JaDine Oneshot & Drabbles Collection 2

Halfway (ISti Futuristic)

"Happy Birthday, boss." Otap said as the elevator stopped on the 7th floor, tapping me on my shoulder before we separate.

I felt all my exhaustion as I see my hotel room's door. We had work all day today. We have another very big project--this time the wedding of superstars Sam Kazuko and Kevin Sebastian. Currently, we're here in Tagaytay for their pre-nup shoot.

I opened the door with my card key and went straight to my bed, hastily taking off my shirt and lying down. I saw the clock as I lay. It was past 8pm. It's actually a bit earlier than I expected. But all the same, my birthday would be ending soon.

Otap and the rest of the team prepared a simple cake to celebrate. We really couldn't do more, but eat it during our break. Our schedule was filled today.

My musings were interrupted when my phone rang. I reached for it on the table.

I smiled when I saw it was Iris. I realized she hasn't greeted me yet. She was probably considering my work, and waited until late so she wouldn't disturb me.

I sat up and answered the call.

"Love."

"Love! Happy Birthday!" She said, sounding very excited. I couldn't help but laugh. She is as energetic as ever.

"Thanks, Love." I said.

"Kamusta araw mo?" She asked. And for a long time we talked. I told her about what we did today. I told her about the small celebration we had. I told her about everything and anything I think I haven't told her yet.

She told me about how things are going on at the office and at home. About my dad visiting her today to bring her some santol (thankfully, she wasn't craving for Marang this time). About Ali and Stephen pranking Kelly. About how we celebrated my birthday together for the first time. She didn't say, but I knew she was wishing I was with her right now. I also wanted to spend my birthday with my wife, but we just couldn't turn down such a big account, especially since Iris is pregnant and we'll be having a maternity leave soon.

When we ended the call, I felt lonely. I really miss her.

Deciding in the spur of the moment, I stood up and wore my shirt again. I took a coat and started for the door. I really wanna see her today. I wanna surprise her.

I borrowed one of our co-worker's car and asked Otap to drive me to the main road. I waited till a bus to Buendia came.

I got on and sat in the back. Fortunately, there was not much traffic. I got off Taft and took a cab.

Seeing our home on this day felt somehow different than other days. I can't believe how much I miss it, even if I've only been gone for two days.

I went straight to our front door and opened it with my keys. I was a little surprised when I opened it and it was so dark. Usually, Iris would leave the kitchen's light on.

I went to our room and felt a bit worried to see it empty.

Where is Iris?

I took out my phone and called her number.

She answered almost at once.

"Basti?" She said.

"Love? Asan ka?" I asked.

But I think she didn't hear. She said, "Tulog ka na ba? Anong room mo?"

Realization hit me, and I just started laughing. I think she realized what happened as well, because she started to laugh after a while.

"I guess you miss me, too." I said.

"We all do." Iris said. And I couldn't help but smile, thinking of our twins. We'll be meeting them in just a few more months.

I went back to the bus terminal and was about to buy ticket to Nasugbu.

But I realized we might missed each other again, so instead I just waited there. I met my family halfway, in Cubao. It was already five minutes to midnight. And in this last minutes of my birthday, my wife started singing, holding a cake for me. I was both touched and amused, especially when other people in the station started singing as well. It was one of the best birthdays ever.

----------

I smiled at the memory. It feels like it was just yesterday, though already fifteen years had passed.

Now, I'm sitting here in Cubao station, waiting in the last minutes of my birthday. I am not expecting Iris. She's with me this time. But since it's the first time they would be away on my birthday, I think…

And then I saw them, and I couldn't help but laugh.

Thought so.

"Ayan na nga sila…" Iris said besides me, sounding both awed and amused.

Hera and Apollo.

I saw Hera's eyes widen as it landed on us. And Apollo just plainly gaped at me. I stood up and Iris followed me and took my hand. Together, we moved towards them who were standing frozen in the middle of the station.

Hastily, Apollo unwrap the cake he was carrying and started singing a birthday song for me, a little awkwardly.

Hera grinned, amused. She started singing, as well as Iris besides me, who was grinning from ear to ear.

The twins were both laughing when we finally reached them, and I just grinned.

"Pano niyo nalaman??" Hera said, with a little pout. "Pol did give it away!" She said, glaring at his brother.

"I did not!" Apollo said at once.

I laughed. "No. After your call, I just wanted to see you so I left for your hotel. Then I realized, baka ganun din naisip niyo."

"It's true." Iris said, smiling at me.

"Yeah, we wanted to see you, too." Apollo said, beaming.

"We missed you." Hera said. "Happy birthday, Dad."

"Happy birthday!" Apollo said with enthusiasm.

And then both of the twins tackled me, as if in sync. I laughed. They used to always do that when they were younger.

"Thanks." I said, pulling Iris to us and hugging my family to me.

And the people around us started applauding.

....

“The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway.”

END