Where I Belong

Kabanata 11

18th Birthday

The day of my 18th birthday had finally arrived, and the excitement in the air was visible. As I woke up to the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through my window, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation bubbling within me.

Making my way downstairs, I found the house lively. Tita Alisa was busy putting the finishing touches on the decorations, Samantalang ang mga mag kapatid na Miller at ang kanilang mga pinsan ay nagtitipon sa living room, nagpapalitan ng masayang usapan at tawanan.

As soon as they saw me descending from the stairs, they exclaimed in unison, "Happy birthday, Brea!" Their smiles were bright and infectious as I entered the room.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude at the sight of their warm greetings. With their presence, I knew that this birthday would be a truly special one.

As the clock struck 6 pm, the doorbell chimed, signaling the arrival of my dear friend, Kate. With a sense of anticipation, Binilisan ko ang pagbukas ng pinto, my heart filled with excitement at the thought of her joining us for my birthday celebration.

"Kate!" I exclaimed, greeting her with a warm hug as she stepped inside. "I'm so glad na naka-punta ka!"

Kate returned the hug with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Happy birthday, Brea! I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Together, we made our way into the living room, where they had already gathered. I took a moment to introduce Kate to the Miller brothers and their cousins. With a smile, I gestured towards Kate, who stood by my side, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet my dear friend, Kate," I said, beaming with pride.

Kate greeted them with a warm smile, with her appearance friendly. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

After the introductions, Tita Alisa called for our attention, her voice carrying over the cheerful chatter in the room. With a smile, she invited us all to gather in the garden, where the celebration would be held under the open sky.

"Everyone, if you could please come into the garden," Tita Alisa announced, her warm tone cutting through the excitement. 

"While we had planned for a simple celebration tonight, I couldn't let this special milestone pass without doing something truly memorable for our dear Brea."

A murmur of anticipation rippled through the crowd as Tita Alisa continued, "It is a tradition for girls who turn 18 to receive 18 roses, and I believe Brea deserves nothing less on this momentous occasion."

There weren't enough boys present to fulfill the tradition of the "18 Roses" dance. However, instead of letting this hinder the celebration, Tita Alisa planned to include the girls as well to complete the 18 roses. 

As Tita Alisa began calling out the names, a hush fell over the crowd, anticipation hanging in the air like a delicate veil.

"Kennedy," she called out first, and with a warm smile, he stepped forward, presenting a rose to me with a twinkle in his eye. "You've brought so much love, laughter, and joy into our home, and we're grateful for every moment we've shared with you."

Sumunod si Kuya Asher, his presence commanding yet gentle as he offered his rose. "Brea, you've brought so much joy and light into our lives. Thank you."

Ethan followed, his smile genuine and bright. "We may have only met recently, pero in that time, I've come to see the kindness that radiates from your heart."

With each rose presented, my heart swelled with gratitude, knowing that each gesture came from a place of love and sincerity.

Austin and Adrian, Kira and Kallisto, Kuya Andre, and Archie – each one offered their message of love and well wishes, their words touching my soul.

As the line continued, I was moved by the heartfelt sentiments shared by Irish, Collin, Cameron, Anthony, Atlas, and Ashton. 

And when Kate stepped forward with her rose, her eyes shining with emotion, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for her unwavering friendship. "Thank you for being the incredible friend that you are. From the moment we met, you've been there for me through thick and thin, and I'm so grateful to have you in my life."

Tita Alisa's turn came, and she offered her rose with a proud smile. "Brea, you're like a daughter to me, and I'm so proud of the woman you've become.

And finally, it was Aiden's turn, his gaze steady and fixed as he stepped forward. "Brea," he began, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "Thank you for coming into my life. I want you to know that no matter what challenges lie ahead, I'll always be here for you.