The Only Reason

Chapter 23

The days passed by me trying my best to stop overthinking as I made myself busy with school, to the point na pati yung mga requirements na due pa in two weeks, natapos ko na.

Just a few hours left, at birthday ko na, pero wala pa rin akong plano. I spent my previous birthdays with my family at day, and friends at night. Maybe I'll do the same na lang for this year since it's a Sunday tomorrow?

My train of thoughts got interrupted when my phone rang. I expected that the call would be from Ethan, but then I just felt a hint of disappointment when my eyes landed on the caller ID.

"Hey," Bungad ko.

"Ay, pang ilang araw mo na sis?" She teased. Hindi ko naiwasang tumawa.

"Baliw," I exclaimed, making her laugh too. "Napa-tawag ka?" I asked.

"Duh, birthday mo na bukas! Wala ka bang plano?" Gabriella asked.

I shrugged, kahit hindi niya ako nakikita. "I don't know.. maybe I'll just study," I kid.

She grunted, kaya napa-tawa ako. "Joke lang," I uttered.

"Gusto mo puntahan ka namin nila Janine jan? Kain at inom lang," she asked.

"Anything's fine." I replied. "Sige ha, sabi mo 'yan! Mga hapon na kami pupunta dyan," she shot back, making me regret what I just said. Baka may gagawin nanaman 'tong kalokohan!

After my call with Gabby ended, si Mommy naman ang tumawag. She insisted that we'd have brunch outside with Tita Jenny and Dane. I didn't mind, since my schedule was free for the whole day tomorrow.

"Happy birthday to me," I said and smiled as I stared at the clock that just struck twelve, and took a sip from the can of beer on my hand.

My phone then began making noises after a few minutes, because of some notifications-most probably birthday greetings from my family and friends.

I waited for a call 'til one. Kasi usually, he'd call me at midnight, or at one in the morning to greet me a happy birthday, and even sing for me 'til I go to sleep, without noticing.

Nang makaramdam na ako ng antok, I reached for my phone to check if he sent, at least, a simple 'happy birthday, baby' message.

But I received none.

Maybe he's busy.. baka ihahabol niya lang yung message niya.

That's right, Blare. Don't overthink. Malay mo, may surprise pala, 'di ba?

"You got this, Alexis Blare." I muttered to myself as I closed my eyes, hoping for the best once I flutter them open later.

I just had about six hours of sleep. Nasanay na rin kasi ang katawan kong matulog ng madaling araw, tapos magigising ng sobrang aga, kaya I didn't really feel tired when I climbed off my bed to prepare to leave the unit.

It was around quarter to eight when I went down to the parking lot. Mommy said we'd meet at the place at nine, so I think I'll be there on time. I just wore a simple, beige sweater tucked in a pair of black jumper shorts, and white sneakers. Minimal lang din ang make-up ko, habang ang mahabang buhok ko naman, tinali ko na lang into a ponytail, leaving my curtain bangs hanging on the sides of my forehead.

"Ang ganda naman ng anak ko. Happy birthday!" Mommy greeted me as soon as they approached the table she reserved. Halos magka-sabay lang naman kaming dumating, so I didn't have to wait for long.

I stood up to give her a peck on the cheeks. "Thank you, ma," I replied and smiled.

"That's my baby Blare! Happy Birthday!" Daddy exclaimed, pulling me into a bear hug that made me giggle. "Happy birthday, li'l sis," Kuya greeted too, patting my head.