Two Steps Behind

Second birthday

After the New Year's eve party, we stayed in California for a few more days before flying back to New York. It was a great holiday that we spent with our family. Sobrang natuwa ako sa ginawa ni Devin for my family. She cooked and served them hearty meals na talaga namang nagustuhan ng pamilya ko. Minsan, hindi nila naiiwasang tuksuhin kami ni Devin. Pero the breakfast we had the day after the New year's eve party, had set the record straight to our families. Masaya naman ako at naintindihan nila ang point ko.

Devin most especially, had been very considerate about my decision. Kaya panatag akong, kakayanin na namin kahit ano pang problemang dumating. Although, I must admit, natatakot din ako sa araw na hilingin ni Devin ang kanyang kalayaan. Yung araw na sasabihin niyang ayaw na niyang maghintay kasi pagod na siya. Thinking of that day scares me more than anything.

Pero sa kabilang banda, I wouldn't be angry at her kung sakali mang mapagod siyang maghintay. Back to reality na kami. We are both getting busier at school, lalo na't nalalapit na ang second year namin. This second semester at school is crucial to us both.

Lalo na kay Devin, dahil sa second year niya ay pipili na ito ng concentration sa studies niya ng music. Idagdag pa ang pag-sign nila ng recording contract with Cara's father. Last month, they recorded three songs for their album. They decided to release only five songs for this album. Majority was Devin's original composition, only two songs were a collaboration between Devin and the other members of the band.

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Myrtle's POV:

Six days bago magbirthday si Devin. I have been planning to surprise her. Kaya nga kami may secret meeting ng mga kabandmates niya at ng best friend niyang si Batch. They all agreed to help me surprise her.

"So ano na bang naisip mong gawin?" tanong ni Cara sa akin.

"I wanted to try and sing for her too, pero ayaw ko ng tulad ng ginawa niyo for my birthday. I wanted somewhere private." nahihiya kong sabi kay Cara.

"Any particular song in mind?" sabat naman ni Aria.

"Habits by Tove Lo." tugon ko sa kanya.

"Okay, kaya namin yan tugtugin." pagkumpirma naman ni Drei.

"Tapos ano pang plan mo?" Sabi naman ni Batch.

"Uhm, I honestly can't think of anything, Batch." I admitted to her.

"Hmmm... How about giving her a stuffed bear? The ones you make on your own, yung pwede mo lagyan ng voice recording." sabi naman ni Charlie

"Oo nga, diba she gave you a panda bear on your first birthday na nagkakilala kayo diba?" sabi naman ni Arden.

"Oo nga. That's a great idea." I said to Arden.

"Pero teka pala, I have a lot of things to do for school this week. I can't squueze in practicing a song." nalulungkot kong sabi.

"We can shoot you a music video instead." Charlie said.

"So, music video and a bear with your recorded voice message, tapos siguro magdinner na lang tayo sa bahay." Cara offered.

"Yes, girl." sabi ko naman kay Cara.

"Okay, let's shoot your video na." Sabi naman ni Charlie.

"Agad-agad today?" I said.

"Myrtle, pag pinagpabukas pa natin yan eh baka hindi na natin magawa. Ngayon na, habang may time pa tayo. Buti nga naniwala si Devin na may emergency kami eh." gatong naman ni Cara.

"Uhm, okay. Fine." sabi ko na sa kanila.

We shot the video that same day, buti na lang at magaling mag-edit ng video si Charlie at Arden. Lahat ng ito ay sa laptop lang nila ginawa. After our shoot, Batch and I went to the mall.