Scandalous Affair: Atlas Mate

24

O L I V I A   V A L E Z

"Happy birthday!" 

They all greeted me in chorus as I blew the candle after singing the happy birthday song for me. The sound of crashing waves didn't overwhelm the energy and cheerfulness of the people who came to my birthday party. They all clapped after I made my wish. I looked at the three-layer cake that was adorned with pastel colors and seashells. I roamed my eyes around as I took in the beautiful scenery in front of me. 

Under the dark shining sky, which seems to celebrate with me, and the full luminous moon that serves as a giant disco ball for my party. We are currently on a beach in our rest house for my birthday party. I decided to hold it outside near the coast to give us the night beach party but in an elegant way. Ms. Elibera's team put on massive long tables, and each has a roof full of plants. The beach bulb trails connected the long tables at the top, making a circle design. There is also an entourage full of fire torches and tropical flowers. The whole place looked like a hidden paradise from a faraway island.

Dad put his hands on my back as we looked at the camera for a picture. Oliver Valez—my dad, looked exceptionally dashing today. He was wearing a silky sky blue button-down shirt with palm tree prints. It was partnered with white slacks and expensive Balenciaga sneakers. He looked fresh and younger than his actual age. Kanina ko pa nga rin napapansin na nakahahakot siya ng atensyon ng mga schoolmates ko. Take note, my schoolmate's age was ranging from sixteen to eighteen. 

My dad and I were now okay. Pagkauwi namin ni Atlas mula sa Tagaytay kung saan kumain kami at nagpunta sa kalapit na pasyalan. Dad went home with a tired and apologetic face. He said he tried going home early, but there was an emergency in our business. He thought he could solve the problem quickly, but it was bigger than he thought it is. Hindi na niya sinabi sa akin kung ano ang naging problem. My dad was always like that when it comes to problems. Hindi niya sinasabi sa akin unless tapos na ito at nasulusyonan na niya. 

Kaya hindi ko na rin siya kinulit about sa gusto kong kuning curso sa college. I knew from the start that it was non-negotiable. Ayokong mag-away ulit kami lalo nang stress siya at maraming iniisip. I told him I was sorry for pushing it. He was also sorry for shouting at me and not being able to attend my recitals. Kaya eto hiniling niyang tumugtog ako sa kaarawan ko para mapanood niya ng live ang aking pagtugtog. Hindi kasi siya nakuntento sa recording na ibinigay ko. Parehas sila ni Liberty na hindi nakuntento sa video lang. 

After weeks and weeks of preparation, looking at my birthday party right now, I can say that all the effort and time I invested in it was worth it. I can see all of the people who were invited were having a good time. The food was now served at their perspective tables. And man, I can smell the lavishing fragrance of the delicious food from the stage. It was enough to make a full person get hungry again. And what would make the delicious food more enjoyable? Of course, it would be a piece of great music. 

Dad gave me my love and its fiddlestick. He kissed my forehead and whispered, "Happy birthday, Darling. Fill this place with your rich and melodic music."

I instantly smiled at what he said. I looked at the crowd again before putting love under my chin. They were looking at me while eating how I love this attention. It was so different from that empty music hall where the silence and hollowness were killing me. But now, all those eyes that were focused on me like I was the tree of life in the hidden paradise. 

I started playing, moving as one with the melody and rhythm. I've faded with the music like I was in another world. I kept my eyes closed as I feel the vibration of the string to my whole being. It was sending my soul and body to another paradise. It was sending me sensation so ethereal. They all clapped after my performance. I bowed my head and wave at them. I mouthed my thank you and went down the mini stage.