He Got Deja Vu

Twenty-one

"Happy birthday, Jahneia!" I greeted her and hugged her tight.

She chuckled softly, "Thank you, Ate, sa pagpunta." She smiled genuinely. Her yellow flowy dress matches her soft beauty.

I handed her the paperbag where my gift is placed. Jagger is busy talking to some of his relatives.

Her friends were also invited to her birthday celebration.

Sa labas ng kanilang bahay ini-celebrate ang kanyang birthday. Some of their relatives were also invited.

There's a long rectangular table outside, with different dishes in it. And of course, her chocolate mousse cake.

Meron namang mga pitong rounded table para sa mga bisita.

I smiled when visitors sang her a birthday song. She's smiling genuinely. Malayo sa mukha niya noong pumanaw ang Daddy niya.

Ever since I came here and meet her, she's like a little sister to me.

After ng mangyari noon sa amin ng Mommy nila ay 'di ko na nakausap si Tita Thalia. Nakangiti siya, kausap ang isang matandang babae na siguro ay kamag-anak din nila.

When our met, I have her a faint smile but she just quickly looked away and continued speaking to the old woman.

Tahimik lang akong kumain dito sa table dahil wala naman akong masiyadong kakilala hanggang sa natapos na akong kumain.

"Hi po!" I took a glance on a cute girl. From what I recall, she's their cousin. Nakita ko kasi ang picture niya sa photo album ni Jagger at tinanong ko kung sino siya dahil ang cute niya kasi.

She went beside me and sat on the monobloc chair. I smiled and waved cutely. "Hello," I softly uttered. She just giggled. She's so cute!

She's wearing a cute floral dress and cute sandals. Her hair is braided and baby hairs were sticking out.

Napalingon ako sa ibang mga bata na bisita at muling bumaling sa kanya na nakatingin lang din sa 'kin. "Don't you want to play with other kids, hmm?" I asked gently.

She just pouted. Gosh, she's so cute. I want to keep her!

"I'll play with them later... I just want to sit beside you, because you looked so pretty and I like your dress! Can we be friends? So that, if I grow up, I'll be like you!" she said those while her legs are swaying.

I softly chuckled because of her remarks.

I nodded, "Of course. We can be friends!" she then, clapped her hands. "Thank you for saying that I'm pretty but you're prettier..." I can't finished what I'm about to say, because I don't know her name!

Her eyes were just fixed on mine. Nakakunot noo pa niya akong tinitignan habang naka-pout. Para bang hirap niya akong pag-aralan.

"What's your name pala, baby girl, hmm?" I asked her softly.

She scratched her head. "My name is Shekainah Eilhyze po," then, she smiled at me.

"You're so cute and pretty, Shekainah." I stroke her hair. Naalala ko pala na may hair clip ako sa buhok at naisipan ko iyong alisin para ilagay sa kanya.

Nang inilagay ko iyon sa buhok niya ay agad niya itong hinawakan. "You don't have to be like me if you grow up... Just be you, alright?"