I'll Be Back

6

It was a noon time, and the girls were still at the beach house.

"Guys, na bo-bored ako." Maloi said.

"How about we go island hopping?" Colet suggested. The girls loved the idea and agreed.

"I saw boats for rent at the other beach. Let's go!" Mikha said. The girls went to their rooms to get ready.

They packed a basket full of food and a small cooler with drinks, excitement bubbling among them as they prepared for their little adventure. The destination Mikha had chosen was a bit far, but still within walking distance, and the anticipation was palpable. All the girls, caught up in the thrill of the outing, didn't notice their pace quickening with each step. Mikha, burdened with the heavy cooler, found herself lagging behind, her breath coming a bit faster. She took a moment to steady herself and glanced back, realizing for the first time that Aiah was not with the group. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Aiah several paces behind, struggling, her face pale and drawn.

Aiah's period was approaching. The familiar pang of concern and empathy surged through Mikha as she watched Aiah panting heavily, one hand pressed to her lower abdomen in a futile attempt to ease the pain of dysmenorrhea. Mikha's steps slowed, her focus narrowing to Aiah alone, everything else fading into the background. She walked back towards Aiah, each step laden with worry and tenderness. As she reached her, she placed a gentle hand on Aiah's shoulder, her eyes searching Aiah's for any hint of how she was truly feeling.

"Hey, you okay?" Mikha asked.

"I'm fine, Miks," Aiah sighed. "Go on."

"Aiah, I know you're not. Hold my hand."

Both of them felt something electric as their fingers entwined, a spark of connection and unspoken emotion passing between them. They walked slowly, their pace a stark contrast to the lively chatter and hurried steps of the other girls who continued ahead, unaware of the unfolding moment behind them. The world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them, each step taken with care and consideration.

Suddenly, Aiah's legs gave out, her body crumpling to the ground as if all the strength had drained from her. Mikha's heart lurched in her chest as she watched Aiah fall, her face contorted in pain.  She rushed to Aiah's side, her hands trembling with worry as she knelt beside her friend.

"Aiks? Okay ka lang?" Mikha's voice was urgent, her eyes scanning Aiah's face for any sign of response.

She gently helped Aiah into a sitting position, one arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders. The world around them continued, but for Mikha, this moment was everything, her focus entirely on Aiah and her pain.

"hindi ko na kaya Miks. I feel dizzy. My legs and my stomach hurt." Aiah said. Mikha checked Aiah's forehead to see if she had a fever.

Aiah fell asleep immediately, her exhaustion and discomfort finally giving way. Mikha watched her, the worry in her heart slowly being replaced by a deep, tender affection. After a while, Mikha began to feel her arm going numb from holding Aiah in the same position for too long. She knew she needed to adjust, but she didn't want to disturb Aiah's peaceful slumber. With the utmost care, Mikha gently shifted their position, her movements slow and deliberate to avoid waking the girl.

Mikha laid Aiah down softly, positioning her head on her thighs while she stretched her legs out straight. As she settled, she supported herself with her hands behind her, creating a comfortable makeshift pillow for Aiah. The gentle rise and fall of Aiah's breathing against her leg brought a soothing rhythm to the moment, filling Mikha with a warmth she couldn't quite describe. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them in their little bubble of quiet intimacy.