Andy was in awe the moment he entered our house. Panay ang pag tingin niya sa loob ng bahay namin.
"Tangina, ang laki ng bahay niyo!" He said with amusement sketched on his face.
"Ang laki nga, ang lungkot naman."I bitterly said as I scanned my eyes to look for Ate Meg.
I already told her about Andy. Nakakuha na rin siya ng damit nito. Nang maalala na papadalhan ko ng pala ng pagkain ang pamilya ni Andy ay dali-dali akong tumulak patungo sa kitchen namin.
"Ah, I need you to packed foods. May papadalhan kasi ako mamaya. Packed as many as possible. Thank you." Tumango naman sila sa akin at saka nagmamadaling kumilos. "Ah, please call Manong after." I already told Manong about my plan.
My debut will take place on one of the most grandest hotel in Naga. Dad said na he wanted the foods be done by his people. Pumayag naman ang may-ari na venue lang talaga ang kukunin namin.
"What a good face!" Narinig ko ang tili ni Ate Meg habang pinagmamasdan si Andy. Of course, Andy is also good-looking.
"Ate Meg! He's my friend. I want him to look presentable later dahil nandito ang crush niya mamaya." Andy blushed because of what I've said. Napailing na lang ako.
Kumain muna kami ng lunch ni Andy. Sinama ko na siya sa pag pa body scrub ko and everything. Tawa ng tawa lang ang loko dahil first time niya raw nun.
"Excited ka na ba?" He watched me as I closed my eyes for a make-up. "Excited ka ata na makita crush mo eh!" Bigla kong naimulat ang mata ko kaya naman sinita ako ng make-up artist ko.
"Shut up." I hissed. I heard him laugh.
Nag photoshoot pa ako ng kaunti. I had pictures with my Dad and Andy. Few people made me this happy. I am so thankful.
"Happy birthday, Donna." Nagulat ako ng makita ang maliit na regalo ni Andy sa akin.
"Thank you!" Mahigpit ko itong niyakap dahil sa saya. Mukhang nagulat ata siya dahil sa ginawa ko.
"Sorry ha, hindi yan mahal eh." Napakamot siya sa kanyang ulo. Nagmamadali ako sa pagbukas noon dahil ten minutes na lang magsstart na ang party.
"Diary yan. Para if in case wala ako, pwede mo riyan isulat mga ganap sa life mo." He shrugged. I nodded and wiped few tears on my face.
"I am going to keep this for the rest of my life." I sincerely said. Kaya siguro hindi ko nagugustuhan si Andy noon dahil meant to be kami para maging mabuting magkaibigan.
Nagpaalam na siya sa akin para makisama sa mga bisita. I nodded and calmed myself.
"Please welcome our wonderful debutant, Donna Alexandria Gonzaga-Pascal!"
The huge double-door opened. Sa gitna ay ang malawak na red carpet. Nasa magkabilang tabi naman ang mga mesa. The guests were all standing while clapping their hands. The whole venue was painted with gold and silver. Ang mga bisita ay nakasuot ng formal na damit.
I am smiling while walking in front. An acoustic version of the song, 'Isn't she lovely' is silently humming the whole venue.
Inikot ko ang mga mata ko. Karamihan ay mga taga city hall ang nandito. Nakita ko rin sa isang banda ang mga kaklase ko, mga kasamang majorettes at mga prof sa school namin.
But, Sir Lacson isn't there. Baka late lang siya. Hindi ako pwedeng malungkot. My Dad worked so hard for this one.
The programme started with a prayer. My Dad even hired a famous dj to host my debut!
Pagkatapos ng prayer ay tinawag si Daddy para mag message. I just hope we both won't get too emotional.
"Good evening, everyone." He started and smiled at me. "First, thank you for coming tonight to spend few of your times with this celebration of my daughter. Thank you for coming and for making my daughter happy. To my daughter, Donna. Welcome to legality. I won't make you cry, hija. Sayang ang make-up mo." He laughed and so does everyone. Napailing na lang ako. "I want you to spend your life to the fullest, yet with a purpose. I know your Mom's very proud of you, anak. I am too. Please be happy and be the reason of other's happiness. I love you." I smiled as I wiped my tears.
Screw you, Dad. Umiiyak tayo pareho. May nakita rin ako na ibang naiyak at natawa.
Pagkatapos ay tinawag na ang mga nasa eighteen candles. I know few messages would be just for show but for once, I want to pretend that they really care for me.
"Hi, Donna! May you spend the rest of your life with happiness. Please remember that although, alam mo na nga, you still have me. Happy birthday!" I smiled at Rose. Sana totoo iyon.
Binigay niya na ang mic kay Charm. "Donna, we may have petty arguments but let me remind you as to how wonderful you are. Maganda ka, in and out. Thank you for inviting us. If...you need anything, you have me rin." I nodded at her and smiled, a very genuine one.
"Donna, akala ko talaga sa eighteen roses mo ako ilalagay pero dito mo ako nilagay sa eighteen candles. Thank you for seeing the woman in me. You had proven how wonderful you are as a person. Happy birthday, Donna." I wiped a few tear after hearing what Jerard said.
Nang matapos ang eighteen candles ay sumunod naman ang eighteen treasures.
"I gave you this gift because I know na kikay ka rin. Though, hindi to mahal gaya ng mga binibili mo but I hope you'll like it. Happy birthday!" I giggled after hearing what Ella said. Lumapit na siya para ibigay ang regalo niya.
"Ella, sorry dahil sa attitude ko ha. Thank you." I genuinely told her.
I am wearing a silver sleeveless dress with full slit on the right part. My hair is tied in a clean ponytail. I want it simple.
The organizer told me to change my clothes habang magdidinner ang mga bisita. Marami ang bumati sa akin. Lahat sila ay pinasalamatan ko.
Lumabas na ako para makapagbihis at makapag-ayos ulit. My jaw dropped upon seeing Sir holding his gift and in a white tux. Goodness! He doesn't even look like a prof!
He looked like my future!