I'll Be Back

16

Aiah had been feeling morning sickness for a week now. Doubts and fears churned within her, but she kept her worries hidden from Mikha. Each time Mikha asked if she was okay, Aiah forced a smile and assured her everything was fine. Mikha, preoccupied with work, barely noticed the facade.

Today, while Mikha was at work. Aiah left the house with a racing heart and headed to the pharmacy. As she entered, her hands trembled slightly. She made her way to the aisle with the pregnancy tests, her anxiety mounting with each step.

She picked up several boxes, her mind swirling with what-ifs. The cashier gave her a knowing look but said nothing as Aiah paid and quickly left the store.

Back home, Aiah locked herself in the bathroom, her heart pounding. She lined up the tests on the counter, taking a deep breath. "Lord, ikaw na bahala." she whispered to herself, her voice shaking.

She followed the instructions meticulously, trying to calm her racing thoughts. As she waited for the results, every second felt like an eternity. She paced the small bathroom, her mind replaying every moment of the past days, every sign she might have missed.

The timer went off, and she hesitated before looking at the tests. Gathering her courage, she checked them one by one. Her breath caught in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes as she saw the results—Positive.

Just then, she heard the front door open. Mikha was home early. Panic gripped Aiah. She quickly hid the tests and splashed water on her face, trying to compose herself.

"Babi! I'm home!" Mikha called out from the living room.

Aiah took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom, her heart heavy with the weight of her secret. She forced a smile as she walked towards Mikha, who was setting her bag down.

"Hey, Babi. How was work?" Aiah asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Mikha looked up, her eyes softening as she saw Aiah. "It was okay. Maaga kami natapos ngayon. Ikaw, how are you?"

Aiah smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm okay, same as usual"

Mikha studied her for a moment, then pulled her into a hug. "I missed you. Let's do something fun tonight?"

Aiah nodded, hugging Mikha tightly. "Sure Bub. That sounds nice."

As they cuddled on the couch later, watching a movie, Aiah's mind was miles away. She knew she couldn't keep this secret for long. But for now, she just wanted to hold onto this moment with Mikha, the uncertainty of their future looming over her like a storm cloud.

Mikha's phone buzzed with a message from work, and she got up to take the call in the other room. Aiah took the opportunity to sneak back into the bathroom, her heart pounding. She needed to see the tests again, to confirm what she had seen earlier. She retrieved the tests from her hiding place and stared at them, tears welling up in her eyes.

Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—fear, anxiety, and sadness. She didn't know how Mikha would react, and the thought terrified her. But she also knew she couldn't face this alone.

Just then, Mikha's voice called out from the other room. "Babi, I'm done with the call. Balik na ako diyan."

Aiah quickly wiped her tears and hid the tests again. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, then walked back to the living room, where Mikha was waiting.