Hold Onto You (Book 3 of You Trilogy)

Kabanata 30

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday! Happy birthday! Happy birthday, Sky/Tita!"

Napahawak ako sa sariling dibdib at ngiting-ngiti habang pinagmamasdan sina Esme, Kia, at Kuya Vince na kantahan at batiin ako. Kia had a pink party hat decorated with light pink feathers on her head, looking very cute in her strawberry printed pyjamas. Sina Esme at Kuya ay naka-sleepwear din. Kaming lahat ang nakapantulog, actually. Hatinggabi na kase. At... talagang gumising sila para batiin ako saktong pagsapit ng July 8.

Naka'y Esme ang cake. Hawak ni Kia ang rose gold balloon. Yakap naman ni Kuya ang isang bouquet ng tulips.

It was all simple but it made me beyond grateful. Their sweet and thoughtful gesture got me very pleased and emotional.

"Hep! Maya na ang iyak! Hipan mo na, sis! At may naghihintay." ngumiwi siya.

Kumunot ang noo ko at tumalima nalang din. I closed my eyes and mentally whispered my usual birthday wish. Binuksan ko ang mata ko at hinipan ang kandila. I then smiled afterwards.

"What was your wish, Tita?" pag-aabang ni Kia.

His forgiveness.

"Tita's wishing for a brighter tomorrow, Kia." I smiled.

Kumurap-kurap ang bata.

"Why? Is it dark po ba?" inosente niyang tanong.

"Of course, anak. It's midnight!" pananalba ni Esme.

Ngumisi ako at yumuko para mayakap si Kia.

"Happy birthday, Tita. I love you po."

That made my heart melt like an ice cube exposed to the scorching sun.

Kia is such a sweet kid! Pinapaiyak ako!

"Thank you, baby. Mahal ka rin ni Tita." hinalikan ko siya sa pisngi.

"Happy birthday, Sky." si Kuya.

Tumayo ako nang maayos at niyakap siya. Inihilig ko ang pisngi ko sa dibdib ni Kuya. I enjoyed his warmth. I thought of our father while hugging him. It was as if I was hugging both my brother and father at that moment.

"I wish you genuine happiness, Sky."

"Thank you, Kuya."

"And don't forget that I am proud of you, okay?"

"Oh! Ako naman 'ya. May naiinip na, eh!"

Hinablot ni Esme ang braso ko para siya naman daw. Tumawa ako at niyakap din siya pabalik.

"Nariyan 'kano mo, sis." she whispered.

Natigilan ako at bago pa man makapagtanong, tinawag niya na si...

"Oliver?! You can now come in!"

I thought she was just joking... I almost bawled my eyes out when I saw Oliver entering my room! Seryoso nga! Narito si Oliver! Pero seryoso ba?!

My feet rooted and I was in complete shock when he enveloped me with a tight hug.

"Hey! Don't hug her so tight!" saway ni Esme.

Binalewala ni Oli si Esme. Ibinaon niya ang ulo sa leeg ko at lalo pang hinigpitan ang yakap sa'kin.

"Happy birthday, Skyler."

He flew here all the way from Kansas?! To greet me a happy birthday?! Is he serious?! That's just...

"W-Wait Oli. I c-can't breathe.."

Masyadong mahigpit kase.

Oliver loosened his hug and moved a bit from me. Matangkad siya kaya nakatingala na naman ako. His blue eyes were glistening with happiness.