I Heard You

Chapter 41: Birthday

Dalian kong hinatak ang kamay ko pabalik nang makitang dumako ang tingin ni Megan doon. Cryd's expression hardened. Halatang hindi nagustuhan ang inasta ko pero ayoko namang bigyang malisya ng kanyang girlfriend ang biglaan niyang paghawak paghila sa akin pabalik.

"Let's take our seats," Megan said, ignoring what Cryd did.

"I'm starving!" dagdag niya pa.

"Pupuntahan ko lang si Mommy," ani Cryd bago tumingin sa akin. "Will you be okay here or do you want to come with me?"

Why is he like this...

"Dito nalang..." sagot ko.

"I'll entertain her," singit ni Engineer. Ngumiti si Cryd at tumango bago kami iwang dalawa. I sat on the chair in front of her.

"Buti umalis, may oras ako para sabihin sa'yo ang plano," she leaned forward and giggled. "Nakausap ko na sina Tita about this. Marami din tayong kasabwat. Do you know his plans on Wednesday? I'm sure he has schedules for clients. Madalas kasi kahit birthday niya'y work work work pa din."

Inisip kong mabuti ang schedule ni Architect sa Miyerkules. "Last time I checked, he has to meet some errands in Nueva Ecija before lunch that day. Tapos ay dadaan sa Bulacan to visit some people."

"How many hours do you think is he going to stay there?"

"I don't know. But probably, he'll be back by evening."

It's better if she asked him directly. To be sure.

"Sakto. Gabi ang surprise party," she clapped excitedly. "So, here's the plan..."

Mabilis niyang inilatag sa akin ang plano. It was a simple surprise birthday bash that'll be held here in Sa Majesté at eight in the evening. The party is exclusive for his friends and family. Palagi naman daw may dinner ang mga Constantine tuwing may okasyon kaya hindi siya mahihirapang ayain si Cryd dito.

"Anong maitutulong ko?" I asked when I realized everything's already planned out.

"I just want you to be there, Sav. To witness his happiness. I know you're very special to him and your presence would be a lot of help."

"Iyon lang pala. Sure," pag-sang-ayon ko kahit hindi ako sigurado kung pupunta ba ako. Baka masira ko pa ang mood ni Tita Cae kapag nakita ako doon.

"Nakabili ka na ng regalo sa kanya?" she asked curiously. Umiling ako. I actually thought about it but I don't know what I should give him. I know Cryd isn't a materialistic person tsaka parang na sa kanya na ang lahat. Ang hirap tuloy umisip ng regalo.

"Ikaw ba?" I asked back.

Ngumisi siya't nag-thumb's up. "Done. Birthday nalang talaga niya ang hinihintay ko."

"Konting araw nalang naman..."

"Yun na nga, konting araw nalang. You should get him a gift."

Tumango ako. Tatanungin ko na lang si Ate Kiana o kaya si Vane kung anong magandang ipanregalo.

"Savanna!" someone called from behind. I looked around to see an older version of Cryd. He was wearing a white v-neck shirt and tattered pants. I immediately recognized who it was.

Tumayo ako para batiin ang daddy ni Cryd. "Tito Ryder..."

"Long time no see," he said with a wide grin. "Bumalik ka na pala. Now I know why my son texted me last week. How to get a girl daw."

"What? Dad!" Cryd hissed. Humalakhak si Tito at hinila ako para mayakap. The warmth from his hug was comfortable. I suddenly missed my father.

"I'm glad you're back. Tagal ko ring naghintay sa pagbabalik mo," ani Tito Ryder pagkakalas sa yakap. He ruffled my hair. "Parang walang nagbago oh, anghel pa rin."