The Girl at 829 (girlxgirl)

Chapter 40

The two decided to go back and spend Marsha's birthday in Tagaytay. Maagang umalis ang dalawa. Their first stop was at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. They lit candles and said a little prayer. Pagkatapos ay dumeretso na ang dalawa sa Josephine's Restaurant, where Jane already made lunch reservations.

Everything was prepared. Jane got the most beautiful, scenic spot in the restaurant. They had a sumptuous four-course meal. At habang kumakain na ng dessert, may kinuha si Jane sa loob ng bag niya. Ito ay isang pink, elongated box na may maliit na ribbon tied around it. May maliit na dedication card na nakadikit dito.

"Happy Birthday!" Jane exclaimed while she pushed the box towards Marsha.

Marsha made a grin and said thank you to Jane.

"Open it," mabilis na sabi ni Jane.

Kinuha ni Marsha ang box at binasa ang card:

Happy, happy birthday, my dearest Marsh.

I wish you the best things in your life, as you've given me the best days of mine.

I love you!

Love,

Janey

Hindi napigil ni Marsha at tumulo ang kanyang luha matapos basahin ang card, "Hey, what's wrong?" tanong ni Jane.

"Sorry, wala lang 'to. Na-touch lang ako sa dedication mo. Ikaw kasi eh, ang drama mo. Ayan tuloy pinaiyak mo pa ako," dali-daling pinunasan ni Marsha ang kanyang luha.

Naalala bigla ni Jane ang tawag na natanggap ni Marsha during their dinner with her Mom and how she got affected by it. Kaso naisip ni Jane na palampasin ang araw ng birthday ni Marsha. So she hurriedly pulled back herself together, "Grabe Marsha, ang sensitive mo na. Ha ha! Dedication lang 'yan. Wait 'til you open the box." Dahan-dahang tinulak muli ni Jane ang box na nakapatong sa table papalapit kay Marsha, "Open it."

Kinuha ni Marsha ang box at binuksan ito. It was a braided chain necklace in gold. Mayroon itong heart-shaped pendant. Marsha was stunned. She took the necklace and stared on it.

"Salamat, Jane" But you should've not bought something so expensive," medyo nanginginig ang kanyang boses mula sa pagpigil niya ng luha.

"Hindi mo ba nabasa yung dedication sa card? I said, I just want the best for you," Jane softly replied. Pagkatapos ay marahan niyang hinila ang kanyang silya papalapit kay Marsha, "Now, turn back." Tumalikod si Marsha habang itinaas ang kanyang buhok. Isinuot ni Jane kay Marsha ang kwintas, "Perfect!"

"Thank you again, Jane," Marsha gave a soft squeeze on Jane's hand.

"You're welcome," nakangiting sagot ni Jane.

Umulan nang araw na iyon kaya naman nagdesisyon ang dalawa na mag-stay na lamang sa restaurant. They exchanged more stories, more dreams. They heard that traffic was as bad as the heavy rain, so they decided to go home early. And as they left the City of Tagaytay, they took home the most memorable memories with them.

Pagdating sa Unit 829, sinindihan ni Jane ang candle para sa birthday cake na binili nila sa Josephine's. Marsha closed her eyes and paused-she made her wish then blew her candles.

And as soon as the candles died, Jane and Marsha started making love.

Kaso si Jane, balisa at hindi makatulog. Iniisip kasi niya si Marsha, "Marsha was cold when we made love. I think something is wrong...I know something is really bothering her. Ano kaya 'yon? I wish I knew para matulungan ko siya, I wish she'd open up and tell me. I'll talk to her tomorrow, the first chance I get."