How to Fall in Love Again

Step 9: Learn to Love Yourself

STEP 9: LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF

[Niko’s POV]

Bakasyon na namin ngayon, dalawang buwan na stress-free tapos ay third year na kami sa pasukan. Nakakatuwa naman na ang bilis ng oras.

I called Anthony.

“Yo! What’s up?”

“I’m good. So what’s your plan?” Sabi ni Anthony with his teasing voice.

“Plan?”

“Her birthday is coming up.” He said,obviously not believing me.

“Her?” I faked that I don’t know about it.

“Playing dumb? Not cool.”

“I’m not acting cool.” Sa totoo lang, naguguluhan pa rin kasi talaga ako.

“Kinna’s birthday. You intend to give her something special, Right?”

“Yeah?”

“I knew it. You really are confused. Well, all of us will give her a gift.”

“I know! Kaso may pupuntahan kasi ako ng araw na yun...”

“Loosen up. Just wait and time will give you the answers that you need.”

I shook my head a bit sad and said to him, “Thanks. I’ll hang up now.”

Nakakausap rin pala si Anthony ng seryoso pero it’s a very confusing conversation. Ano bang answer yung sinasabi niya? Anong connect nun sa hindi ako makakapunta sa birthday ni Kinna?

Three days to go before her birthday, I feel dread balling up my stomach whenever I think of that day. This is the second year that I lost Mandy in my life forever.

[Kinna’s POV]

My birthday is different. Inaaway nila si Niko kasi hindi siya makakapunta sa birthday ko. Gusto kong malungkot pero I smiled at them because I know what’s wrong with Niko.

One day before my birthday.

“Sorry.” Niko said with a sad smile.

“Okay lang. Promise.” Alam ko naman ang reason niya eh. Small wonder na nakita ko pa siya ngayon. Last year hindi talaga namin siya macontact… Last year was the first year of what happened.

“No hard feelings?” He said, finally meeting my eyes.

“Yup.” I said with a forced cheer.

“Babawi ako sa’yo.” He’s still looking at me with his sad eyes.

“Thanks! Thanks!” I said, hoping that my response will suffice.

And then, that’s it! Today is May 14! How will I get through this day? Ang daming sad memories kasi ng birthday ko.

Althea texted me, ‘Happy birthday! Friends forever<3.’

Then after few minutes. Red texted me, ‘Wear my gift. See you at 5pm. Potter’s.HAPPY BIRTHDAY!’

I love Potter’s. Halloween themed restaurantkasiito whole-year-round. Ang creepy ng ambience kaya nakakatuwa talaga; Pumpkins hanging around the roof, spider webs all over the place taposeye catching yung mga displays nila like mannequin of witches, vampires, monsters. Also a large notebook with lists of potions and magic spells.

Maghahanda na sana ako nang biglang may nag door bell. Si Red yun kasi gusto niyasiguraduhing isusuot ko yung dress na binigay niya sakin. Alam niya kasing hesitant ako isuot yung dirty white dress na floral ang design. Kasi naman baka habulin ako ng bubuyog!