Damned Hearts #Wattys2016

Damned Hearts 28

Merry Christmas, my dear readers!

28

"Hon, I know we are rushing for Iana's birthday but we have to go. Sid here can handle everything. Right, Sid?" Kuya Ecker wiggled his eyebrows at me.

Nakuha ko na agad ang gusto niyang sabihin. Well, as his confidante, I should act like I don't know anything about the surprise. He's been planning for this. Fourth wedding anniversary nila bukas ngunit tila naisasawalang bahala iyon ni Ate Vidette. She's too hands-on with their daughter's 4th birthday next week.

I just couldn't imagine how Ate Vidette would react if she knew Kuya Ecker's plan. Kahit ako ay masaya at mas eksayted pa ako sa mga plano ni Kuya Ecker.

"Ecker, I want everything perfect." Tiningnan niya ng matalim si Kuya Ecker. Lihim akong nagpigil ng ngiti.

Kuya Ecker seem a little under when it comes to decisions. I know he won't give up for his plans, though.

"Ate Vids, everything will be fine..." I assured her. "The whole team will make sure of it. Just chill, okay? Ako na ang bahala. Cleo got the cake designs already. Beth will be in charge sa ibang party preparation. Dante, our host, will be in charge sa programme. Nakahanap na rin ang team ng mga clowns and mascots." I smiled at her. "Next week pa naman... I'm just going to ask you to pay us double para mas maging okay ang kalabasan." I chuckled.

Binigyan ko ng makahulugang tingin si Kuya Ecker na ngayon ay siguradong kabado sa likuran ng inuupuan ni Ate Vidette. Ate Vids let an air out. She gave me a smile.

"I'd definitely pay you double, Sid. Alam kong maraming nakalinyang events sa Ignite and here you are and your team, rushing everything for my daughter's birthday..." Pumungay ang mga mata niya sa akin.

Umiling ako at ngumiti. Ate Vidette is like a sister to me and what I am doing right now is not like a work for me.

"I'm just joking, Ate..." I cracked a humurous laugh. "Kahit walang bayad, ano... Iana is like my second niece, like Flerene... And as much as possible, I want my niece's party to be as magical and enchanted. Don't worry."

"Pareho talaga kayo ng Ate Paris mo. Naku!" Tumayo siya at umikot sa aking mesa.

She hugged me from behind my neck. I chuckled.

They left my office shortly. Napailing ako at napabuntong-hininga ng malalim. I just wish Kuya Ecker will pull off his surprise properly. I even sent Mike and Dave last night just to help him out.

Ilang sandali ay may kumatok sa aking pintuan. Cleo got in from outside of my office.

Dala niya ang ilang folders na sa tingin ko ay designs ng cake para sa birthday ni Iana. She sat at the cushioned chair in front of me. I waited for whatever she has to report. Hinayaan kong buklatin niya muna sa aking harapan ang mga folders.

As I look at her, I noticed that she got tanner and thinner after five years. Her pixie cut hair looks good on her, by the way. Sa loob ng limang taon ay nagbago talaga ng 360 degrees ang lahat sa kanya.

I wonder what changes happened in me after five years. Maliban sa isinu-suot kong mga damit at sa mundong ginagalawan ko ngayon sa trabaho, hindi ako sigurado kung nabago ko ang lahat sa loob ng limang taon na iyon.

But one thing's for sure... this heart... won't ever beat again for the same shallow reasons.

"Here, Sid. Nagsubmit na sa akin ng designs iyong mga pinuntahan nina Jane na pastry shops noong isang araw. Fairytales and Disney princesses, right?"