Sorry for all the errors!
#TCS22: Just Simple Things
Luminous Erina's POV
Nasa supermarket ako ngayon para mamili ng mga ingredients na gagamitin ko para sa pagluluto. Syempre kailangan ko ring magamit 'yung mga aurous na kinita ko dahil sa mga karupukan nila. HAHAHA.
Joke lang sympre. Slight.
I was pushing the cart and putting the products that I need peacefully. I made sure that the vegetables were fresh and good, also the meat, chicken and such. Tahimik at seryoso lang akong namimili nang bigla na lang may nambulabog.
"Hey!" He greeted near my face. I made face at him and pushed his face back.
"Bakit ka nandito?" Tanong ko at saka s'ya nilampasan at tinulak lang 'yung cart na pinaglalagyan ko ng mga pinamilhan ko. I felt him followed me while chuckling.
"Ayaw mo na ba akong makita?" Paawang ang labi ko tanong n'ya sa 'kin at saka binalandra na naman 'yung mukha n'ya sa harap ko. Natawa ako sa kan'ya at saka ko hinawakan 'yung chin n'ya.
"Nakakasawa na 'yung mukha mo kasi." I told him then took three packs of snacks. It was his turn to look at me with a grumpy face. I giggled at his reaction. Cute. Joke lang naman 'yung nakakasawa mukha n'ya.
Jusko, ikaw ba naman biyayaan ng gan'yang mukha eh.
"What are you doing here?" He asked then grabbed some things from the shelves and included it inside my cart. Kinuha ko 'yung kinukuha n'ya tapos binabalik ko. I don't need that! Kulit!
"'Wag ka nga mang-gulo, hindi kailangan n'yan." I told him because he kept grabbing unnecessary items and placing it inside the cart.
"Masarap kaya 'to." Dahilan naman n'ya, napakamot naman ako sa ulo.
"Kael." I warned, he looked at me with puppy eyes.
Oh my gosh! Anong laban ko sa ganyan n'ya!?
In the end, ang dami n'yang nilagay na hindi kailangan. Jusko. I just took note of it mentally. Iiwan ko 'yun sa cart, hindi ko babayaran. Sayang din 'yung kinita ko kay Honoka, Eon at Harper ano. Idagdag mo pa na kaunti na lang makakakuha na rin ako kay Second.
Ako na talaga bubuhay sa 'min ni Kael. Wala naman kasi ginawa 'tong isang 'to kung hindi makipaglaro ng taguan do'n sa mga pinsan at kababata nila. Minsan nga gusto ko na lang ibalot 'tong mga 'to at ibigay ro'n sa mga pasaway na 'yun.
"Luna."
"Hmm?"
"Date tayo?"
"Mukha mo."
"Gwapo?" Natatawang banat n'ya. Inirapan ko s'ya ng pabiro pero may maliit na ngiti naman sa labi ko.
"Ewan ko sa'yo." Iiling-iling na sabi ko.
"Pagpapalit mo na naman ako sa mga pasaway mo?" Sus! Parang 'di naman n'ya kilala kung sino mga pinapakain ko sa bahay ko. Edi 'yung mga pinagtataguan nila.
"Mukha bang kapalit-palit ka?"
"Then let's go!"
"Ayoko, marami pa akong lulutuin sa bahay."
"'Wag don!"
"Ay hala s'ya, sa'n ako magluluto?"
"Sa 'min." Nakangiting suggest n'ya.
"Ayoko uubusin n'yo lang ni Eon at Gabby."
"No. I swear, Luna." He clasped his hands together. I smiled at him.
"Nope. Magpapatulong pati ako sa trio na magluto. Lalo kay Honoka. Galing magluto ng isang 'yon. Swerte ni Eon. Haha!"
"Torpe naman."
"Sumbong kita!"
Tinawanan n'ya lang ako tapos s'ya na 'yung nagtulak ng cart. We passed by the tasting area so he stopped to taste some products. He's really like a sweet kid. I couldn't help but smile. I'm one of a heck lucky lady.
"Here, Luna." He said while gesturing me to come near him, I obeyed.
Kumuha s'ya ng toothpick para tusukin 'yung ball of meat. "Ahhh." He instructed, I opened my mouth and he fed me the food. It tasted good. I gave him thumbs up.
Like a kid, he explored the tasting area and almost tasted everything in there. Natatawa na lang ako sa kan'ya sa pinaggagawa n'ya. Habang tinitingnan ko s'ya may napansin kong maliit na bata na sobrang amos dahil sa sauce 'nung kinakain n'ya.
