Always And Forever

He's sweet

It was already late when Leni arrived at her unit. She tapped her keycard against the scanner, waited for the familiar beep, then pushed the door open.

She removed her heels, and changed into comfy house slippers after walking towards the couch and dropping everything that she carried.

The lights were dimmed and silence were swarming within her home, but the moment she turnned on the lights...

"SURPIIISSEE!"

A unison of voices greeted her. Several party poppers went all at once followed by a loud chorus of cheers and laughter.

"Happy Birthday!"

For a second she stood there before everything registered. Her friends, the food, the ridiculous party hats. Na para bang di mga trentahin.

In the middle of it all, stood George, holding her birthday cake with a wide smile on his face.
"Happy birthday mi amor". He stepped closer, the sleeves of his white polo were folded to his elbow. His black slacks and dress shoes made him look too formal for the party had sitting on his head.

Leni laughed, "Grabe, nag effort pa talaga kayo"

"Di pa nga sinasagot my love na agad ang tawag!" Rafael, called behind George.

Another chorus of laughter.

"Eh eto naman kasing friend natin, masyadong hard to get", Riza chimed in and gave Leni a playful pinch on the arm. "Sagutin mo na kasi!"

"Matamis na oo nalang pala ang kulang", Roger added. Then, he stated chanting.

"Sagutin mo na. Sagutin mo na, Sagutin mo na!"
Soon, everyone joined.
"Sagutin mo na. Sagutin mo na, Sagutin mo na!"

Leni covered her face laughing, as George stood beside her shaking his head.

"Ano ba kayo?", she protested. "Di ba pwedeng mag blow the candle muna?"

"Okay sige", Rafa stepped closer, then his eyebrows danced. "Baka later ibang candle na i blow mo"

The room erupted again. Even George nearly choked on his own laughter.

Leni immediately slapped his arm. "Sira ka talaga kahit kailan"

"Okay birthday girl", Riza started after recovering from her laugh. "Wish ka na"

Leni looked down on her cake, for a moment she simply smiled. Then closed her eyes, made her wish, and blew the candles.

Her friends cheered again. She opened her eyes and looked around the people surrounding her. She had lost a lot along the way. But somehow, she had found a lot too who stayed.

People who had seen her at her worst and best-Her family in every way that mattered.

=

"Okay ka pa ba?". Leni handed George another shot.

"Oo", he accepted it without hesitation. "Just give it to me if they keep handing you". He downed another in one go.

Across the living room, Roger had completely housed the karaoke. Riza in the kitchen dealing with dishes and leftovers, while the rest settled wherever they felt comfortable.

"Here", Rafa appeared beside Leni and handed her another shot.

"Akin na naman?", she complained. "Ang bilis nang ikot mo Rafa ha"

"Anong mabilis?", Rafa argued already several drinks in. "First kay Roger", he pointed one person to another. "Tapos kay Riza, eh ayaw uminom, ayaw ko ring pilitin kase baka masakal ako. Tapos kay George." His finger finally landed to Leni. "Oh sayo na"

Leni stared at the shot glass. Suddenly, George leaned in closer.

"Join Riza in the kitchen", he lowered his voice. "I'll take all your shots".

Leni looked at him. "I love you"
George grinned and placed a hand on his chest dramatically. "Kahit isang bote pa yan".

She playfully shoved his face and stood up escaping to the kitchen. Rafa stood up and tried to stop her, but failed when George's arm hooked around his neck and pulled him in a headlock.

"Hoy-Hmmpp!"
"Wag mo nang kulitin kasil

=

"San ba 'to ilalagay?" Leni lifted the box of cake.

"Sa Ref", Riza answered without looking up from the dishes.

Leni just followed what her friend said. She opened the refrigerator and saw stacks of leftovers.

"Wala nang space"
"Tetris nga"
"Riz, di ako magician"

Riza laughed and finally turned to her. "Okay", she wiped her hands, leaned against the counter, and crossed her arms. "So, how did it go?".

"Okay naman". Leni's reply was instant, as if Riza's question was anticipated.

"Okay naman?"
"Mhm"
"That's it?"

Leni shrugged. "Just like any other date".

Riza stood straight. "Leni."
"Ano?"
"I need details"
"There aren't any"
"Hay nako, ang hirap mo talagang kausap"

Leni opened the cake box and grabbed a fork.
Riza watched her closely and lowered her head, "Pero?"

Leni paused, "Pero". Her voice trailed, she smiled innocently. "He was sweet".

Riza's eyes immediately widened. "Sweet?!"
"Yeah"
"Sweet how? Asukal? Cake?"
Leni took a bite of cake. "Sweet lang"
"Anong sweet nga"
"Sa actions"
Riza narrowed her eyes. "Actions?"
"Mhm"
"Or sa kiss?"

Leni nearly choked. "Kiss ka dyan"
Riza burst out laughing. "Eh malay ko!?"

The men in the living room glanced toward the kitched.

Leni lowered her voice. "Sweet in actions, ano kaba"
Riza leaned closer lowering her voice too. "Okay then, give me examples."

Leni sighed. She knew the conversation wouldn't end anytime soon.