CHAPTER 15

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" we all yelled as Tita Cecile opened the door.

Her surprise was evident. "Oh, my goodness!"

Despite my initial reservations, Eric's birthday plan succeeded. The three boys' prank was harsh, making Tita Cecile go to the rooftop only to find out the celebration wasn't there. Instead, we were all hiding in her unit, ready to surprise her.

Everyone from my radio station was present, along with Derek and Hans. Eric, the prank mastermind, had even gotten his mom there. This was my first time meeting her; she was Tita Cecile's older sister but looked much younger. She exuded sophistication and grace.

She approached Tita Cecile with a warm smile. "Happy birthday, Cel."

They embraced tightly, a scene that reminded me of my sister, Ate Mia. Their affectionate hug moved me, making me miss her even more.

"Go on, Tita! Cry now," everyone teased, which made me laugh.

Tita Cecile let go of her sister and turned to us. "Knock it off," she said, chuckling. She then approached Eric and playfully knocked on his head. Hans and Derek weren't spared either. "Great, guys. Thanks for tiring me out."

I could only imagine her effort to climb the rooftop, believing the celebration was there. Yet, we had all conspired to set up the actual party on the rooftop, working together to create a memorable event.

At seven o'clock that evening, we gathered on the building's rooftop. We had rented a vacant space with a stunning view of the Ortigas skyline. A divider adorned with LED lights and balloons ensured our privacy. We ordered various food, including pancit and spaghetti, all generously paid for by Eric's mom.

Tita Cecile and Tita Carol had distinct personalities. Tita Cecile was outspoken, while Tita Carol was more reserved. Despite their differences, I liked them both. They arrived together at the venue, and we awaited their grand entrance.

Tita Cecile's eyes widened as she spotted a guitar resting on a chair. She covered her mouth in surprise. Eric had told me that she used to be in a band where she met her husband. She was one of the guitarists, and her husband played the keyboard. Her unique fashion sense reflected her musical past.

Eric also shared that Tita Cecile's parents had opposed her marriage, believing it wouldn't end well. But she and her late husband proved them wrong. They started a successful business in the music industry. Sadly, everything changed when her husband passed away from cancer, bringing numerous challenges into her life.

Reflecting on my loss, I admired Tita Cecile's bravery even more. Losing Hector had been devastating for me, but Tita Cecile had faced her struggles while raising two children.

Tita Cecile rushed to the guitar, wrapping her arms tightly around it. "This is the guitar I played whenever my husband and I had a misunderstanding," she said softly.

We listened in silence, the moment heavy with emotion. Then, Tita Cecile came over and hugged us, her gratitude palpable. "This is a birthday I will never forget," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

***

It was eight o'clock in the evening, and I had just finished eating. Standing alone before the railings, I gazed at the bright city lights below.

"Isn't it incredible?" I heard a voice behind me. Turning around, I saw Eric approaching.

He handed me a plastic cup with a margarita. I took it and sipped.

"I almost cried earlier when Tita Cecile hugged her guitar. It must mean so much to her," I said, feeling the emotions well up again.

"Yeah, it has a lot of sentimental value," Eric replied. He leaned on the railings and took a sip from his cup, which smelled like a punch. "That's why I suggested it. I don't know why Tita hides it away."

I stayed silent, thinking. Only Tita, Cecile, and I knew why. Even I, myself, had thrown away those mementos to avoid the pain they brought.

Trying to shift the conversation away from tears, I said, "I'm glad you called your mom."

I was surprised when Eric invited his mom for his aunt's birthday.

"She's still my mom, after all,"

"You made her and Tita Cecile happy today, Eric," I said.

Eric looked down, chuckling softly. He leaned in closer, his lips almost touching my ear. "Clara, I'm crazy about you." My heart raced, and I couldn't find the words to respond.

That day, I realized Eric was the one who could replace Hector in my heart.

Eric established a studio here in our country with his mom's support. He had already made a name in Singapore because his works were featured in magazines like Cosmopolitan and Reader's Digest Asia. Initially, he planned to open a bigger studio there but quickly changed his plans. He did it for me after I said yes to him a month ago.

He says I am now his inspiration, which sounds like music to my ears, but the truth is, I, too, share the same sentiments as he does. When he came into my life, I've finally escaped the shadows of Hector's past.

Since Tita Cecile's birthday celebration, Eric and I have seen each other daily. I can hardly believe I've moved on from Hector after all these years. Eric now occupies my heart completely.

***

"What do you think of this place?" Eric asked me.

We stood in an empty room, an open commercial unit for rent on the ground floor of the condo building where Eric and Tita Cecile lived.

"I like it. The location is great, and it's close to Tita Cecile. Very convenient," I replied.

Eric hugged me from behind. "Once I'm settled, I plan to lease another upstairs unit. I don't want to be a burden to Tita Cecile. I need my own space."

I was surprised when he whispered, sending a tickling sensation down my spine. "And so we can have some privacy," he added.

I couldn't help but enjoy the moment. Eric's lips slowly touched my neck, and his hand slipped under my blouse towards my chest. Suddenly, I snapped back to reality. "Eric, stop! Someone might come in."

He let go of me, walked around, and kissed me on the forehead.

"I don't think Tita Cecile would mind. You're her nephew. Don't feel bothered," I said, calming myself down quickly. "You have a good job. You won't be a burden to them. Derek and Hans would probably love having an older brother around."

"From a psychologist's point of view, should I say more?" Eric smiled, his eyes sparkling. "It'll take some time. I need to save more money first."

"Okay, if that's what you want. I'm here to support you." I pinched Eric's chin, drawn to his handsomeness.

"Is there a restaurant nearby? I'm starving," I added. It was already nine a.m., and I hadn't eaten breakfast.

"Oh, there's a coffee shop here that Derek and I love," Eric replied, pointing down the street. "Their pasta is delicious. Let's go there."

As we exited the room, a staff member from the condo arrived to lock it up. We walked along the driveway when suddenly a child ran towards us. I accidentally bumped into him, and he fell, dropping a small plastic bag. I quickly approached him as he stood up on his own. I brushed off his pajamas while Eric picked up the plastic bag. I noticed there were boxes inside.

"Are you okay?" I asked the child gently.

"Yes, I'm fine," he replied shyly, avoiding eye contact.

Eric handed the plastic bag back to him. "Who are you with, kid?"

"It's just me," the child said, grabbing the bag and running into the building. He seemed very anxious.

"You're smiling," Eric teased, putting his arm around my shoulder.

"Huh, don't mind it."

He leaned closer to my ear again. "I know. You're thinking we should have a child as cute as that."

I laughed. "Come on, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Now, where are you taking me?"

Eric scratched his head. "Let's take a walk. I'll show you the coffee shop."

As we walked, I glanced back at the child, who had already disappeared into the building. Smiling to myself, I sighed and held Eric's hand tightly.