PREDICTABLE | Mikhaloi [18+]

The Hangover and The family Dinner

The Hangover and the Family Dinner:

maxwell.-

Maxwell woke with a throbbing headache and a body aching so badly she couldn't move. Reaching for her phone on the bedside table, she found a crumpled piece of paper on top.

"Drink this water and medicine, it'll help you from last night's party. Heal yourself. 098********," it read.

She swallowed the medicine and water, struggling to sit up. As she attempted to stand, she tripped over her shoes and fell to the floor.

"Tangina naman o, ang sakit," she groaned, her head pounding and her vision blurry.

She couldn't remember anything from the previous night. "Fck, Fck, F*ck, What did I do?" she muttered, hitting her head in frustration, trying to recall who she was with and what she had done.

She stumbled to the bathroom, washed her face, and went through her skincare routine, preparing for work. She realized she had no idea what time it was. Panic surged as she grabbed her phone and checked the time: 12:34 pm.

"HA?!" she exclaimed. "What time did I go to sleep last night?" This was her first experience waking up late, as she was normally an early bird. She grabbed her keys and headed out for a quick coffee. At Starbucks, she ordered a macchiato and a cake pop.

 

She arrived at the office building, greeted by colleagues. Her secretary approached her, "Boss, late na late today ah? San kaba galing kagabi?" he asked. Maxwell couldn't answer. She didn't remember where she had been or who had brought her home. She explained her hazy memory, and her secretary was shocked.

"Hala, boss, what if nag se-" he started, but Maxwell cut him off.

"You like cake pop right? Eto kainin mo, dami mong alam," she said, handing him the cake pop.

"Kpop, kasi yun boss, halatang lasing kapa, HAHAHA," her secretary laughed.

"Anong report today?" Maxwell changed the subject, trying to avoid further questions.

"Your sister came by earlier, looking for you. You were still asleep then," her secretary replied, looking concerned.

"Why didn't you call me?" Maxwell asked, anxiety rising. Cole rarely visited without warning. She wondered if she was checking on the company or on her.

"Check your notifications. 34 missed calls and 14 messages. You don't like spam messages, but you need to know she was here," her secretary reassured her.

Maxwell checked her phone. No surprise: 34 missed calls and 14 messages, all from her secretary.

 

Later, Maxwell found herself at a restaurant for a family dinner with her father, Cole, Grey, Avery, and Mr. Chén. Her father and Mr. Chén were catching up, discussing plans to build a new firm, a prospect Maxwell didn't care about.

She played with her salad, trying to avoid the conversation. Avery noticed her disinterest and tapped her wrist.

"Max. Are you ok?" she asked, her hand resting on her wrist.

"Y-yes, I'm ok, thank you for asking," she replied, though she felt far from okay. She didn't agree with her father and Mr. Chén's plans, worried about what they might demand of her.

Excusing herself, she went to the bathroom, splashing water on her face to clear her head. She felt dizzy. Avery was beside her.

"What a lie, Max," she said, holding her arm.

"I'm fine, I just need sleep, that's all," she said, pulling away from her and walking out.

She called her chauffeur to pick her up, as she couldn't drive.

"It's a great night to have dinner with you, Mr. Lín, and also your daughters. I hope one of yours can date my princess, Haha," Mr. Chén said jokingly.

"Haha, I hope so. Thank you for tonight, Mr. Chén," her father replied, shaking Mr. Chén's hand.

Cole and Maxwell exchanged a look, both feeling uncomfortable and wanting to leave.

Her chauffeur didn't answer her calls, which was understandable. He hadn't been scheduled to work today, and Maxwell had driven to work, so he was likely asleep.

"Cole, can you drop me off at my condo? I can't drive, I'm dizzy," Maxwell whispered to her sister.

"Not now, Max. I have to go somewhere, and it's out of the way. Tell Grey," she replied, switching on her phone.

"Grey, can you hatid me?" she texted Grey on WhatsApp, as she was too far away to reach her easily.

She didn't receive a reply, but Avery noticed her texting under the table.

"I'll drop you off," she whispered.

"Is it ok? I can't drive anymore," she asked.

"Tara na," she said, helping her to her feet.

They walked out of the restaurant, and Avery led Maxwell to her car. As they were getting in, Maxwell leaned against the car door, feeling dizzy.

"Grabe, ang sakit pa rin ng ulo ko," she mumbled, clutching her head.

"Okay ka lang ba, Max?" Avery asked, concerned.

"Medyo, pero parang gusto ko nang matulog," Maxwell replied, closing her eyes.

"Sige, tara na," Avery said, helping her into the car. "I'll drive you home."

"Salamat, Avy," Maxwell said, leaning back in the seat. "I owe you one."

Avery smiled and started the car, driving away from the restaurant. They were both quiet, each lost in their own thoughts. Maxwell was still trying to piece together the events of the previous night, while Avery was simply grateful to be able to help her friend.

Eyy na lang. 🤙