The Greatest Opponent

27

"What do you mean, one more?" Natatawa ko na tanong. Para akong tanga na nagtatanong nang paulit ulit.

He held my hand and smiled.

"Happy Birthday," He greeted.

My tears formed in my eyes. My lips are parted because of a sudden shock. I tried to blink that's why my tears came out.

He wiped those tears and put my hair at my back. I saw him licked his lower lip while looking at my reaction.

"You remembered?" Paninigurado ko. Kung nananaginip man ako, please pakigising na ako.

"Of course. Hindi ko puwedeng hindi maalala 'yon," He tried to calm me so he squished my hands.

Nagulat ako ng bahagya dahil sa isang tunog galing sa pinihit na party popper. I looked at our classmates. May hawak si Robi na cake samantalang ang dalawa sa gilid niya ay parang back up dancers. I laughed but my tears won't stop.

"Did you plan this?" Lumingon ako kay Frank pero napabalik kaagad sakanila nang kumanta.

"Happy Birthday to you!" They sang.

Naramdaman ko ang paghabol ko sa paghinga. I could not stop crying. Hindi ko inexpect na ganito ang matatanggap ko mula sa kanila. 

"Dalaga ka na!" Masayang sabi ni Rica. Umirap ako at napa-iling nalang.

I looked at the cake. Napakunot ang noo ko na parang may mali.

"Grabe naman! Ang tanda ko na pala, hindi ako informed," Umurong ang luha ko at napalitan ng tawa.

"Gago ka ba, Robi!" Tinampal ni Anna si Robi sa braso.

"Easy, baka mahulog! Ka sakin," He even teased Anna. Hindi ko na mapigilan ang sobrang pagtawa.

I switched the numbers. Wow. I am now ninthteen years old. Kaso kanina baliktad iyon.

"Wish ka naman!" Sabi naman ni Robi.

Napatingin ako sa orasan. Alas dose na pala kaya nila ako kaagad binati. They made me feel special at this moment.

"Sige," I answered. Pinikit ko ang mga mata ko at inisip ang puwedeng hiling.

Maybe, I should just ask for a good life. I also want to love everyone even it would mean so much and lead to hurt. I want time for myself. A time for love, acceptance, purity and happiness. 'Yong hindi ko na kailangan pa dumepende sa tingin at opinion ng iba. It's time for myself.

I opened my eyes and blew the candle. Naglabas sila ng maliit na torotot at hinipan iyon. I laughed when I saw Robi had some problem on blowing it. Lumapit si Rica sa akin at niyakap ako.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"Ako dapat nagsasabi niyan, no. Thank you for being such a nice friend," Sabi niya naman. I smiled and hugged her tighter.

We spent almost an hour to celebrate more. Kahit puwede naman bukas pero mas special daw kapag ngayon.

My friends greeted me. Almost all of them did a long sweet message for me, damn. May mga nag send pa sa gc ng mga videos ko na lasing ako. I laughed when I saw some.