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The Celebration

Earn told me yesterday that his 21st birthday is on Saturday, and he invited me and our friends.

Yesterday, I also asked my Dad about the Trevor family, and he told me that Earn’s mom and dad were close friends of his. So, basically, we’ve known each other for a long time, we just don’t remember.

“I was 9 years old when we went to Thailand to have my grandpa treated.  And I was 10 years old when I hit my head, so maybe that’s why I don’t remember you. I had temporary amnesia back then” Earn explained.

That’s what we talked about yesterday. That’s the reason why he doesn’t remember me. Well, same for me too. But in my case, it’s because of my disease.

“Daddy, sa Saturday na pala birthday ni Earn” I said.

“Yeah, Mr. Trevor invited us to come to the celebration” Dad said.

I already told Dad that I met Earn and that we’re friends now. He said it’s okay, aside from that, Earn is a good guy, so nothing to worry about.

“Yanni, sama ka rin ha” I said.

“Pasensya, Tine. Susunduin ko kasi yung pinsan ko sa Sabado. Dating niya” Yanni said.

“Tine, message mo ko ha pag nasa hotel kana” Alana said.

Earn invited our friends too, but only Alana and Alizah were available that day. So, at the party, I could only talk to Alizah, Alana, and Earn. Before, I didn’t attend parties like these because first of all, I didn’t know anyone, then I’d just get bored.

It’s Friday today, and I decided to ask Yanni to go with me to buy a gift for Earn.  Of course, it’s embarrassing to go to a party without a gift.

“Yanni, anong magandang gift?” I asked.

We were at the mall.  Of course, before we went, we asked for permission from Dad.

“Ikaw bahala. Tatanggapin naman niya siguro kahit anong ibigay mo” Yanni said.

We went into a store that sold guy stuff. We went to the polo section.

“Yanni, this blue or this black?” I asked, showing her the two polos I was holding. For the past few weeks that I’ve been with Earn, I’ve noticed that he only wears blue or black, so I assumed those two colors are his favorites.

“Tine, sa tingin ko, marami ng damit yung batang iyon. Try mo siyang regaluhan ng, you know, may meaning” Yanni suggested.

Well, she’s right. Earn had everything in his life. That’s why it’s hard for me to choose what gift to give him. Yeah, I know him, but not totally. Until we went to the watch section.

“You’re right, Yanni. I think I know what to give him” I said.

I picked up a watch that was on display.  It was silver, like a bracelet style, thin.

“Relo?” Yanni asked.

“Yes, Yanni. Diba, you told me na gift na may meaning, and this is the perfect example. This represents time. Oras na dapat pahalagahan natin lahat, kasi, hindi natin alam kung kailan ito matatapos. So, as long as we’re alive, we need to enjoy our life to the fullest” I explained.

After buying the gift, I was actually nervous. I know Earn has a lot of watches, but I couldn’t think of anything else.  The next day…

After lunch, by the way, Dad wasn’t going to work today because he was also invited. By 4 pm, I’ll wear a black fitted velvet dress paired with black Parisian 4-inch high heels. Then, I’ll curl my hair and put on light makeup.