|| Carlo
October 20, 1015H
The sunrays have made its way through the curtains, and it felt hotter than earlier. I could tell that it's already late in the morning, and I have spent the night a way too much. I woke up to the sound of constant beeping of my phone due to message notifications. I took my phone from the nightstand and checked the messages, it is from a groupchat in Telegram. I read all the messages I missed. It was quite noisy and I had to scroll up to read the messages from the beginning.
It was quite unexpected that Axis made this groupchat solely for his so-called arch nemesis. But I was hoping that this wouldn't be a prank of his.
[Lawreign Ellison's Birthday GC]
[October 20]
[Axis Salvatierra created the group "Lawreign Ellison's Birthday GC"]
[Liu Xinyue:] "Uhm, good morning?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Axis? What's this?"
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Yo guys! Inaantok pa ba kayo?"
[Liu Xinyue:] "I just finished my laundry."
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Of course not, I'm in the process of making Maryl's test monkey."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Making my test monkey (???)"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Oops I slipped."
- "I decided to make a robot for your bioweapon experiments. It was supposed to be a surprise though."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Oh my. You don't have to but, thank you..."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Speaking of surprise, birthday ni Lawreign sa Sabado, di ba?"
[Liu Xinyue:] "Yep, why?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Will she invite us to her party or something? I haven't gotten an invitation yet."
[Liu Xinyue:] "I don't think Reign would waste her time and resources on such tbh."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Iniisip ko kasi, tayo nalang kaya magpasurprise party sa kanya?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "May this birthday party not be a prank, Axis. We know you wanted to take revenge on her."
I guess our minds are synchronizing with regards to this. I scrolled down and read the remaining messages.
[Liu Xinyue:] "It is quite surprising na si Axis pa talaga ang nakaisip neto."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Uy hindi. Seryoso ako guys!"
- "So, any plans? Mas expected na meron kang surprise. @mxyliu"
[Liu Xinyue:] "Wait, why me?"
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Kasi bestfriend mo yung hayop na yun?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "As far as I know, Reign isn't fond of birthday surprises at all."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Yes, Reign wouldn't be surprised sooo.... we'll just cook and order cake on the day itself. And oh, don't forget your gifts!"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "She knows what's up by just observing the surroundings. It's better to tell her since she would notice anyway."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Ano ba yan, kill joy naman pala si ate mo girl."
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Lol."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Maybe it's because birthday surprises are too mainstream?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "My thoughts exactly."
I replied. "What? Birthday ni Reign sa Sabado? 26?! Sorry sorry I just woke up. Hopefully hindi 'to joke though."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Haha, good morning Mr. Fulgenzio! And seryoso, birthday niya sa 26."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Yep. You wrote that in the app planner, if I am not mistaken?"
- "Anyways, good morning."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Yes yes, kahit icheck mo pa yung planner ng OP:SEIRA na ikaw mismo naglagay."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Currently joining Adriano on praying rn. I just don't want another fight in the lab."
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Haha, you are welcome to join me Ryl. And a pleasant morning to you @mcarlofulgenzio."
I replied; "So let's get straight to the point, @axisalvatierra, what's the plan?"
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Please do the honors, @mxyliu."
[Liu Xinyue:] "HUH."
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "@axisalvatierra, you planned this. You do the honors."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Seconded @dammartin."
I replied; "Thirded @dammartin @mxyliu."
I typed for another reply; "I haven't eaten breakfast yet, so make it quick."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Wow, utusan?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "You could have just eat your breakfast while chatting with us."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Seconded @dammartin."
I replied; "Then I wouldn't be able to catch up since I have to make my own breakfast?"
[Axis Salvatierra:] "LOL may katulong ka. Wag ako."
[Liu Xinyue:] "May I remind you that I don't rely on maids for breakfast..."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Wala ka sa mansion ng mga Liu, si Carlo nasa bahay pa ng mga Fulgenzio. Magkaiba kayo."
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Well that doesn't mean you shouldn't make your own breakfast..."
