"So what's the plan for your birthday?" Navi asked while we're eating light merienda in a restaurant at Greenbelt 2. Nagkita lang kami rito, I finally got one free day away from work. I just want to unwind and treat myself for the weeks that I've been working non-stop.
"Tagal pa no'n ha! Almost 2 months pa." I answered because it's weeks away from now, I mean March just started! I don't want to think about the day I'll add one to my age, I'll feel old.
"Malay mo lang naman." she shrugged then continued eating.
"Pero weekday ata 'yon eh, so wala." dagdag ko nang maalala. I think it will fall on a Tuesday? I'm not sure.
"Corny." she snorted then rolled her eyes, I know she wants to party for free drinks. She can buy it herself, she just doesn't wan to. Mas masarap daw kasi pag libre.
"I might be busy that time because of work sooo...." dagdag ko ulit at nagkibit balikat.
"I might be busy that time because of work so" she sneered.
"Si Ariadna ba walang planong umuwi?" tanong niya.
"Baka this year daw... she has reasons, hayaan mo na." sagot ko.
"Where are we going to shop?" I asked, that was our goal today, shopping.
"Mula dito hanggang glorietta, G?" hamon niya. Tiningnan ko naman ang suot niyang sapatos at nakitang naka-heels pa siya.
"Yabang ha? Tingnan lang natin kung di sumakit paa mo." umirap ako at uminom sa basong may lamang iced tea.
"Sanayan lang yan, parang hindi naman natin 'to ginagawa dati." she reasonably said. We used to shop when before I became the chief engineer, we used to shop 'til we drop.
"You done?" tanong ko nang makitang pareho nang ubos ang aming kinakain.
"Tara." yakag niya matapos namin bayaran ang mga kinain.
We were strolling through the mall, looking for shops and boutiques we want to buy products from.
"If it isn't the past lover." biglaang saad ni Navi habang naglalakad kami. Palinga-linga ako kaya hindi ko agad naintindihan ang sinasabi niya.
"What?" baling ko at nginuso niya naman ang tinutukoy. I saw Lex looking and walking towards our direction.
"Hey!" I awkwardly but lively greeted, I don't know how I sounded.
"Good Afternoon, Calli." nakangiti niyang bati sa akin bago tumingin kay Navi at tumango, "Navi."
"First name basis again huh? I see where this is going...." bulong ni Navi sa akin, halatang nang-aasar.
"Hello Lex." bati niya pabalik kay Lex at ngumiti nang matamis.
"Where are you headed?" he curiously asked.
"Ah. Shopping lang.Ikaw?" I briefly informed and asked. It's getting kinda awkward because of Navi, I can feel her annoying stare and smile in my peripheral vision.
"I just have to buy something." sagot niya naman at tumango ako.
"We'll get going now." paalam ko at tumuro kung saan.
"See you around." tinanguan niya kaming dalawa ni Navi saska naglakad paalis. Naglakad na rin kami ulit ni Navi pero patuloy pa rin ang mapang-asar na tingin niya sa'kin.
"Oh shut up!" I exclaimed then rolled my eyes.
"Wala akong sinasabi ha!" sabi niya at humagalpak ng tawa.
"See you around pa nga..." pangungulit niya pa habang tinutusok ang tagiliran ko kaya panay ang iwas ko sa kanya.
"Tingnan natin kung may mabibili tayo rito." turo ko sa isang boutique na malimit naming puntahan dati.
"Ngi change topic??" inirapan ko na lang siya bilang sagot. Nagsimula na kaming tumingin ng mga pwedeng bilhin at hindi kami nakalabas doon nang walang bitbit na paper bag.
We went from one shop to another and we were carrying some paper bags already when Navi received a phone call. Sinagot niya naman 'yon habang naglalakad kami.
"Navi speaking..." she said.
"What do you need?" mataray niyang tanong.
"Di ako pwede ngayon." nakataas pa ang kilay niya habang nagsasalita, buti na lang hindi 'yon nakikita ng kausap niya kung hindi ay ma-iintimidate kung sino man 'yon.
"Tsk. I'm going now." she rolled her eyes before ending the call.
"Bwisit naman oh." napakamot siya sa ulo at lalong kumunot ang noo, lalo tuloy siya nagmukhang mataray.
"Bakit daw?" I asked while were walking.
"Hehe." she stopped so I also stopped.
"Anong hehe?" I think I know where this is going.
"I.... Would have to ditch, may panggulo kasi." she apologetically smiled then did a peace sign.
"Edi uuwi na lang din ako?" sabi ko naman, tutal wala na rin akong kasama.
