At Last, Him

Chapter 6: Happy Birthday

It was finally my 23rd birthday—September 21, 2021. I sat shotgun in Cameron's car, feeling both thrilled and exhausted from the past few weeks. Cam, was with me, making me laugh with our usual banter. In my father's car behind us were Mommy and Mags, following closely as we made our way to the Farm at San Benito. Just the thought of a wellness retreat had me excited. It was the perfect way to recharge, and it felt great to spend this special day with the people I loved most.

We stopped over at NLEX for brunch, and everyone was practically buzzing. Mommy and Mags were already talking about Mags' professor.

Habang kumakain kami, bumaling si Mommy sa akin, may tanong sa mga mata. "Shan, anak, bakit hindi sumama ang iba mong mga kaibigan ngayon? Akala ko makikita natin sila Hillary, Zarina, Dylan, at Herbert. Matagal na rin mula noong huli kayong nagkasama nang kumpleto."

I couldn't help but smile, thinking about my little neighborhood squad. "I invited them. I was hoping they could come, but they're all swamped," I explained. Hillary was in Laguna for her first project as a licensed Civil Engineer in Laguna, and her younger sister Zarina, was an Accountant at a bank in Manila. Si Dylan nasa Boracay dahil may gig 'yong banda niya, at si Herbert naman ay busy magpabibo sa opisina because he's after a big promotion. Herbert was a licensed Mechanical Engineer.

My mother's face softened, knowing how close we all were and how much they meant to me. "Well, sana magkita-kita kayo bago ang alis mo sa Thursday papuntang Bali."

I nodded, feeling grateful. "Yeah, it wouldn't feel right not seeing them before I leave. But for now, I have all of you here, and that's more than enough."

After brunch, everyone headed back to the cars, but I stopped Cameron with a glance and a slight wince. "I need the restroom," I muttered, a little embarrassed.

Cameron, ever the dramatic, groaned. "Why is it always me witnessing these moments, Shan?"

"Because you're my most favorite person," biro ko, bahagyang kinurot siya habang naglalakad kami papuntang restroom. "And that's why I love you so much."

He scrunched his nose, pretending to cringe, though I caught a small smile he quickly tried to hide. "Whatever. Just hurry up before I change my mind about sticking around."

Pagkatapos kong mag-CR, nakatayo na siya sa labas, kunwaring inis. "Ayos na? Nakatae ka na?" tanong niya, nakangisi. Tinakpan ko agad 'yong bibig niya. "G*go ka talaga ang ingay mo, baka may makarinig," reklamo ko sa kanya.

Tiningnan niya ako nang masama at irita niyang inalis 'yong kamay ko sa bibig niya. "Salaula ka talaga, eh. Kakatae mo lang tapos ilalagay mo sa bibig ko 'yang kamay mo. Ulol talaga," reklamo niya.

Tumawa ako nang malakas. "Arte mo! Nagsabon naman ako ng kamay saka nag-alcohol din ako!"

"Kahit na. Salaula," iritang sabi niya kaya walang tigil ang tawa ko.

"Salaula pala ha. Baka gusto mong i-post ko 'yong—"

"Hindi na. Hindi na pala. Napakalinis mong tao, Shan," bawi niya kaya pareho kaming humagalpak sa tawa. Naalala niya rin kasi bigla kung ano 'yong naka-save sa phone ko na kasalaulaan niya.

Laughing, we strolled back to his car. But as we neared the parking lot, Cam turned serious. "So... tell me, Shan," he started. "Are you still friends with Charlotte?"

Napahinto ako, bumalik sa isip ko ang mga alaala. It all started when I learned she hadn't been happy that I passed Building Tech—one of only four people in the whole class to do so when we were in 3rd year for the second semester. Charlotte and Varix were among those who didn't pass and had to attend mid-year classes to stay on track. Some girls from our old apartment talked to me about it, and Jasleen—Charlotte's closest friend—told me what Charlotte had said. Apparently, she felt I didn't deserve to pass. I glanced back at Charlotte, feeling a pang of something complicated.