I replied; "I wanted to taste my own cooking sometimes, saka di naman pwedeng magrerely ako lagi sa maids, di ba?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Seconded. The maids could use some morning break."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Please remind me why are we on this breakfast topic, again?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Yeah. So let's get back to the actual topic. What's the plan? @axisalvatierra."
I replied; "I'm waiting. @axisalvatierra"
[Axis Salvatierra:] "So eto nga ang plano mga pare."
- "Maghahanda tayo sa mismong lab, ihanda niyo ang mga regalo niyo. And since sabi niyo nga di masurprise surprise si Lawreign, sabihin nalang natin na naghanda tayo ng salu-salo sa lab para sa kanya."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Hmm... I could text her that."
I replied; "Noted noted."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "May decorations pa ba?"
[Liu Xinyue:] "Do we have to?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Wag na, so that it wouldn't be a hassle to clean up after."
I replied; "Decorations, crossed-out of the list. Pero hindi magmumukhang birthday party, if that's the case?"
[Liu Xinyue:] "May I remind you that we're not planning for a children's party."
Ouch Maryl, that kinda hurts.
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Maryl, wag masyadong mainit ang ulo."
[Liu Xinyue:] "Did I say something wrong?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "The way you delivered the message was kind of harsh. So technically, yes.
I replied; "Okay okay, I'm fine with no decorations. How about the food?"
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Di ako marunong magluto. Order ba tayo sa university canteen, sa Grab, or ano?"
[Liu Xinyue:] "We shouldn't waste our money with ready-to-eat meals for this occassion."
I replied; "Seconded. I think mas special na lutuan natin siya."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "Bahala kayo, kayo rin naman ijujudge nun eh."
I was about to tell Axis that I could cook when...
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "No worries Ax, I can cook."
[Axis Salvatierra:] "As expected from an Italian..."
[Liu Xinyue:] "I'll help you! @dammartin"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "Thank you Maryl, I'm looking forward to your cooking. :)"
Damn, naunahan ako. I had to erase all that I typed.
[Liu Xinyue:] "Heyyy I can cook decent Italian food!"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "I can't wait to taste your cooking even if it's not Italian haha."
[Liu Xinyue:] "And secretly judge me?"
[Adriano Martinenghi:] "No I won't. I'd tell you my thoughts directly, no worries."
Seems like they're getting close already...
I took a deep breath and replied to them; "The cake's on me."
I turned my phone off and went to the kitchen to make my breakfast.
-----
Adriano
October 26, 1700H
"Tomato and garlic pasta, done. Lemon garlic roast chicken with ranch sauce, done. Garden salad, done. Four seasons fruit punch and water for beverages, check. I think those are all, no? Are we missing something?" Maryl asked me while checking the food we've made so far.
"Yep. We should make space for the cake in the middle, also known as 'the grand dessert'." I replied while arranging the black 6-seater rectangular glass table.
She left a giggle. "I'm not a fan of cakes, but I can't wait to dig in! It was her favorite, but I haven't tried it yet."
I mentally noted the fact that she isn't a fan of cakes. I think it isn't the time to know why, but I'd like to know the reason behind it.
"The table is somewhat small, isn't it?" I made another topic for me to distract myself.
As planned, we went for a simple dinner for Reign's birthday celebration. We had almost a week to prepare, and it's not much of a hassle since we just had to worry about the ingredients. We ditched the party decorations so that it wouldn't be a problem to clean after, and that's also an advantage for we have to keep the laboratory as clean as possible.
As for the dishes, Maryl cooked the pasta and made the garden salad, I roasted the chicken and made the sauce from scratch. We did help each other preparing the ingredients and all, and gladly there's weekly stock in the pantry that we could use anytime. Also, gladly Carlo and I made a kitchen solely for our use. We could have a simple get-together in this place, without thinking of school or pending experiments, and again, for us to eat whenever we feel like it or whenever we feel hungry, of course.
The table is all set. As for the gifts, we placed those at the lounge. It didn't take up much space. Apat lang kasi lahat. I'm pretty sure most of the gifts from others; like friends, acquaintances, and even luxury brands, will be sent directly to Midford residence.
"Yep, cake nalang kulang." Maryl murmured as she was observing the table setting.
