Two Worlds

Chapter 16: Last Written Chapter 🔞

Aliya stood there for a moment, her shoulders slumped with the weight of her decision. She turned and walked out of Meg's office, leaving behind a shattered woman struggling to comprehend the sudden end of their situationship. As she walked away, Aliya's heart ached with the knowledge that she had to let go, for the sake of Molly and the unspoken promise she had made.

"Meg, tara na, umuwi na tayo," Cali said, her voice tinged with concern as she lifted Meg from the cold, hard floor of her office. The place was in disarray, papers scattered everywhere, the aftermath of a drunken stupor. Meg's secretary had frantically called Cali, knowing she was the only one who could handle Meg in such a state.

Cali tried to wrestle the half-empty bottle of tequila from Meg's grasp, but Meg resisted, defiantly chugging the remaining liquor. "Ano ba?!" Cali shouted, frustration and worry etched on her face. She knew all too well why Meg was drowning herself in alcohol—she had been with Aliya earlier and had seen the heartbreak unfold. Cali's heart ached for her friend, but she was at a loss for what to do.

Meg's eyes were unfocused, staring blankly ahead, as if the world around her had ceased to exist.

"Tama na, Meg! Pakinggan mo ako kung gusto mong malaman ang dahilan ni Aliya!" Cali's voice was desperate, trying to pierce through the fog of Meg's drunken haze.

The words seemed to reach Meg, as a flicker of hope sparked in her eyes. She slowly turned to face Cali, the numbness beginning to melt away. Cali took a deep breath and recounted everything Aliya had confided in her, each word carefully chosen to convey the gravity of the situation.

As Cali spoke, Meg's face contorted with a mix of emotions—anger, hurt, confusion. When Cali finished, Meg didn't waste a moment. She stumbled to her feet, the world spinning around her, and rushed out of the office. She fumbled with her phone, her fingers trembling as she booked a cab. There was no way she could drive in her condition.

The cab arrived swiftly, and Meg practically fell into the backseat, her mind racing with thoughts of Aliya. The city lights blurred into streaks of color as they sped towards Aliya's condo. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing her desperation to understand, to confront, to resolve.

When the cab pulled up to Aliya's building, Meg practically threw herself out of the car. She staggered towards the entrance, her legs feeling like they could give out at any moment. The security guard, recognizing her, didn't ask questions and let her in with a sympathetic nod.

Meg took the elevator up, leaning against the wall for support, her breath coming in shallow gasps. When she reached Aliya's floor, she stumbled to the door and knocked, her hand shaking.

"Aliya, buksan mo 'yung pinto!" Meg banged on the door, her knuckles sore from the effort. She knew Aliya was inside; faint sounds of music and shuffling reached her ears.

Aliya stood paralyzed, staring at the door. If she faced Meg, her resolve might crumble. The knocking grew insistent, and neighbors began to complain. Sighing deeply, Aliya finally opened the door and yanked Meg inside.

"Alam ko na lahat, baby. Alam ko ginawa mo lang 'yun para kay Molly," Meg began, her voice trembling.

"Tama na, please. Buo na desisyon ko," Aliya said, clutching her head as if trying to keep it from splitting open.

Meg stepped forward, but Aliya retreated, maintaining the distance. Determined, Meg closed the gap and enveloped Aliya in a tight hug, her tears soaking Aliya's shoulder.

"Akala ko kaya kong maghintay basta andiyan ka, kahit unahin mo career mo o kaibigan mo..." Meg's voice cracked, her pain evident.

"...pero putangina, Aliya! Ang sakit-sakit pala knowing na kahit sarili mo di mo inuuna!"