Fall Out

Chapter 18

Surprise

I already made up with my parents last week. Hindi sila umalis noong Linggo, so we went to church Sunday morning and I apologized to Mommy. Kahit naman kasi masama ang loob ko sa kanila, ayoko pa rin na hindi kami maayos. We're still famili, after all.

I'm on my way to Anne's house. It's her 15th birthday today. I am wearing a navy blue v neck spaghetti straps applique short dress, partnered with black heels. Nilugay ko lang ang buhok kong natural na may wave sa baba.

My phone rang, and I answered Ryker's call.

"Ryker."

"Hello, Babe." He said in a playful tone. He's back on calling me babe. I rolled my eyes with that.

"What's up? Why did you call?" I lazily asked.

"I have a surprise for you." Sinabi niya iyon na halatang may ngiti sa labi.

"Surprise? Nagkakamali ka yata, it's not me who's throwing a birthday party."

"Hindi lang sa birthday nagsusurprise, Aria. I can even surprise you on our wedding."

I rolled my eyes. Wala talagang matinong sasabihin.

"Bye."

"Hindi ka naman mabiro! Basta, you'll see my surprise. See you at the party."

I sighed. "Okay, see you." I ended the call.

Kuya Carlo already parked the car. Bumaba na ako at dumiretso sa loob. Binati ako ng mga ilang kakilala ko, I greeted them back. I wander my eyes around to find Noelle. She said she's already here.

"Ate!" Tumatakbong lumapit sakin si Anne. She's wearing a dark red glittered short homecoming dress.

"Happy birthday!" I look at her from head to foot. "You're so gorgeous." I kissed her cheeks and hugged her.

"You are, too!" She giggled. Nagpaalam na siya para batiin ang ibang bisita. Tinuro naman niya sakin ang table na nakareserve para samin. Nilagay ko muna sa lalagyanan ng gifts yung regalo ko kay Anne bago pumunta sa table. Noelle is already sitting there. She's wearing a simple black dress. Beside her is Dustin, wearing a black dress shirt and maong pants.

Bumeso muna ako kay Noelle bago ako umupo sa tabi niya sa pabilog na lamesa.

"Kanina pa kayo dito?" I asked them.

"Nope. Just got here." Noelle answered. "Nakita mo na si Anne?"

"Yeah. Nabati ko na."

"Yung kuya nakita mo na?" She asked with a teasing smile.

"Hindi pa." My forehead creased. "What's with the smile?"

"Huh? Nothing."

"Hey." Napaangat ang tingin ko sa malumanay na boses na kumuha ng atensyon ko. Agad kong napansin ang itsura niya. Wren is wearing a maroon dress shirt tucked in black jeans, the three buttons of his shirt were open, revealing some skin of his chest. Nakatupi ang manggas nito hanggang siko. I can also smell his manly sent.

Napabalik ako mula sa pag pansin sa ayos niya. "Hi! Busy?" Napansin ko din kasi na mukha siyang maraming inasikaso.

"Hindi na." Umupo si Wren sa tabi ko. "Kumain ka na?" Tanong niya sakin at tumingin siya kila Noelle. "Kayo?"

Tumayo sila bago sumagot. "We'll get our food."

"Ikaw? Kumain ka na?" Tanong ko din. Nanlaki ang mata niya. I'm not sure if it was from my question.