I grabbed some tissue from one stall and went to the little kid. I slowly and carefully wiped the sauce from his mouth. "Thank you po." The baby boy with a wide smile told me.
I beamed at him sweetly. "Welcome, kid. I'm Ate Luna."
He cheekily gave a kiss on my right cheek. "You're pretty po, Ate Luna." Natawa naman ako ro'n. Nakooo, lalaki yatang playboy 'tong cutie pie na 'to.
"Hoy!"
Our sweet moment was interrupted by a scream. Halos sabay kaming napalingon kung sa'n galing 'yung boses at nakita ko si Kael na masama ang tingin sa 'min. I laughed at him. He looked like a kid who's mad because someone stole his candy.
Papalapit na sa 'min si Kael kaso tumakbo na 'yung bata ro'n sa kapatid n'ya.
"Ba't mo sinigawan 'yung bata." I asked him while laughing softly. The kid waved at us and his sister just nodded in gratitude.
"Nanghahalik ng 'di kan'ya eh."
"Petty."
"Let's go." He said then held my hand, I just smiled at him.
We went to get some more products and ended up in the counter to pay for the items. Naglalagay ako ng mga ingredients 'nung pinaglalagay n'ya 'yung mga kinuha n'yang hindi naman kailangan.
I looked at him wide eye but he gave a cute smile. Hindi eepekto 'yan ng second time! Tiis ka lang Luna. Malulugi ka sige. Sabi ko sa isip ko.
Inalis ko 'yung mga pinaglalagay n'ya.
"Luna naman eh."
"Kael isa ha."
Lagay s'ya nang lagay. Alis naman ako nang alis. Natatawa na lang 'yung babae sa counter dahil sa 'min.
"Wait lang Ate, hindi talaga kasama 'yung mga nilalagay n'ya." I told the lady.
"It's included." Kael contradicted, then he looked at me. "I'll pay, Luna, please." Magic words 'yung I'll pay kaya naman hinayaan ko na s'ya kaya ngiting tagumpay na naman ang loko.
We placed everything on the cart and we directly went to the parking for his car. "Did you bring your car?" He asked while putting the plastics of grocery at the compartment.
"Nope, knew you'd come." I told him while helping him put everything inside.
I felt him tousled my hair.
Nang matapos s'ya na 'yung nagbalik ng cart tapos umalis na kami sa supermarket. While on the car he called someone.
"Hey, Harp." I remained silent, he put Harper on speaker.
"Just!" Masayang bati ni Harper. Napangiti ako sa kanila.
"May tao sa bahay ni Luna?" Napakunot-noo ako sa tanong ni Kael.
"I'm here with Honoka and Art. Everyone have their own class 'til six in the evening."
"Great!"
Then he hung up to face me. "Looks like I can join you today." Natawa na lang ako sa kan'ya. Kaya naman pala tumawag 'to kay Harper dahil do'n. Looked like Art and Honoka will be surprised to see someone today.
Maaga pa naman, wala pang lunch. Aabot pa kami sa pupuntahan ko dahil mas mapapabilis ang pagluluto dahil sa trio.
When we arrived, Harper was waiting outside the house. Lakas talaga ng kutob ng isang 'to. I went out of the car and waved at her. She looked at me with a smile. More like a teasing smile especially when Kael went out of the car.
I laughed at her reaction. "Kamusta pagiging textmate n'yo ni Paeng?" Natatawang sabi ko sa kan'ya. Akala n'ya ha! I have my own pang-asar too!
"Oh come on, Luna." She said while rolling her eyes. Namula naman ang pisngi. Pasimple pa 'tong si Harper eh.
I helped Kael in bringing out the bags of grocery. Harper also took the initiative to take out some. We brought them all inside the house.
"Oh my pickles!"
"Oh my angels!"
Halos sabay na reaksyon ni Honoka at Art 'nung makita si Kael na tinutulungan kami ni Harper.
"Surprise." Harper uttered with a smile.
Halos sundan naman ni Honoka at Art si Kael sa may kusina habang titig na titig pero hindi nagsasalita. Cutie 'nung dalawa! Hindi makapaniwala.
"Uy, uso yakapin 'yan, dali!" I encouraged when I saw how star-struck and in denial they were. They automatically went to hug jump Kael which made my heart warm. It's just so good to see them like this...
After their warm long hug, they released Kael.
"Justice..." They both called.
"The only." Kael replied with a bright smile.
"Hey, tulungan n'yo ako magluto." Awat ko sa kanila. Kailangan ko matapos 'to ngayon. At saka pagkakaalam ko walang pasok 'tong trio ngayon.
