Best Regards, Feli

Chapter 16

Days ago, Aaron came back from the science competition. He was in fourth place which meant that he wouldn't be able to represent the province in the Regional competition. Aaron said that he was fine with it but Feli knew the disappointment that he was feeling.

Her brother was still in his early teens so she understood that little things such as grades and contests meant a lot to him. This was the stage where life would slowly show its bitter side. She wanted her brother to learn how to handle failure so that he'd know what to do when things get nasty.

On the other hand, she also wanted him to appreciate the wins and not only perceive the losses.

That's why they were going to celebrate him being the fourth placer. Also, it was their father's birthday. Celebrating two events in one evening was like hitting two birds with one stone. They would only spend money once instead of twice.

Fatima and J.R. couldn't join them so Andre and August volunteered to buy the cake and ice cream. The twins will only buy the food but it was Feli who would spend money for it. Tsk!

It was a warm evening and her brothers preferred to savor the cool air outside. They set up a monobloc tables and chairs out in the front porch since the cafeteria hours were over.

"Congratulations, Aaron. Sorry we were too busy so your celebration was moved back," their mother said as she hugged Aaron.

"Con-ya-tulations, Aa-yon!" Their father exclaimed.

"And happy 57th birthday, papa!"

Their father was in his wheelchair while everyone else was on their own chairs. They sang the happy birthday song and clapped their hands.

Since their front porch was only around three meters from the gate, passersby could see and hear them. One of their father's acquaintances happened to walk by.

"Oy! Happy birthday, Pare!" He exclaimed and waved when he passed by the gate.

"Salamat, pa-ye!" Their father thanked his buddy.

"Ok, papa, make a wish," Aaron said.

Her youngest brother was holding the cake which had two candles, one for him and one for their father. On top of the chocolate cake were two messages: Happy 57th B-day, Papa and Congrats Aaron.

The two of them blew the candle and their mother sliced the cake. Feli was the one who scooped the ice cream into the cups.

"I think Andre's share is more than mine. It's not fair, Ate," August said as he showed her the two cups with an unequal amount of ice cream.

"My bad," she apologized. She was about to put another scoop in August's cup when Andre cut in.

"Ate, he had three spoonful already," Andre gave his twin away.

"Shh. You shouldn't have told her," the two of them laughed while she made a poker face.

"Aaron, let me give you another scoop of ice cream since this is your celebration," she said. "Oh, I'll give you another scoop for being such a good brother who doesn't tease his Ate," she announced as she taunted the twins.

Ahh. The perks of being the eldest.

"Ate!" August grimaced.

"We won't try to be sneaky again," Andre stated as he handed his cup to her, asking for more scoops.

She narrowed her eyes at them but eventually gave in.

Just then, the power went out. Someone from the neighbors yelled, "Brownout!"