I can't [On-Going]

11

• Alexandra's •
(Throwback chapter)

"Meet my cousin, Evan. He'll also gonna study with us sa UST." Aspen said while holding his right shoulder.

Nakipag-kamay kami kay Evan, kwinento ni Aspen why we haven't meet him during birthdays niya and gathering events na ginagawa ni tita. Noon syempre, when we're still in primary grade.

It is because he lived in Canada and since di naman kasi daw siya nag titino doon kaya pina-uwi muna siya ng Pilipinas. He'll be living kanila Aspen for four years. Then, Evan can go back to Canada.

"Don't worry Evan. You're in good hands. Makaka-balik ka sa Canada na walang labis at walang kulang. Four years lang naman diba ang requirements ng mom mo?" Sabi ni Lilac ng pabiro sa kanya. Grabe mabubuhay si Lilac kahit saan basta marunong lang mag so-socialize, walang ikina-hihiya eh.

"Anyway, Overnight na kayo later sa bahay. May pa small welcome party si mama para saamin na naka balik galing abroad and to Evan. You know her, she likes parties and baking. Namiss din kayo nun."

"Sure naman. Miss ko narin yung mga pa-party ni tita. Been what? Five years, already?" Sabi naman ni Lilac. "Ikaw Peter? Sama ka?"

Napatingin naman kaming lahat kay Peter. Wala naman kasing problema saamin nila Xander and Lilac kasi mag ka-kapitbahay lang naman. At magkaka-kilala naman mga parents namin. So natural, okay lang talaga mag overnight kami.

"Well.. kung okay lang." Sabi ni Peter. Nahihiya parin kasi siya kay Asper, new found friend nami eh.

"Of course, Mom likes new faces. Besides, we're already friends. She likes it na kilala niya mga friends ko."

Then, it's settled. We packed our things from our houses at dumeretso kanila Aspen.

They don't have pool like Lilac's but they have a huge backyard. 200 square meters for there entire lot. Half of the 200 sqr meters is their backyard.

The backyard is decorated by a bunch of fairy lights. Huge table that looks like a 20 seaters. Tita really likes parties.

Nakarating na kami sa kanila. Three storey yung bahay nila; First floor is like a studio or an Office to both Doctors. Tita likes to teach arts for her day offs. She doesn't like kasi na walang ginagawa. Office, kasi if each couple has a birthday, parang birthday celebration nila is a free check-up. Lucky neighbors.

"Oh dear! It's good to see you all." Sinalubong kami ni Tita at isa-isang hinalikan sa pisngi. She doesn't like a Filipino greetings, ibang Bansa lumaki eh. Dito lang pinag-aral at nag settle down.

"Why, why. There's a new face." She said while looking at Peter.

Peter greeted her naman and attempt na mag-mano sakanya but into our surprise, she gladly accept the greeting. Nag tinginan nalang kami kasi di namin inaasahan yung nangyari. Knowing Tita she's quite a European cultured person.

"Aspen, who's this gentleman right here?" Sabi ni tita na nakatingin parin kay Peter.

"Oh, he's Peter. Their friend since highschool."

"It's nice to meet you young man.." she said and look at us with a meaningful face.. "As always, enjoy the party."

Sabi ni Aspen, di kami makiki-salo sa mga matatanda sa backyard. Instead pumunta kami sa Second floor ng bahay nila, which is the Living Room, Kitchen and Dinning room.