We all started and prepared to cook. The trio were all smiles especially with Kael. The cooking time became their little reunion and chitchat about their childhood and their quest to find them.
"How come you decided to show yourself to us?" Tanong ni Honoka. Natawa kaagad ako 'nung marinig ko 'yun.
"Sobrang lame ng reason, trio." I told them laughingly while cutting the ingredients.
"Huh?" Art asked in confusion.
Harper giggled too when she realized why. "Gosh, I never thought you'd be this clingy, Justice." She teased and Kael just chuckled and went near me.
He washed his hands and decided to back hug me infront of them.
"Kael!" Saway ko.
Honoka and Art were in shock while Harper was just giggling gracefully. "Told 'ya. So lame, Justice."
"Luna?!" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Art at Honoka.
"Bakit ako na naman? Siya tanungin n'yo?" I said defensively. Loko-loko rin 'tong si Kael eh. Ipapahamak pa ako sa mga 'to.
"This is not part of the plan, okay? I wanna spend time with her so I showed up here." Kibit balikat na sabi n'ya.
"Yiee!" They all teased, I just smiled at them.
"Alam n'yo hindi tayo matatapos dito." I declared, Kael broke the hug and went to help again in cooking the dishes.
"Pero how?" Honoka inquired.
"You'll know how I fell in love with her, later, okay?" Kael answered her.
Hindi nag-usisa 'yung trio at tumulong na lang ulit. Nagkwentuhan ulit sila at hinayaan ko. Minsan minsan nakikisali rin ako, pero majority of the time hinahayaan ko sila na mag-catch up sa mga nangyari. I wanted Kael to spend time with the trio too.
I've been with them for the past years, the pasaways couldn't be with them. Hindi ko ipapagkait 'yung ganitong oras para sa kanila. Hindi ko ipagdadamot sa kanila 'tong mga 'to. Gusto ko na nga sila magkita kita eh. Ayaw lang talaga ng mga Evans.
Iba kasi mag-isip 'yung mga 'yun, ewan ko ba. Hindi ko na nga lang iniisip kasi baka mastress lang ako.
It was already past lunch when we finished cooking and packing the foods.
"Where are you bringing these massive foods, Luna?" Harper asked amazed by the amount of food we made and packed.
"Secret." I winked at her.
"Super thank you sa pagtulong! I swear, I'm gonna make it up to the three of you!" I said while hugging them one by one.
"No worries, Luna." Art said.
"You've been helping us so much Luna, this is nothing." Honoka replied with a sweet smile.
"Truth!" Harper exclaimed clapping her hands.
Malinis na 'yung kitchen at okay na okay na ang lahat. Pwede nang umalis. "I'll just change then I'm going, thank you talaga!" I said with a smile.
"Pwede kaming sumama?" Medyo nagulat ako sa biglang sinabi ni Honoka.
"Yeah, can we?" Harper added and Art looked at me with her glowing eyes.
I was hesitating but in the end, "Let them, Luna." I agreed especially when Kael suggested that I should.
The four of us changed and Kael prepared for the car and the foods.
ISANG MALAKING VAN ang ginamit namin sa dulo dahil kasama nga namin 'yung tatlo. Nagkwentuhan kami habang nasa kotse. Lumabas kami ng school gamit ang pass ni Kael. Syempre, nagulat 'yung tatlo kasi hindi sila kinuwestiyon.
Power, trio. That's what power could do.
It was a slightly long jouney but we've arrived at our destination.
Here we go! Happy birthday to me!
* * *
Honoka Reign's POV
When we arrived at the place we were kind of uncomfortable. I had no idea that we were gonna go in here. Justice wouldn't tell us earlier where we were going, he kept saying that it'll be a surprise.
Guess, it is really a surprise.
And the place seemed ready too. May mahabang table sa isang banda nitong covered basketball court tapos may parang naka-set up din na speaker sa mga tabi. I couldn't help but looked in confusion around the whole area.
Halos sabay sabay kaming napalingon ni Art at Harper kay Justice asking for some kind of answer. He tousled our hairs and smiled sweetly.
Some people started to approach the van and Justice let them helped in bringing out the food. While the three of us just remained close to Justice because of the indifference that we felt on the people who were smiling at us.
Then my eyes landed at Luna. She's hugging the people who were helping in the foods. She kept saying thank you and how are you at them. I could see how comfortable and how sincere she was...
My heart was slowly melting at the scene I'm seeing...
"Luna..." I heard Art whispered.
"I'll help too," I declared unknowingly while admiring how at peace Luna was. Gone the playful, happy and easy going Luna, what we were witnessing was the... true her.
