Through the Light and Dark (Saudade Series #1)

Kabanata 30

Kabanata 30

24

Hindi ko na namalayan ang mga araw na nagdaan. Time really does comes fast when you're walking on air... When you aren't waiting for the day to pass by.

On the 14th of June, I was born. And that day is today. I have no words to say... Hindi ko akalaing makaaabot pa ako rito. I am already 24!

I threw a party and it was held here at Maristella's mansion. I also hired bodyguards outside for our safety, too.

Gabi na at narito ako sa tapat ng gate, hinihintay si Von. Ang sabi niya kasi ay siya ang mauuna sa mga bisita, ano'ng nangyari? I was waiting for him for about an hour already. I received a text from him saying that he's already on the way, but I bet he isn't yet.

"Ma'am, kumukuliglig na, sa loob na lang kayo maghintay," the man in black said, readying the umbrella.

I had to bit my lower lip to stop myself from laughing. He was just doing his work, alright... Wala pa naman kasi talagang ulan.

"Thank you for reminding me..."

Pumasok na ako sa loob. Kalat ang mga tao kaya naman sa wide garden namin ay mayroon ding puma-party. Medyo dimmed ang ilaw sa labas at beer ang mga iniinom nila, my Mom's business friends. Ibang-iba ang tugtugan nila kumpara sa naririnig ko sa loob.

"Happy birthday, Ja!" bati ng isang hindi ko kilala. Siya iyong isa sa taga ibang bansang pumunta sa burol ni Daddy dati.

Hindi naman ako kaagad nakalagpas nang tawagin ako ni Mommy. They all bought gifts for me! And I knew that it was all from expensive shops!

"Mommy, ang dami nito..." bulong ko na narinig naman ng iba kaya nagtawanan sila sa naging reaksyon ko.

It wasn't my first time to receive things like these but different brands from high-end bags? This is heaven!

Pinagtutulak ako ni Mommy papasok dahil gusto ko pa raw iwan iyon sa labas. From my hands to arms, punong-puno iyon ng paperbags galing sa mga tao sa labas.

Nalampasan ko ang alon ng mga tao upang ilagay ang mga regalo sa mesa. Hindi pa ganoon karami dahil maaga pa naman, at ine-expect ko na marami ang late. You know, Filipino time.

"Ja!" I heard the familiar voice of Arianne and Aya. Hindi na nila ako hinintay pang makalapit sa kanila at sila na ang tumakbo patungo sa akin.

"Nasa car ang cake and gift ko for you!" they both screamed for no reason. Kinailangan ko pang takpan ang tainga ko dahil palakas nang palakas ang sigawan nila. Panay sila hampas sa isa't isa. I was genuinely delighted knowing that they forgot their problems for a short period of time, even for a moment, at least.

"I'm so excited na sa cake!" muli na naman silang nagsigawan.

I shook my head, laughing. Curious ako sa cake na tinutukoy nila dahil ganoon ang reaksyon nila, mga nakatawa!

Maya-maya lang ay dumami na ang mga tao. From my college friends, family, and the people I've met onto the path I am taking, I could see all their faces here.

Dani with Kian and their son, magkakaternong puting dress at suit sila. Lumapit sila sa akin para batiin at abutan ng regalo.

"Happy 19th birthday, Ja!" she greeted like she was reminiscing back when we were still in college. Nakaka-miss lang gayong marami na talaga'ng nagbago.

"Tita Ninang, pibetdey!" si Killian Hussein na nakayakap na sa binti ko ngayon. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko para payukuin. "Dad was too shy to greet you..." he whispered.