Cupid Screwed Up

Chapter 18

Msi Harisa Velleaga

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the best Ate and Kuya ever!" Mari greeted me and Mui as soon as she entered the room where the both of us waited for the guest to arrive.

The coordinator said na family members palang ang allowed na makita kaming dalawa. Pero si Mari palang ang may lakas ng loob na makita kami, Mom and Maman wanted to see us later when we made our entrance.

"Thanks, sorellina." I thanked her and gave her a quick hug. "You look cute today, Mari." I commented.

"And you look gorgeous!" Aniya sa pinaka mataas na energy na kaya niya.

Mui also gave Mari a side hug and kissed her in the forehead. "You look pretty, sorellina. Thank you." He sounded so sincere.

"You're welcome, both of you! Andiyan na nga pala si Ate Alina, ayaw niya din muna kayo makita." Agad si Mari tumawa.

"We'll see them outside, Mari. Grazie."

Mari made her way to the door. "Non c'è di che, carina." You're welcome, pretty. She said.

Mui immediately cleared his throat once Mari got out. "Paano kung nandito siya?" He asked me.

I know who he is referring to. I'm not dumb. Alam rin niya na si Professor Silvestre ang dahilan kung bakit ako tumigil sa college.

"I still can't believe that you would drop everything you wished for, just for that woman." Namulsa siya at tinitigan ako. "You're crazy, Msi."

"Napikon lang ako. That's all."

"What's your plan? Pag andito siya?"

I glared at him. "She won't be here. And if she were here, she would be here for you--not me, Mui." I turned around to look out of the window to watch the guests flocking around our parents.

Mui held his forehead. "Will we ever get to enjoy the night? Come on, twinny. It's our birthday!"

Hinarap ako ni Mui sa kaniya at pinilit na i-ngiti ang labi ko. "Stop it, Mui."

"Ako pa talaga pinag selosan mo? This is your first time getting jealous over someone at ako pa? Get a grip, Msi!" Ngumiwi kaagad siya at tinanggal ko ang kamay niya sa akin. "I'm Alina's property, my dear sister."

"That professor still likes you."

"Did she directly tell you that?" Mui wandered into the room with his hands in his pocket.

I shook my head. "Did you confess?" Again, umiling ako. "Then, she might be confused."

"Psh, gaslight me all you want. I'm not stupid." I gritted my teeth.

He let out a short chuckle. "I am not gaslighting you, Msi."

"Let's just stop talking about her, she won't be here anyway." Umiwas ako ng tingin. "Lalo na't makikita nya ako, hindi siya pupunta. Dahil alam kong ayaw niya akong makita."

"You're ruining your own mood, alam mo ba?" Inakbayan niya ako at inilahad ang kamay sa labas kung saan nagaganap ang party. "Coraggio, Msi! This is the day that made Maman a mother."

Tinitigan ko lamang siya.

"I promise not to mention her again, okay? I'll do what you ask."

Hindi ko na lamang siya pinansin at naupo ako sa isang single couch roon habang nakatitig sa madilim na langit. Abala naman si Mui sa panonood ng mga tao na nadating.

It's been quite awhile since I saw her last. Madami akong natanggap na call matapos ang araw na iyon, kesyo bakit daw ako umalis. Pinaka maraming tanong noon ay si Erreon na hindi ko magawang pansinin.