As it turns out, I was wrong because last Sunday evening as I was actually preparing to go to the perya a few blocks from our house with our next-door neighbors instead of going back to the Baptism feast in Malinis street, Rakel suddenly popped up outside our gate.  A friend, both of them somewhat sober, accompanied her asking me why I didn’t text about going back to the party.  Then she worked her charm on my aunt, who was in charge of me at the time, telling her that I’ll be home tomorrow at the latest. 

My aunt hesitated to let me go, but of course she let me have the final decision.  I was actually loath to go because I had been very much looking forward to playing bingo and some other game in the perya but even I was floored by the sheer effort my distant cousin put in just to have me bond with them. 

So I went back to Malinis street, dragging my two younger male cousins with me.  Hey, never let it be said that I wasn’t given the royal treatment whenever I’m in Bagbaguin; see, I even had escorts.  We all ate a light dinner, the leftovers from the luncheon, and then we went up to the rooftop to join in the drinking.

Everybody was pretty much wasted by the time we got up there but drinks were still making its rounds.  The guests have trickled down to three people so most of the people sprawled on the floor were my cousins. 

It was awkward at first, to be in a room full of people I hardly knew.  I mean I recognize them by face, but I wasn’t even sure what their names were.  They grew up basically in the same compound so I’m pretty sure that they were an impenetrable bunch. 

I hung out with the girls first, with Rakel and with Shirley.  Personally I would’ve been much more comfortable hanging out with the boys but I figured that it’d be rude if I just stuck with the people I came over with.  It was actually fun, not that I ever had any doubts.  My relatives from this side of the fence were notoriously known for being nice and sociable.  They, along with the alcohol being passed around, abated the feelings of awkwardness.

When we were all on the same page, alcohol-wise, I started to loosen up.  I got up and switched seats, mingling with cousins that I’ve never talked to before.  Because I was so inebriated I actually had the guts to ask everybody how old they were.  As it turns out, they weren’t as close-knit as I thought; they didn’t even know each other’s ages and apparently this was the first time that they got together for a serious drinking session, which was so cool for me because I happen to be a part of it.

Somebody brought up the topic of relationships and that filled up most of our discussions.  A male cousin of mine was nursing a broken heart, another was now saving up for a wedding and I had my fair share of “brotherly” advice because I’ve never had a boyfriend.

It was an experience that I enjoyed very much, one that I’m willing to experience again, soon.  I almost hate to say it, but it was almost worth missing the perya, in spite of what happened afterwards.  But I guess that’s for another entry.