Twenty-Eight

I stepped out after sorting everything out—only to end up with a pile of laundry. But it's fine. At least I'll have something to keep me busy today after eating.

"Morning!" the lovebirds at the table greeted me in unison as they ate.

"Morning," I replied lifelessly.

"Why do you look out of it again?" Mitch immediately asked as I sat down and placed my coffee mug on the table.

"Nothing. Maybe I had too much beer. I should've gone for something stronger," I replied sarcastically.

"Damn!" Kim blurted out loudly, while Mitch laughed beside her.

"I'm doing laundry today. I just washed my clothes, and now I have another pile again," I complained.

"Of course! Your aunt bought you a bunch of new clothes! At least now, you'll have something to bring for the Educational Tour, right? If anything's missing, you'll only need to buy a few more things," she reassured me.

"True," was all I said before taking some fried rice, beef tapa, and a fried egg. Mitch and I both loved beef tapa, after all.

While I was doing the laundry, I thought about heading to the apartment. So, I didn't stay long—after finishing up, I quickly got ready and told Mitch that I was going out.

I was right—no one was home. So, I decided to hang out for a bit. I cleaned the entire apartment since it was obvious that no one had been around for days. It was already getting dusty.

I also changed my bedding. I hadn't been home for so long that I was sure my bed had gathered a lot of dust.

Good thing I brought some instant noodles and bread. After showering, I was just in time to feel hungry. The place was quiet since I was alone, which I preferred—it helped me think more clearly about everything.

I knew they'd be back in a few days, and I figured it was time to talk to them. Nothing would change if I kept avoiding them.

I was already lying down when thoughts of what Georje did to me resurfaced. "Why was he like that?" I thought we had an understanding. I knew he was aware of how much his actions hurt me, yet he still did them.

"Do I really not deserve to be happy? Why is it like this?" Before, it was just my family who hurt me by failing to give me the attention and care they gave my siblings—especially the youngest.

And now, even Georje—the one I thought would protect and care for me—is the very person who keeps hurting me repeatedly.

On top of that, I just found out that my dad has another woman. I used to look up to him so much. Not once did I hear them say they were proud of me, yet I was always so proud to call him my father. But now, everything feels meaningless. I can't accept it. It hurts—so much. No matter what I do, there's another woman outside of our family who is now a part of his life.

Eventually, I fell asleep with those thoughts lingering in my mind.

"Lui!" Manang from the house next door called out.

"Yes, Manang?"

"You have a phone call," she said, and with that, I heard her footsteps fading away.

I didn't waste any time and immediately followed her. Good thing I had already taken a bath and dressed up since I was planning to go out anyway.

Me: Hello?

Mitch: Hello! Good morning, Lui!

Me: Oh? What's up?

Mitch: Just checking in, of course! I've gotten used to having you around all the time.

Me: I'll be there later. I just need to run some errands first. I'm about to head out.

Mitch: Oh, that's great! It's been a bit lonely without you here. I'm just so used to having you around.

Me: Mitch, it's too early for your drama! Where's Kim?

Mitch: She stepped out for a bit—her mom called her, but she'll be back soon.

Me: Alright, I'll go now so I can finish my errands and head straight there. Bye!

Mitch: Bye! Take care.

After hanging up, I went back inside the apartment to grab my bag and the paper bag containing my washed beddings. I planned to go to church—to pour out everything I was feeling and find some relief from the heaviness inside me.

There was no Mass when I arrived, so I just prayed. I let everything out, saying everything I had been keeping inside. Turns out, this was what I needed all along. Only here did I feel safe enough to say everything without fear of being judged or misunderstood.

If I hadn't stepped inside that church, I wouldn't have been able to cry. But at least, after letting it all out, I felt a little lighter.

I lost track of time while I was there, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that I released everything weighing me down. My eyes were swollen from crying, but it was worth it. Even though I didn't get answers to my questions or clarity on the things troubling my mind, it still helped ease the burden in my heart.

On my way back, I stopped by the mall to buy takeout for lunch with Mitch and Kim—if she was back already.

"I'm here! Mitch, open the door, please! My hands are full!" I called out since I couldn't reach the doorknob.

"Mitch! Open up, please!" I repeated when no one answered. It was taking too long.

"My arms are getting tired from carrying all this!" Just then, the door finally started to open—slowly—so I pushed it with my foot since it wasn't fully open yet.

"Surprise! Happy Birthday!!!" they all shouted in unison.

"Huh?!" was all I managed to say. I was touched because I wasn't expecting anyone to remember my birthday—let alone throw me a surprise. Honestly, even I almost forgot about it. No one had greeted me since I woke up in the morning, so I thought it was just another ordinary day. It wasn't until I was in church that I suddenly remembered it was my birthday.

That's why, instead of heading straight home, I decided to stop by the mall and buy some food. I never imagined that someone else had already planned something for me. I was always the one organizing surprises for others on their birthdays—I never thought anyone would do the same for me.

