I was left alone in my room as my family were gathering outside to celebrate the Christmas eve. Susunod din naman ako maya-maya. I keep staring at the bright stars above in my room's balcony. Iniisip ko kung nabasa na ba ni Amelie iyong sulat ko. I miss her, too. It has only been a few days. Talaga nga sigurong nawawala na ako sa aking sarili.

When I came down, I saw my mom and dad coming in and out of the house. Dad was just pestering mom. At nang lumabas ay natagpuan ko ang mga kapatid.

"Oh, Kithian. Bakit ngayon ka lang bumaba?" tanong ni Mommy.

"May ginawa lang, Mommy. School related. Where's grandma and granddad?"

"Resting in their room. Bababa rin iyon mamaya. Kumain ka muna ng dinner. It's past nine."

I nodded. I saw Keeno and Krono playing with our cousins. Most of us are boys. At mas bata ang mga pinsan namin. We get along together especially because they're into sport.

I lazily reached for my phone and searched Amelie's name. Masyadong private. Naka-lock ang profile kaya hindi ko ma-stalk.

"Kuya Kit! Would you mind playing with us?" a cousin of ours approached me.

"Felix, your Kuya Kit is eating. Later na ang play na 'yan."

I winked at the kid. Tumalima rin naman ito sa sinabi ng nanay. Even though they're foreign, they were teached to understand basic filipino. Most of our family members married pinoys.

I finished eating. It's very cold because it's winter. Binuksan ko ulit ang cellphone. Surprisingly, Amelie's account isn't locked anymore. May iilang highlights siya sa kaniyang account. Napansin ko ring may bago siyang posted na story. Nagdadalawang isip ako na buksan. She would see my account by then.

I busied myself by looking at her highlights. May ibang posted a few years ago. Ang ganda-ganda talaga. May mga candid at full face. Screenshot ko agad lahat. May mga trips din. At iyong pagiging server niya sa simbahan. I don't see a highlight of her in school. Kaya hanggang ngayon hindi ko alam saan nag-aaral.

"Pasko na!"

I cursed under my breath when Krono shouted behind me. Nalaglag ang cellphone ko at nang pulutin ko iyon ay aksidenteng na-view ang story ni Amelie.

I held my breath. It was a photo of the necklace and letter I gave. At may music iyon. The first fifteen seconds of the song Tadhana. Kahit na malamig ay nag-iinit ang mukha ko. Her caption was two pink hearts. In love na ba 'to sa 'kin?

The second story was a photo of her neck with the necklace. The photo was black and white and it has no music. Kahit ganoon ay malakas ang tambol ng puso ko. Goddamn. I feel so in love.

Ang pangatlo ay sa simbahan. Nakasuot ng puting bestida. At kasama si father. Sana sa susunod, dalawa na kaming magpa-picture kay father.

And lastly, a video of her holding a sparkling stick. She's wearing a red spaghetti strap dress that hugged her body perfectly. And her captivating smile... para na akong baliw dito kakangiti. Wagas na wagas ang ngiti ni Kithian.

I can't wait to go home.

"Anong nangyayari sa 'yo, Kuya Kit?" Keeno asked.

"Inspired 'yan. Hindi pa rin maka-get over kay Amelie." Si Krono ang sumagot.

I sat there chuckling to myself. Baka sa susunod na taon magpakilala na ako kay Amelie. At aakyat ng ligaw. Kung hindi papayag, aakyatin ko siya sa kwarto niya.

"Ilabas niyo na ang mga regalo niyo." Mom announced.

Nakasunod sa kaniyang likuran si Dad. I'd probably do the same with Amelie. Kapag ganitong may mga family gathering, susundan ko siya kahit saan. I'll play as her tail. And then I'll hug her from behind and tell her how much I appreciate her as my other half.

"Sana hindi na hanger ang matanggap ko ngayong pasko. Kahit baso ayos na, huwag lang hanger," Krono murmured.

"Buti nga sayo hanger. Akin taon-taon nalang tissue. May problema yata sila sa 'tin, Kuya," Keeno continued.

"You ungrateful brats..." I sighed.

We gathered our gifts from our room. Nagtagal pa ako dahil pinakatitigan kong muli ang mga bituin. I wonder if Amelie is looking at them right now. I hope she does. The stars resembles a lot like her. Or is it just me? They're beautiful.

"Hello, Grandma. How are you?" I kissed her temple.

Next to her is my grandfather who is looking good as always. It runs in our blood. Kapag nagkaanak kami ni Amelie, walang tapon. We'd create beautiful offspring.

Gusto ko na tuloy pakasalan agad.

"Kithian," she acknowledged. "Healthy and lovely. I heard you have set your eyes to this unknown girl?"

I chuckled and nodded. I could never deny Amelie.

"Yes, Grandma. I'm still working on it."

Hinaplos nito ang aking kamay.

"Do your best, Kit. I would love to meet her anytime soon."

Tumango ako at ngumiti. Ihaharap ko siya sa kanila. Aakyat ako ng ligaw at kapag sinagot niya na ako, dadalhin at ipapakilala ko agad siya sa kanilang lahat.

We'll have our dates wherever she wants. In our locality or out of town. Mag-aaway kami pero hindi maghihiwalay. I think that's normal and a relationship though. And of course, no one's going to sleep without solving the problem.

Kung selosa si Amelie, mag-iingat ako. Hindi sa pangloloko. I will not make myself acquainted with girls. I don't want her doubting my love for her. Kasi, gustong-gusto ko siya.

"Kuya, may nabasa ako sa internet. During new year's eve, eat twelve grapes under the table and then wish. Magkakatototoo raw ang hiling mo..." si Keeno.

I scoffed. Naniniwala siya sa mga gano'n. Those are just superficial beliefs! Walang katotohanan.

Pero susubukan ko, wala namang mawawala.

At twelve midnight, the fireworks started. Nakatitig lamang ako roon hanggang sa matapos iyon. The fireworks display was a blast. I sighed when the show ended and whispered to myself as I settled my eyes in the sky.

"Merry Christmas, my love."