Aligning the Stars (GXG)

XXVII - Friends

Astrea

"Sabay-sabay tayong lahat, Congratulations Astrea!"

Napatakip na lang ako sa mukha ko dahil nangunguna na naman si Almonte sa pag-iingay. Kompleto kaming lahat ngayon, even our staff in Constellations are here which I didn't expect because they told me that they have important matters to attend to so they were quite unsure if they could even come.

But they had a surprise coming for me the moment I got here.

Nauna na pala silang lahat— The Lacsamanas, Tita Sandra, my friends and even Vida na akala ko ay malelate pa dahil sa sinabi niya kanina.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at Almonte's antics, though I was secretly touched. "Seryoso, Almonte? Parang ikaw yung graduate ah," I teased, lowering my hands from my face.

"Eh paano ba naman, big deal 'to! First among us, Astrea! You're paving the way," Almonte shot back, dramatically bowing as if I were some royalty.

The laughter that erupted around the room was infectious. My gaze swept over everyone who had gathered here—people I cared about, people who had supported me through everything. It was overwhelming in the best way.

"Astrea, we're so proud of you," Tita Sandra said, pulling me into a warm hug. "I knew you'd pull through, but seeing you like this, surrounded by everyone who loves you—it makes everything worth it."

"Tita, baka maiyak ka pa," I teased gently, though my own throat felt tight with emotion.

"Well, who wouldn't cry?" Vida's voice rang out as she made her way toward me, holding up her glass dramatically. "Astrea Luceria, the quiet, brooding enigma of our circle, is now a graduate. Sino mag-aakalang kaya mong i-juggle ang studies, ang trabaho sa Constellations, and those mysterious rendezvous with—"

"Vida." I shot her a look that could have silenced a storm, though everyone else burst out laughing.

"What? I'm just saying," She grinned, clearly enjoying my reaction.

Zarela stepped in and smiled at me. "Congrats, Astrea. We're really proud of you."

"Salamat," I replied, genuinely touched as she handed me a small gift bag.

"Now don't be emotional because I made something for you," She said with sass, handing me a neatly wrapped package. "It's nothing fancy, but.."

I opened it to reveal a framed sketch of the Constellations Café, a beautiful tribute to one of the constants in my life.

"Ely, this is amazing. Thank you," I said sincerely, hugging her briefly. "Magaling ka pala mag drawing."

She raised a brow at me, "Duh, I'm an aspiring fashion designer."

I laughed at her remark. Oo nga naman.

"Uy, uy, may pa-sentimental!" Maevis teased, slinging an arm around my shoulders. "Astrea, ikaw ang unang naka-graduate, pero tatandaan mo, ako pa rin ang OG pagdating sa—"

"Pagdating sa kalokohan, oo, alam na," I interrupted, grinning. "Thanks, Maevis."

As the night continued, the energy in the room was electric, filled with laughter and teasing. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this at peace, surrounded by the people who mattered most.

Lahat nakakausap ko dahil umiikot ako sa table— It's not my thing but since they all made some effort to congratulate me, I didn't mind how tiring it was. Besides, ngayong gabi lang 'to.

Hopefully.

The night was already buzzing with laughter and the warmth of everyone gathered around when I saw Aries approaching me, wearing his trademark smug grin. It instantly set off a wave of suspicion in me.