Since Then, Till Now

10

Chapter 10

"Happy Birthday, Lana!" they all shouted.

Natulala ako nang makita ko sila Mommy, Daddy, Tito and Tita sa likod ni Latch. They were all wearing a party hat and Latch is in the middle, holding a cake with a lit candle.

Tulala akong lumapit sa cake. I made a wish before I blew the candle.

More time with the people I love.

"Yey! Surprise!" Mommy said before planting a kiss on my forehead.

"Dalaga ka na, Anak! Hindi pa ready si Daddy..." He grabbed my head and kissed the top of it.

"Daddy, fifteen pa lang po, may eighteen pa," I reminded him. He chuckled.

When I turned to Tita Lani, she was already waiting with arms wide open. She was frowning, too, so I smiled at her. "You're still my baby. No exceptions," she whispered.

"Got it, Tita. Thank you! " She smiled.

"You're growing up so fast, Lana!" said Tito Dylon while pulling me for a hug.

"I'll stop growing for you, Tito," I joked.

He laughed at it. "Please no, Lana. Continue growing to be the fine lady that you are." I smiled and thanked him.

"Happy Birthday, Lana Natt," Latch said softly. He smiled at me.

I rolled my eyes and failed to hide a smile. "Ganda ng bungad mo ah, Lana Natt," I said mocking him.

He chuckled and pulled me for a hug. "Dalaga ka na," he teased. Hinampas ko naman siya sa likod.

"Pareho na tayo," aniko nang matapos ang yakap. He rolled his eyes while smiling.

"Thank you." I smiled. He smiled back.

Tumingin ako sa langit at nakita ang maraming bituin. It's midnight... They waited 'til midnight to surprise me...

What did I do to deserve these people, really...

Maaga akong nagising pagkatapos naming matulog ulit dahil masyado pa namang maaga noong sinurpresa nila ako. Nag-prepare na ako kaagad dahil sabi nila ay may roadtrip at camping kami ngayon.

After I got ready, I lightly packed my stuff. I picked off some clothes, my essentials, powerbank, and my polaroid camera. Nang makababa ako ay nag breakfast na kami at nag handa.

"Nag plano talaga kayo, huh?" aniko kay Latch na naglalagay ng mg gamit sa back compartment ng kotse.

Ang dami kasi nilang dala. May ilang tent, may coolers, may barbeque stand pa na ina-assemble, marami ring bags at pagkain. Mukhang planadong planado.

Kumuha ako roon ng isang chichirya bago kami pumasok sa kotse.

The roadtrip was great. It was fun. Nagtatawanan at nagkwe-kwentuhan lang kami the whole ride. Kumakain lang kami ni Latch ng snacks kapag hindi kami makarelate sa usapan nila Mommy. Nakabukas lang din ang mga bintana kaya nalalanghap namin ang masarap na hangin.

"Aray! Paepal!" Hinampas ako ni Latch ng neck pillow sa mukha. "Feeling ko nalunod ako slight!"

Tumawa siya. "Tara na. Nandito na tayo," aniya at kinuha ang dala kong bag tska bumaba.

I mouth went 'o' the moment I saw where we are. Maraming puno at iba't ibang halaman, ang lake sa gilid ay kumikinang dahil sa sinag ng araw, kita rin ang bundok sa banda namin, damo ang inaapakan ko at may naririnig akong mga huni ng ibon. Nature.