Before I could help the people, who are bring the food at the long table at the side of the court, Justice smiled at the three of us.
"You'll witness one of the infinite reasons, why... I fell in love with her."
He said while looking at the girl who's smiling widely with eyes twinkling in pure bliss. My heart melted more when I saw how proud and how Justice looked at her with so much love.
Parang si Papa lang kung tingnan si Mama...
Napangiti na lang kaming tatlo nina Harper kay Justice.
'Nung naglakad kaming tatlo papunta sa mga tumutulong ay nakaramdam ako ng hiya at pagkailang pero sa mga ngiti 'nung mga taong 'yun sa amin at saka sa mahinang pasalamat nila, marahang naging kampante ang puso ko.
When we finished bringing out all the foods, we all went in the centre of the court.
I thought what we witnessed earlier was the softest thing that could happen but I was wrong... the next happening made me shed tears of joy...
Laughters...
We heard loud cheers of genuine happiness at the entrance of the court.
Then tons of little children appeared with wide smiles on their faces. They all run and went to... Luna.
"Ate!"
"Ate Luna!"
They all screamed with festive welcome.
Some of the kids, boys and girls, were dirty. Mayroong walang damit pang-taas, butas na tshirt, halos may mga grasa at mga sugat mga paa, binti, katawan. Sobrang papayat nilang lahat. May mga bungi at kalbo pa.
But there's one thing they had in common... 'yung mga mata nila... sobrang saya 'nung mga mata nila.
They welcomed Luna with a hug. Halos matumba na si Luna dahil sa kanila, pero walang paki-alam si Luna kahit mapaupo na s'ya sa sahig 'nung covered court, she welcomed them in her arms with so much love.
Nag-unahan talaga sila na mayakap si Luna. Halos lumubog si Luna nang palibutan s'ya nang mga ito. Si Luna lang talaga 'yung pinuntahan nila. Kahit nandito kaming tatlo at si Justice parang si Luna lang 'yung nakita nila.
"Teka lang, teka lang!" Luna was laughing her heart's content while trying to hug all the kids not minding their physical status and the likes.
She didn't mind that her hair became a mess, her cheeks almost had some black spots and her clothes became dirty. She didn't mind at all...
I didn't notice that I'm almost crying because of the sight. My vision became blurry because of the liquid that's pooling in my eyes. I turned to Harper and Art, they were also astonished by what happened.
I gazed at Justice who's taking pictures of his love and the children. He's smiling from ear to ear, eyes filled with admiration.
"Hey, kids!" He suddenly yelled gaining attention from the children.
"One, two, three, say cheese!" Then all of the children looked at the camera while smiling and Luna's in the middle grinning too.
"Tara dali, may dalang pagkain si Ate Luna sa inyo, saka may mga gifts din!" Luna announced loudly and everybody cheered.
"Pila muna kayo sa may table para sa pagkain, okay? Tapos maglalaro tayo mamaya, at syempre bibigyan ko kayo lahat ng gift, okay ba 'yon?!" Halos magtatalon 'yung mga bata sa narinig kay Luna.
"OPO!" They all screamed happily.
"Tara." Nakangiting sabi sa 'min ni Luna, at saka naglakad papunta sa table 'nung mga pagkain. We went on the other side of the table and positioned on helping to give them dishes.
The children lined up in getting the plates and utensils. Nakangiti silang naglalahad ng mga pinggan, tapos si Luna nakikipag-usap at nakikipag-apir sa kanila. Justice's beside Luna also helping them in foods. And he's also taking care of Luna in his simple way. It's just so... heartwarming to see...
"Ang ganda n'yo po, Ate..." I was taken aback when I heard a small and cute voice.
I chuckled softly. "Ako?" I asked. The kid nodded in delight. I gave him a high five. "Gwapo ka rin." Sabi ko sa kan'ya tapos nagbigay ako ng pagkain.
"Salamat po!" Masiglang sagot niya sa akin.
It was just one child... pero sobra sobrang saya ng puso ko. Hindi ako makapaniwalang nakapagpangiti ako ng bata...
"Hi!" I greeted the next one. She smiled at me, although one tooth's missing.
"Hello po..." She replied politely. Then pointed out the dish that she wanted. I gave it to her. In that simple thing, she happily moved on.
Napatingin ako kayna Harper at Art, they are also serving them drinks and foods. They are also interacting with them. Harper's laughing carefree and dancing while talking with them, the kids were enjoying talking to her.
While Art's pinching their cheeks, and telling them some jokes to make them comfortable around her.
