Her Romeo Has a Gun

o1 | Dark Alley

"Happy birthday, anak."

I smiled as my mom greeted me. She hugged me tight and kissed me on the cheeks.

"Thanks, Mom." I returned the hug as well.

"Happy 20th birthday, Paige. I'll give your gift when you get home later. It's a surprise." Dad laughed and kissed my forehead.

I smiled at him and nodded. I hope it's a condo. Matagal ko na silang kinukulit ni Mom about it, I wanna be independent and live on my own.

They don't like the idea 'cause I'm their only daughter. Ayaw daw nilang mahiwalay ako.

"Come on, Paige. They're already waiting at the bar."

Brian said while saying goodbye to my parents. He's my cousin, just a year older than me.

Nandito kami sa bahay, just having a simple dinner to celebrate my 20th birthday. Relatives lang ang kasama ko ngayon because my friends are waiting for me at BGC. Dun ang celebration namin.

I said my goodbyes to them. Auntie Fely, mom's sister and his husband, Uncle Roman reminded us to be safe and have fun. They are Brian's parents.

"Ingat. Drive safe, anak." Pahabol ni Dad bago kami tuluyang lumabas.

I got into my car and started driving. Brian drove his own car too, dun nalang kami sa bar magkikita.

Nauna na dun ang iba ko pang pinsan, sadyang sinamahan lang ako ni Brian sa family dinner kanina. Siya kasi ang pinakaclose ko sa mga pinsan ko.

When I arrived at the bar, I immediately saw my friends and cousins. Mukhang kanina pa sila nagsimula.

"The birthday girl is here!"

After a lot of birthday greetings, I sat down beside my bestfriend Isis and started ordering drinks for everybody.

I blended in the crowded dance floor and danced my heart out. My friends and cousins joined me. It felt like hours before I felt tired and decided to sit down.

I busied myself with drinks while talking to my cousins.

"Anong gift nila Tito sayo, Paige?" Tanong ng pinsan kong si Rachel.

"Did they finally let you have your own condo?" Singit ni Paolo, pinsan ko rin.

Martin, another cousin of mine, laughed. "I doubt it. Tito is so overprotective. Baka hayaan lang nilang humiwalay si Paige once she turns thirty."

They all laughed. Napasimangot ako. The thought is not farfetched but I hope na hindi dadating sa ganun. I love my parents but sometimes I wish they are not that overprotective.

I sighed. "Pag-uwi ko nalang daw mamaya yung gift. I really wish it's a condo or apartment na malapit sa university."

"Let's hope the birthday girl gets her wish." Brian patted my head and drank his beer.

Maya-maya pa ay hinila ako ng bestfriend kong si Isis palayo sa mga pinsan ko. "Guys, hiramin ko muna si Paige."

My cousins just nodded at her. Kilala nila si Isis, di titigil ang isang 'to.

"Come on Paige, let's dance some more. Today's your day bitch so let's celebrate!"

I rolled my eyes at her. Yeah, she calls me bitch, term of endearment niya raw sakin. The first time she called me that, I flipped her off while she just laughed. Siguro natuwa siya sa pagkairita ko kaya simula nun, palagi na niya kong tinatawag ng ganun. And after a while, nasanay na ko so I just let her.

"I think I'll pass Isis, kanina pa tayo nagsasayaw."

"Loosen up, birthday girl. Our friends are on the dance floor, tara!" Her drink tipped over and some spilled on my feet while she's tugging at me.