"Anong ganap sa mga buhay niyo?"
Lyra told us she was now teaching kindergarten in a private school. Angela was now a police officer. Elizabeth informed us she was working in a company as a marketing assistant manager. None of them had a family yet but they all have their boyfriends already. The cold breeze drifted softly through the air, carrying distant sound of laughter. As I twirled the liquor between my fingers, I felt a wave of anticipation. Looking around, my eyes scanned the whole room, drifting towards a familiar group I've known.
Sofia's eyes bore into mine. Her eyes sparkled in surprise and confusion. We both smiled at each other and raise our glass. She changed a lot. Strong and independent, she possessed a confidence and determination that was truly admiring. With short, cropped hair, she eschewed traditional feminine styles for a more masculine aesthetic, yet her gentle smile and sophistication added a subtle touch of grace to her overall demeanor.
"Law student na 'yan si Sofia. Pero certified public accountant na rin. Napaka-succesful niya 'di ba?"
I can feel the bitterness and warmth spreading all over my chest as I took one gulp of the liquor.
"What do you expect? Class valedictorian siya."
"That's cool." I commented.
Let's say it was quite a relief na hindi ko siya nakita sa table nila Sofia. Maybe wala siyang balak pumunta. Mabuti na rin 'yun.
"Raine."
I turned to Rose, lifting both my brows. "Hmm?" I asked while placing my glass down the table waiting for someone to fill it for me.
"Kumusta ka?"
"Ha?" All of them stared at me, anticipating for my answer with a hint of excitement and curiosity.
"Uhm. Okay naman." I replied giving them an awkward smile.
"Anong pinagkaka-abalahan mo sa buhay mo ngayon?"
I bit my lower lip. I knew this was coming where I will get bombarded with a lot of questions. They won't bring me down if I told them a not so exciting and successful news pero medyo nakakahiya pa rin. They know my plans in life, my dreams and what I want to become. But I ended up in a different path.
"I'm working."
"Saan?"
"Company."
Eyes were perplexed but they were fixated on me waiting for me to say more. Speak in a more specific manner. I closed my eyes and took a long breath.
"I'm writing."
"Writing?" Angela repeated. Mas lalong nagtaka ang kanilang pagmumukha.
"Yep." I sighed, fidgeting my fingers on the table.
"Anong sinusulat mo?" Rose followed a question.
"Books. I published some."
"Hindi mo na ba ipu-pursue ang law?"
I shrugged my shoulders. I used to dream of going to law school and becoming a lawyer, but I don't have the motivation anymore. Law is something I used to love, but I've fallen out of love with it. I regret that I had dreams before, but maybe dreams are just dreams for me.
"Pero nag-take ka ng psychology 'di ba? Pwede ka pa naman mag take ng another four years para maging psychologist ka."
"I will. Hindi lang muna sa ngayon. Madami pa namang oras." I reassured them with a smile.
As the reunion celebration went on, the drinks continued to flow freely. Before long, I was feeling a little tipsy, the wine making my head spin and my inhibitions relax. I got flashes of old pals, their faces blurred and distorted by my alcohol-induced eyesight. The music appeared louder, the conversations rowdier, and I found myself carried up in the contagious spirit of the night, yielding to the reckless abandonment of the moment.