What I'm witnessing was beyond extraordinary. Just simple things... but it made my heart swell with so much passion and content.
I also tried to sing to the children while giving them foods, interacting with them was so much fun. Halos patapos na rin kami sa pagseserve at napaupo na 'yung mga bata sa mga bleachers tapos 'yung iba nasa sahig na.
When we finished some older people also went to the foods and Luna welcomed them. Hinayaan namin na sila 'yung kumuha ng pagkain at todo pasasalamat sila. Lalong lalo kay Luna.
The speaker also blasted some upbeat songs and everyone were really happy.
Lumapit ako kay Art at Honoka. "That was fun." Harper commented with a beam.
"Truth! Those kids were adorable!" Art agreed dreamily while gazing at the kids eating to their heart's content.
"I never thought this could be so... fulfilling." I said they both nodded.
I turned to see Luna. Justice just approached her with a bottled water. They were both sitting at the bleachers. Justice was saying something we couldn't hear and Luna slightly turned her back at Justice. Nilagyan ni Justice ng bimpo si Luna sa likod. Luna also did the same.
Both of them are smiling from eye to eye.
Justice wiped the sweat from Luna's forehead with a handkerchief and softly pulled Luna into a hug to make her rest a little but Luna's still full of energy and she made Justice rest in her shoulders instead.
I chuckled at the sweet scene.
"Looks like our Justice's whipped." Harper commented smirking. Art and I laughed at her. Totoo naman. Justice is still the sweet one we've always known, sobrang soft sa mga taong mahalaga sa kanya.
And we could see how much he treasures Luna.
We decided to rest a little bit too since everyone's eating. When I felt, my phone vibrated from my pocket.
From: Himagsik
I secretly opened the message wary of Art and Harper.
Where you at?
Nasa'n nga ba kami? Hindi ko alam.
I don't know, but outside the school.
I answered.
Halos maitapon ko 'yung phone ko 'nung makitang tumatawag ito. I ended the call immediately! This guy really! Napatingin si Art at Harper sa 'kin dahil sa nangyari.
"Nothing." Inunahan ko na sila. Nagkibit balikat lang 'yung dalawa.
Stop calling if you don't wanna get caught. I'm with Art and Harp.
Napansin ko na biglang tumayo si Art at saka tinuro 'yung phone n'ya. "Kuya Kambal's calling." She reasoned out. My forehead creased. Kuya Kambal? Kailangan pa naging unknown ang number nila Kuya Theon at Kuya Cleon sa phone ni Art? Did they fight or something?
My phone vibrated because of the message.
Why are you three outside the school?
Even though he's not here, I swear I could hear his baritone voice asking the question with a firm tone. Almost like a warning.
Just simple things.
I replied quickly. And he answered fast too.
Where's Luna?
I was confused when he suddenly asked that.
Why?
I glanced at Luna. She and Justice are playing rock paper scissors and laughing at each other. Luna lost and Justice gave her a flick on the forehead, Luna held it because of shock and pain. Sobrang adorable ni Luna 'nung nanlaki 'yung mga mata n'ya sa gulat! Justice quickly kissed her hurting forehead.
Sweet. Justice is just so sweet!
Rebel replied at my text and I read it mutely.
Went to her house. She's not there, I told her to look after you.
He's crazy! Why would he ask such a favour to Luna? I'm not a child anymore! Kulit talaga nitong si Rebel.
I can manage.
I replied and suddenly received another text from him.
It's her birthday today too, I wanna annoy her.
My eyes flew wide open when I read the message. Napatayo ako sa kinauupuan ko. Harper also did the same with her eyes focused on her phone.
"Oh my royals!" She exclaimed in surprise while covering her mouth and gazing at Luna and Justice.
"Bakit?" I asked her because of her reaction.
"It's Luna's Geburtstag!" Ano raw?
"It's her birthday!" She clarified gracefully.
"That's right... but how did you know?" I was also about to tell Harper about it. Didn't know she knew.
"Ahm," She started hesitantly, glancing secretly at her phone. "Just because..."
"What should we do?" Tanong ko.
"Maybe buy her a cake later? I'll tell Biblee and the gang about it." Harper proposed carefully.
"Call! I'll inform Kuya Akira so we can surprise her a little. She's precious." I told her and we both agreed. We also went to Art to tell her about the plan. She also didn't look surprise about it.
We mentioned it to the whole gang and they told us to keep Luna with us for a while, while they prepare. I smiled discreetly because of it. Looks like Luna's day isn't over yet. A small celebration will be waiting for her! She deserved every bit of it!
Luna and Justice went to us and discussed some games that we can play with the children.
