Au Revoir

Strange noises outside my room awakened me. I didn't know what was happening. At first, I thought it was the noise from my dream since I dreamed of an eminent City just like Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The dream seemed real, it felt like I had been there before as I toured the whole spot with someone I had never met ever since. But I was wrong after all as it was just a dream.

I was used to noises growing up especially when it's Sunday morning. Yes, it's the busy streets, the unending active boulevards, roads and alleys. Those car horns and motor vehicles rumble that were so sick in the ear if you're in a first time, people partying outside their houses and having some high volume karaoke in the streets. But the noise I heard this morning was something odd.

I checked my phone beside me and it was just 5:10 in the morning. Instead of getting up, I rolled my body to reach the thermostat and turned off the air-conditioner since the whole room was already filled with coldness. After it turned off, I turned on the stand fan beside my bed. And started scrolling down my feeds to catch some updates from my social media accounts.

How beautiful is the morning as we come and awaken you

With God's early morning blessing with pleasure, we sing to you

I stopped scrolling my feeds as I heard singing acapella outside. I couldn't catch the whole song yet, so I turned off the stand fan beside me and focused on listening to the music. My eyes were closed, and faced the right side where the sound came from. Until I realized that the song and those old and husky voices were familiar to me.

On the day that you were born, the flowers came to bloom

And at the baptismal font all the saints bright forth their songs

The dawn sinks intopearing the rise sun breaks through

The acapella song was then accompanied by a guitar and a tambourine. Slowly it sank in my mind what was going on down there. My body froze because of an unexplainable feeling but I was forced to get up in my bed to watch the scene. I walked towards the door but I stopped when I saw my reflection in the mirror smiling so beautifully. Goodness! My face ain't ready for this.

My mind shouted happiness and my heart cried with so much love when I gradually reached the door and finally got to hear the song so surely. My camera started filming. I breathed deeply and was about to touch the doorknob when it clicked before I turned it to open.

Early this bright morning as we sing Happy Birthday to you

"Happy Birthday, Kiray. " Lola whispered and gave me a bouquet.

It made me cry when I saw her crying while embracing me.  I hugged her tight and mouthed "Thank you".

Lola held me and brought me right into the Sala. I couldn't explain the excitement I was feeling at that certain time when I and Lola walked down the stairs. It was a mixed bag of emotions when I saw people standing in a line singing. I didn't know if I was crying or I was smiling. The feeling was surreal. The World for me stopped.

How I wish I were Saint Peter how I wish I were Saint John as we bring this salutation in the very early day

I was still on the stairs looking at them with a crying heart. Lola left me and headed to the kitchen. I smelled delicious food when I saw those foods displayed on the dining table using banana leaves. I put my both hands on my chest as I couldn't put into words the emotion I felt. One by one, people went the stairs where I stiffened and handed me handmade lovely bouquets, and pretty flowers in a basket, put some fresh and fragrant flower garlands on my neck, gave me an embrace and cheek kisses, and greeted me with a meaningful happy birthday.

The dawn is now appearing the rays of the sun break through a rise early this bright morning as we sing Happy Birthday to you

I joined them on the sala when they were done with their bouquets and garlands, embraces and kisses, and lastly birthday greetings and wishes. So pleased to see people continue singing with joy. They swayed their heads and clapped their hands. Some of them played the tambourine and Tiyo Ricky played the guitar. My mouth couldn't spit a word and my eyes couldn't count the tears that fell. My heart was full! 

The dawn is now appearing as the sun breaks through

Arise early this bright morning as we sing Happy Birthday to you

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIVOIRE!" People greeted in chorus.

As far as I remember, a lot of things happened in just a blink of an eye and to think that today, I will celebrate my 22nd birthday with these nice folk who were close in my heart.

"We are so blessed for having you, my baby. " Mom Kirby sobbed.

"Ma, you're blessed because I was born pretty " I cracked a joke. I just make her happy.

She just kissed me and I wiped her tears away using my bare hands.

This would be the best birthday I ever had as I have my Mom beside me celebrating my birthday after so many years. I extremely missed her, the bond that we used to have when I was little. And now, she's here after almost 12 years in Italy. She has recently arrived here in the Philippines.

"THE FOOD IS READY, LET'S DIVE IN!" Tita Ica shouted from the dining area. No doubt, she prepared all of those foods on the table.

"I missed this so much! " I giggled while eating the tasty Moron.

At the dining table, the food was scattered on banana leaves. Always in participation of the Pancit Bihon and Biko. The ever flavorful Moron, Suman, and Puto paired with Sikwate which was perfect to eat early in the morning. Five varieties of bread that would taste delicious to be filled with Calamay, Mango Jam, Peanut Butter, Butter, and Mayonnaise. There were chopped Mango, Apple, Suha, Watermelon, and Papaya fruits that would increase the sweetness in the place. Lastly, it wouldn't make you full without juices or some liquid to complete your desire.

"What time the party will start? " Calla asked and sipped the sikwate.

Yes, Calla was here. I was about to pinch her nose when she patted my butt. I stared at her deadly. She just ran and cracked a laugh that almost shook the entire house. The people just looked at us amazed.

"Kiray, please get ready before 6 am ha. The glam team is on their way na. You need to finish your stuff 2 hours before the party starts. " Ica said in a rush and went towards my room.

She's a trusted best friend of Mom Kirby just like Calla and me. I just replied with a smile to her a sign I agreed.

