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xyra
"Gorgeous," I commented as I winked at the body-length mirror in front of me. My lips formed a curve when my eyes scanned my whole figure.
It is the night.
I wore a plain white long sleeve off-shoulder and topped it with a red checkered slit strap dress. I also put on my white over-the-knee boots to compliment my top. It has thick and three-inch heels that made me somewhat taller than I am.
I just let my straight hair lay down. Hindi ko na ito ini-style para mas magandang tingnan sa outfit ko. I had my makeup highlights for my eyes and lips.
Naglagay lang ako ng eyeliner to spice up my stares. I also used a red lip tint to suit my overall style for tonight.
How I love showcasing the gorgeous features of my body. It makes me feel more than myself. It was as if you were breaking yourself free from the dirty shits of society. With this, I don't have to hide myself.
Everybody should learn how to embrace their gorgeous selves and stop hiding it in the dark. Everyone should not care about how society will look at them. Society will never get out of shits that they can throw no matter how beautiful one can be.
You will only give yourself a heavy carriage if you listen to them. These people will talk dirty about a thing until it becomes a trend. So, be the trendsetter. Set the trend for yourself. Be the trend yourself.
When I was already fine with my look, I finally grabbed my bag and my precious gift before leaving my room. Dahan-dahan kong tinahak ang daan pababa sa sala kung saan naroroon ang kuya kong nakaupo sa sofa. He is looking at nowhere but his eyebrows are knitted as if he just met an annoying bee.
"Let's go," I said when I reached the spot near him.
From nowhere, his gaze went up to mine. His brows are still budging each other with no hint of changes. "Are you fine now?" as if annoyed, he asked.
"Yup!" I answered him with gleaming energy.
He rolled his eyes on me before stretching up his legs. Nauna siyang lumabas sa akin kaya naman sumunod na lang ako.
Habang nasa likuran niya ay tinitigan ko ang suot niya. He was only wearing simple long-sleeve polo tucked in his dark slacks.
Hindi buff si Kuya kaya naman hindi bakat sa damit niya ang muscles niya katulad ng sa iba. Also, I think that it is intentional that you can't see any hint of his figure under his clothes.
He likes bigger sized clothes than what really his actual was. Hindi naman gano'n kalaki pero 'yung sakto lang para hindi masyadong mag-fit sa katawan niya.
Tuloy-tuloy lang siya sa paglalakad kaya naman pinagpatuloy ko lang rin ang pagsunod sa kanya. Nang makalabas kami ay sinara niya ang gate bago nagpatuloy.
I was about to step again when I realized something. "Aren't we going to ride our car?"
Napahinto siya at napatingin sa akin. "Diyan lang ang bahay nila, magko-kotse ka pa? You'll just waste the gasoline," he replied.
My shoulders dropped as I locked up the air in my mouth puffing my cheeks out and with knitted brows, I walked after my brother. Fine. But I still thought we were riding in his car.
Tonight, kami lang dalawa ni Kuya ang pupunta sa birthday ni Linzy. Our parents are out of the country. They were having medical meetings in Macau and they were staying there for another three days before coming back.
Palagi naman silang may mga out-of-the-country meetings kaya nasanay na rin kami ni Kuya. Besides, hindi pa rin naman nila nakakalimutan ang mga important dates for us two.
They never fail to be parents to us. They are always there whenever we need them. They're just one call away. Birthdays. Moving Ups. Graduations. Christmas. New Years. They are all with us.
That is why I don't need to worry if they'll leave us for a short time. I know they'll be back to us. After all, we're family and I am so happy they are mine.
"Good evening! I'm glad you came," Tita Lina greeted us when we entered their property. Siya ang narito sa labas at nag-a-accomodate ng mga bisita.
I come closer to her and give him a little hug. "You look so gorgeous, Tita! I like your outfit!" I commented. Tita Lina is simply wearing a navy blue button-up polo dress that she fitted in with a thin white belt across her waist.
Dapat ganyan rin ang outfit ko, mabuti na lang at hindi ko itinuloy.
It completely suits her body since Tita Lina is a tall, slim, and still sexy woman. She still looks like she's in her late 20s.
