Mirage

thirty five

They went back home to Manila. Mira actually felt like she was coming back to reality because the moment she was in her unit she found out she lost her job on the station. Figures, since Mira was absent for days without notice.

Now she was in a hurry to go to her part time at Cielo's work just to see if she still has a job to be honest. Aliyah told her to rest first before doing so but she reasoned out that she wouldn't have a job if she did.

She went to her job and her boss rightfully scolded her. He gave her a waring and a suspension.

Before going home, she went to see if Cielo was there and she was. Cielo was dancing and teaching a choreography to some people.

When Cielo noticed her by the door, Mira waved. Cielo was surprised and excused herself from the other dancers.

"Mira!"

"Hi."

Cielo fist bumped her and patted her shoulder. "Okay ka na? Namiss kita ha!"

"Yeah," She chuckled. "Namiss din kita."

"So ano balik trabaho ka na?"

"Hindi na suspend ako eh. Awol kasi."

"Oh? Kelan balik mo?"

"Sa Friday daw."

Cielo nodded. "Sige sige, may ginagawa pa akong choreo. Magkwentuhan na lang tayo mamaya ah, magreply ka naman sa gc!"

She laughed, "Oo sige, sorry di ko kasi dala phone ko."

After talking with Cielo, she was walking back home. Aliyah messaged her, asking if she was on her way home yet.

She didn't reply since she was near anyway. Mira decided to just surprise her with coffee from the coffee shop on the street.

With a coffee and a sudden impulse to buy slices of cake, Mira knocked on Aliyah's door. Though, no one answered. She waited until the door from Joanne and Stella's unit opened.

"Hindi ka nagrereply ah."

Mira turned around and saw Aliyah.

"Sorry, I was near naman na and wanted to buy you coffee." She raised up her take-out bags. "With cake."

Aliyah smiled. "Lika dito sa loob miss ka na daw nila Stella."

"Should've bought more coffee pala. Buti na lang maraming cake."

"It's fine, marunong naman sila gumawa ng coffee." Aliyah laughed as they went inside.

Stella shouted her name and engulfed Mira in a hug. Joanne did the same and asked how she is.

"Okay naman," Mira nodded like assuring them and herself that she really is okay after the fiasco.

But she can't lie, she still feels distraught at what's happening in her life. How she constantly misses her family, upset about her uncle, and somehow still a little afraid with Aliyah.

"Sure?" Joanne asked.

Mira paused for a while. "Yes, Aliyah's with me so yeah okay naman na. Kakayanin. And nandiyan din kayo kaya thank you."

Aliyah has now become her rock, her strength and she's quite scared to lose it. Mira glanced at her; the girl was preparing the cake on the table.

She smiled at Mira and the only thought inside the latter's head is how determined she is to give herself to Aliyah, to trust her, to be with her, to share everything with her. The only thought is that Mira is now sure that she loves Aliyah.

It took running away from things and being a coward to going to Cebu with her and back to the apartment to make Mira realize how sure and how deep her feelings are becoming.

It only seemed shallow because of her fear and worries.

But now, now she lets herself go.

After spending time with Stella and Joanne, both Aliyah and Mira went home to their respective units. Not going in without greeting each other first.

"Goodnight Liyah," Mira said as she inched towards her door, reluctant to leave.

"Goodnight, thanks for the coffee."

She nodded, "Always."

"Wag mo ko masyadong bilhan ng coffee baka masanay." Aliyah joked and laughed.

"Okay lang basta sakin ka masanay."

Aliyah visually blushed at Mira who said it like it was nothing, like it did not sound like a pick-up line.

The girl faked coughed and said, "Okay bye."

Mira looked at her confused. "Bakit?"

"Huh? Wala, bye na sabi ko. Ayaw mo pa matulog?" Aliyah pretended to be calm.

"Okay?"

"Okay. Goodnight!"

Aliyah waved and she already took a step inside her door when she decided to turn back to Mira. She quickly went to her and give Mira a quick kiss on the cheek before running inside her apartment, slamming the door in the process.

Mira stood there for a moment and then chuckled. She walked close to Aliyah's door and knock on it twice. She said, "Cute mo. Goodnight." Mira shook her head, trying to ignore the heating of her cheeks.

Aliyah was there on the other side of the door, she heard what the girl said and she can't help but feel embarrassed.

"Kaloka ka Aliyah." She mumbled to herself as she put her palms on her face.