When We Were Drunk

Night 014

            My mom used to tell me that the nightsky looks so wonderful whenever its Christmas time. When I was a kid, she loved to tell me stories about the stars. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why I am always fascinated just by looking at them.

            And yes, there are a lot of stars tonight. I wonder if it’s because Christmas is only three days away.

            Our classes have officially ended today, we were advised to take our short Christmas break and be back by January 7. I was supposed to be on the bus right now because my parents have been staying in the province since my brother passed away.

            So really, what am I doing in the rooftop right now?

            Alfonso texted me this morning that he has to give me something, and yes, I already have his number. He made this silly excuse on the Paskuhan night in order to have my number. Of course, I made sure to tease him first before giving it.

            I actually replied that he should just give it to me in the library or in the caf where I’m working. I don’t know what’s with that guy but he insisted that we should meet up here at the rooftop tonight. I eventually agreed to him because he was super persistent and annoying.

            And fine, I’ll admit it…I also wanted to see him before Christmas.

            Oh gosh, why the heck do I want to see that annoying Alfonso? Of course, because he is my friend! Yeah, that’s just it. We’re friends!

            When I heard the familiar creak sound of the door, I immediately turned my head and saw him entering. He was not wearing our school uniform, which he usually does when he comes up here. It’s kinda weird looking at him dressed in casual clothes.

            Black pants and plain white shirt. He also had a gray sneakers and a black cap with a small cursive word on the side.

            “Your style is so boring just like you, Alfonso,” I laughed.

            He sat a few inches away from me in the gutter. Then he scanned me from head to toe. “Coming from the gal who’s wearing a gray shirt paired with black pants. Aren’t we just the same?”

            “Whatever.”

            He smiled and pinched my nose. “Marg, it’s alright. You can just admit that I look good tonight.”

            I rolled my eyes. “You know what, I didn’t know it was actually possible for your arrogance level to go higher than the normal limit. You’re so---”

            “---handsome. I know, but thank you for the praise.” Then he flashed his “toothpaste commercial smile”.

            I playfully punched his arm and in return, he messed up my hair.

            “So what now, Alfonso? I waited for you for twenty minutes so you better give me a house and lot.”

            “Wow,” he displayed an unbelievable expression. “Just wow. I even waited here for two hours     last week and you didn’t even show up.”

            I patted his back loudly and with force. “Aww, poor Alfonso.”

            He just swatted my hand away and pouted his lips. Sometimes I don’t really know if he’s a college student or a kindergarten. There are nights when he is super serious and nights when you’ll wonder if he’s a mental patient.

            But arrogant Alfonso will never be gone.

            I laid out my palm in front of him. “Where’s my gift?”

            “Who said I’m gonna give you a gift?”

            I elbowed him on the side. “Oh come on, you just have to admit that you’re giving me an early Christmas gift because you have a crush on me. I know I’m pretty irresistible.”

            He stared at me with disgust. “You know what, I didn’t know it was actually possible for your arrogance level to go higher than the normal limit.”

            “Hey that’s my line!” I pointed out.

            He stood up from his seat and forced me to do as well. I acted heavy so he won’t be able to pull me up but damn this guy, he dragged me up as if I’m just a kilo of rice!

            We rode the elevator while I kept on asking him where we are going. But he kept mum and just told me to shut up and follow him.

            And there we have grumpy Alfonso.

            Just like the first time we went out, we waited for a jeep on the waiting shed near our condominium building. I still don’t know where we are going and I don’t have my wallet with me so I insisted that he should be the one to pay.

            A half hour later, here we are sitting on the table across from each other. There’s a pretty huge amount of smoke lurking around here because we’re in the Grill&Drink bistro.

            Alfonso ordered barbeques and baby back ribs. For our drinks, I was shocked when he bought a bottle of red wine.

            With a raised eyebrow, I asked him. “A wine? Seriously? That is so weak, Esquivel!”

            “What’s wrong with a wine? I did not judge you for your margarita.”

            “Oh, sorry,” I grinned. “Are you getting a weak knee now, granny Alfonso?”

            “Shut up, I can even do a whole round of tequila.”

            I just laughed at him. Why is he suddenly becoming grumpy tonight? He really needs a drink to loosen up!

