Memento

/1/ Uptown Girl

(Hotel function room, Sunday night, March 31, 1985)

"Happy birthday Adie!"

I looked around me, surrounded by smiling faces, the glow of the crystal chandelier and lights illuminating us from above. Everyone is dressed to the nines; men looking dapper in their suits and the ladies in their best gowns and dresses. In front of me is a white three-tiered round birthday cake with pink frosting on the sides. On top of it are the numbers 1 and 8.

"What's your birthday wish?" The male host asked me. He had the typical voice of every host I've seen, jolly and friendly in a superficial kind of way.

I smiled back at everyone and closed my eyes for a while, as if pretending to make a wish. Then I opened my eyes  and blew the number 1 and 8 candles at the same time.

Everyone cheered and clapped their hands. By my side, dad approached me and gave me a hug. Then my mom and big sister followed suit.

"Congratulations, Anna Diana Miranda is officially a young woman!"

The cheers and applause became louder. Through it all, I kept my composure and my fake but silent smile plastered on my face.

The guests all returned to their tables and the buffet dinner started. Meanwhile I am seated on top of a makeshift stage. There is a circular table in front of me covered in white lace. A waiter approached me and led me to the buffet laden with all sorts of delicious food.

I only take what I can eat so I can be prepared for the 18 treasures, 18 roses, and 18 candles program. I was the one who got the food first, while the guests lined up behind me, patiently waiting for their turns.

I went back to my own table carrying a plate. I lifted the spoon and fork on each side of the plate and started to eat my dinner. The meal was nothing special, just 2 pieces of cordon bleu, a half cup of rice, and a serving of salad.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ako ang may plano ng debut party na ito. Kung ako ang tatanungin, gusto ko lang ng intimate dinner kasama ang aking ate at mga magulang. Pero pursigido si Daddy na gawin ang birthday bash na ito. Ayon sa kanya, dapat na akong maipakilala sa mga tao bilang susunod na tagapagmana ng aming family business, na isang malaking department store na matatagpuan sa Makati City.

I scanned the crowd to where my family was seated. Malapit lang sila sa aking stage. Sa isang bilog na lamesa ay tahimik na kumakain sila Mommy at Ate, habang may lumapit na dalawang lalaki na may edad at nakipagkamay kay Daddy. Saglit lang silang nakipag-usap sa aking ama at umalis na rin sila pagkatapos.

Alam ko na sila ang dalawa lang na miyembro sa grupo ng kanyang mga business partners. At ang party na ito ay para rin palaguin ang negosyo ng aking pamilya.

 

Nakita kong sumenyas si Mommy sa akin at agad akong tumayo para lapitan ang kanilang lamesa.

"Anak, kumain ka na ba?" Tanong ni Mommy sa akin habang nakatayo ako sa gilid niya.