Enchanting fairy-tale-themed amused everyone in the hall. A delicate magic with elements of enchantment. Ethereal wildflowers such as white with red Queen's Anne Lace wildflower which brought simplicity, Scarlet red Cardinal Flower which added elegance, with a white and pink Water Lily on the side put in some cuteness. Aside from those stunning Wildflowers, it was also added with White and Red Astilbe, Blanket flowers, and Pink Hellebore that helped to balance the lush greenery. The starburst lights truly assisted in making it a more magical and illuminated enchanted forest LED floor.

I walked down the hallway jawdropped. My eyes scanned the whole venue and all I could say was extraordinary. The designs, the flashes of lightning, the music, and the theme itself were A1! All were made in congruence. The jaw-dropping view that everyone could wish for. Everything was accurate and impressive in the said theme. The people around were also stunned.

"You're so pretty, Kivoire Mareun! " Calla held my hand tight and said in astonishment.

"Full name jud, Calla Bretthel?" I teased.

"Look Lola Neneng, emotional kaayo. She cried and took down one roll of tissue already. " Calla whispered and poked fun at Lola.

I dashed her softly and continued walking. She was with me the whole time because Mom Kirby waited for me in the front along with Lola and Tiyo Ricky.

"Mommy.." I murmured when I reached her.

"You look stunning, baby. " She responded with amazement.

I was wearing a Mak Tumang's gown collection. A sparkly off-shoulder burgundy quinceanera gown that enhances my skin complexion as I wear the soft glam makeup for an effortless and polished natural look that accentuates and highlights features in my face and a messy updo hairstyle embellished with a bold flower, thistle, and succulents which is adequate with the fairy-tale theme.

I wondered why I suddenly fell in love and decided right away to wear Mak Tumang's gown instead of the body-con dress my Mom bought from Italy that fit my hourglass body shape.

"I don't regret I chose your Tita Ica to plan your birthday today. Because look! Everything was detailed and awe-striking as planned. " She added and winked at Tita Ica.

"Thank you so much, Mommy," I muttered and kissed her.

The visitors were pleased to see. They painted so much enjoyment on their faces that made my heart flattered with the said program that went well. The food served was remarkable, unique, and well-prepared. Not every second count was wasted, all we were treasured and captured and saved by those photographers and videographers hired for the event. The most memorable birthday I ever had. After almost 3 hours of the party, most of the visitors bid goodbye when the photo shoot ended. Only numerous visitors left. Some of them were busy drinking some wine and having some chika.

"Thank you so much for having us today. We did enjoy a lot. " My Mom friend thanked us.

"You're very welcome, Mr. & Mrs. Salvador. " Mom bowed and thanked them.

"Thank you, Tita and Tito for celebrating my birthday. It means a lot to me. " I said calmly and hugged them both. They left immediately.

"Here, get this apo. His birthday present for you. " Lola interrupted and extended me a golden tiny box.

When you see the box, it might look so simple. Just an ordinary tiny box but it gave more excitement because it's a gold-plated box. At first, I thought of a ring. Nonono. You're making me laughㅡ

"Vin.." I whispered.

I was shocked as I mentioned an unfamiliar name. Who's Vin? I had a fresh memory and never it failed to give me life details. Never did I encounter or meet someone named Vin in my whole life. 

"Kiray, are you okay? " Lola intruded.

In the distance, a man was standing at the entrance of the hall. He examined every piece of me from head to toe and just smirked. I feel insulted. Who is he? I stared back at him seriously. He just smiled. I couldn't believe someone would come and witness my 22nd birthday and I don't even recognize the identity. The party was only permitted to people I know, but what he was doing here in the event?

"Yes, Lola I'm fine. Anyway, who gave that gift? " I asked her curiously.

Lola gave me a cute blushing smile, and it confused me so badly. She just hugged me so tight and whispered.

"Go outside and meet him. I know, you missed him a lot." She said blushing and shooed me.

I closed my eyes and heaved a sigh. There was a part of me saying that I should be happy. So I am.

"Hi. Oh! Y-you're late. The visitors left already, karon paman lagi ka? " I asked the man.

What's happening? Is this how easy am I to approach him? I didn't even know him in the first place. He's a stranger to me. Perhaps, this is how I approached someone when it comes to entertaining guests. I think.

"Have you missed me? " he asked out of a sudden and crossed his arms.

"H-huh? What are you talking about? " I answered him confidently and started his features in the face.

My heart's aching. Something whispered in my mind that I missed him so much. But I made the wrong move by asking him what he was pointing to.

"Here you are again. How many times do I have to tell you to stop staring at me like that? " He exhaled deeply and put his hands on my face to stop looking at him.

"Wait. Wait. Wait. Put your hands down. " I insisted. He then put his hands down and got closer to me.

"I was selfish, but it's all worth it now. No one can hinder us anymore. I could no longer wait for this, so I did my best just to be with you for a lifetime. I missed you, my princess. " He then whispered to my ear which gave me a nerve in my spine.

"Just always say yes. The tiny golden box, check it out princess," He added and stepped back as he crossed his arms again watching my reaction.

"Who are you? And what about saying, calling me your princess?" I dazzled.

"You're just a stranger. So, if you please, I'm leaving. " I added and was about to run.

"Au revoir," He shouted.

Au revoir. The word that repeated seldomly in my dreams. I stopped and faced him back. His eyes were full of misery yet with felicity. Mixed emotions. He's smiling, as his tears fall. I felt it. I tried to reminisce until I got it.

"Au revoir, Princess Kivoire. " I completed the phrase as my memory got back slowly.

"I know it was you who said it, right? " I asked and surprised.

"You're daydreaming again, princess" he joked.

If I could change what happened, I still choose the same action again.