I'll Be Back

26

Mikha

"Cols!" I called out as I stepped down from the van we had been riding in. Colet was waiting for me outside my house along with Maloi and Sheena.

"Congrats Miks!!" Colet greeted me with a big smile and pulled me into a warm hug.

Maloi and Sheena also congratulated me, joining in the group hug. After a few moments, I opened my front door and we all went inside. Although I had only been in Baguio for three days, I realized how much I had missed my home. It felt like I had been gone for years. I began to prepare the food I had bought, and soon we settled in the dining room. I shared stories about my time in Baguio, and the three girls listened attentively.

I told them about my unexpected encounter with Aiah. I recounted everything that happened in detail. As I finished, I could sense their shock. They remained silent, staring at me for a few minutes.

"Piskit. Yun na 'yon? Ang bastos niya naman" Colet finally broke the silence, her voice filled with frustration.

"I don't know why she acted that way. Pero I know for sure may reason siya" I said, looking down at my sweaty hands. "Please, don't hate her."

"If may chance, babalikan mo ba siya?" Sheena asked.

"Is there even a chance? Halatang halata naman na ayaw niya na sakin" I responded, feeling the weight of the situation.

"Baliwalaan mo na lang, Miks. Baka 'di talaga kayo para sa isa't isa" Maloi said softly, trying to comfort me.

"Alam mo, punta na lang tayo beach, sama natin sila Staku" Colet suggested, trying to lift the mood.

"Oo nga! Tara, Siargao!" Sheena exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious.

The girls all agreed and then waited for my response. It took me a while to say yes, but thankfully, they were patient. Their excitement was infectious, and I eventually nodded in agreement.

We chatted for a bit longer, and their voices and presence began to calm me after everything that had happened recently. They started planning how long we would stay in Siargao and joked around, easing the tension. Before we knew it, it was night time.

We helped each other prepare dinner, and as we ate, the chatter continued. Their laughter and light-hearted conversations made me forget my hurtful thoughts and lightened my heart.

After dinner, we cleaned up together, each of us contributing to make the task quicker and more enjoyable. The girls shared stories from their own lives, offering distractions that I desperately needed. Their presence was a soothing balm, helping me navigate the emotional chaos I was experiencing.

Later, we moved to the living room, where we lounged around and continued our conversation. The atmosphere was relaxed, filled with the warmth of friendship and the promise of new memories to be made. Despite the recent encounter with Aiah, I felt a sense of hope and comfort with my friends by my side.

The night grew late, and one by one, we began to wind down. The girls decided to sleep over, not wanting to leave me alone. We set up sleeping arrangements and, with tired but happy hearts, finally drifted off to sleep.

Next Day

Aiah

I woke up early, deciding to prepare a delicious breakfast for everyone. The maids were there to help, but I took the lead. As I stood by the stove, waiting for the pancakes to cook, my thoughts drifted back to my recent encounter with Mikha. I couldn't shake the unease. Why would she say she missed me if Julia was already in her life? Cheater na pala sya ngayon?