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to see what it looks like with the cake." I replied and looked towards her direction. "Anyway, have you texted her? On the way na ba siya?"
She sighed deeply. "Nagrereklamo. Why do we have to prepare a birthday party for her when all she wants to do is to sleep? But she said she's on it's way."
Ah my heart. She's gorgeous in any way, shape, or form. She looked pure in white shirt under the black sleeveless jumpsuit she currently wears. She had her hair in half updo pigtails and her make-up light.
Praying that she didn't notice my glances on her, I chuckled. "Oh Reign... She could be confusing at times."
"Well I'm used to it." and she chuckled as well.
"Hey guys, I already bought the cake!" Carlo greeted us and placed the box at the center of the table. He opened the box, revealing a beautifully-decorated chocolate cake made by a well-known bakery in the metro.
"I'm glad you considered my cake suggestion." Maryl commented as she glances onto the chocolate cake, and while he closes the box for him to place the cake on top.
"Well, you know Reign more than we do. So I had to take your requests: Nutella chocolate cake for the vice-leader of OP:SEIRA." he responded as placed the sparkling candles on top of the cake and gave Maryl a smile.
Maryl returned the smile back. I felt somewhat jealous, but the fact that it was a friendly smile made me somewhat relieved.
"Anyway guys, do you know where Axis is?" she changed the topic.
"About that... He texted me na di siya pupunta. He has to go somewhere with Jia, and it's an emergency." Carlo answered.
Maryl's brows twitched. "Emergency?"
"But he was here a while ago?" I interrupted.
"Yeah. He had to go with Jia tonight and he didn't tell me what's the rush. Basta ang sabi niya emergency daw."
Maryl sighed again. "Oh Axis. Kung sino pa nagplano, siya pa yung wala."
-----
Reign
Okay, napapaisip ako kung ano tong kalokohan ng OP:SEIRA at naisipan nila magpasalu-salo sa birthday ko? Naalala ko tuloy na birthday ko dahil sa kanila. Tinigil ko na kasi pagbilang simula noong naging 18 na ako, at nagrequest na rin ako di magpabonggang birthday party sa mga magupang ko. Hassle kaya manggreet ng mga guests kahit di mo kilala?
Pero nagpapasalamat ako na pumayag si Jinyoung na wag niya akong yayaain ngayon. Mas okay na yung squad na magcelebrate ng birthday ko kaysa siya ang kasama ko sa date. Yak.
Natulog ako mula 7 am at kakagising ko lang ng around 5 pm, sa text ni Maryl na nagprepare raw sila sa lab. Balak ko sana di pumunta kasi inaantok at tinatamad ako, kaso sayang yung pagkaing hinanda nila, for sure marami rin yun. Nagbihis ako ng casual lang; pink t-shirt, ankle length na denim pants at white sneakers. Nagdrive rin ako mula sa bahay hanggang AXU Research Center gamit ng pinakamamahal kong BMW X6 at nagpark sa parking lot na nasa building mismo. Pagkalabas ko, sumakay agad ako ng elevator papuntang 10th floor. Pagabi na rin kasi kaya wala akong makitang mga naka lab coat at amoy disinfectant.
Pagkadating ko ng lab, sa kitchen banda; nakita ko si Maryl na mukhang bata sa suot niya, si Ian na hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit nakabusiness casual tuwing nakikita ko siya na non-school hours, at si Carlo na nakapanluksang hypebeast attire nanaman. Nagtaka ako siyempre kung bakit wala si Axis, sabi nila may 'emergency' daw si Jia at kailangan niya samahan. As expected, di na ako nagtataka sa hayop na yun.
Ang cute lang ng salu-salo namin, mas napaghahalataan si Ian na nagcocompliment kay Maryl sa niluto niyang tomato and garlic pasta. Ganun din si Maryl sa roasted chicken ni Ian. Minsan napapaisip na ako sa dalawa dahil nagkakamabutihan na eh, at si Carlo naman nananahimik, halatang nagseselos. Pero kung sa pagkain naman, aminado akong masarap siya at magaling magluto yung dalawa. Hindi ako makapagcomment for professional level kasi home-cooked ang mga ito eh, except sa cake kasi alam kong si Maryl ang nagsuggest niyan. Favorite ko kasi eh.