"Thank you. I like yours, too!" she returned that made me smile. "Hindi ka pa rin nagbabago. Magaling ka pa rin magdala. Sometimes, teach my daughter how, a? She needs it," Tita Lina continued and laugh. Nginitian ko lang siya bago siya bumaling kay Kuya.
Matagal-tagal ko ring hindi nakita si Tita Lina. Siguro ay dahil mas nasa looban ang bahay nila at hindi na namin 'yon madaraanan o talagang busy lang talaga sila?
Hindi rin masyadong nagk-kwento si Linzy about her parents whereabouts or business. She doesn't really care.
"How's Med school, Xylo? Ang gwapo mo pa rin, a!" Tita Lina complimented Kuya. She pats Kuya's shoulder and smiles. "I'm sure pag-graduate mo, proud na naman sila Noreen at Anghelo."
"Thank you po." Kuya just gave her a small smile before we excused ourselves.
Nang makapasok sa loob ay agad hinanap ng mga mata ko si Linzy at iba pang mga kaibigan. I stopped roaming my eyes around when I felt a tap in my shoulders.
"Uuwi rin ako agad. May gagawin pa ako. Sasabay ka ba sa 'kin?" Kuya asked me.
I immediately shook my head. Alam ko ang sinasabi niyang sandali. It's just an hour or less. I can't make it up to my friends in just that period.
"I'll text you when I'm leaving. You'll text me 'pag uuwi ka na. 'Wag kang magpapagabi masyado, a?" Looking in different directions, I nodded my head. "Listen to me. I am telling you all of this because I know I am not able to find you once you get out of my sight."
"I understand, Kuya. I should not party until late and I should text you before going home," I repeated his statements.
He's this meticulous. He wants everything organized and he doesn't want me roaming around somewhere late at night when he's not with me or our parents. Brother things, I guess?
"What time will you be back?"
Oh, boy. He's at it, again.
"Uh... I don't... know," I annswered. What time should I say, tho? Ayokong maagang umuwi pero bawal din maging late.
"Magsabay na lang tayo kung hindi mo 'ko bibigyan ng oras."
"No!" I brought up my hand to see my watch. "11 pm!" Four hours from now.
"Hindi," he sturdily said, brows are starting to meet up again.
Urgh! I hate this! "10:30 pm."
"9 pm."
"10:30," may paninindigan kong sagot.
Sandali siyang huminto. Brows are away from each other and his face is blank. His stares are on me. Hindi rin ako nagpatalo kaya tinitigan ko tin siya. After a few seconds, he sighed before putting his gaze down.
A smile escaped my lips. I'll come home late. I can enjoy this party up to my soul, yeah?
"You'll come home with me."
As if popped bubbles, my smile quickly faded. "No! Kuya naman, e!"
"9 pm, Xyra. 9 pm."
"Why are you doing this to me? Can't you see, Kuya? I want to embrace this moment with my long-time friend," I tried to bring up his conscience. Be vulnerable, please. "10 pm. Last call."
"9:30 ka aalis dito, 10pm dapat nasa bahay ka na. Take it or you're not going anywhere for the next three days."
"Urgh!" I can't help but to release my annoyance. "Fine."
"Let's get inside." Tulad ng kanina ay nauna ulit si Kuya na pumasok at sumunod lang ako.
Sa pinto pa lang ay maririnig mo na ang malakas na tugtugan ng classical music that gives refreshing ambiance for the place. The lights are just bright and clean white and dim wall lights.
Sa loob ay makikita mo ang mga circular table na pinatungan nila ng white fabric with some sage color decorations. There are high dinner tables all around the place which makes it more elegant.
The decorations are not overwhelming. It usually drops in the general colors white and green and nothing else.
Sage green is Linzy's favorite color. According to her, mas na-rerelax ang isip niya kapag nakikita niya ang kulay na 'yon.
I also personally think that it is her color. She's always associating herself with nature. Or should I just say that she loves nature?
There's a mini stage at the front na kitang-kita mo na pagpasok pa lang ng pinto. Sa tabi nito ay may bandang tumutugtog ng classical sounds.
Now, this is something Linzy will really love.