"You were shocked, huh?" Blue said proudly, being the first to come up and hug me.

"Happy Birthday, Lui!" she greeted.

"Happy Birthday to you, my dear friend Lui!" Mitch said, holding a cake.

"Make a wish and blow your candles!" she added cheerfully. I closed my eyes and couldn't help but tear up from happiness. Despite everything I was going through, there were still people who made me feel special and remembered me.

After blowing out the candles, one by one, they all came up to me. That's when I realized—my whole group was here. Yes! My groupmates were the ones who remembered and planned this surprise celebration. We ate together happily, shared endless stories, teased each other, and even had some serious conversations about our dreams and future.

"Thank you, everyone! Wow! Whoever planned this, congratulations—you really surprised me!" I said with a big smile, making everyone laugh.

"Lui, good thing you came back! If you had stayed at your place, our whole plan would've flopped," Blue said with a grin.

"So, there was a whole plan going on, huh? I didn't even notice," I said, laughing along with everyone.

"Since you're always the one planning surprises for us, we thought it was time for payback—now that it's your birthday!" Peachy said happily while clinging to Mel again.

"Thank you so much! I really appreciate it," I said sincerely.

"Alright, take your shot!" Kim handed me a shot glass filled with tequila.

"Lui's birthday is even more fun because we're on vacation! No need to worry about going home early or holding back on drinks because of work or classes tomorrow," Roy chimed in from beside me. Next to him was Zette, followed by Kim and Mitch sitting together.

Suddenly, the landline rang.

Zette: Hello?

She quietly listened to the other end of the line.

Zette: Yes, she's here. Hold on, I'll call her.

She gestured toward me, waving the telephone receiver—meaning the call was for me.

I immediately stood up and took the receiver from Zette.

"Thanks," I whispered to her as she returned to her seat.

Me: Hello?

Amal: Happy Birthday! Surprised that I knew?

Me: Thanks.

Amal: Step outside for a bit—I have something for you.

Me: Huh?

I didn't wait for his next words. I hung up and went outside.

"I'll be right back, just stepping out for a moment," I told everyone before heading to the gate.

I looked both ways down the street, searching for her parked car, but I didn't see it. After a short while, a car approached. I knew that car—it was the same one that had given me a ride before. It slowed down and stopped close to where I was standing. The driver rolled down the window and motioned for me to come closer.

"Hello! Happy Birthday again!" she greeted as he opened the door for me.

"Thank you."

"Come inside for a while—it's warm outside."

I got in, but I knew he wasn't planning to drive anywhere since the engine was already turned off.

"Your dad mentioned that it was your birthday today, that's how I knew. He also said he understands why you didn't celebrate at home."

"I never really celebrate at home anyway. I've gotten used to birthdays just feeling like any other day—except when I turned 18. That's the only time I remember them preparing something for me."

"Well, let me take care of it!"

"There's no need, really. My classmates already surprised me with a little gathering. That's more than enough. And besides, you've already given me so much before. You bought so many things, and I also found out earlier that you transferred money to my account. I told you before, you didn't have to do that." I found the courage to say all this, probably because of the alcohol in my system.

"Didn't I tell you not to feel shy around me? I'm here to help, and I don't expect anything in return from you. I genuinely enjoy doing this for you. I know you're not close to your mom or your siblings." I didn't respond.

"Just let me do these things for you. Consider me your friend—that's more than enough for me. I promised your dad that I'd look out for you. From the moment I first saw you—even before you knew who I was—I already felt a connection."

"Alright then, take these food packages. I hope you and your friends like them. My driver will help carry everything. I won't be coming inside, but make sure to enjoy your day. Today is special—it's your day, so be happy!"

"Thank you," was all I could say before stepping out of the car to collect the food from the trunk.

"Just leave it here. Thank you so much," I told the driver, having him place everything on the terrace.

I stepped outside again to say my goodbyes.

"Thank you again, and take care!" I said before they fully closed the window and drove off.

"Guys! Help me out, please!" I called out from the terrace. For now, we all squeezed inside because it was scorching hot outside.

"Huh! That's a lot of food, Lui!" Blue exclaimed in surprise.

"My aunt dropped it off."

"Oh? Where is she?"

"She already left."

"Why didn't you invite her in?"

"She was in a hurry—she said she had something important to attend to," I lied. Because really, how was I supposed to introduce her? She was seriously embracing the role of being my stepmom. She even made an effort to come here and bring food for my celebration, including a cake. It's kind of embarrassing, considering how much money she has.

"Wasn't she the one who gave you a ride last time?" Mitch chimed in.

"Ah, yeah, that was her."

"Rich much? Not satisfied with just taking you shopping, huh?" Mitch teased.

"I don't know," I replied as we started arranging the food on the table. There were about five different dishes, plus dessert and a cake.

"You're lucky to have an aunt who takes such good care of you!" Mitch added.

I wasn't sure if I should agree. Technically, she was trying to take care of me—checking on what I needed, making an effort for my birthday. And it wasn't just a casual effort—she really planned this.

