The Things I Never Did Before

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Elena's POV

WE'RE 30 minutes late. Hindi pa kami nakakalapit sa entrance ay kinuha ko ang invitation mula sa aking purse, ganon din si Philip. Pinakita namin ito sa nagbabantay at pinaningkitan kami nito ng mata.

Kinuha niya iyon sa akin, “Elena Ray Almeida.” aniya, tumango naman ako at saka niya binalik sa akin ang invitation. Sunod ay kay Philip ang kinuha niya. ”Philippines John Castro.” nanatiling nakatikom lamang ang bibig ni Philip.

May hindi kahabaang pasilyo kaming nilakad bago makarating. Habang naglalakad ay bumuga ng malalim na hininga si Philip, “Sabi na nga ba e tatawagin akong Philippines, the fuck.” pagmamaktol niya.

I know that he hates his name. Ikaw ba naman pangalanan ng isang bansa. Matatawa ka na lang. “Philippines pala e.“ pang-aasar ko pa rito.

Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin, “Tangina mo, Ele.” Wala na akong nasabi at tinawanan ko na lang siya.

As soon as I step my foot into the venue my eyes dropped at the not-so-huge stage in the front. I can feel my heartbeat getting wild as my excitement is going to burst.

May waiter na dumaan sa aming harapan, may dala-dala itong tray na may wine. Kumuha naman ako ng isa while Philip refused to have one. I immediately took a sip and feel it down to my throat. So good.

Gusto ko ang venue na napili ni Melissa, rooftop of Xiohue Hotel. Well known ang hotel na 'to dahil isa ito sa mga matataas na hotel. Knowing Melissa she likes night outs and city lights. Doon kami nagkasundo— sa city lights. Medyo madami na din ang taong nandito. The low-soft music and different lights filled the whole venue.

My backless dress gets shiny everytime tumatama ang ilaw dito. Naghanap pa kami ng mauupuan ni Philip, malapit ito sa may stage. Panay ang tingin ko sa mga taong dumadating at naglalakad sa gilid namin. I'm looking for Melissa but I couldn't find her.

It seems that Philip notice it. “Huy, sinong hinahanap mo ha?” Tinaas baba pa niya ang kanyang kilay. Alam ko na kung saan hahantong 'tong paguusap namin.

“Stop it, I'm looking for Melissa.” bulong ko sa kaniya.

“Sus aminin mo na kasi you're hoping to see him too!” nanunuyang sabi niya.

“Oh come on, Philip. It's been years! We're done and I don't like him anymore.” paliwanag ko rito. He just shrug off.

Hindi nagtagal ay may nagsalita sa mic sa harap namin. “Mic test, mic test.” nang makompirmang maayos ang microphone ay ngumiti ito. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen.” she said full of energy.

Mas lalong dumadami ang mga tao dito sa rooftop. Everyone's looking nice and sophisticated. “At today's event, I'm going to be your speaker, My name is Lea and why don't we welcome our birthday girl! Let's give her a round of applause!”

From the back stage a woman wearing a red gown showed up. Her hair tied as a messy bun and her light make up. Together with the screams and claps from everyone. Melissa's so gorgeous, it feels like I couldn't see anyone except her. Everything is in slow motion and my chest started pounding.

The way she held the microphone, so beautiful. “It is nice to gather you all here.” she started, even her voice. Wala akong magawa kundi ang purihin siya. Ilang taon na nga ba kaming hindi nagkita? “I'm so happy to have you all here and thank you for coming as I celebrate my birthday with you all. I won't make this long because I know we are all starving here.” she smiled. “Thank you.” binalik niya kay Lea ang mic and let herself get to the back stage again.

“Sooo the night is still young let's have fun!” Tila ba nabuhayan ang lahat doon. Umiba ang tugtog at mas lalong sumayaw ang mga ilaw. I'm not sure kung birthday ba talaga 'tong napuntahan ko or club.