"Gaga ngayon ka na nga lang ulit nakalabas, enjoy mo na!" she said then lightly slapped my arm.
"Sa'n ka sasakay?" I worriedly asked.
"I'll book Grab." she assured.
"Ok. Ingat!" paalam ko naman
"Bye! Damihan mo papamilhin mo ha! Sorry ulit." she said then waved her hand before heading out.
I continued shopping and I plan to go home after dinner. I also agree on what Navi said, I think I really deserve this for all the hard work. Narito na rin naman ako, susulitin ko na para na rin makapag relaax at mailayo ang isip sa trabaho.
Hindi ko na napansin na umabot na ako sa glorietta at parami na pala nang parami ang nabili ko, patuloy din na nadadagdagan ang mga paper bag na bitbit ko.
Medyo nabibigatan na ako kaya tumigil muna at naupo sa isa sa mga bench doon. I scrolled through my phone to see if there's a text from anyone.
"Oh hey." someone approached me, when I looked up, I saw Lex.
"Hey! You're still here!" gulat na bati ko naman. I thought he's just going to buy something but I didn't see anything with him.
"Do you need help?" he asked, pertaining to the paper bags beside me. Nang tingnan ko ay marami-rami nga 'yon kaya nagtaka ako kung paano ko kinaya iyon kanina.
"I-I think I can manage." I stood up and tried grabbing everything with my two hands but I was struggling.
"Really?" he scoffed as he asked that in a doubting tone.
"I don't want to trouble you. Malapit lang naman yung sasakyan ko." I lied.
"Oh really and where did you park?" he said with his brows raised.
"Sa parking." I truthfully answered. I don't want to lie again and I really parked in a parking, where else?
"Sa parking." he sneered.
"Are you mocking me?" I jokingly said and raised one of my brows.
"Sa'n ka nga nag-park? Baka malapit lang sa sasakyan ko, I can walk with you there." he offered again.
"Sa may greenbelt 2." mahina kong bulong. Nahihiya akong sabihin dahil nasa glorietta na kami at nasa greenbelt 2 pa ang sasakyan ko.
"Where?" he asked again because I'm sure he didn't hear what I murmured.
"Just in Greenbelt 2, but I can manage." I smiled to be more reassuring.
"Lapit ah." he scoffed again.
"Let me help you." he offered again.
"But..." I was about to deny and make up reasons again but he spoke already.
"To be fair, just treat me... water?" he suggested. I can't change his mind so I just agreed.
"Ok." after saying that I gave him some of the paper bags although he offered to bring everything. This is my stuff so I won't burden him with all of it, I am capable of carrying some so why would I depend on him?
"I thought you were with Navi?" tanong niya habang naglalakad kami pabalik sa Greenbelt 2. I wonder how can he make small talks like these given our past but maybe he already got over it. Mukha lang akong casual dahil pinipilit kong maging ganoon pero hiyang-hiya na talaga ako.
"Someone called her so she had to leave." I explained looking straight to where we're walking.
"Ikaw ba? Are you with someone?" tanong ko at saglit siyang tiningnan dahil baka may kasama pala siya at nakakasagabal ako.
"Well, I'm with you." he answered. I rolled my eyes at that. Obviously I'm with you?
"I mean, earlier." dagdag ko pa.
"No. I was actually trying to find a gift for mom." pagkukwento niya. Right her mom's birthday is near.
"Yeah her birthday's close...Did you find any?" I glanced at him and curiously asked.
"Uhmmm no." nahihiya niya pang sagot. I mean he's been walking around for hours and he didn't find any?
"She almost has everything, hindi ko na alam ang bibilhin ko." depensa niya. That's the hard thing about giving gifts to your parents.
"You can buy anything, kahit meron na siya no'n, she'll love it as long as its from you." sabi ko naman.
"You have a point." he agreed.
"Gusto mo muna bang bumili ng gift? Pwede namang dumaan muna tayo roon." suhestiyon ko.
"Okay." pagpayag niya. Sinamahan ko siyang bumili ng pwedeng regalo sa nanay niya at mabilis naman siyang nakapili.
He bought a perfume and a scarf then we continued walking. I don't know how to start a conversation with him. Should I buy him dinner? Because he helped me carrying these bags?
"Do you want to eat dinner?" bigla niyang sabi.
"I was thinking the same thing!" sabi ko.
"My treat and that's final."dagdag ko pa at matamis na ngumiti sa kanya,
We ate at a restaurant around Greenbelt then went to the parking after paying for what we ate. We are loading the paper bags on the trunk when he spoke.