But my real mom? I don't even know if she remembered my birthday today. Ugh, life… I should just be happy. There are people who made me feel special today. But I don't know… why does it still feel like something's missing?

Mitch and I went back to where everyone was gathered after setting up the food in the kitchen.

"Cheers to Lui's happiness!" Mitch cheered loudly, raising a glass of beer.

"Cheers!" everyone responded.

I just chuckled to myself—I never expected today to turn out like this. And I never thought I'd be spending it with them. This was actually the first time I was with them on my exact birthday. Usually, we just had a post-celebration since we were always apart during vacation.

As we kept drinking, I suddenly thought of Georje. I wonder if he knows it's my birthday today? I know Ali never forgets my birthday—he always greets me every year.

"Earth to Lui!" Roy tapped me on the shoulder. I had been leaning against him, and honestly, it felt nice knowing I had someone to lean on—literally, at least.

"Huh?"

"Huh?" he mimicked me.

"Take your shot. Still on tequila, or switching to beer?"

"Tequila. I'm still good—just got a little too comfortable leaning on you, hehe," I made an excuse.

"Feeling sleepy?"

"Not really. Pass me the shot, please."

"Oh wow, suddenly acting like a baby!" Blue teased, making everyone laugh.

"So, this is what it feels like to be taken care of?" But of course, I didn't say that out loud.

"I'll let it slide since this is the first time I've seen Lui all soft and mellow!" Roy added while I took my shot. I shot him a glare as I handed back the shot glass.

"Just kidding! Geez, can't even joke with you," he said, patting my shoulder before letting me rest against him again. That made me the center of teasing, and the whole house grew even livelier—especially since some of us were already a bit tipsy.

We paused drinking for dinner since we had already finished four bottles of tequila. Only beer was left now.

It was already nighttime, but I still hadn't received a call from Georje. It was disappointing… because honestly, even just a simple birthday greeting from him would have made me really happy.

I was on the terrace, smoking with Blue and the others. We each had our own spots, and no one was saying a word. All of us were just focused on our cigarettes, lost in our own thoughts.

"Lui! You have a phone call!" Zette called out.

"One sec, I'm coming!" I quickly finished my cigarette since I was almost done anyway.

Me: Hello?

Ali: Lui, sorry I just called now. I just got back from the fish pond. Happy Birthday!

Me: Oh! Thanks!

Ali: Good thing I caught you. You were hard to find! First, I called your house, but they said you weren't there. Then I tried your apartment, but you weren't there either. So, I figured you'd be at Mitch's place.

Me: Come over if you want! We're not done yet, and there's still plenty of food!

Ali: Thanks, but I don't think I'll make it. It's a long trip from here, and you know that.

Me: That's too bad. Okay, let's just go out before classes start again. Thanks for calling! I'm really touched—you've never missed greeting me on my birthday.

Ali: Of course! You're special! I wouldn't forget. Anyway, I'll let you go—I think you still have guests there.

Me: Wow, that was sweet! Yieee! Thanks again!

Ali: You're drunk, aren't you?

Me: Not yet—still need more! Hahaha!

Ali: Alright, take care, okay? Bye.

Me: Bye, you too.

My conversation with Ali ended on a happy note, but it reminded me of his friend—the one who still hadn't called. I don't know if he even remembered my birthday or not. The party they threw for me continued.

"Do you guys want more?" I asked everyone when I noticed the beer was almost gone.

"Sure!" they all answered in unison. Mel and Roy went out to buy more drinks.

It was 9 p.m. There was still time. He's probably just calling late—that's what I kept telling myself. I still hoped he would.

"Take it easy," Mitch whispered beside me. I hadn't even noticed when she sat down next to me.

"Of course. Thanks," I said, giving him a side hug.

"I know you're sad. I can see it in your eyes. That laugh of yours—it's not the kind that comes from real happiness," she whispered again.

"I'm fine. I can handle this."

"Why hasn't he called to greet you yet?"

"I don't know."

"Didn't Ali just call you earlier? I thought they were together?"

"No, it was just Ali. He said he just got back from their fish pond. Maybe they had a bangus harvest or something."

"Oh, okay. I thought they were together."

"Nope. And I didn't even ask."

"Your face is so red. Slow down."

"No worries, I got this! You know me!"

"Oh wow, so cocky!"

We laughed, while the others were still happily chatting.

It was 11:30 p.m.—my birthday was almost over. "Would he still call?" I didn't even care about my family at this point—I was used to them forgetting. It was just him. I don't know why, but he was the only one I was really waiting for. One greeting from him, and my day would be complete.

I could feel the alcohol hitting me, so I just sat there silently, listening to everyone talk, still taking sips whenever someone handed me a glass.

We wrapped up in the early hours of the morning. The boys crammed themselves onto makeshift bedding in the living room, while the rest of us squeezed onto the bed or slept on the floor in our room. Mitch's room was just as packed.