Cailee & the Blue Eyed Soldier (Completed)

Chapter 15- 18 Roses

Cailee's POV

My day started with a loud greetings from my parents. My dad, for the first time in my 18 years, I saw raw tears on his eyes.

"Happy birthday baby girl." He hugged me tight as if it's my wedding day.
"Dad... Are you crying?" I tried to lighten the mood but he keeps the hug longer and I heard he sniffs.

He later let me go and my mom hugged and kissed me.

"I want you to have this." Dad gave me a velvet box. I opened it and saw a beautiful diamond earring and necklace set.
"Thanks dad." I kissed him at his cheek.
"Thank you mommy." I hugged my mom.

"Your stylist is already waiting for you. Nauna ng makuhanan ng video and photos ang mga gowns mo. Bilisan mong maligo at ng makakain kana. Kanina pa gising si Zoey." Nagmamadali akong nagpunta sa toilet at naligo.

Today is my birthday. And finally, makikita ko na si Gab. Tita Kath promised me na dadating si Gab. And I am holding that promise.

Our lawn was turned into a fairy tale garden. Light and lanterns were hanged. Ribbons and flowers were decorated. Seats and tables are up. Mini stage is assembled.

Naabutan ko si Zoey na kausap si Tita Kaye.

"Happy birthday Cailee."Tita Kaye kissed my cheek.
"Thank you Tita." I smiled to her.
"Nangangati akong itapon ang salamin ng kaibigan mo." Tita Kaye chuckled much to Zoey's horror.
"She reminds me of Yumi." Dagdag pa nito.

"Zoey, hija, may isusuot ka ba mamaya?" tanong ni Tita Kaye habang kinakawayan ang mga assistant niya. Napayuko si Zoey.
"Meron po akong dress na dala. Pero color black po." sagot ni Zoey.
"You are too young to wear black." Sagot ni Tita Kaye. Inabot ng assistant niya ang isang gown na nakaplastic.
"I think this will fit you." Binigay ni Tita Kaye ang isang Old Rose color na gown kay Zoey.
"Sige na Zoey. Hindi ka din naman titigilan ni Tita Kaye. Sukat mo lang then kung ayaw mo, okay lang din." I encourage her. Tumungo si Zoey pero ramdam kong nahihiya siya.

"Tara na sa kwarto mo Cailee. Let's go Zoey. I will be your fairygod mother." Hinila kami ni Tita Kaye papunta sa room ko. Kasunod namin ang mg assistant ni Tita Kaye.

Habang nilalagyan ako ng hair curler ng hairstylist, si Tita Kaye naman ay naging busy kay Zoey.
Zoey and I were pampered the whole day.

"Gosh...hindi ko nakilala ang sarili ko." Sabi ni Zoey habang nakatingin sasalamin suot ang hown na binigay ni Tita Kaye.
Nangiti ako. My make up is done but I am still in my robe.

"Jean, or should I call you Cailee?" Nakangiti si Zoey sa akin.
"Jean would be fine Zoey. Thank you for coming with me."
"I want to give this to you. I know it's not too much but I did it myself.Happy Birthday." Nahihiyang inabot sa akin ni Zoey ang isang draw string namaliit na bag.
"It's not the price of gift Zoey. Your presence in here is more than a gift tome." Pinipigilan kong hindi maiyak. Binuksan ko ang bag at kinuha ko ang laman.It is a rosary bracelet made with pearls.
"It is made from raw pearls galing sa La Union. Hindi kasi ako marunongmagkinis kaya medyo rough yung surface." Zoey shyly explained.

Niyakap ko si Zoey. "I love it. Thank you Zoey."  And I dab a tissue at my eyes para hindimasira ang make up ko. Sinuot ko ang bracelet na binigay niya and she smiled.

Kinakabahan akong bumaba sa hagdanan. A spot light is following my move. Asmile plaster at my face but my eyes is looking for a certain person from thecrowd.

The emcee started the program, a video played at the screen but I haven't seenGab. All of the greetings were passed through my ears because I am notlistening. I am looking for Gab.

Nagsimula na ang 18 roses and my first dance is my dad.

Cat calls coming from his friends are thrown when my dad simply dry a tear that escape from his eye. When a music started, my dad which I don't think knows how to dance, handed me a pink rose, glide me at the center of the ballroom and guide me to waltz.

"You know how to waltz..." I told him in surprise.
"Maliit na bagay baby girl." He replied smirking but his eyes are so soft looking at me.
"You became a young lady in front of me but you will always be my baby girl."

Damn... daddy made me cry...
He stops dancing. Dried my tears with his thumb. Kissed my forehead and gave my hand to Uncle Kyle.
My stiff Uncle who loves me so much dance me with waltz that made Auntie Sam teary eyed.

My third partner is Uncle Renz followed by my brother Carlos. Then Jon, King, Rome and so on.

Kinakabahan ako habang papalapit ang 18th na partner ko. Tito Ayano is my 17th partner and when he stopped dancing with me I waited until he gave my hand to Gab.

Kinuha ni Tito Ayano lahat ng rose na hawak ko so my hand is empty. Gab gave me my 18th rose. I put my left hand on his shoulder, his hand on my waist. And he hold my right hand and started to waltz.

He is tall... Way taller than me and he is dancing this waltz like he is a prince from my favorite tale.
He is looking at me with those blue eyes and I am lost... I forgot that there are eyes following us. I forgot the outside world. All I care is our little world.Him and I. Dancing in waltz.
He is so handsome in his tux. And I was dreaming of this day for so long.

"Happy birthday." He whispered.
I smiled at him and I saw he smile back.
"Thank you. And I am so glad you are here. Akala ko pinagtataguan mo na ako."

He twirl me around and didn't say anything more. I am praying that this waltzwill never end. But my prayer was not answered. The music started to fade and Ineed to stop.

Nagpatuloy ang program and Gab didn't leave beside me. I am in cloud nine, I amso happy. I keep my 18th rose because it is from Gab. I asked Khalto put it at my bed para hindi mawala. She winked at me and went inside ourhouse.

Nagpatuloy ang program... gifts were being given, wishes were made. I blew my 18thcandles and we dance after the program. Gab is quiet although sometimes I cansee him laugh with our friends.
I have a funny feeling that something is not right that I can't shake it off.

It's after 12am when Gab whispered to me.

"I need to talk to you." He said. I smiled at him but I got nervous.
"Doon tayo sa gazebo." I whispered back. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko and heguided me para makalabas kami sa dance floor papunta sa gazebo.

I tried to smile but my smile froze whenhe let go of my hand and he put his hands in his pocket.

"Whats wrong?" I asked.
He looked at me and I saw a dead blue... An emotionless eyes. Eyes that aredifferent from the person I know.

"I'm leaving...for good." He said.
"Wha...Why? When?" Sunod-sunod na tanong ko.
"I just wanted to fulfill my promise to you that I will dance you on yourdebut.  But this will be the last timethat I will be here." Gab said.
"Bakit? Gab. Hindi kita maintindihan... Paano ako? Paano tayo?" Naguguluhang tanong ko.
"Cailee. There is no us..." He said it like he is talking to a child.

And when his words sink in... my tears stated to fall...