Chapter XLI: Finally, Being Worth It

Erica and I agreed to update each other thru text messages for the meantime. Pagdating ko naman sa bahay ay sinalubong ako nila Ate Jenny. My cousins were at our house. Ate Jenny, Judy, Lorrie and Kuya Ej.

"Congrats our dearest," they cheered. I can't help but smile. This is so unexpected. I thought it would just be me and mom for the rest of the day.

They each hugged and greeted me.

"By the way, our gifts are already in your room," Ate Jenny said. I was surprised that they took a time-off for me.

Ibinaba ko ang folder na galing kay Doc. Apu sa coffee table sa may living room. SInundan ko sila papunta sa backyard. Napangiti na lang ako. They set-up a table by the porch with all the food.

“We were thinking of going out but for safety reasons dito na lang tayo,” komento ni Ate Judy. In this bunch, I’m the youngest but they don’t treat me as if I was one.

There was charcuterie board, wine, kebab, buttered shrimps and many more. Akala mo isang barangay ang kakain.

“Niluto n’yo ‘to ,ate?