I took my phone from my bag and captured few photos. This place is so pretty. It looks so soft and calming.
"Xyra!"
Napalingon ako sa direksyon kung saan nanggaling ang boses. Hindi rin ako nahirapang hanapin ang pinanggalingan noon dahil wala pa namang gaamong tao rito sa loob at ang iba ya nasa labas pa.
She was wearing a plain white shirt inside and a brown mini skirt. She also wore a beige cardigan of a bigger size. Her long hair is just lying low while its ends are curled up. Napansin ko rin na mas tumangkad siya dahil sa ankle boots na suot niya.
Charm is initially tall. She's the tallest among us three. Bumagay 'yon sa kanya dahil dati rin siyang varsity player and in our tenth grade she chose to pursue to be in our school's dance troupe up until now.
"Good evening po," she greeted Kuya who just gave her a small smile and a nod.
"Nandiyan na si Owen, a. Hinahanap ka," baling niya sa akin bago sumiksik sa tabi ko.
I rolled my eyes. Iinisin niya na naman ako. Really, can't he go over a day without annoying me?
She released a little chuckle before bringing out a thing from her bag. "Tara picture tayo," she said before stretching her arms shortly to capture both of our faces.
I gave a shining smile to the camera before she clicked the button. Nakailang takes pa kami ni Charm ng picture with different poses before she stopped.
Hindi na ako nagugulat. This girl is a selfie addict. Hindi yata siya mabubuhay ng hindi nakakapag-picture sa isang araw. Mamaya lang rin ay may post na naman siya sa Instagram account niya. Bet she's already had her first story by now.
We are now sitting in a small table since tatlo lang kami rito nila Kuya. It just has four chairs. Charm is in my right side and Kuya is in my left side. The chair in front of me is vacant.
Looking at my brother makes me want to laugh. His other knee is on top of his other one while his hands are resting above it. Pinigilan ko ang tawa ko nang makitang nilalaro niya na lang ang dalawang hinlalaki habang nakadaop ang palad. He literally looks like he would go in a cemetery than a party. He hates buzzing places.
I shook my head and brought back my gazes to the girl beside me.
Now, looking at her makes me shake my head. She's now capturing every side of this house. Bet she will have that for her another Instagram story.
"Ang ganda ng decor!" she commented. "Bet ko 'to kesa last year. Ikaw?"
I gave her a small nod.
Last year's theme is bright lights. Hindi rito ginanap ang kaniyang birthday dahil sa nag-rent ang parents niya ng isang hotel to conduct her sixteenth birthday.
It's suppised to be her Sweet 16, but her parents just ruined it by accomodating people whom she absolutely doesn't even know just so they can introduce her to different sons of bitches. In the end, hindi rin kami nakatiis ni Charm at itinakas na lang namin siya papunta sa rooftop ng hotel at saka kami nag-solo do'n.
"A complete bullshit," I sent a feedback.
Natigil si Charm sa pag-picture nang may umakyat na host sa stage sa harapan. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" pag-agaw nito sa atensyon ng lahat. Hindi tulad ng kanina ay halos puno na ang mga table na nakakalat sa buong bahay. "Today we all gathered here to celebrate the birth of one of the precious angels that we have here."
"Everyone, let us welcome the birthday girl, Linzy Amber Mercado!"
Namayani ang ingay ng mga kamay na nagpapalakpakan habang naglalakad papunta sa harap si Linzy habang binibigyan ng isang nakakasilaw na ngiti ang lahat.
Linzy is wearing a white Elodie wrap dress. It gleams under the shining light because of its sage-see-through top-layering that is showered by glittering. She's also in heels that are three inches tall, too. It suits her.
The host gave her the microphone na agad naman niyang kinuha. Itinapat niya iyon sa kaniyang bibig bago nagsalita. "I want to wish everyone a good evening and welcome each of you to my simple party. I hope that we can exchange thoughts and create memories through this party. Thank you."
I can't help but smile at her while clapping my hands. After her speech, she is guided to her seat on the stage. There's a single beige accent chair on the left side of the stage, beside it is a radial wooden table.
To feel the presence of Linzy's birthday, nagkaroon rin ng pa-message portion for the birthday girl.
