BORROWED TIME

52

B E A T R I Z

When would you know that you are already starting to get over everything?

Ako kasi...I am feeling something strange inside of me for the past two months. There's a very familiar and strong feeling inside of me that I am feeling about her.

And I can't help it. That everytime we get close, I would always feel that sensation that I've never felt before.

And I am just so afraid that my intuition is true. That I am starting to like her.

"Bei? Is that thought of yours, too deep that you felt like drowning?"

I looked at the person who asked me.

"Ahh.. What kuya? Did you said something?"

He just smirked then shook his head.

"I've been asking you for twenty minutes now about Jhoana's birthday. Naisip ko kasi, since Jhoana has been with us for the past four months, why don't we throw a birthday celebration for her? After all, she is already a part of the family. But, I guess you're not the right person right now to ask for suggestions."

Whut????

"Birthday na ni Jhoana?"

My kuya immediately slapped his forehead in dismay.

"What the fudge Isabel Beatriz de Leon. You really are out of your mind right now. I'll let you find yourself first. Then talk to me if you are already in your element. See you later li'l sis."

He stood up from the sofa and went upstairs.

"Sh*t. Jho's gonna celebrate her birthday here? With us?" I uttered nonchalantly.

Fvck. What to do now?????

~~~~~~~~~~~

"So Jho, how do you plan to celebrate your birthday?"

I stopped for a while then went back from eating as if I didn't hear my mom asking Jho about her coming birthday.

"Ahm, I don't have any plans po tita. Maybe we could just celebrate here in your house. Ako pong magluluto para sa inyo." she smiled but her eyes are looking sad.

"Ayaw mo bang umuwi, Jho? So that you can celebrate with your family?"

I asked.

"Pwede ba?" She surprisingly asked me back. And then I saw a glimmer of hope from her eyes.

Is this the right thing to do? Hahayaan ko na naman ba siyang umuwi ulit, without knowing if she can still come back here?

"Gusto mo ba?" I asked her back.

Silence filled our dinner. And her shiny eyes went gloomy as her facial expression suddenly changed from excited to undecisive.

"Alam mo...hindi ko naman talaga kailangang umuwi para makapag-celebrate ng birthday. I'm gonna stay here and just let my birthday pass by. I have a job to do." she smiled lightly.

Tsss. So pretentious. 😶

"Okay." I just replied then we continued eating.

Now guys. Tell me?

How can I help to make Jho's birthday memorable here with us? With me?

~~~~~~~~~~

J H O A N A

"I'm happy that you are starting to be better, Bea. The x-ray results are saying it. Slowly, your broken bones are being healed. And who knows? Maybe after two or three months, we're going to remove your fixator. By the way, kumusta naman yung left leg mo after removing the cast?"