Have You Seen This Girl

Chapter 60 When I find you, I'll find me

Chapter 60

The next morning, I was disturbed in the middle of my deep slumber. I heard noises, but I haven't opened my eyes yet. I'm still sleepy because of my early celebration this midnight. I feel like my muscles are swollen.

"Althea, gising na!" someone yelled. I need not to guess who that person is. I mentally furled my eyeballs. I rolled my body around the bed and made a human-sized burrito of myself. I can't wake up just yet. I need more time with my bed. Can't she-they just respect it? Goodness.

Somebody snatched my blanket and I that did it. Tumayo na ako at akmang sisigawan siya nang makarinig ako ng mga taong kumakanta ng isang birthday song. That hit me. It's official. It's my eighteenth birthday today. September 1, 2012. Starting today, I have to tame myself. Pwede na akong makulong. Shame!

"Guys, this is just too much!" I sobbed when I saw them throwing some home-made confettis. Aicelle's wearing this weird yet cute headdress-which I find a bit inappropriate because she's stealing some of my thunder for today.

I have never been this surprised. Sure, some of my classmates back in high school pulled some drama to amaze me during our school days but none of those has measured to this. Especially now that I'm treating most of these kids as friends-not friends I-can't-live-without type, you know. But somehow, since I have become linked with the ACES, I started to have a life. Outside my self-made bubble. Outside my walls. I'm learning to rebuild myself again. It was never easy, but seeing these bunch of cool fellow smile makes my heart melt down to the earth's crust.

"Well, too much sleeping is really too much," Mitch corrected. She pulled my arm. "Get up now, young lady. Don't spoil your muscles and just sweat it," she added.

They agreed in unison.

"Ate Princess, wake up na po. Let's bond some more," Princess demanded. I was about to pinch her cheeks when I realized she's not a stuff toy. Well, she looks like one.

"Jah, bangon na," Nick said. Everyone teased us. My face blushed a bit. And I know that it's only because I'm too shy with the way I look. Messed up, morning face.

"Nag-text pala si Ma'am Iza, happy birthday daw," wika ni Keith.

"Oh, really? I'll check my phone and give her a ring. Thanks for that, bro," I kidded.

Nagkunwari siyang nasusuka. That was very funny, though.

Tumingin ako sa paligid. Bukod sa agaw-atensyon na kalat sa kwarto namin ngayon, kapansin-pansin na kakaiba ang liwanag ng araw mula sa labas. Maybe the sun has risen perfectly for me today. At least, that's what I want to believe. I want to tell myself that this day would be special. I don't know why. I just know.

"We'll wait for you outside, pardz," Japh said.

"Kumain na ba kayo ng breakfast?" tanong ko.

Tumawa silang lahat. Did I say something wrong? Mabaho ba hininga ko? Nakakainsulto naman 'yung tawa nilang 'yun. They could have just said it right away.

"Bakit?" naguguluhang tanong ko sa kanila. "What's funny?" dagdag ko. Nakakunot ang aking noo. Kinapa ng mga paa ko ang tsinelas ko. Nag-inat ako sandali at dinama ko ang aircon ng kwarto namin.

"Breakfast is over, babe," ani ni Mitch. "Tanghali na." She grinned.

Natigil ang hindi ko pa nakukumpletong hikab. Agad na umikot ang ulo ko sa kanila. "What?!" I screamed.

"Yes, you're welcome," sagot niya. Malakas na halakhak ang tinugon ng iba. I slept like a pro, but who cares? It's my birthday. Give me a moment of glory.