The Wild Angel

Chapter 2: Catwoman

"Azra. Your future girlfriend."

"Tara na mukhang uulan na," Colai said, making Maeve glance at her. Maeve wanted to turn back to face the beautiful woman again, but when she did, Azra was already walking away. Maeve's friends also started walking toward the parking lot, so even though she wanted to chase after Azra, she couldn't.

Azra. Ganda ng pangalan ng future bebe ko. Future bebe? Huiii! Maeve thought to herself.

The sky darkened, and raindrops began to fall, adding a sense of urgency to their steps. Maeve took one last look at Azra's retreating figure, letting out a heavy breath as she longed to know her more. Maeve felt frustrated. She wanted to talk to Azra, to learn everything about her. But for now, all she could do was watch Azra disappear into the distance.

---

Maeve couldn't get Azra out of her mind for days. Every day, she hoped to see her again at the coffee shop where they first met, but Azra never appeared.

It was her term break, and Maeve felt bored. Her friends were all busy with their own plans and families. She decided to go to the mall, so she showered and got dressed.

Upon entering the mall, Maeve noticed the new movies playing and decided to watch one. After buying her ticket, she realized she had some time before the movie started, as the previous showing had just begun. So she decided to grab something to eat.

Maeve had a feeling someone was watching her. She glanced around but didn't recognize anyone in the crowd.

While eating, the redhead suddenly felt like something was stuck in her throat and started to choke. Panic set in as she hadn't been served her drink yet, and she was struggling to breathe. Just as she was about to lose hope, someone handed her a bottled water.

Maeve quickly opened it and took a sip, the cool liquid providing immediate relief. Gasping for breath, she looked up to thank her savior and was stunned to see Azra standing there with a concerned look on her face.

"Napakasiba mo naman kasi. Dahan-dahan lang," Azra said abruptly before walking away.

Maeve was left in shock. The woman she had been obsessing over had suddenly appeared before her, and she didn't even get to say a word or thank her.

After finishing her meal, Maeve wandered around the mall, hoping to see Azra again. She wanted to talk to her and ask if their encounters were mere coincidences. She also wanted to express her gratitude for the second time Azra had given her a drink.

"Asan ka na ba, Azra?" Maeve muttered in frustration, unable to spot the beautiful woman again.

Maeve checked her watch and realized it was time to head to the cinema. As she took her seat, the theater lights dimmed, signaling the start of the movie.

She had chosen a comedy, and the theater was filled with laughter. But one particular laugh stood out, making Maeve chuckle. It was infectious. She looked in the direction of the laugh and her eyes widened. There, almost directly across from her, was Azra.

Ganda na nga niya, pati ba naman tawa? Maeve thought to herself.

Instead of focusing on the movie, Maeve found herself stealing glances at Azra, captivated by the way she laughed and how her eyes sparkled with every smile. Unconsciously, Maeve's thoughts drifted away from the screen, drawn irresistibly to the woman who had left such a profound impression on her.

As the theater lights came back on, Azra turned and smiled at Maeve, as if she wasn't surprised to see her there.

"Ganda ng movie 'no?" Azra said.