A Teacher's Diary

Mom's 60th Birthday

September 14, 2014

Sunday

3:45 AM - Mom woke me up to tell me na itext si Uncle Manny para itanong kung luluwas dito sa Manila. Halos kakatulog ko lang dahil ewan ko. Antok na antok na ko pero hindi naman ako nakatulog agad kagabi. I complied pero aantok-antok pa din ako. Paniwalang-paniwala ata talaga siya na pupunta sila sa Tagaytay. But actually, it's a ploy for her surprise birthday party.

Last night, I had my uniforms soaked in soap and water so I could wash them today. I know I won't have time to do laundry today. EJ and I decided to meet at 10 AM.

After I washed my uniforms, I decided to watch The Dark Knight. I've been longing to watch a movie or read a new book and today I feel doing it. I was in the climax when Ate Wina called. She's telling me to get ready and help them pick up the cake and the ice cream so we could go ahead in the venue. I was thinking of EJ but he's not answering when I called. I paused the movie and decided to continue watching later. After a while EJ called back and said he's on his way. It was already past 11 AM. I hurriedly took a bath but mom arrived home. I don't know what I should do or what alibi I would make. I immediately changed into sandals since I was already wearing my Converse shoes. She'll be suspiscious if she sees me dressed that way. When I got out, I told her I'll go to Ate Wina's house to print something and it's urgent since what she knows is that they're going somewhere. She told me to bring pancit bihon and doughnuts. I waited and it's favorable on my part since I haven't eaten lunch or breakfast yet. Nakalusot. Hindi ko nga lang naalalang magdala ng spoon or fork. I rode a tricycle para mabilis na. Ate Wina replied to me that they're waiting in All Homes.

When I arrived, we went to Pateros to pick up the cake and ice cream. It suddenly rained hard. We we're on our way to the venue when EJ said he's having a hard time riding a jeep going to Tipas. I told him I'll fetch him somewhere after I helped unload the car but he replied that I should just wait.

Fitz was there. I was avoiding any eye contact with him because well... it's still awkward for me. Fitz was the coordinator of the party. He helped my sister organize and complete it. He will also host the event. Though, Fitz has his wife now.. I still feel uneasy with him. He courted me a long time ago and he's a nice guy. And.. I am guilty for breaking his heart.

I saw Jenny sitting near a store just in front of the Pavillion, the event's place. However, since she's busy texting and I am busy texting, I let her be. Then a little later, I found out she went home. Dang! What was she thinking? >_<

I told EJ to go to Dambanang Kawayan and I'll fetch him from there. He was there and he said how hassle it was to travel on a rainy season.

There was face painting for the kids. EJ and I planned to have our own paint, on his left hand and on my right. Something that can be connected as one - like a heart. Unfortunately, the face painter packed up very early.

We readied ourselves. Everything was set up. Some of the guests were on stand by mode. I changed into my 'I ♥ mom' white tshirt we bought yesterday at the Landmark and fixed myself. I also took photographs.

The kids wearing their white tshirt saying 'I love my grandma this much' with a matchstick human extending his arms. Other guests arrived. Last was mom. She was blindfolded. Lead by my sister, Vixen.

Then it was time...

The blindfold was removed. The party poppers popped. Snapped. They all shouted and greeted her happy birthday. Snapped. People walked towards her. Snapped. Ka Baby kissed her. Snapped. She was smiling.Snapped.

A moment of happiness being captured.

"Hindi ko lubos na akalain.", she said.

***