"We should do this some other time." mahinang sabi niya. Oh? There's another time?
"You have my number." I shrugged then smiled. We exchanged numbers earlier so it'll be easier for us to contact each other about business.
"Drive safely. Thank you for the treat." pasasalamat niya, kaya tumango naman ako.
"Thanks for carrying these. Ingat." sabay turo ko sa mga pinamili ko at isinarado ang pinto. I waved my hand before entering the car and started driving home.
I was unaware of it but I think going out or hanging out with him went on for weeks. Sometimes it's just coincidence, we bump into each other in a place then we'll end up eating together or he texts if I'm available and if I am, I'll agree.
I don't know what this is or what the heck are we doing but maybe we're friends now despite the past? Sana ay ganoon na nga lang.
Lex and I are eating at a restaurant in Mandaluyong, I think the site I visited is near his office that's why he saw me. Sakto at tanghali na no'n kaya niyakag niya akong magtanghalian sa malapit. Since I have time to spare, I agreed.
"Calli?" someone called while we're eating so I looked at my side. I saw a lady, I tilted my head trying to remember how I know her. Nang matauhan ay ginawaran ko siya ng gulat na ekspresyon.
"Adelaide? Is that you?" gulat kong tanong. I haven't seen her in a long time!
"Yes! Hi!" tumayo naman ako at nakipagbeso sa kanya bago niyakap.
"You've changed a lot!" puna ko. She became more beautiful than she was years ago. "In a positive way, of course." dagdag ko.i don't want her to take it the wrong way.
Napatingin siya sa kasama ko at gulat siyang tumingin sa akin, "I didn't know you two are still together! Wow!" mangha niyang saad.
"Oh no no, we're just friends!" agad ko namang tanggi.
"Ah! I'm sorry!" paumanhin niya.
"It's okay! See you around!" sabi ko naman habang nakangiti.
"Sorry for that. We haven't seen each other for years! I just got back eh, I'm just visiting here." she shared. Oh so she won't be here for too long?
"Ah kaya pala!"
"Let's chat some other time?" she asked.
"Yes we should!" sagot ko naman. I gave her my calling card and she gave me hers then she left the restaurant.
"Sorry for that. We haven't seen each other for years too. " I said to Lex and apologetically smiled.
"It's okay." He said then we continued eating.
Just when we're about to finish, his phone rang so he picked it up.
"Ano na naman nangyari kay Raegan?" sagot niya agad sa kausap bago tumayo at sinabihan akong maghintay saglit.
He went out while I finished everything on my plate. Is that the same Raegan I've heard when he left me before? There's the guilty feeling again, are we doing the wrong thing? I haven't even confirmed if he already has a family or a significant other.
Naputol ang pagmumuni-muni ko nang bumalik siya. "Hey I'm sorry, I need to go." pagpapaalam niya. "Are you done eating?" tiningnan niya ang plato ko, tumango naman ako.
"Sorry again, I've already paid for this." paghingi niya ulit ng tawad.
"It's okay, bye." I smiled then he left.
I've been busy at work again so I didn't have time to go out. I am not using my job as a reason to decline Lex's meal invitations, I just really didn't have the time.
Sana lang ay hindi niya minasama ang sunod-sunod na pagtanggi ko pero siguro naman ay naiintindihan niya lao't alam niyang ako ang naghahandle ng kompanya ngayon.
"Good Morning Engr., Happy Birthday po!" masiglang bati ni Ela pagkapasok ko sa opisina. She was fixing the papers on my table when I entered.
Saka ko lang nalaman a birthday ko pala ngayon, hindi ko naman nakita ang araw ngayon, "Oh! Is it already the 30th today?!" I exclaimed.
"Yes po." she chuckled maybe she's wondering why I forgot.
"Ang bilis ng araw! Thanks Ela!" pasasalamat ko
"Order something for lunch. I'll treat everyone, here's my card. Ikaw na bahala." utos ko naman at inabot ang credit card sa kanya.
"Okay po! Happy Birthday po ulit!" bati niya ulit bago lumabas ng opisina.
Ela entered again to give me my coffee then I started working. There were a lot of messages from my relatives and friends and I've decided to reply to them later after work. Iipunin ko muna lahat bago magpasalamat. While I was typing I saw ate Ria calling so I immediately answered it.
[Hi! Anong oras na dyan?] panimula niya.
"Past 10, ate." sagot ko pagkatapos tingnan ang orasan.
[Happy Birthday, Callista!] sigaw niya kaya inilayo ko nang kaunti ang phone sa tenga ko.