"Let's call upon Ms. Mercado to give her daughter a birthday message," the host introduced Tita Lina.
Agad rin itong umakyat sa platform at kinuha ang mic mula sa host. "Good evening, everyone." Binigyan nito ng ngiti ang mga tao sa bahay bago muling ibaling ang tingin sa anak.
"You're now seventeen, Linzy. Parang kailan lang hanggang tuhod lang kita, and now I know someday you'll slip away from us to reach your dreams," Tita Lina started. "Just always remember that we're just here for you. Whatever your choices will be, we will support you, hm? Happy birthday, anak. I love you more than you know."
The crowd overpowered the atmosphere when they gave their applause for Tita Lina's message for her daughter. She even hugged her after delivering her messages.
Pati ako ay pumalakpak rin para sa kanila. Linzy deserves everything. She's always been there for us. Siya ang tumayong nanay sa aming tatlo. She always cares for us.
Hindi siya pumalyang bigyan kami ng motivation at paalala sa bawat araw. Siya ang naging sandalan ko sa mga panahong kailangan ko ng karamay. In my darkest times, she was there.
Sa kanya ako nagpapatulong when it comes to academics. Well, I know I can do something like that on my own, but sometimes I just can't understand anything.
Sa mga mahihirap na sitwasyon, nariyan siya palagi. I always consult her if I have to make wise and difficult choices because I know her words of wisdom will be my light for the right answer.
She's consistent. Even if she has her problems and works, she doesn't fail to check on us. She's everything you need for a friend. Oh, scratch that. For a sister.
"I am so happy for you," I said before snaking my arms around her tight. I felt the tips of our embrace every second. This girl is the other half of me.
We are here in their house's pool area. The only lights are from the wall lights and the light coming from inside of the house.
"Grabe naman, 'te. Tama na, ako naman." My brows met when I heard Charm intruded. "Kayo lang ang mag-bestfriend? Tabi nga."
Napilitan akong bitawan si Linzy nang hawiin na ni Charm ang mga braso ko para yumakap din kay Linzy.
"OMG! You're seventeen na!" tili nito habang hawak ang magkabilang balikat ni Linzy bago ito niyakap. "We're getting closer to our dreams, gals."
"Napaka-drama naman, birthday ko lang naman," Linzy commented that made us produce laughs.
Pinanatili ko ang tingin sa kanila habang magkayakapan pa rin sila. I can't help but to feel warmth just by staring at them like that.
My girls.
They were one of my foundations. They made each part of me. They were the ones who accepted me as I am even in every heartbreak.
The ones who only stayed even if they already see through my soul.
I instantly lowered my sight at the time I felt liquid that fell from my cheeks. I quickly brought up my hands and slightly wiped the area.
"Xy, 'Lika na rito. Umiiyak ka na mag-isa diyan, e."
Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa kanilang dalawa at agad ring tumingin sa ibang direksyon upang itago ang mga mata. I don't know how teary obvious my eyes are but it's better to be sure.
"I am not," I said once my eyes caught theirs while taking a forward closer to them.
"Sabi mo, e."
Pinanlisikan ko ng mata si Linzy bago sila ikulong sa aking mga braso.
"Chill ka lang baka mamatay kami nito," muli niya pang hirit.
"Manahimik ka nga, Linzy."
"Ang higpit, e."
Naiiling ang ulo kong pinakawalan silang dalawa.
"Why don't we have wine here? Dapat may pang-toast man lang," I demanded while scattering my look around the table near us to look for one. "Kukuha ako sa loob, wait for me."
"Sama na ako," presenta ni Charm ngunit inilingan ko lang ito.
"I can handle it. Keep our birthday girl company."
Without saying another word, I left them there. I made my way back inside where they had the table for the food and liquors.
The table is in the living room, near the round tables scattered for the visitors. Mayroong mga waiters na nag-aasikaso roon. Baka makahingi ako ng wine para sa 'min.
"Excuse me, do you have a bottle of wine?" I asked the waiter. He's the one in charge of the drinks that's why I came to him.
"Yes, miss. May I know what wine you prefer?"
