Unbind the Strings

Seventeen

He drove me home that night and went back to his family. The next day his sister was discharged from the hospital. He called me to let me know I have nothing to worry about. He kept on apologizing because of what happened that night.

After a few weeks, we're finally done with the preparations for my birthday. We already sent the invitations to my guest and handed them in person. We had to organize everything so that it will be easy for us to start the event.

"Hey, sleep early tonight, okay? Tomorrow's your day, kailangan mong mag beauty rest." Mommy said while stroking my hair and smiling. Without her, I wouldn't think I can do this alone. How I wish my Dad is here with me too.

"Yes, ma. You should sleep too. Pagod ka, marami kang inasikaso." I smiled and hugged her tightly.

I went upstairs and took a shower before going to bed. I looked at the wall clock and realized that it's almost my birthday. I don't know if I should do a countdown and wait for it or just sleep and see for it tomorrow.

I did my skin care and applied some lotion before looking around my room. I just feel so happy and relieved that everything's falling into place. I was about to lie down the bed when my phone vibrated.

It was a text from Jay saying,

"Gising ka pa?"

I replied, "Tulog na. HAHAHAHAHA." he called me immediately after seeing my reply.

"Happy birthday, my love." he was the first one who greeted me today.

I am touched by his greeting. "Aw! Thank you baby. Why are you not sleeping yet?" I said while brushing my hair, sitting down in my bed.

"I wanna be the first one to greet you a happy birthday. You should be sleeping already, why are you still up?" his voice sounded like he's tired pero sinusubukan niya paring ayusin ang tono ng boses niya.

"Actually I was about to sleep na nung nag text ka. Thank you. I appreciate the thought of you wanting to greet me first..." I said before smiling through the phone. This man is really something.

"Sleep now, you have to wake up early for later's party. I can't wait to see you..." he told me in a sweet manner.

"Goodnight. Pumunta ka, ha! Ikaw ang escort ko!" I said, about to end the call.

"Of course, hindi ako papayag na hindi kita makita bukas. Goodnight. I love you." He ended the call after we exchanged the three words. I can finally sleep with a good heart. I prayed before going to bed, wishing that everything's going to be alright later.

"Good morning, Cali! Happy birthday, anak." my mom greeted me as soon as she saw me going down the stairs. I saw some of our relatives in the living room, getting ready for tonight. It's been a long time since I saw them.

"Happy birthday, Ate Thalia!" My nephews and nieces used to call me Thalia even before we moved here in Tagaytay. I patted their heads and smiled before going to the kitchen to grab some milk. I asked them if they already ate and they just nodded at me. They are playing and watching the television before they greeted me.

Some of my aunts greeted me as well and kissed me on my cheeks. "Later na ang regalo, ha?" One of my tita said. Halos lahat sakanila nakaahon na sa hirap and I am so happy kase we are bringing each other up together.