You Belong With Me

Twenty One.

I wiped my tears harshly. Ayokong magpa-apekto sa estupidong iyon!

To feel better, I soaked myself on the tub. After nearly an hour of bathing, umahon ako at nag-shower na. When I was done, I did my make up.

I am going out alone! I just want to be alone!

While I was putting on my blush, I glanced at the mini calendar right beside my jewelry box. Wow. Its my birthday two weeks from now...

Should I celebrate it? Ugh. Isinantabi ko muna ang isiping iyon at tinapos na ang aking look.

"No, no, uh, no...", I'm in my walk-in closet looking for a whole outfit.

"Totally!"

I took out my Burberry dress and put it on. I paired it with white boots and white Prada handbag. I also put white pearl hair clips on each side of my hair for a classy vintage look.

"Naku, Portia! Para ka na namang manika!", natutuwang sambit ni Manang Milagros.

"Oh my gosh, Manang, oo na... what do you want?"

"Wala, ah! Pinupuri lang kita!"

Siningkitan ko siya ng mga mata kaya tumawa siya.

"Victoria's Secret lotion! Hehe, ubos na ang akin!"

I chuckled and nodded. Nagpaalam na ako at sumakay na sa kotse. I'm driving myself today since Manong Ronnie is with his family.

Today, I plan to go around the malls and shopping districts.

I shopped everywhere I laid my eyes on! Birthday ko naman two weeks from now so its okay to splurge! Matagal ko na rin itong hindi nagagawa because I was busy with... gosh, never mind!

Pinasok ko sa backseat ang dagdag na paperbags. There were like 30 of them! All in all! But, I'm not yet done! My last stop was the Victoria's Secret outlet store. Namili ako ng underwear, nighties and lotion!

Pagkatapos ng aking shopping spree, I ate my dinner at Shangri-La hotel. The jazz music soothed me. Parang nakalimutan ko na ang nangyari kanina.

Gosh, that was stressful!

While I was people-watching, I realized I missed having large gatherings. And just like that, I thought of having a party for my 28th birthday! Masaya akong umuwi dahil excited ako sa pagpa-plano!

Manang Milagros loved the VS lotion and the night gown I bought her. When I was done chatting with her about my plan, I went to my room and wrote what I need.

After 2 hours of brainstorming, I was done.

I want a tea party. I have always wanted one! Also, I'll be donating for a charity so I won't go for an extravagant party. I made it a habit every year to share some blessings to old people in homes for the aged. Pumupunta rin ako at sinasama ko si Lala noon dahil natutuwa kami pareho sa mga lolo at lola. Now, it will only be me.

Gosh, I miss Lala so much. This will be my first birthday without her.

"Michelle, call Russo and set an appointment."

"Oh. May ipapa-organize kang party, Miss?"

"Yes. Mine," ngiti ko sa kanya.

"Hala! You'll turn 28 two weeks from now!"

Napatawa nalang ako sa gulantang na Michelle.

We're back in the office again kaya abala na naman. Habang chinicheck ko ang monthly reports ng Finance department, Chandler suddenly crossed my mind. I did a very good job of distracting myself yesterday but I guess I can't escape.

If he's happy with Dia then I'll let him be. I sighed. Mabuti nalang at hindi pa ako nahuhulog. If I was then I'd be doomed!

"Miss, Russo is here," Michelle said through the intercom.

I was surprised. Russo came to me!

I told her to let him in and when he did, malaki agad ang ngisi niya.

"The great Portia has summoned my presence! Hello! Hello! Hello!"

We did our usual 'beso'. I smiled at him. His Versace overalls screamed royalty!

"Russo, please," iginiya ko ang upuan sa harap ng aking lamesa.

"My birthday is in two weeks and I want a tea party. A hundred guests would be enough."

"Oh! Leave that to me! Tell me what you want in that party."

Russo and I discussed the theme, decor, budget and the venue. Our garden would be the perfect venue!

"Portia, this will be the grandest tea party ever! I won't let you down!"

Natutuwa na ako kahit hindi pa naman nagaganap ang party na gusto ko. After lunch, I went to Fred's. I need a new dress that would fit the theme and he's the perfect guy for it.

"Where's the tall guy?", usisa niya habang nags-sketch ako ng gustong dress.

"What guy?"

"The 'first user' guy!"

Oh. "I don't know."

"You know, I thought you were lovers! Hindi ka basta-basta nakikita na may kasamang lalaki so I was shocked to see you with one."

"He's the CEO of Montano Group, Fred. We're just... b-business partners."

Yeah, right. As if.

Matagal akong natapos doon dahil sa kwentuhan. Nang gumabi, Russo sent me a soft copy of the invitation I wanted. That's why I chose Russo, he always works fast and he never fails to deliver.

To: Russo
Perfect. You can send the hard copy to my office tomorrow. Thank you!

Tonight, I went home to my penthouse. I ordered a whole pizza for myself and bought a pint of chocolate ice cream. This is an unusual meal for me... this is what I would eat if Chandler's here...

While waiting for the pizza to arrive, I opened Instagram. I saw my friends' posts. Anicia is in Maldives, Jeorella is in Paris while Anna and Nell is in Prague! Wow! I messaged the three on our group chat to inform them of my upcoming party. Baka kasi hindi na umuwi ang mga ito.

Napatigil ako sa Instagram story ni Chandler. Its a video of him playing the guitar. He plays? I never knew. He put a caption on it that says 'I miss you'.

Gosh, he's too clingy with Dia.

Nagpatuloy ako sa pagtitingin when I came across Dia's story. Its a picture of her and another guy kissing! What the hell?

Binaba ko ang aking phone. Is Chandler hurt? Did they break up? Gosh, are they even lovers? But they look so happy yesterday! What's with them?

I sighed and got my phone again. Tinitigan ko ang screen bago nag-dial.

"Hey, Chan..."