"Just a fruity one or less percentage of alcohol, please."
Tinanguan niya ako at saka nagpaalam na kukuha sa kanilang storage. I don't know where but it's none of my business. I'll just wait until he came back.
My body was sent with a small shock when I felt a vibration from my phone that I am holding. Agad ko iyong binuksan ang nakita ang notification mula kay Kuya.
Kuya Xylo: Uuwi na ako. 10pm, huh?
Me: Take care. Yes, 10pm.
I turned off my phone again and gaze at where the waiter went. Inayos ko ang tayo nang makita itong pabalik na, dala-dala ang dalawang bote ng wine.
"I brought each of your preferences, Miss," he started when he came closer. Ipinakita niya sa 'kin ang dalawang bote na kung saan ang isa ay fruity wine and the other one is also flavored but with alcohol content.
I pointed at the alcoholic one. "I'll take that."
The waiter nodded at me before handing me the bottle. Paalis na sana ako nang pagpihit ko patalikod ay nakita si Tita Lina kasama si Tito Jazzy.
They were smiling at the visitors they were passing by as they approached my direction. Hindi ko alam kung nakita na ba nila akong narito, but I bet that they will notice my figure sooner one little move.
"Xyra," Tito Jazzy called for me once he made contact with my gaze. Lumapit sila ni Tita sa akin. "How are you? You're still as beautiful as ever."
As if a sweet fruit, a smile bloomed on my lips. "I know right? Your eyes are still as clear as ever, Tito!"
"Your beauty is shining like your mother's," Tito added, which made me smile even more. I'm glad that people aren't forgetting how beautiful I am.
"You're drinking?" Tita Lina asked, eyes stuck to my hands.
My eyes widened as my gaze went down. Oh, shit. I didn't remember the wine. What should I say? What should I say?
A little second feels like an hour. The chilly room became neutral as I could almost feel the thick layers of my clothes.
As dead air grew, I decided to elevate my gaze back to Tita. I'll tell her the truth because I have nothing to hide. This wine is just four percent alcohol!
But her stares at me are like piercing through my soul. I don't know if it was just me or what but I can feel it.
As far as I know, sila pa nga ang pumipilit kay Lunzy dating uminom ng wine. Wala pa rin naman akong ibang ginagawang masama.
My brows creased as I fought back her gazes through glances. A few seconds left unbothered until Tito Jazzy broke it.
"I think they were feeling every second of their moment tonight," he commented, secretly signaling her wife by giving taps on her waist using his hands that snaked around it.
Akala yata ni Tito hindi ko nahalata dahil sumabay pa ang ngiti nitong parang walang ginawa.
I smiled back at him, sweetly, as if I didn't see anything.
As if shot back to senses, she broke the tension that was starting between our exchange of glances and took a little gaze at Tito Jazzy before giving back her stare to me.
"Right po, Tito," I sweetly agreed.
"That's smart." Naibalik ko ang tingin kay Tita Lina nang magsalita na ito. "Also because we are planning to set her to date someone."
I felt my lips straightened as she released her words. The ends of my eyes slightly quivered due to the sudden information.
I blinked my eyes many times for the words to sink in. Still processing what Tita said, I gave her a small smile. She and Tito Jazzy are now smiling at each other as if it was the most intelligent choice they have made.
I can't believe they're still on it! After many attempts to use their daughter for their greed, here they are again. Kailan ba nila tatapusin 'to?
I bowed my head because of the thought. I'm afraid that they can see right through my face what am I thinking.
"Well, she's seventeen. There's a year left and she's off to marry someone. We think we should merge with someone that can truly treat her right."
My hands tightened their grip on the wine bottle I was holding as my brows bumped into each other.
Treat her right? How can they find someone who can truly treat their daughter right if they as her parents failed to treat her right?
I pressed shut my eyes and exhaled to release unwanted tension in my body. When I calmed down a bit, I brought them my gaze.
"Sounds stressful, Tita," I commented that made up her questioning face. Pati si Tito Jazzy yata ay nagulat sa sinabi ko.
I let out a laugh to release the awkwardness and my anger. "I mean, getting married at eighteen? Stress! I don't want to be tied yet 'coz I still wanna hype my youth up!"
