*

“YVONNE, is this a tattoo you put on me? Why can’t I remove it?” Nari complained, scratching under her nose. The ink just won’t come off with her palms.

Her cousins made fun of her before they went down to Chuck’s Pasta. They always do that whenever someone’s celebrating a birthday. When it was Yvonne’s, Nari drew a mark on her forehead, resembling the sign of the ninjas of Konoha from the Japanese animé, Naruto. Yvonne was probably getting back at her through her stubborn mustache.

“Leave that alone for a while. You look handsome, believe me.”

“You’re just getting back at me, admit it.”

Yvonne finally opened the door to Chuck’s Pasta.

“We’re ready to drink!” she announced happily.

The customers turned their heads in their direction.

“Uncle Chuck, our birthday girl’s ready!” Yvonne gestured her.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” Uncle Chuck replied and removed his apron. “Go to your place. I got everything ready.”

The three of them cheered. Jonie’s father was the most generous. That’s why they loved him so much.

They strode to their place. It was in the far corner of the restaurant. Uncle Chuck arrived shortly, and Nestor followed, the other cook, carrying the bucket of beer and appetizer.

“Happy birthday, Nari,” Nestor greeted.

“Thank you!” Nari replied with a big smile.

“Buon compleanno, nipotino bella!” Uncle Chuck greeted, too.

Nari and Yvonne looked at each other.

“What does that mean?” they chorused and laughed heartily.

“Ciao, Uncle Chuck!” Nari replied.

Uncle Chuck jokingly hooked his arm around her neck.

“So, what’s your birthday wish, my beautiful niece?”

“Just a handsome father for my children, Uncle,” she answered.

“There’s a handsome customer over there, and he looks rich. Why don’t you introduce yourself?” Uncle Chuck sat between them and started opening the bottles of beer using the opener tied to the bucket.

“Can I have him instead, Pa? He can be a father to Jupiter. You said he’s rich,” Jonie interrupted while eating the appetizer.

“Shut up, Dionisia. I know you. You're vulnerable. Leave him up to Ynari.”

Jonie grimaced. She did not like being called like that, and she did not like being called by her real name even more. Yvonne, on the other hand, raised her beer.

“For Nari!”

They all raised their bottles.

“Happy birthday, Nari!”

*

“DO YOU think I could still find a man and get married?” Nari asked out of the blue, her eyelids drooping.

She finished three bottles of beer already, and she wasn’t down for the fourth bottle anymore. Uncle Chuck already left them to rest. And it’s only more than an hour since they started drinking.

“Didn’t you just wish to meet the father of your children a while ago?” Yvonne asked in a wrinkled forehead.

“Yes, I did. But... I’ve wished for it for nine birthdays already. It looks like the universe isn’t listening to me.” She laid her palms and looked to the ceiling. “What now, universe?” Nari grimaced when her head spun.

“You now have time to date, Nari,” Jonie said, placating her. “You are beautiful, smart, and young. The next man you are going to love is so lucky. Don’t worry, while there is life, there is hope for getting a boyfriend.”

They high-fived. These two knew what to say to lift Nari whenever she’s low.

“That is why I love you. Oh, wait. I need to go to the comfort room, and then we’ll go home.”

“Do you want me to go with you?” Yvonne asked.

Nari stood up. “No, thanks. I’ll be fine.”

JAI GLANCED at his watch. He couldn’t believe an hour had passed. He already had two glasses of lemon water. He forgot about time while contemplating the things that happened that day.

Jai finally settled his bill and went to the comfort room. He did have a long day. And for sure, his mom will only annoy him about the women she wanted him to date. But he still has to go home.

NARI came out from the comfort room. Instead of going back to her cousins right away, she leaned on the wall across the men’s room. She was still dizzy, but she had sobered up a little. She had to regain her strength and balance. She could not fight sleepiness anymore.

Best birthday ever!

She closed her eyes and slowly slid down. She was anticipating to feel the cold floor against her butt, but she was surprised to feel strong arms gripping her shoulders, preventing her from slumping to the floor.

A masculine scent filled her nostrils, her eyes flew open. Then, her eyes widened at the sight of the face before her. The man was wearing formal attire. He looked like a movie star. His eyes were chinky, and he got that gaze that can make knees weak. His jaw was well-defined, a stubble growing around his mouth. He surely looked sexier whenever he clenches his jaw. And his Adam's apple... he surely looked delicious watching him swallow. And his arrogant nose made him more beautiful.

“Are you okay?”

His mixed mint and lemon breath fanned her face. Her heart raced. Nari couldn’t remember the last time her heart reacted like that because of a man. It had been a long time, indeed.

And his voice... it’s so manly.

“I know you...” she said in awe.

His thick eyebrows furrowed.

“Really?”

“You were the one sent by the universe to be the father of my children—” Nari gasped when he suddenly dropped her, her butt hitting the floor harshly. “Ouch...”