congrats, your confirmation to the organization will be held next week."

I pulled away and wiggled my hands out of excitement! I made squealing noises.

Tumayo siya at namulsa. Nagbago ang expression niya.

"Actually, I still have something to tell you."

Tinagilid ko ang aking ulo para hintayin ang sasabihin niya.

He became serious so I put my serious face too.

"You should've been a part of the organization when you turned 18 but I didn't approve..."

I always assumed he had a high rank on the org and now I've confirmed it. Hindi naman niya 'yon mapipigilan kung wala siyang gano'ng kapangyarihan.

"Ayoko lang na magbago ka kapag nakapasok ka na roon."

Just like dad said a while ago.

Ngumiti ako. "It's okay, I understand." I hugged him. "Thank you for protecting me, always."

He hugged me too. "You're my ugly sister, it's natural for me." Mahina siyang tumawa kapagkuwan ay masuyo siyang nagsalita. "Promise me you'll keep your hands clean..."

Napakagat ako sa aking labi. Tumango ako. "I promise..."

"I don't want to see your hands covered with blood..."

Hinampas ko ang likuran niya. "Tinatakot mo ata ako!"

Humiwalay siya sa akin. "Maybe... in case I could change your mind."

Pinanliitan ko siya ng aking mata. "You can't." Akala mo, ha. "May sasabihin ka pa ba?"

"Wala na, pwede ka nang lumayas."

Ngumiti ako. "Okay!" Naglakad ako papunta sa pintuan. "Thanks for trusting me!" masaya kong sabi bago pihitin ang doorknob.

"Whatever, you're still ugly."

Nilingon ko siya. "Magkamukha tayo." Muli akong tumalikod at narinig ko pa ang huling paalala niya.

"Don't think too much about it, it's still your birthday."

Nag-thumbs ako bago lumabas ng kwarto niya. "Noted!"

Bumalik ako sa aking kwarto. Wala na roon si Greyson pati ang phone at charger ko. Baka dinala niya na muna sa kwarto nila. Dito sila matutulog sa gabing 'to. Hindi ako ang nag-request ngayon, ha! Sila ang may plano no'n para sa'kin, pero kung hindi sila nagplano, tingin ko pipilitin ko sila.

Inilapag ko na muna ang envelope sa aking study table, tama ang kapatid ko, birthday ko pa ngayon. Bukas ko na aabalahin ang aking sarili sa kung ano ang gagawin ko. Minsan lang ako mag-birthday sa isang taon. Ayokong gugulin ang natitirang oras ng kaarawan ko sa pag-iisip ng resulta ng fingerprints.

Lumipat ang tingin ko sa airpods box na regalo sa akin ni Timothy. Hmm, feeling ko talaga may something pa rito. Kinuha ko 'yon at binagsak ko ang aking sarili sa kama para umupo. Maingat kong binuksan ang kahon at tumambad sa akin ang bagong airpods. Matapang pa ang amoy nito, bagong-bago nga.

Kinuha ko ang airpods at nang bitawan ko ang kahon sa higaan ay may narinig akong tumalbog sa loob. Kunot noo kong inalis ang pinaglagyan ng airpods at may nakita akong maliit na flashdrive.

Sabi ko na nga may something!

Kinuha ko ang aking laptop at sinasak iyon roon. Binuksan ko ang laman at may iisang folder— Happy Birthday, ang title. Pagka-click ko ay may dalawa na namang folder. Ang isa ay may title na songs at ang isa naman ay music sheets.

Hindi ko alam kung anong uunahin ko, pero binuksan ko ang songs na folder. Napalabi ako nang makita ang sangkatutak na kantang may title na namang numbers!

"Oh my gahd!" Ito na ata ang mga kantang pinagdadamot sa akin ni Timothy!

Kinonek ko kaagad ang airpods na binigay niya at pinatugtog ang isa. 062619.

Narinig ko kaagad ang pagtugtog ng gitara. Pumunta ako sa music sheets na folder, nagbabakasakaling mahanap ko ang lyrics ng para sa kantang 'to. Naka-PDF lahat ng files. Bago ko pindutin ang kaparehong title ng kantang nagpi-play ay naagaw ang aking atensyon ng nasa pinakaunang file.

Open me first.

Binuksan ko naman.

Happy birthday!

I hope these songs would be enough to be my present for you. You always asked what are the titles of those when I let you hear them but I've always kept it to myself. It's funny how you memorized some lines just to search it on goggle but in the end you couldn't find one. Don't you have any hint why you can't find them?

It's because I made them...

I already put on this flash drive some of my songs, music sheets, lyrics, and even the real title. Hahahaha! They aren't instrumental at all just like most of the time you heard them.

Don't worry, not all songs are sad! Hahaha!

I really appreciate when you were enjoying listening to them— when you want to know the title and have it on your phone so you could listen to them again and again. I'm glad my songs can help you relax and calm in times you needed to.

Thank you for appreciating my works! It means so much to me!

Hope you enjoy. Happy birthday, Tasia.

Your friend,

Timothy :)

My lips parted.

He made them... Oh my gahd, hindi ko nakilala ang boses niya! Gahd, parang pwede niya na nga itong gawing album o i-release sa Spotify dahil mukhang prinoduce din ito sa studio gaya ng sikat na mga kanta.

Sinarado ko ang file at in-scroll ang laman ng music sheets folder. 20 files, excluding his letter. Twenty songs...

Binuksan ko ang music sheet na kapareho nang tumutugtog ngayon. Ang tunay na pamagat ng kanta kaagad ang una kong nakita, I saw you again.

Sa upper right header ng bawat pahina ay napansin ko ang numerong nakalagay sa title ng pinapatugtog ko ngayon at maging title rin ng PDF file na 'to.

Doon ko lang napagtanto, na ang mga numerong 'yon ay ang petsa kung kailan niya ginawa ang kanta.

It wasn't just a random number, it's a date!

Napakagat ako sa aking labi nang may nagpagtanto at nalungkot. Most of the songs I heard before were instrumental but the ones who has someone singing, most of them were songs telling his journey in loving someone.

__________ D.H.