Apart but Chained

chapter thirty-six

"Happy birthday, hijo."

I backed away when Madam Cynthia walked up to Magnus, kissing him on his cheek.

"Thank you, Tita," Magnus answered, showing her a small smile.

"Cel darling," Madam Cynthia called, "greet your friend here."

Celestine was standing behind her. She glanced at me shortly before she walked toward Magnus and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

"Happy birthday," she flatly greeted.

Magnus pursed his lips before he slowly nodded, creasing out an awkward smile.

"Thanks, Cel," he answered and glanced at me before he looked back at Madam Cynthia. "Ahh, Tita, Mom's there with Dad—"

"Oh, Tate?" Madam Cynthia discontinued, peering over me. She eyed me from my head to toe before her eyes went back to mine, her one brow was arched up.

"G-good evening po," I greeted.

"You're with Magnus? Are you two together?"

Walang sumagot sa 'min ni Magnus. Hindi ako makasagot dahil parang nawalan na ako ng boses dahil sa tingin niya. Ganitong-ganito ako lagi kapag kaharap ko na siya, kahit dati pa.

Bago pa may sumagot sa aming dalawa ni Magnus, tinabihan na siya ni Celestine.

"Obviously, Mom," sagot niya. "Let's just go and see Tita Evie and Tito Malvin."

She pulled Madam Cynthia toward where Tita Evie and Tito Malvin were. When I was alone with Magnus, I breathed in relief. Hindi na ata talaga ako masasanay sa presensya niya, dagdag pa si Celestine. Nakaka-intimidate sila.

"Hey, you okay?" Magnus nudged me who sounded worried. I gave him a small smile and a nod, still couldn't seem to find my voice.

I excused myself from our blockmates and went back to the table that Mama and Tash occupied. Hinatid ako ni Magnus at tumayo sina Tash at Mama nang makita kami.

"Maligayang kaarawan, hijo," bati ni Mama.

"Tita Thelma, you're here, too?!" sabi ni Magnus na gulat na gulat bago niyakap si Mama. "Tingin ko alam ko na kung kanino namana ni Tate 'yung pagiging scammer niya."

Bumitaw sila sa yakap at sumunod naman si Tash na bumati, "Happy birthday ulit, Kuya! Sana nagustuhan mo 'to."

"And you, little scammer of the family," sagot ni Magnus at niyakap din si Tash. "I know you planned this. Nahawaan mo na si Ate sa pagiging ganito."

Nagtawanan kami. Medyo umayos na ang pakiramdam ko at kahit papa'no nawala na sa isipan ko 'yung pagkikita namin kanina ni Madam Cynthia.