Clouded Hearts

22: Birthday

Astraea

"Ate, hindi ka pa papasok?" Sam asked and sat beside me. Nasa labas ako ng bahay ngayon, nasa papag specifically. I was counting the stars, there are few of them that's why I'm able to count it. 

"Just waiting." I said, in one hour it's my birthday. Naghihintay ako kasi alam kong pagpatak ang alas-dose ay babati na ang dalawa kong kaibigan. Minsan ko nang nakatulugan iyon at kinaumagahan ay nakakapanindig balahibong sermon ang inabot ko sa kanila.

"It's your birthday tomorrow, Ate. Advance happy birthday." He wrapped his arms around my waist. It's hard to admit but I miss Sam being a baby. Ngayon kasi ay big guy na siya, soon, magkakaroon na ito ng girlfriend.

"Thank you Sam." I tapped his arm. He put his chin to my shoulder, I just let him. Minsan na lang kaming maglambingan dahil wala rin kaming oras. 

"Ganyan sila, di ako sinasali." Umupo sa kabilang side ko si Phoebe. She also hugged me. We stayed quiet until my ringtone rang.

Yes, I have an alarm. 

"Happy birthday ate!" Sambay na sambit nila. 

"Thank you, okay na. Sige na pumasok na kayo sa loob." They kissed both of my cheeks saka pumasok sa loob. I grabbed my phone, I was expecting that my messenger is now flooded in messages from them but to my surprise, there's none. 

I keep refreshing it but there's no change. 12:30 na pero wala pa rin kaya binaba ko na ang phone ko. Disappointed akong humiga sa papag at tumitig na lang sa kalangitan. Like I've said the sky is not that starry tonight. 

I should go back to sleep, maybe they forgot about it. 

Nagbuga ako ng hangin bago kinuha ang phone ko nang magring iyon. 

It's just a number, it's not registered. I'm thinking twice if I will answer it or not. Wala namang mawawala kaya sinagot ko na. Hindi muna ako nagsalita at hinayaang mauna ang kabilang linya. But minutes passed but the other line is still in quite mode. 

"Hello?"

"Happy birthday."

The other line said then the call ends. Napakunot ang noo ko saka tinignan ang number. Seryoso ba yun? Or prank call? Pero bakit alam niya na birthday ko. I can't recognize the voice either, hindi ko nga malaman kung babae ba o lalaki yung nagsalita. Garalgal kasi ang boses saka parang lasing. 

My last hope shattered when I went to message, but still found nothing. Intindihin mo na lang rhea, they are busy and you are also busy. 

*****

The next morning ay masama na ang mukha ko. Nagtext kasi silang hindi raw makakasabay dahil kailangan nilang mauna sa school. Grabe na to. Even Achelois is nowhere to be found, I haven't seen her for days. I last saw her when we went to that magical place as they said. She didn't come to school and their house seems empty. 

I tried to contact her but she's not responding. It just kept ringing but no answer at all. I asked Ice and Eryx about her sudden disappearance but they are also clueless. They think, Achelois is already in manila. 

Did she leave without informing us? Without our knowledge? She didn't get us notice?

"Happy birthday to you~ happy birthday to you~ happy birthday ate rhea~ happy birthday to you~" They sang while holding a dark chocolate cake, my favorite flavor. I smile then close my eyes. I wished, then blew the candle.