The three of us decided to emcee the program and also participate in the game, same with Luna and Justice.
The first game was like centipede game. Luna and Justice decided to play with the kids first.
Magkakadugtong 'yung mga bata at nakahawak sila sa damit sa may waist ng isa't-isa tapos nasa dulo si Justice na nakahawak din sa kanila pero may taling kulay pula sa likod niya.
Si Luna naman nasa unahan 'nung mga batang magkakahawak din sa likod niya. Si Luna ang hahabol sa likod ni Justice para kunin 'yun taling pula. Tapos bawal mapatid 'yung pagkakahawak nila sa isa't-isa habang tumatakbo.
Luna's team also have a colour blue leash on one little boy at the end of their team.
Other kids started to cheer their chosen team. And the three of us hyped them.
I blew the whistle to start the game. It was crazy when I did it! People screamed and the kids actively cheered.
"Woooo!"
"Let's go blue team!" Art yelled with her hands on the air.
"Red team for the win!" Harper rejoiced, jumping in joy.
All of us watched in tense. Justice's team tried to run away from Luna's chasing team. Sobrang higpit ng hawak ng mga bata sa isa't isa kahit natakbo sila para hindi ma-out sa game. Luna's chuckling so lively while chasing the playful Justice.
Ang cute ni Justice kapag ala-ala magpapahuli s'ya kay Luna pero tatalon sa side para hindi makuha ni Luna 'yung leash. Tapos tatakutin naman s'ya ni Luna kasi ang bilis ng mga batang nakakapit sa kaniya.
"Justice win this!" Harper screeched while clapping.
"Gooo Luna, you got this!" Art shrieked while jumping.
Natawa naman ako sa kanila samantalang ako hindi makapili ng group na kakampihan.
The children's laughters and cheers were so good to hear. I just screamed and supported everyone. Halos lahat yata kami napapairit kapag makukuha na ni Luna 'yung tali tapos makakaiwas si Justice.
Tapos tatakbo ng mabilis 'yung may tali sa group ni Luna para makaiwas sa isang bata na front runner nina Justice. It was just so fun to watch! Ang saya saya!
"Justiceee!" Harper yelled loudly when Justice almost tripped.
"Wooo! I got itttt!" Malakas na sigaw ni Luna 'nung makuha n'ya 'yung tali sa likod ni Justice.
"WOOOO!" Everybody cheered and jumped because we have a winner! Lahat ng mga nasa team ni Luna niyakap at pinalibutan s'ya. Samantalang sina Justice naman ay malungkot ang mukha.
"We have a winner! Luna's teaaam!" I announced on the mic while grinning at Justice who just grabbed Luna's waist to raise her in the air.
Nagkatuwaan ang mga bata dahil do'n. I grabbed some gifts and gave it to the winning team. May gifts na palang dinala rito. Luna ordered it just for the kids.
We all played multiple games. Bring me. Patintero. Tumbang lata. Luksong baka. Even Chinese garter and merry go 'round. It felt like I was back from being a kid! Walang kapantay na saya 'yung naranasan ko dahil sa ginawa namin.
In the end, everyone got gifts. Everyone won.
Even us... I felt like we won. Not some kind of material things... but just something... just a memory to keep forever... and that's the greatest gift.
The children hugged each one of us. Some almost cried too because of how thankful and how enjoyable this simple event is for them. The smile on their faces were priceless. Kahit papaano... kahit isang araw lang... nakapagbigay kami ng saya. Walang kapantay 'yun.
Halos ayaw pakawalan ng mga bata si Luna. Mahal na mahal nila ito. Kay Luna sila nahirapan magpaalam.
But it was inevitable... we needed to go...
I saw how teary eyed Luna was while bidding them goodbye. She promised that she'll come back again.
"Babalik si Ate, promise." She cooed the children who were hugging her legs and circling around her.
"Talaga po?" They said in unison.
"Oo naman. Magdadala pa ako ng mas maraming pagkain at mga regalo."
"Kasama pa rin po sila?" Shock was an understatement when we heard the children say that. 'Yung kanina ko pang pinipigilang luha naglabasan na. Napalingon ako kay Art naiiyak na rin siya, tapos si Harper umupo nang bahagya para lang mayakap sila.
"Oo naman!" Kami nang tatlo ang sumagot sa mga bata.
"YEHEY!"
That meant so much to the three of us...
"Ikaw rin po Kuya, balik ka po ha! Ang galing n'yo po sa mga palaro!" The kids told Justice and he tapped their head while grinning and nodding.