"Thank you! How are you! Miss you so much!" I said. I truly miss them especially now that I'm drowning with work and I'll do anything to take a rest for a while and be with my cousins there and my little nieces and nephews.
[We miss you here too! Are you going here next month?] tanong niya. It's mom's death anniversary tomorrow and I will go there like I always do.
"Yes pero ako lang eh." malungkot kong sabi. Since dad can't travel yet, I will go by myself this year.
[How's tito by the way?] pangungumusta niya.
"He improved a lot!" pagyayabang ko naman. His speech is almost corrected and his paralyzed face has improved, in a few months he'll be able to do the things he usually do.
[That's good, I can see that you're at work so I won't bother you anymore.] she said while looking at my background. Ipinatong ko kasi ang phone sa lamesa at nakipag-usap sa kanya habang nagt-type.
"No it's okay!" sagot ko naman.
[Happy Birthday!] bati niya ulit.
"Thank you ate! Ikamusta mo ko sa kanilang lahat! Bye!" pagpapaalam ko naman bago pinatay ang tawag at maya-maya pa ay si dad naman ang tumatawag.
[Happy Birthday Callista.] bati niya.
"Thank you dad! See you at home!" pasasalamat ko naman.
Hindi na kami nagkuwentuhan pa dahil lagi naman akong nagkukwento sa tuwing umuuwi ako. Matapos kong patayin ang tawag ay bumalik na ako sa trabaho hanggang sa pumasok si ela at sinabing dumating na raw ang mga pagkain.
Everyone was able to get food as they all greet me. I saw Levi approaching while putting the pizza into his mouth.
"Happy Birthday Boss! May pahanda ba ulit mamayang gabi?" bati niya habang ngumunguya pa.
"Aba nahiling pa ah!" sagot ko naman kaya natawa siya nang bahagya.
"Free dinner din 'yon kung sakali!" he said. Akala mo nga naman talaga walang pambili ng pagkain eh!
"Walang plano, heto na 'yon." I shrugged .
"Awts." sabi niya naman at nagpatuloy sa pagkain.
After the lunch all of us went back to work. Ngayon ko lang napansin na hindi ganoon ka-hectic ang schedule ko ngayon, hindi ko alam kung sinadya 'yon ni Ela pero salamat kung ganoon.
I have one site visit for this afternoon and I'll go there before going home. Nang mag-alas kwatro ay tumungo na ako sa Mandaluyong, doon kasi ang iinspektahin kong lugar ngayon. Nagpaalam na ako kay Ela at binati niya ulit ako.
After the inspection I drove home and Ela kept calling but I couldn't answer because I was driving. Nang makapag-park ako sa bahay ay saka ko lang sinagot ang tawag.
"Why Ela?" tanong ko.
[Sorry Engr., nasaan na po kayo? May naiwan po kasi kayo rito sa opisina. Pero kung nakauwi na po kayo ay ako na lang magdadal dyan.] dahilan niya.
"Kararating ko lang. ano bang naiwan ko? Pwede ko namang balikan." napakunot ang noo ko. Ano bang nakalimutan ko? Akala ko'y dala ko na lahat ng kailangan.
[Ah sige po! Wag na po pala hindi naman importante. Bye po!] nagmamadali niyang paalam at ibinaba ang tawag kaya napa-iling na lang ako.
I opened the door and everyone in the receiving area yelled, "Happy Birthday Calli!" I was so surprised! Everyone was there!
May ganito palang plano kaya pala hindi ako tinatawagan ni Navi o nang kahit sinong tropa ko dahil may plano pala sila. I almost cried because of their surprise.
Pumunta naman ako sa kanila at nagpasalamat bago sila niyakap.
"Surfries!" Navi exclaimed while extending both of her arms. Niyakap ko naman siya, "Gulat ko talaga gago!" mahina kong hinampas ang braso niya kaya natawa siya.
"Hi boss! Dito ulit ako hehe..." he said while grimacing.
"Nagtanong ka pa kanina huh!" I rolled my eyes and scoffed.
"Edi hindi na surprise 'to? Kunyari lang walang alam." he shrugged.
Binati ako ni Gab, Quin at Xav at isa-isa ko naman silang pinasalamatan at niyakap.
"Hoy may imported na gustong bumati sa'yo." sabi ni Navi sabay abot ng cellphone niya.
[Happy Birthday Callistaaaa!!!] sigaw ni Ari sa kabilang linya. It was a video call and I could see her smiling widely on the screen.
"Thank you!! Uwi ka na di na ko galit." biro ko. Nagkuwentuhan pa kami saglit bago ibinaba ang tawag.
"Hey."