SHE'S NOT A SAINT (MIKHAIAH) by: Pinkvettes

Chapter 12: it was hot and it was summer

Summary:
the memory

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4 months ago

Mikha

There can only be too many carbonated drink options in the world. Nagugustuhan ba talaga ng mga tao yung pakiramdam ng acidity sa dila nila? Especially when it rushes down your throat. Ugh. I just hated it. Peering through the glass doors of the refrigerators, I’ve spent more time internally expressing my disdain for soft drinks instead of choosing. Kanina pa ako nandito sa convenience store sa baba ng condo ko. Was I gonna get anything done? God, ako pa kasi ang napag-utusan.

Coke? Coke Zero? Guilt-free. But, still fizzy. Mountain Dew? Rootbeer, maybe. Peps–

“Boo!” a familiar voice yelled, startling me.

Hindi ako magugulating tao, but I nearly dropped my phone. The shock in my face was in huge contrast to that of the brunette girl’s who I just turned to face, the widest smile striking her lips in amusement. Any other person and I would’ve been irritated at the attempt at giving me a heart attack, but not this one.

“Ays! Not cool.”

“Sorry, you were taking so long and di ka nagrereply. I even went up to your unit and knocked. Nagmumuni muni ka lang pala diyan.” she took a step back eyeing me, or my hair, I figured. “If I didn’t have your side profile memorized like the back of my hand, di kita makikilala kanina. Look at you, redhead.” she gushed, twirling a strip of my newly colored strands around her finger.

“I DIY’ed lang yesterday. How do I look?” I asked.

“Tinatanong pa ba yan? Lovely as ever. I’m seriously considering skipping this outing and hiding you in my room para walang ibang makakita sayo.”

“Aw. You’re so sweet.” I said endearingly, playing along with her.

“Speaking of outing, kahapon mo lang kinulayan, Mikhs? Paano tayo lalangoy niyan? You do know the red dye will bleed out, right? Especially if recent yan.”

Guilty. “I did not in fact know that. I was excited, Ays! I saw the hair dye dito sa store kahapon and I went for it. Papasalon ako as soon as we get back from our trip.” I grimaced, which captured a giggle from Aiah.

“Pasalamat ka cute ka. Fine, no water then.”

“Dismaya ka lang kasi kailangan mo ko para lumangoy.”

“Blame my parents for never signing me up for swimming lessons.”

“Cheer up, Ays. Tatampisaw parin tayo. This weekend will be fun either way.” I reassured her, taking her hand in mine and playfully swinging it around.

She smiled so softly, surrendering to my consolation. “Well, the weekend won’t start here. What’s taking you so long pala anyway? Nag-aantay na sila Staks sa parking.”

“You told me to get drinks.”

She raised her eyebrow, surveying the rows of brightly colored bottles lined up in the refrigerators in front of me—the ones I’ve stared at earlier for more time than necessary. “Cute mo talaga, Mikhs. But those aren’t the drinks I was referring to.” she said, walking slightly towards the end of the shelves behind us, to where fragile glass bottles instead were stocked. She picked one up, holding the bottle of Jägermeister in delight. Her favorite.

“My favorite.” she turned to me. “We should get more for cocktails too.” she said, getting her hands on a couple more bottles I didn’t even attempt to discern. I’ll just let her do her thing.