Forbidden Relationship (Forbidden Series #3) (Completed)

Chapter 21

A month passed, bringing me to the night before my debut.

This morning, I was still eagerly waiting for a call from Mommy or Daddy—or even Kuya Mark. I didn’t expect anything from Ate Grapes, knowing how busy she was.

Some of my junior high classmates had messaged and greeted me, but it was already eleven o’clock at night, and I was still wide awake.

Sovie and I had just ended a video call. The boys were absent, claiming they were busy with clearance tasks—even though the deadline had passed a week ago.

When my phone suddenly rang, I rushed to answer it, hoping it was Mommy. I couldn’t imagine celebrating my birthday without them. I had always been used to having them by my side, so I continued waiting—hoping for a call from my family.

I wanted to hear Mommy say they'd be picking me up the next day for my birthday, even without an extravagant celebration. Though, knowing them, they'd never settle for something simple.

I had grown used to lavish birthday parties every year, always with Mommy and Daddy in attendance. Being public figures—well-known politicians—they likely felt the need to uphold appearances, to avoid any kind of embarrassment.

Without realizing it, I dozed off while waiting for that phone call. I had promised myself I wouldn’t sleep early—it was my birthday, after all—but the loneliness got to me. Ate Grapes wasn’t beside me. She was the only one who had consistently made me feel cared for on my birthdays.

Pero kahit siya, wala sa tabi ko ngayon.

Upon waking up, I promptly retrieved my cellphone, which was running low on battery. Numerous notifications from Mommy's acquaintances' children greeted me. I held my breath in surprise; they still remembered my birthday well.

I scrolled through the notifications, searching for Mommy's name, but she wasn't among them. Instead, I found a message from Ate Grapes. She had sent it right at twelve o'clock.

Ate ko
Happy birthday, Aphle! Enjoy your day. Nabati ka na ba nina Mommy at Daddy? O kahit man lang ni Kuya Mark? Kung hindi pa, tawagan mo sila. Baka nakalimutan na naman na birthday mo ngayon. Basta, kahit anong mangyari, mahal ka ni Ate. Madalang ko lang sabihin ito, kasi ang cringe. Hindi bagay sa 'kin.

Honestly, hindi ko alam kung may birthday party ba para sa 'yo, pero kung meron sabihan mo kaagad ako para masundo kita sa airport. Happy birthday ulit. 🍇

Even though she greeted me, something seemed to be missing. She is not by my side.

I was about to set down my cellphone and head to the bathroom when it suddenly rang, and the chat head of our group chat in grade 11 popped up.

Sovie
Guys, birthday ngayon ng panganay natin. Happy 18th birthday, Aphle!!

Nix
Happy birthday po.

Zade
Happy legality.

Thank you po.

I set down my cellphone and headed to the bathroom. Facing the mirror, I took another deep breath.

No matter who greeted me, if it wasn't from Mommy and Daddy, I still felt a lingering sadness—lost, somehow. I couldn't understand why I loved them so much, even when they only gave me the bare minimum of care and affection.

After showering and changing clothes, I stepped out of the room. Just then, my door opened and Aling Nita entered.

"Nasa labas ang mga kaibigan mo. Silipin mo riyan sa iyong bintana," she said before quickly leaving, mentioning she still had something to finish in the kitchen.