Chapter Seven: Part One

As play is fast approaching, the group began to make props, backdrops, and costumes needed for the production. After rehearsals, the cast helped out. Since Mong conceptualized the theme, he wanted them as flawless as possible. However, he still considers the suggestion of others.

“Kuya Mong, maganda yung gusto mong mangyari kaso lang, kulang tayo sa budget. Halos sa pintura na ata napunta lahat eh. Maghanap na lang tayo ng mga gamit sa bahay natin, at isa pa, isang beses lang ang performance natin di ba? One of the casts suggested.
“Sa bagay, tama ka diyan, kailangan nga natin maging practical.”


Leni and Dana, together with the writer’s pool did their part by sourcing the materials for the costumes. Leni raided her Aunt Juana’s bodega for old clothes that can be deconstructed. Dana, on the other hand, utilized whatever they have at home in order to create accessories. For them, working together is tantamount to ‘girl bonding’. Leni realized that Dana is not ‘maarte’ that she thought she was. In fact, she’s one of the most approachable people in the group.
The two were sewing the beads for the dresses when Dana began to discuss her plans on her eighteenth birthday which would be held three days after the said production.

“Dana, what are planning to do on your birthday?”
“Actually, I don’t have an idea. All I wanted is to wear a simple dress. With that, I would probably prefer a simple celebration.”
“I see. I’ll help you prepare. You know what, I’m really excited about this because I didn’t have a party when turned eighteen. I just had a simple meal with my best friends and some of my classmates. Dana, relax. Kami ang bahala.”
“Thanks Leni. Actually, what I really wanted is a not so simple dress. I want something that would stand out but would be appropriate for a simple celebration.”
“I suddenly remembered my best friend Adam about that. He’s the only person I could count on when it comes to fashion. He’s good in choosing the style and color appropriate for the person. Actually, he’s the one who chose my dress for our graduation. I wore that same outfit on Louie’s wedding. They said that, maganda raw.Wala, na-share ko lang.”
“Really? Ang galing naman ng friend mo. Sana may friend din akong ganyan.Ganito na lang , sabay tayo tumingin sa mall,sa bayan ha?”
“Sure.”

Everyone got distracted on the kitten crying at the branch of the tree. Upon seeing the little creature, Leni removed her sandals and climbed. Once she grabbed the kitten from the branch; Leni hurriedly went down.
“Akala ko butiki, si Leni pala ang bilis umakyat!.” Mong said chuckling.
“Sobra ka naman Kuya Mong. Kayong mga lalake, kaya niyo ba yung ginawa niya?Siguro, hindi” Dana replied
“Oo nga.”They said in chorus

That afternoon, the parish priest treated them with merienda. Aldo handed one tetra pack of juice and a bag of sandwich to Leni.

“Leni, alam mo, hindi ako magtataka kung bakit makaka-akyat ka ng ganong kataas.”
“Bakit naman?”
“Eh palagi kitang naabutan sa inyo na umaakyat ng gate kapag tumatakas ka kay Nanay , makapag laro ka lang.”
“Oo nga eh, mabuti nga hindi mo ako sinusumbong. Hindi katulad nila Louie at Teta, napa-palo ako ni Nanay dahil sa kanila.”
“Alam mo naman yung dalawa na yun, maloko talaga.”
“Maiba pala tayo. Si Dana pala malapit na mag birthday. Naisip ko na mag-bigay tayo ng surprise party sa kanya.”
“Oo nga noh? Sabik pa naman siya sa handaan kasi hindi naman talaga siya naipaghahanda ng magulang niya. Teka, sila Louie, may beach resort, baka pwede tayo doon.”
“Sige, pakitanong na lang kay Louie.Bakit mo na sabi na hindi siya naipaghahanda? Eh, nakatira naman sila sa inyo.”
“Ganito kasi, laki sa hirap si Dana. Yung tatay niya na malayong kamag-anak namin yung nag-aasikaso sa bukid. Hindi na nila kayang suportahan si Dana sa college. Kaya ngayon, ang mga parents ko ang magpapa-aral sa kanya.Mabuti na nga lang at nakakuha siya ng scholarship, kaya konti na lang ang sasagutin sa kanya.”
“Grabe, hindi ko alam yun ah. Akala ko talaga, may kaya din siya kasi hindi naman siya mukhang mahirap eh. Naku, ma-swerte pa pala ako, kasi napag-aral ako ng magulang ko kahit hiwalay sila.”
“Mabuti naman at na-realize mo din. Kahit hindi mo gusto yung mga nangyari sa buhay mo, may mga bagay ka pa rin na dapat mong ipagpa-salamat sa kanya.”
“Huh? Kanino?”
“Kay’ Bro’ “

Leni was inspired with what he just said but she doesn’t want to admit it. So, she just gave her a sarcastic remark.

“Teka, bago pa ako masunog , mag-practice na lang tayo ng mga linya natin.”

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