Their faces don't even move. It stayed with a blank face. Seems like they don't want my opinion, huh? Oh, I don't want their opinion, either!
"You know, Tita. Legal na. I can party on my own na!" I told them. "Makikilala ako ng mga guard sa mga bars ng BGC talaga once na mag-eighteen ako!" I chuckled at them.
They didn't seem to be entertained, though. So what?
"You aren't getting ready for your future, hija?" Tito Jazzy asked me.
"Of course, I will. I will still be good at university, Tito. I will just give more spice, 'di ba? Para hindi boring and I can experience a lot of things pa rin!"
"Kasi Tito, the world is very huge, e!" I added, not breaking my eye contact with him. "I want to get out of my comfort zone and experience a lot of new things so that I can be smart around people, too! Not just academically!"
"You know naman na 'yon, Tito and Tita. I can already pull off that academic card, right?" I smiled at him. A smile that is challenging but coaxing.
Their faces didn't move for a few moments. Trying to sink it in?
After some time he looked at his wife before letting out a sigh. "You're such a lady that's built with extreme courage. I admire that." Tito smiled at me.
"You must have inherited that from your mother," My look came to Tita Lina when she finally spoke.
"Yes. Other people thought so, too!" I sighed. "My gorgeous mother who lets me live my youth is as courageous as any mother could be." Again, I smiled at Tita Lina while pressing gazes at her.
"Not to be biassed, though!" I chuckled. "But she's my mother and I know she's the best one."
"Tsk," I broke the glass that was weighing the tension. "I'll go back to my friends. They're waiting for this po," I said and I brought up the bottle of wine I was holding.
They just nodded at me before leaving first. As soon as their backs turned, my lips turned down as my shoulders also did.
I released a heavy sigh and rolled up my eyes. I just picked up glasses from the side and made my way back to where the other two were waiting.
"An' tagal mo, a?" bungad sa 'kin ni Charm. "Sa'n mo ba kinuha 'yan?"
Ibinaba ko ang wine bottle at glasses sa lamesa saka ko siya tiningnan. I can't help but to just release a sigh.
How can I tell them? I can't ruin Linzy's party.
"Sa Olympus pa, sis. Watch out. That wine is so precious."
I grew curious when I was about to look at Linzy but she's not around. Si Charm lang ang sumalubong sa 'kin and she's not near to be found.
"Umalis, tinawag siya ng pinsan niya. Sandali lang daw," Charm must have read my emotions all over. "Dumaan si Owen dito, a. Umalis din agad. Inaantok na raw siya. Ibalik mo na lang daw 'yung tsinelas niya bukas."
I nodded slowly as I stuck my gaze at her. She opens the wine bottle to pour out some on each glass.
Should I tell her about it? She deserves to know it too, right? I don't think I can handle this information alone... but should ruin the fun because of this?
I rolled my eyes and dropped it on the other side. I can't tell Linzy. It's her day. This is one of the most precious moments for her. It would be bad of me if I destroyed it.
I took a sigh and shook my head. I'm gonna tell them but not now. Maybe sometime after this day.
"Let's have a toast!"
My senses snapped back to reality when I heard them exclaim.
I looked around and there I saw Charm holding her phone in front of her glass while the flash was shining through her camera. She's filming already.
Si Linzy naman ay narito na rin. I didn't catch her coming back because my senses weren't in their right state.
She holds glasses in each of her hands. With a wide curve in her lips, she handed me the other one. "Thank you," she mouthed.
I let out a silent sigh as I gave her a warm smile. I brought up my hand and accepted the drink. How can I ruin this gorgeous girl's precious moment?
I shook my head. You're not hiding the truth, you're just delaying it. Come on! It's her day! This is the worst thing she could ever hear right now.
I produced a heavy sigh and faced them with a fresh look. "Let's have a toast?"
"Let's go!" Charm exclaimed.
Muli kong ibinalik ang tingin ko kay Linzy. This time with a fresh and genuine smile.
"With Linzy, together and no need for any other..."
"Screaming and dreaming!" the three of us screamed at the top of our lungs.
aribahaghari
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