Ramdam ko na pinaghandaan talaga yung birthday ko kahit simpleng dinner lang, sobrang wala talaga akong masabi sa kanila verbally kundi "thank you and I love you guys."
Di na rin kami nagtagal sa lab kasi gabi na, so ang ginawa nalang namin ay naglinis; si Ian at Maryl sa hugasin at sa pagpunas ng mga bintana, at kami ni Carlo sa vacuum at pagmop ng sahig. Weekly naman talaga namin nililinisan at dinidisinfect nang mabuti, kailangan kasi para konti lang ang makapasok na alikabok.
Binaba na rin namin sa parking yung mga regalo ko at pinasok namin sa trunk ng kotse ko, tig-iisa kami ng hawak na regalo kasi apat kami. Sabay sabay na kami naghiwalay since sa dorm lang naman si Maryl, at may kotse yung dalawang lalaki. Pagkauwi at pagkapark ko ng kotse, tinawag ko yung isa sa mga maids ko at pinaakyat ko sa kwarto ko yung mga regalo ko, so bale tig-dalawa kami ng hawak. Nilapag namin yun sa higaan ko. Pagkaalis niya, binuksan ko isa-isa yung mga regalo, na medyo ingat pa ako kasi ang mamahalin ng mga packaging and/or wrapper.
Nauna kong nabuksan yung regalo ni Maryl; isang complete set ng Korean skincare products at isang newly-released gaming laptop mula sa favorite laptop brand namin. Dinagdagan na rin niya ng cute backpack ng Kate Spade. Ghad kilalang kilala ako, kaya lab na lab ko 'tong babaeng 'to ih.
Pangalawa yung kay Ian; isang set ng psychological thriller books na hindi ko pa nababasa, isang pink gaming headset from Razer, at isang bote ng perfume mula Dior na hindi malakas sa pangamoy. May nilagay pa siyang note; "Lawreign Ellison, our families will be united soon, I decided to analyze what would be the best birthday and Christmas gifts for you since it has been a part of our family tradition. This is the first time, so I hope you'll like these. - Adriano."
Actually pwede na. Swerte mapapangasawa ng lalaking 'to kasi maobserba. Hinihintay ko nalang magkaaminan silang dalawa.
Pangatlo yung galing kay Carlo, isang set ng hot pink lipsticks, foundation, at make-up brushes mula sa MAC. Siguro ang basehan niya ay lagi akong nakamake-up tuwing pumapasok sa lab, pero pwede na.
Last, binasa ko yung note since Chanel yung box packaging. Di naman ako mahilig sa handbag, pero curious lang ako.
"Our Dearest Miss Lawreign Ellison Midford. We made this bag specifically for you! We would like to wholeheartedly wish you a happiest birthday. We are looking forward on your success in the international tourism industry, and may this personalized bag guide you along the way. Handcrafted with love, Chanel Team."
Handcrafted? Magkano naman kaya ang ginastos dito?
Pagkabukas ko ng box, leather knife bag yung bungad sa akin! Parang nagaalangan akong gamitin 'to ah.
Kinuha ko yung knife bag para buksan sana nang makita ko yung another note card from Chanel. Siyempre binasa ko ang nakalagay at dito nanlaki mga mata ko;
"PS: Mr. Austin Xil Salvatierra requested this as your birthday present. To show our sincerest wishes, we included a bunch more Chanel goodies along with this bag for you. May you have a wonderful birthday."
Kinuha ko yung isa pang box sa ilalim nun, noong binuksan ko, isang makeup line ng Chanel! Halos lahat ng regalo sa akin ng apat na 'to may make-up, pero wala akong reklamo kasi di ako mapapagastos.
Parang hindi ko maasar si Axis dahil dito ah hmm. Papakainin ko nalang siya nang marami since wala siya sa salu-salo kanina.
_____
Beyond the Spectrum | Wave 22: Bubbly Prankster Day • © mxylms