I'll Be Back

17

It was their alumni day. Aiah and Mikha were busy getting ready. While Mikha was ironing her clothes, Aiah was in the bathroom, staring at the mirror for what felt like an eternity. She still couldn't move on.

"buntis ba talaga ako?" she whispered to herself, cupping her face. Her breath came in short gasps, her heart pounding painfully as she thought about the past and the uncertain future.

Aiah felt a wave of nausea and anxiety wash over her. She gripped the edge of the sink, trying to steady herself. How could she face Mikha with this secret? The guilt was eating her alive.

Mikha, unaware of Aiah's turmoil, knocked on the bathroom door. "Babi, okay ka lang ba diyan? We're gonna be late."

Aiah took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Yeah, I'll be out in a minute." she replied, her voice trembling slightly.

She splashed water on her face, trying to wash away the fear and guilt. As she looked at her reflection again, she knew she had to tell Mikha eventually. But today was their alumni day, and she didn't want to ruin it.

Aiah stepped out of the bathroom, forcing a smile. Mikha looked up and smiled back, though a hint of concern flickered in her eyes. "You okay, Babi?"

"Yeah, just a bit nervous about today" Aiah lied, trying to sound casual.

Mikha walked over and hugged her tightly. Aiah hugged her back, feeling a pang of guilt. She hoped she could find the right moment to tell Mikha the truth, but for now, she decided to push her worries aside and focus on the day ahead.

They finished getting ready and headed out to meet their friends. The campus was buzzing with excitement, and the reunion was in full swing. Aiah tried to immerse herself in the festivities, but her mind kept drifting back to her secret.

As the day went on, she watched Mikha laugh and reminisce with their friends, her heart aching with the knowledge that she was hiding something so important. The guilt and fear gnawed at her, but she put on a brave face, determined to make it through the day.

Suddenly, Gwen sat next to her and held her hand. "Okay ka lang? Nasabi mo na ba?"

Aiah looked at Gwen slowly, trying to keep her tears from falling. "Kinakabahan ako. It's giving me anxiety"

"Sabihin mo na kasi, Aiks. Para hindi ka narin mahirapan."

"I'll tell her tomorrow. I promise"

Gwen gave her a proud smile. She hugged Aiah and engaged with the group after. Mikha saw how serious Gwen and Aiah's conversation was, so she approached Gwen and held her hand.

"Ano pinag-usapan nyo?" She asked seriously.

"H-huh? Kanino?"

"Aiah. Why did it seem so deep. Be honest with me please, something's up with her lately and ayaw nya sabihin. Alam mo ba?"

Gwen's heart raced with the question. "H-hindi. Tinanong ko rin sya if may problema din sya. Ayaw din mag sabi eh" She lied.

Mikha sighed disappointedly. She knew that Aiah was hiding something. She just couldn't figure it out. What signs were she missing?

In the evening, Aiah and Mikha were still with their old classmates, reminiscing and laughing as the night grew late. Mikha and Aiah sat beside each other, with Julia on Mikha's other side. The drinks were flowing freely, except for Aiah, who refused to drink.

Julia, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol, began flirting with Mikha, leaning in closer and laughing a little too loudly at her jokes. Aiah watched this unfold, her anger and hurt building. She clenched her fists, feeling the betrayal sting sharper than ever. Suddenly, Julia placed a hand on Mikha's leg and rested her head on the girl's shoulder. Somehow, Mikha didn't push her away, maybe because Mikha was already tipsy and wasn't bothered. That was the last straw.