Echoes of the Past // MIKHAIAH

Chapter 12: Echoes

Alaiah's POV

I composed myself to let off the shock look on my face.

Her Lolo was looking at me as if I looked familiar.

Is it really him?

Lola's great love?

"Lo, we should go. Aalis muna kami, I want to tour them around. We'll be back later." I was taken back from my thoughts when Matt talked.

I looked at her and gave her a big smile.

"Sige, just tell the maids if may request ka for later. Alaiah, feel at home kayo, ija." her Lolo smiled and I saw the hint of sadness in his eyes.

What does this mean?

I smiled at him.

Matt held my waist and guided me outside.

Nagkita naman kami nina Cole and they decided to tous us around.

Their property is big. Halos isang barangay din pala ito.

A total of 5 houses pa. Sa Lolo niya, for his 3 kids and for the people working there.

Gusto ko na ata magtrabaho dito.

"All houses here have pool, saan niyo gusto maligo? Advice ko lang, mas malalim pool namin." Cole said.

"Pwede namang tag-iisa tayo ng pool, nakakahiya naman sa inyo." Chris answered.

"I suggest don nalang tayo sa bahay nina Cole. Busy din kasi sa house ni Lolo and nobody really stays sa house namin." Matt chimed in.

We all agreed to stay at Cole's. We we're having fun dahil sobrang chill lang din ng bahay nina Cole.

"Okay ka lang ba, Aya? I think something is bothering you." Matt said as we were submerged in the pool.

"Yes! I'm enjoying a lot. Salamat talaga pag sama. I never really got the chance to sincerely greet you pero happy birthday, Matty!" I gave her a hug.

I felt how her body stiffened, na-shock naman ako sa nagawa ko kaya kinalas ko agad ang pagkakayakap ko sakaniya at nag-sorry.

I was wearing a two-piece swimsuit. Well, everyone was wearing one.

" Ikaw, ah. Gusto mo lang pala ng hug para maging okay ka." Matt teased.

I squinted my eyes.

"Stop it, Matt. Para namang di ka nanigas." I acted like I was strutting while walking away from her still submerged in the pool.

"Okay, Arceta. Ikaw yan, eh." She laughed.

We enjoyed the day, parang mga bata kung maglaro.

Before leaving the pool we decided to play a game.

"Spin the bottle, but there is a twist. All dare lang." Cole introduced.

"Ang cute ng laro mo." Matt mocked.

Nagtawanan naman kami kasi nag-aasaran naman silang dalawa.

"Sige na, let's start." Chris said and gestured Matt and Cole to sit down.

Chris spinned the bottle and it landed to Cole.

"Oh, ano? Ikaw pa nauna, ang daldal mo kasi." Matt teased.

"Sige, ako na magbibigay ng dare." Chris said. She squinted her eyes as if she was thinking. "Kiss the cheeks of the girl, who you feel most attractive to here."

Napatawa naman si Cole and looked at Matt. She was already looking at Cole.

Cole smirked. "Matt, dare lang ah."