Happy Birthday, September

75

"Tangina sana all nalang talaga," mura ni Ris na nasa passenger seat. Kwinento ko sa kaniya yung tungkol samin ni Sean. Natawa nalang ako sa reaksyon niya.

Matagal na rin pala kaming nagkita. Namiss ko kaingayan netong si Ris. Dumating na kami kaya nagpark na ako agad.

The restaurant is expensive. Of course ano pa ba eexpect mo kay Joaquin. I was thinking about what he's going to tell me.

Sinalubong kami ni Joaquin, "You look amazing," he complimented with his mischievous grin.

"Ay ako lang to noh!" Sagot ni Ris na pabirong tinulak ang lalaki.

"Happy birthday!" We greeted in unison. Ris and I handed him our gifts before entering.

Nakita ko naman si Red who looks bored now. Ang aga niya ata.

Umupo na kami sa isang malaking table. I saw three med students na familiar din. It was Nicholas Diaz, Marcus Concepcion, and Leonardo Morales. Minsan kaming nagkikita dahil same class. Didn't know na close friends sila ni Joaquin. What a small world.

We greeted and introduced each other. The other one was studying architecture.

"Is everybody here na?" Tanong ni Joaquin.

"Sean is still not here bro," sagot ni Leo.

Sean? As in Sean Galvez?

"Sorry for being late. My mom called me for something urgent."

Nanlaki ang mata ko. What a coincidence! So this is the event he's referring. It's Sean. He's wearing a simple white long sleeve. He was shocked but recovered quickly. I smiled at him.

"Happy birthday, bro," he greeted and handed his gift to Joaquin. Nakaupo na ito sa harapan ko.