Hiraya (COLAIAH)

CHAPTER 13

AIAH’S POV

I woke up from a very deep sleep feeling completely rested. Pagbukas ko na aking mga mata, yung mukha ni Colet yung bumungad sa akin. My eyes widened the moment I realized the position we were in.

I had been sleeping on her shoulder, and she had her arms wrapped around me. I was hugging her as well. I slowly removed my hand from her waist and slapped my forehead in disbelief.

I scanned the area and realized we were still at Gwenny’s place, in her living room to be exact. Nakatulog ba talaga ako? Nalasing ba kami? Anong nangyari kagabi?

I slowly removed Colet’s hand from around me and lifted my body weight off her chest. Then I got out from under the blanket we were both sharing. Nakakahiya talaga ‘to. Buti na lang natutulog pa din siya.

I slowly got up and just as when Gwenny entered the living room. “Good morning.” She greeted me with a silly smile on her face.

I forced a smile and stood up from the couch. "Good morning." Just as I said that Colet turned to her right, facing the armrest of the couch, still asleep.

Sheena entered the living room and shouted, “Happy birthday, Ate--” but she stopped when Gwen signaled her to hush. “Aiah,” she continued in a lower voice.

Sheena moved next to Gwen, who whispered in her ear. “Masarap pa yung tulog ng isa diyan,” she said with a wink.

Sheena walked towards me with a silly grin on her face. “Happy birthday!” she hugged me and greeted me in a lower voice. I hugged her back and said, “Thank you.”

Gwen approached and greeted me with a “Happy birthday.” She then turned towards Colet, who was rubbing her eyes. Gising na siya.

Gwen walked toward the bar counter, and Sheena dragged me along with her. We both sat on the high stools in front of Gwen.

Binuksan niya yung fridge at nilabas niya yung frozen fruits, “Dahil birthday mo ngayon, gagawan kita ng smoothie bowl,” Gwen said.

“Yay, thank you!” I clapped my hands quietly to celebrate. “Ako din bebe, please.” Sabi ni Sheena habang nagpapacute sa jowa niya. “Bakit birthday mo din ba?” tanong ni Gwen.

Sheena glared at her. “Joke!” Gwen said, flashing a peace sign. Sheena got up from her seat and hugged Gwen from behind.

“Ang aga aga ang landi landi niyo.” Someone spoke behind me, and I know it was Colet.

My heart started beating so fast. I’m so tensed. I couldn’t even look at her. This is so freaking awkward.

She sat down on the stool next to me. “Good morning din sayo. Galit ka agad eh, masarap naman tulog mo.” Sabi ni Gwen with a silly grin on her face.

“Ma’am pandesal niyo po.” Napatingin si Gwen sa pintuan and lumingon din siya agad kay Sheena. “Bebe pakikuha po ng wallet ko please. Buksan ko lang yung gate.”

Umalis na silang dalawa sa harap namin.
“Happy birthday.” Colet greeted me with a cold tone. I slightly turned towards her. “Thank you.”

COLET’S POV — [the night before]

Nakatulog si Aiah sa balikat ko after one glass of Sangria. Sure, ako na hindi naman siya lasing kasi hindi naman ganun konti lang naman alcohol content ng iniinom namin. Pagod na pagod siguro siya gawa ng island hopping nila kanina. I just let her sleep on my shoulder kasi umuulan pa naman ng napakalas at hindi pa kami makakauwi.

Matulog ka lang, matulog ka lang lagi sa balikat ko.

After our third glass of Sangria, dinalaw na ng antok si Sheena. Nauna na siyang pumasok sa kwarto nila. Nagsimula na din magligpit si Gwen. Hindi ko siya matulongan kasi nakasandal pa din si Aiah sa balikat ko.

“Mukhang hindi titigil yung ulan anytime soon. Dito na lang kayo matulog. “I’ll prepare the guest rooms,” Gwen said, but I stopped her.

“Wag na. Dito na lang kami matutulog sa couch. Malaki naman ‘to at tsaka kasya naman kami. Mahimbing na tulog neto, ayoko na siyang istorbohin. Sure akong pagod siya.” Sabi ko kay Gwen.

She stood still and gave me an amused look. “Alam mo, masyado kang bumait lately,” pang-aasar niya. I just rolled my eyes at her.

Umalis na siya sa harap namin ni Aiah pero may pahaging pa na comment, “Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. She’s down bad.”

AM I?

She appeared once again. Binigyan niya kami ng kumot at inayos niya to make sure na covered yung mga paa namin. Thankfully, Gwen's couch is L-shaped with a reclining backrest, so it felt almost like lying on a regular bed.

“Any help needed bago pa ako pumasok sa kwarto?” she asked. “Okay na. Salamat.” I replied.

“Syempre okay na okay ka diyan…” Lumakad na siya papunta sa room nila. “Good night.” She said before closing the door.

I looked at Aiah before closing my eyes. It should be illegal to look this beautiful while sleeping. She’s truly a sleeping beauty.

She shifted and leaned against my chest, wrapping her right arm around my waist. I remained perfectly still, not moving a muscle, because one, I didn’t want to wake her, and two, I was surprised by her unconscious move.

I couldn’t help but feel a warm rush of emotions as I held her close. The gentle rise and fall of her breath against my chest was soothing. I felt a deep sense of connection.

Pumikit na ako, nagpaalam sa isang araw na natapos.