            We immediately started grilling when the meat arrived on our table. I feel like the idea of this restaurant was inspired on samgyupsal restos in Korea. There is also a griller in the middle of our table which does not produce a lot of smoke since some of it are being absorbed by this thing (that I do not know what its called) hanging on top.

            Alfonso kept on placing the cooked meat on my plate. I don’t know if he’s just being gentleman but whatever, I should just be thankful ‘cause its food. In return, I put those that I cooked in his plate.

            What I actually like about this resto is they have three levels for their spicy sauce. My eyes really sparkled while I scatter the level 3 spicy sauce on top of my barbeque.

            “You sure you can handle that?”

            I know I admitted that Alfonso looks good with that smirk on his face but sometimes it’s just really annoying like right now. “Are you underestimating me, Esquivel?”

            “Not really,” his eyes teasing. “It’s just a warning. You won’t be able to take it.”

            Tss. So arrogant.

            “And if I can?” I challenged.

            He smiled. “You get a wish.”

            “You really like wishes, don’t you? So gay, Alfonso. So gay.”

            Alfonso was so surprised when I finished the meat on my plate topped with the level 3 spicy sauce. Guys really think so highly of themselves sometimes, tsk.

            So what should I wish for? A house and a lot? Alfonso’s rich so why not?

            I told him I’ll just tell him my wish when I finally thought of it.

            In the midst of munching some meat and drinking shots of wine, Alfonso suddenly placed a gift in our table and pushed it near me.

            “Hey, what’s this for?”

            Alfonso scratched the back of his neck and in a low voice he said something I did not hear.

            “What?” I asked again. “I didn’t catch that.”

            “Really, Marg, why are you making me say it again?” he said as if it was so hard to repeat what he said.

            “Because I did not hear it! You should have spoken louder!”

            “Fine, be thankful I like…” he mumbled something. “I said Happy Birthday, Marg.”

            Now it was my turn to be stunned. I immediately took out my phone from my pocket and checked the date. It’s December 22.

            f**k, it’s really my birthday.

            I know I probably look like a tomato right now. “Crap, it’s…it’s really my birthday today. H-how…did you know?”

            And thankfully I am not the only one looking so red right now, Alfonso is looking like a tomato too. If it’s because of the wine or because he’s shy, I am not sure.

            But at the back of my mind, I’m hoping it’s because of me.

            “Tss, you’re too numb,” he whispered.

            “What?”

            He shook his head and smiled. “Nothing, I said you’re too dumb to forget your own birthday.”

            But of course, I wouldn’t drop the subject. I don’t care if I’m super flushed right now, I need some ego boosting. Lol. “Is that the reason why you wanted to meet me tonight? To celebrate my birthday?”

            He took a shot of wine. Then shove a piece of meat in my mouth.

            When I’m done chewing the meat, I continued teasing him. “Don’t be shy, Alfonso. It’s alright, I know I’m so charming you could not resist celebrating my birthday with me!”

            Again, he placed a barbeque in my mouth.

            “Aww, it’s okay,” I stood up a little to pat his back. “I can understand why you’re so head over heels for me. It’s really hard not to like someone as cute as me.”

            “Tss,” was his only reply.

            Half of the time we were there was consisted of me teasing Alfonso about his subtle way of celebrating my birthday with me and him giving me a glare everytime.

            He also told me why he wanted us to drink wine instead of hardcore drinks. According to him, he doesn’t want me to have a hangover since I have to go home early tomorrow. Alfonso does really get more talkative than usual when he already had a few shots of alcohol in his system.

            And yeah, I’d be lying if I’ll say that I am not touched.

            Before I went out of the elevator, since Alfonso’s unit is in a higher floor than mine, I caught his attention by tapping his arm.

            He looked at me with questioning eyes.

            I avoided his eyes and smiled as I saw our reflection on the elevator’s door.

            “Thank you,” I slowly muttered. “This day wasn’t as lonely as I thought it would be.”

            I caught him smiling as well upon hearing my words. When the door opened on my floor, I just waved my hands goodbye.

            The truth is, it’s nothing new for me to forget my birthday. It was my best friend’s job (according to her) to remind me of that so she’s always making sure that she will be the first one to greet me whenever it’s my day. But I did not receive any text message from her today.

            I know I shouldn’t have hoped. I know she’s still mad at me.

            That’s why I’m glad Alfonso is here to remind me of this special day.

To be continued…