I'll Be Back

25

Mikha

I couldn’t believe it when I got the news. We were invited to eat at the huge hacienda I mentioned yesterday. It felt like a dream, almost like going to Disneyland.

As I waited for my teammates to finish using the bathrooms—since we only had two and had to take turns—I tried to shake off the thoughts about my encounter with Aiah yesterday. We were leaving Baguio tomorrow, so there was no chance we’d see each other again, right? I told myself I didn't have to worry.

Finally, it was my turn to get ready. I quickly showered and dressed, trying to focus on the excitement of visiting the hacienda rather than the emotions swirling inside me.

As we headed out, the mood among my teammates was upbeat and lively. We joked and laughed, our spirits high from yesterday’s victory. The thought of a special lunch at such a grand estate added to our enthusiasm. Confusingly, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nervousness, though.

We arrived at the hacienda, its impressive structure looming before us. The gardens were meticulously maintained, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers. The sheer grandeur of the place made me momentarily forget my worries. It was breathtaking.

Then, just as I was beginning to feel more at ease, I saw her.

My heart raced, and I could feel my palms start to sweat. Our eyes met, but Aiah quickly looked away, focusing on the familiar little girl she's holding, but the brief eye contact had already set my nerves on edge. I tried to keep it cool, but my mind was racing. Ba't sya nanidto? What should I do?

Her, and I guess, her mother,  welcomed us warmly. Aiah gave everyone a welcoming smile, but she avoided looking at me, her gaze passing over me as if I were invisible. As I walked past her, her familiar scent filled the air, making my heart pound even harder. My hands were shaking and sweating badly.

The maids guided us to the dining room, where the aroma of delicious food greeted us. The table was laden with a variety of dishes, yet I couldn't shake the uneasy thoughts swirling in my mind. Why was Aiah here? Was this her home?

Just then, Aiah and her mother joined us at the table. As if things couldn't get any more uncomfortable, Aiah’s mother, unintentionally, made Aiah sit directly across from me.

I couldn't help but steal glances at her, but throughout the entire lunch, she avoided my eyes. She looked unbothered, almost as if she was happier without me—happier without me in her life. It was as if my presence didn't matter to her at all, and that realization cut deeper than I expected.

When the meal finally ended, people started to disperse. My teammates were still chatting and laughing, oblivious to the storm of emotions inside me. I saw Aiah heading towards the garden, and before I could second-guess myself, I decided to follow her.

I found her standing by a fountain, the little girl playing nearby. She seemed lost in thought.

Aiah

I immediately went to the backyard, needing space to process everything. I put my daughter down to let her play, her laughter bringing me a sense of ease amidst the turmoil. Yet, at the same time, my blood was boiling. I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger towards Mikha's presence.

Just then, I felt a hand touch my shoulder. The touch was familiar, and I knew immediately who it was.

"Aiah." A voice called.

I took a deep breath before turning around. There she was, Mikha, standing so close to me that I could feel her breath. I took her hand off my shoulder and spoke.