Naglakad na kami paalis. Nakasunod 'yung mga bata sa amin. Nanunuod 'yung mga parang parents at ibang nakakatanda. Nagpasalamat din sila sa amin. Nagbigay rin si Luna ng kaunting halaga pang tulong sa kanila.
Grabe si Luna... Sobra.
"Bye bye!" We waved farewell when we were inside the car. We opened the window just to see them.
"BA-BYE PO! INGAT PO!" They all said while smiling and waving their little hands.
Hindi rin nagtagal umalis kami matapos 'nun. We thanked Luna so much because we got to experience that priceless simple thing.
"Wala 'yun, hindi ko nga akalain na mag-eenjoy kayo." She told us.
"That experience will be forever in my heart, Luna." Mahinang sabi ko habang nakalagay ang kamay sa may banda ng puso ko. We all agreed because of it.
"Justice, alagaan mo si Luna." Art started, we heard Luna chuckled. "Aawayin ka naming tatlo kapag umiyak 'to dahil sinaktan mo." She added seriously.
"Yeah, Justice. I'm gonna forever annoy you." Harper threatened with a giggle.
"Wow, grabe sila." Natatawang sabi ni Justice sa amin.
HINDI NAGTAGAL nakarating din kami malapit sa bahay ni Luna. Gabi na rin kasi. Justice stopped near her house. Mukhang ayaw pa talaga magpakita nito. Nagpakita lang talaga kasi gustong-gustong makasama si Luna sa birthday nito.
"Bye, Justice." Art told him and gave him a hug.
"We'll do our best to make sure you'll finally show yourself to us freely." Harper spoke to him and they fist bump each other.
"Always take care, Just." I reminded and slightly tousled his hair.
"I owe you great, three. Thank you so much!" He said and kissed us in the head.
Nauna na kaming umalis at pumunta sa bahay. Iniwan na naman 'yung dalawa ro'n ng magkamoment naman sila. Inagaw na namin 'yung birthday girl kay Justice ng buong araw eh. Idagdag mo pa 'yung mga bata. Ngayon n'ya lang masosolo 'yun.
When we arrived at home, natigilan kami sa naabutan.
"Dali kasi magtago ka!" Sigaw ni Kuya Cleon kay Biblee.
"Sandaleee!" Biblee answered.
"Baka dumating na sila!" Saway naman ni Kuya Theon.
"Huwag kasi kayong maingay." Kuya Akira stated while scratching the back of his head.
"Guys, please cooperate kayo. Sino ba kasi maghahawak ng cake? Ako na lang ba?" Ate Amythee proposed.
"Yeah, I think Amythee should hold the cake and Thorn and I will do the party poppers." Pierce added while getting the props.
"Then the children will hold the balloons each." Thorn continued and the children agreed. Tuwang tuwa si Aislynn at Blithe.
"Tapos maghahagis ako nitong ahas, habang nagblow ng kandila si Ate Luna." Suggestion naman ni Altair.
"Sira ulo!" Nabatukan naman siya ni Athena.
"You've been planning since who knows when but come on guys, just do it." Reklamo naman ni Aristle sa kanila na parang bagot na bagot na sa nangyayari.
"Alam mo Ate Biblee at Ate Amythee magtago na lang tayo lahat tapos kapag andyan na tutal maingay naman si Ate Luna malalaman natin na s'ya 'yon kasi nag-aanounce 'yun lagi kapag andito na s'ya, saka tayo lalabas lahat." Liam said to the older ones.
"Then we all yell SURPRISE, then boom, bogsh, prrtt, the end." Nicholas said while acting out the sounds from the party poppers and party whistles.
"Ayon ganun, tama 'yung mga bata ganun na lang!" Biblee exclaimed energetically.
"Game na! Game na! Patayin lahat ng ilaw ha!" Sabi naman ni Cleon.
"Woah! Andito na pala ang mga prinsesa!" Altair announced to the whole gang.
Natigilan silang lahat nang makita kami.
"HALAAA! NANDYAN NA SILA! TAGO BILIS!" At ayon nagtago silang lahat halos sabay sabay. At bigla na lang din namatay 'yung ilaw at tumahimik 'yung buong bahay.
Wow! Amaziiiing!
Natawa na lang kaming tatlo dahil sa gulo nila kanina pero 'nung narealize nilang nandon na kami sa pinto at nanunuod sa ginagawa nilang pagtatalo at pag-uusap ay bigla na lang silang nawala lahat.
Parang sobrang planado rin 'nung pagkawala nila. Ibang klase!
