Let the Light Begin

Chapter 5: Gifted Color

I am now twenty-one years old, and my grandmother often complains about what I would want to do on my birthday. I'm the kind of girl that doesn't care about costly goods or going to fancy events. I just explained to her that I would want to go on a picnic with my friends and, of course, with her; however, she could not accommodate me since she was preoccupied with their business. Today is Saturday, and because we've chosen to go on a picnic, I'm looking for something to wear later. I really wanted to wear my mother's dress since it's the only item I have from her that I can wear. I was looking for a garment when I came upon a simple pink puff dress which Tito Henry had given to me. As a young child, I recall Tito Henry being by my side all the time; when my parents died, Tito Henry took on the role of my "second father."

''Happy birthday, sweety!'' Tito Henry said while giving me a big box and flowers. No one's home since it's my birthday, everyone

is busy doing business, but Tito Henry doesn't want to take over our business.

He has his own decisions in life, living the life he wants; well, Tita Lavinia

is not okay with that.

''You remember tito, you don't have to do this; Tita Lavinia will be mad at you. You didn't attend your conference.'' I said.

''Don't worry, Annie, I can handle that. Now, try it, I'll wait here, and we will go somewhere.'' He pushes me to my room to try this gift.

'You know that I don't like surprises,'' I said while smiling.

''Oh, you were as alike as my brother. I want you to be happy on your birthday. I don't want my brother to hunt me.'' We both laughed at what he said. I went to my room and tried this beautiful pink dress; it is long below my perfect knee and perfect.

fits me. After seconds of looking in the mirror, I went outside. I saw his eyes teary.

''Tito, why are you crying?!'' He wipes his eyes and smiles at me, holding my shoulders.

''You look like your mom, and somehow, I can see your dad. How I wish that you were my daughter.'' I smiled and hugged him. Even though I don't have a mom and dad, he became my mom and dad until I became twenty.

''Now, before it's too late. Let's go to your favorite place.'' We drove, and it's late at night now, but all I can see is the beautiful lights below, we are now going up, and I still don't know where we are going.

''We are here.'' I went outside and saw the city lights. Now I remember where we are… the place doesn’t change, it’s still beautiful.

''It's beautiful.'' I hugged Tito Henry and cried.

''Thank you, tito!''

''I also want you to have this. This is your mom and dad's ring. Soon as you have your loved ones, you can give this ring as a sign of your love.''

''Tito, I don't have time for that.''

''I know soon you will meet someone, and I should be the one who will look at it. I don't want our princess to be hurt. God didn't give me a chance to have a bond with my son, Landry, but he gave me a chance to be a father to him. I may be a bad brother to your dad, but I promise that I will take care of you and your future, of course. I was hoping you could find your happiness and choose a path that doesn't hurt you. You may have lots of bitterness in life, but here you are. Never forget to smile and give a shine to others. You are really the daughter of Divina and Bradley.''

That day was the best day of my life, yet it also happened to be the last time I saw Tito Henry in person. If I only knew that it would be the final point he would say to me before he dies. After he took me home, he said that Tito Henry wanted to be at home immediately, and the following day I heard that Tito Henry died; the reason for his death is still unknown, but he seems to be in good health. After that, it was the first time I had seen Landry crying hysterically. I didn't happen to see Tita Lavinia on that particular day. As a result, Landry is continuously outraged at me at all times. He claims that I remind him of his deceased father, and he blames me for being responsible for his death. That was the last time we saw one other till the following day. After that day, we didn't see each other again. But we are still living in the same place, it's just they are busy doing their job on our business. After an hour, I decided to

wear this dress. It would fit perfectly at the picnic. I am almost done when my phone keeps ringing. I have lots of missed calls from Jenlyn and Zyreel.

[Where are you, we are here in front of your house] I immediately take all of my things and go down.

‘’You look gorgeous in your dress! Is that from Tita Divina?’’ I shook my head and smiled.

''Thank you, Zy, it's from Tito Henry, this was his gift last year, and I have decided to wear it again now.'' She hugged Jen and me also.

''Let's go before we can even catch the train,'' Jen said.

''Since it's your birthday and you don't want to ride any cars, we will commute and ride trains to your favorite location,'' Zy said.

''You know that I really love riding trains, thank you, guys!’’

We are now on our way to the train station. I still don't know where we will be having a picnic. They are the ones who decide the place, and I’m still fine about that. We have our tickets now, but Zyreel is holding them for me. She said it was for surprise purposes. I just willingly nod about it and go with the flow with them. I didn't even cook food for our picnic; they are the ones who did all that stuff; they just wanted to surprise me. We are now at the train station. I can see lots of emotions here on the train; some are sleepy, reading newspapers or books, others are holding a phone while others are playing with their child. I look at Zyreel and Jenlyn. They are busy with their phones. I think they have some business to do. Luckily for me, they gave up their time for me. I smile for content. I looked at the outside of the train. I love riding this because of the peaceful atmosphere wherein you can see lots of emotions and beautiful places. It was like swiping at a different view. And the only thing that you will hear is the sounds of the engine. It was like running on the right track but having lots of rest destinations until you get to the journey's end.