The splash of cold water on my face made me relax a bit. So, I did it over and over again until I'm satisfied. I grabbed the face towel hanging beside me and pat my face dry, then I stared at it through the mirror.
I have almond-shaped eyes, chubby, rosy cheeks, full and plump lips, and high cheekbones that give more definition to my face. None of my physical features changed but over the years, I have to admit that maturity is now more evident on my face than before.
It's weird possessing the same features from years before and looking like a different person today. I smirked at the thought.
I went out of my bathroom and proceeded to my closet to choose my outfit for the day. I took the black ribbed shirt and decided to partner it with my black wide-legged slacks and a black oversized blazer. I used my Chanel belt to glamour it up a bit. Then I went to my vanity to fix my hair and put a light make-up.
Like any other day, I chose to wear dark red lipstick to look fiercer. I stared at myself in the mirror again, making sure I look good. Today's a special day and I have to look my best. I grabbed the concealer again to cover my eyebags more.
My preparation was interrupted when I heard the doorbell. My grip on the brush tightened for a second, then I harshly put it back in its place. I took a deep breath and tried to smile. I was still in the middle of practicing my smile when I heard the doorbell again.
"Good morning, my dear. Are you heading out for work?" my mom asked as she made her way through the dining with a box in her hand.
"Yes, mom," I replied to which she nodded. I stood a meter away from her while she's taking out the cake from the box. I put my hands behind my back and started pinching the fingers of my right.
"I told you to free your schedule on your birthdays, anak. Stubborn girl." she shook her head and looked at me with a soft smile on her face. "Anyway, your tito reserved a table at your favorite restaurant for tonight. Your siblings will join, too," I flashed a tight smile and nodded. I pinched my middle finger harder as I try to remember the restaurant she's pertaining to.
I know to myself that I never liked eating in restaurants, especially those fine-dining ones. The place is too formal for me, making me extra conscious of my movements. I ignored my thoughts and focused my attention on my mom.
She started lighting up the candles on the cake and sang me a happy birthday. After she's done, I flashed my rehearsed smile and whispered my thanks, then blew my candles. My mom immediately dropped the cake on the table and looked at me with a straight face. I felt my body tensing.
"Everyone is trying, Yskia," she said in a low voice. I pursed my lips and avoided her eyes.
"I know that, mom," I answered lightly while fiddling on the box of the cake.
"You should try more," she sighed and flashed her sad smile. She went closer to touch my arm.
"I am trying," lie. Trying is for the living and I was dead ever since they found me in that car.
"You should help yourself kasi, anak. Alam mo namang ikaw lang makakatulong sa sarili mo di 'ba? So, put on more effort in trying. Ikaw din naman ang makikinabang sa huli," I nodded and grabbed the cake to put it in my ref.
After making sure that I'm trying to live by checking if I have touched the groceries she bought last month, she bid her goodbye. Before I closed the door, she reminded me about the dinner with the family. She only smiled at me, feeling assured, after I promised her I'll be there.
I walked up to my room but when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I halted. I walked back in front of the mirror and stared at the entirety of my body. I have bright red, straight hair that reaches my boobs, a small face, a petite body that has curves in the right places, and slightly tanned skin.
I took a step closer to the mirror and stopped. I badly want to touch my reflection in the mirror but I know that it's a bad idea. I reminded myself about work and started listing the things I need to accomplish today until I didn't notice that I'm already walking back to my room to finish retouching my make-up.
I arrived a bit late at the company and went straight to my office. The moment I got in, I locked the door and placed my handbag on my table. I made myself coffee in my mini pantry and sat on my office chair to start working.
I was locked up in my office the whole day and no one dared to knock on my door. This is the tradition I've had ever since I started working here - locking myself up in my office and not talking to anyone. My secretary already knew that I won't entertain any kind of meetings today.
My employees also know about my birthday but it's already an unspoken rule that it's forbidden to bring it up in conversations and greet me. I sighed and massaged my head after reading the last proposal from the marketing team.
My phone suddenly rang while I was taking a quick break.
Daddy calling...
I cleared my throat before answering his call.
"Hello, anak. I just wanna ask if you already got the deal with the Montereals?" I nodded even though he can't see me.
"Yes, dad. I just have to meet them one last time before we can sign the contract," I answered while clearing up my desk.
"You're supposed to meet them today, right?"
"Yes, but I canceled. I have to leave early for a family dinner," there was a short pause from the other line that I ignored. I opened my door and quickly instructed my secretary to give back the proposals I signed to the department heads.
"Oh, I see. Any special occasion today?" he asked after clearing his throat.
"My birthday, dad," I started gathering my things and making sure that I didn't leave any personal belongings of mine.
"Happy birthday, anak."
"Thanks, dad. I have to go," after bidding our goodbyes, I grabbed my bag and went out of my office. I decided to go home first before going to dinner, so I can take a quick bath and change my clothes. My phone suddenly beeped while I'm waiting for the elevator.
From: Dad
Enjoy the dinner.
I sighed before turning off my phone and putting it back in my bag.
God. I hate birthdays.
