Miara's Mistakes: Part Two

(202) August 30, 2020

Confrontation
Primo's POV

Miara's eyes squinted, subtly telling me that she doesn't believe what I said. I sighed and shook my head. I'm not even sure about this... it was a quick assumption that stemmed from bits of information.

"I guess I did have a suspicion but he looked different? I'm not really sure... his face was unclear in the video," I explained. She nodded and smiled at me.

And there's that familiar sadness in her eyes again. It was so subtle that it would go unnoticed by the undiscerning eye.

And that's the thing with Miara—her real emotions show discreetly. She may smile all the time but there are times that I would see that slight tinge of worry and sadness.

Plus, I didn't finish the video. I wanted to add but chose not to. For some reason, watching the video felt like a major offense. A disrespect.

"Primo," tawag niya. We were seated on the couch while she rested her head on my chest. I was caressing her hair and I didn't even notice it until she moved. It was like muscle memory. A norm.

"Alam kong ayaw mong nagso-sorry ako pero... I'm sorry... bumalik ka na roon." She lifted her head to face me. I wanted to reach out to her and pull her back but she was quick to stand. She probably anticipated my next move.

"Alright," I sighed. There's no point in arguing with her. Alam kong hindi siya makakapagpahinga nang maayos kung ipipilit ko na manatili sa tabi niya. "But in one condition."

Her eyes widened as she turned to me with an attentive look. I'm not sure if I should feel offended or what. Parang gustong-gusto niya na talagang paalisin ako.

"What is it?" I couldn't help but smile at her eagerness.

She really wants me to go back to that party, huh?

"I'll cook you dinner while you freshen up. Para kapag umalis ako, at least, I'll be assured that you're ready for bed."

She nodded enthusiastically and ran to her room. Ngunit bago siya tuluyang makapasok ay hinarap niya ulit ako.

"It's not that I don't want you here... mas kailangan ka lang talaga roon." She disappeared into the door after that.

She didn't have to explain. Alam ko namang ganoon ang iniisip niya. She thinks that she's a hindrance to me or something... but she was never like that to me.

I went to the kitchen and found some ingredients I could use. I'll cook chicken tinola for her. Aside from the fact that it's healthier than canned goods and frozen meat, I also want to extend my time here without her noticing.

Plus... I just really want to make sure that she's well-fed. I may not know what exactly she's feeling and thinking right now, but my intuition is telling me that she might spend some time to process what happened.

They may not have had any interactions but I don't think her mind will let it pass.

As much as the thought discomforts me, she'll probably cry herself to sleep again. And damn... just thinking about it makes me want to persuade her to let me stay.

But... it's not really my place to interfere. As much as I want to be the one who'll dry her tears, letting her have her space might be more helpful for her. After all, this isn't about me. It's about what's best for her.

I'll surely spend the rest of the night with my mind left here with her. But, at least, I'll be less worried because I know that even if she cries, she's already well-fed and ready for bed. As least she won't sleep with an empty stomach. At least she'll be wearing comfortable clothes.