He Was My Umbrella

41

Nakahiga lang ako sa kama sa bahay ngayon at nago-overthink. Tomorrow's a very big day. It's my 18th birthday tomorrow.

Hello, legality.

I sat up and looked at my dark-green gown. It was very beautiful, it had glitters and a ribbon at the back. I looked at my vanity and I saw the accessories the I'll wear on Saturday.

It's currently 11:58 PM and I'm waiting for notifications. I honestly expect my friends to greet me, but I was specifically waiting for that one message.

And then the clock hits 12.

icah_borja: HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY, ADI!!

ffranchheska_: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUGARPLUMMWAMWACHUPCHUP
OMG MAGKA AGE NA TAYO!!

rachmae: happy 18th birthday, adi!! ate loves u! miss u already!

15 seconds left until the clock turns to 12:01. My eyes watered by the realization. Pero hindi ako nabigo. When there were 10 seconds left, my phone lit up.

engr_c: Happy Birthday, Adelaide. I hope you enjoy your special day. Cheers to legality.

I wasn't sad, but I wasn't happy either.

It's been 10 months since Engr. Cabrera and I no longer spend time together anymore. It was December when we had our last bonding. He's been busy since he became a licensed engineer. I was also busy with my studies pretty much because I'm in my 4th year and graduating soon too. We see each other sometimes at church, but not like before that we used to see each other everyday and take each other on friends' date. We chat sometimes, but it would only last for 5 minutes. We've been busy with our own lives.

Nabisita ako sa kanila para kay Tita Sally pero 'pag nandoon ako, laging kakauwi niya pa lang galing trabaho tapos pagod siya. Doon, nakakapagusap kami ng matagal tapos ihahatid niya pa ako sa bahay. Minsan nakain pa kami sa labas 'pag special occasion, ganun. Our friendship remains, but the way we maintain it changed. It saddens me because we don't spend much time together anymore. But I understand. I still liked Kuya, but not the type that I would pursue.

I also made new friends through college. My life wasn't like it was before. It really changed. My attitude also changed a bit because I wasn't around the people I was used to be around with.

The celebration of my birthday will be on Saturday. We have an academic break until next Friday. I invited all of my friends from church, my high-school friends, friends of my parents, my relatives, and also a few of my professors. I invited Kuya but I think he's busy this Saturday because he's the one in charge of a project here in Cavite. Sana makapunta siya. I didn't invite Mama. It's up to my dad if he will.

From: Tita Sally

Happy Birthday, Adelaide ko! Always take care of yourself. I love you! Enjoy your day, dear!

To: Tita Sally

Thank you so much, Mami Sally! Will Kuya be able to attend my party?

She replied,

From: Tita Sally

I don't know, dear. He has a project here in Cavite and he's so busy. Kakauwi niya nga lang ngayon, e. Did he greet you?

To: Tita Sally

He has naman na po... Can I call po?

Tita Sally is calling you...

"Hi, Tita," I greeted.

[Hi, Adi!] she replied.

"Tita I wanted to talk to you about Kuya..."