At Her 18th | ✓

Prologue

"Isla, anak. Malapit na ang birthday mo. You're turning 18 a month from now. What're your plans?"

"Mom, graduation muna. The celebration can wait." I told her as I finished off the last piece of my steak.

"But you've always been excited to finally come of age."

"I know, but senior year is ending and I really want to make my last days memorable." I held on to her hand and my Dad's who's just seated to my right.

"Nag-uusap na kami nina Abby. We're not gonna be attending the same schools for college. You're shipping me off to Harvard, Abby and Jamie got their admissions approved from Yale and UPenn, while Ari and Aileen are aiming for UST and ADMU." I'm not complaining though. It's a dream to be accepted in one of the Ivies but it's still normal for me to feel sad when I'll leave my friends.

"Harvard is one of the Ivy League schools, Isla. You getting accepted is the most wonderful gift you've given to us." My father said as he caressed my hand.

"Kung ayaw mo munang paghandaan ang debut mo, then that's okay. Enjoy your minor years. It'll save me the trouble for cheking the list of boys under your eighteen roses."

"Arthur!" We both laughed at Mom as she hit Dad's arm. Well there's really nothing he should be worried about kasi wala namang lalaki sa buhay ko. Maybe my cousins but that doesn't count as boys from your circle.

"So may I be excused? Abby's last big party before graduation is tonight. The one I've been talking to you about? The girls are already there." I showed them my phone for proof that they've been texting me endlessly.

Abby:

Girl, where are you? Might I remind you na last na natin to?!

Aileen:

Hinahanap ka na ni Abby. Should we stall?

Jamie:

This is our last party together, Isla! Get your ass up here right now!

Ari:

Take your time, babe. Late din naman ako. Although I'm already heading there while you're still with your parents, so I'll be there first. But still late. Haha! See you!

"The girls are eager. Well then, gusto mo ihatid ka namin?" Natatawang wika ni Dad.

"Kuya Santi will drive me, I'll be fine. I'll see you..." I trailed off because I really have no idea what time I can get home. Abby's parties are off the charts. She throws the best that's why no one ever leaves early, especially now that it's the last one she'll host here.

"Tomorrow, baby. Mag-ingat ka palagi."

"Thanks Mom, Dad. I love you!" I gave them quick pecks on the cheeks before rushing out to meet kuya Santi.

"Kina Abby tayo, kuya."

"Seatbelt po, ma'am." Sinuot ko muna ang seatbelt ko at agad rin kaming nagtungo sa party house ni Abby. Yes, she has a separate house for her parties. I don't think her parents know about said house, though.

It was her brother who had the house made for her, because if she's the queen of parties, then her brother is the king.

People used to talk so highly of her brother's parties during their years and I think that's where Abby got the skills. I've never met him but they said that his entire being was made for parties. Imagine that.

I've been friends with Abby since I can remember, yet I never got the chance to meet her brother. Not that I wish for it, it's just that, I've already met Ari and Aileen's brothers, but never hers, Jamie's an exception 'cause she's an only child.