The three of us chuckled and shook our head lightly because of them. We closed the door behind us and proceeded to hide at the back of the huge sofa. Nandon sina Aislynn at Blithe. We giggled with them and hushed after.
After some minutes of waiting we heard something on the door.
It creaked open. Parang nanginig 'yung kalamnan ko dahil sa excitement! It's time to give back some surprise Luna!
"MAY SURPRISE AKO—" Hindi na naituloy ni Luna 'yung sasabihin n'ya.
"Ay, bakit ang dilim..." We heard her say. Tinakpan ko 'yung bibig ni Aislynn kasi natatawa na ito sa naririnig.
"Brown out?" She concluded.
"Mga pasaway ko! ANDITO NA ANG MAGANDANG MAGANDANG DILAG NG PILIPINAS NA SI LUNAAAA!" Laughtrip talaga mag-announce 'tong si Luna na nandito na s'ya.
I glanced at Kuya Theon who's hiding just behind the living room cabinet. He's mouthing one, two and...
"Hello! MAY SURPRISE PA NAMAN..."
Three!
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUNA! SUUUURRPRIISSEE!"
Nabuhay lahat ng ilaw nang sabay sabay.
"...ako..." Biglang humina 'yung boses ni Luna at imbis na mai-pop nila 'yung party poppers at magblow ng party whistles... Hindi namin nagawa.
We were stoned on the spot!
"...sa... inyo..." Luna continued what she was about to say almost in a whisper but we heard it because of how quiet it was.
Napatitig kaming lahat kay Luna.
Luna also stared at us in shock.
We all stared at each other in freaking surprise!
JUST WHAT THE HECK!
Dead silence...
Dead silence...
Dead silence...
"HOLY FUCKING SHIT!" Cleon was the one to broke the deafening silence of abruptness.
"Language, Cley!" Pierce reminded.
"Oh. My. Freaking. Holly. Molly!" Biblee said while slowly walking in front of Luna emphasizing every word.
Lahat kami na tahimik na naman dahil sa pagtitig. Pagtitig sa surpresang dala ni Luna!
Oh my heavens!
The one who was standing behind Luna took a step forward.
"I guess, surprise?" He said while locking his eyes on mine and a proud smile plastered on his face.
"BOOM!" The party popper suddenly popped out of nowhere because of the shock.
When I smiled back at him, that was like the cue for everyone to rejoice.
"Surprise, Reign."
"REBEEEEL!" They all shouted in unison with so much happiness.
They all went to hug him. While I was watching it with a smile on my face. Biblee jumped just to hug him tightly, I chuckled.
"Ay wow! Sumasapaw!"
Nagkatawanan kaming lahat 'nung biglang sabihin 'yun ni Luna.
"Ay saglit! Birthday mo nga pala!" Natatawang sabi ni Cleon kay Luna.
"Oo nga eh, pero ang una n'yong pinuntahan 'yung surprise ko, imbis na akong birthday girl." Luna said while giggling playfully.
That was our cue to close her in a hug.
Rebel joined the group hug. Nasa likod ko s'ya habang tumatawa nang mahina.
Guess what?
We wanted to surprise Luna. But in the end, she gave us a revelation!
Leoniael freaking Rebel freaking Evans just showed himself to the whole gang!
And this means one thing... we are in trouble.
Because Rebel, wouldn't show without any reason. And Rebel is trouble himself.
* * *
-EXTRA-
Harper Aurora's POV
Luckily, Art went away for a while because her Kuya Kambal called. Honoka's distanced from me so it's all good. I could look at my phone freely without being watched. I kinda feel guilty though, that I need to hide this kind of thing.
What are you doing?
It was a message from him.
I rolled my eyes secretly. As if. He knew. Pretty sure he knew where was I, what I was doing, how many breathes I'm breathing and whatever! He knew I saved a photo of him! Just how did he do it?
Did Luna tell him? But Luna have no time for that! We were together when it happened!
Does his picture have some kind of tracker?
Agh! Freak!
Doing some good deeds.
I replied nonchalantly. I gazed at the children while they were eating and talking to each other. I smiled unconsciously. My heart just feels so... warm and good. It's fulfilling. I just don't know how to describe it but it was... really awesome.
Wow. You know how to do some good deeds?
My eyes flew wide open because of his reply! If he were here, I'd grabbed his neck! Or babatukan ko s'ya!
SALBAHE!
I touched every button hardly, wanting and wishing him to feel every letter of my retort! Loko-loko ka Law! I thought to myself.
HAHAHA.
That was what I received. Oh royals. Even though it was just a text I felt like I heard his laughter. How I wish. Yeah, how I wish.
* * *
To be continued...