Behind the Scenes

Chapter 39

Months passed and we were very busy with our schedule. It's tiring but we just grab it while we can.

Today, we are flying from Manila to Cebu. I'm so happy when they announced that we will be performing in my hometown! It means, I will get to see my family and my friends even for a short period of time.

When my family heard the news, they were very excited and happy at the same time. They want me to bring the girls in our house. Malamang marami nanaman sila lulutuin, oh, missing my mom's specialty.

Sa sobrang excited ko, naiwan ko sa check in baggage yung jacket ko. I'm wearing sleeveless pa naman.

"A? you look anxious, calm down, I know how excited you are." Mikha hold my hand.

I thought she's sleeping, her sunglasses decieved me.

"Don't mind me, M. You should take a nap, you're tired from taping."

"Your hand is cold." she remove her sunglass to look me in the eyes. "A, may masakit ba sayo or you're not comfortable?" she sound worried.

"Mikha Lim, trust me, I'm okay." I smiled at her and gave a light squeeze on her hand.

"Hmm'kay, just tell me if you need anything." she then removed her hoodie. "For now, please wear this so you don't feel cold." she help me with it and smiled at me. "Sorry, I can't cuddle you here to keep you warm, A." and she gave me wink.

How can she always know how to make me fall for her?

We arrived at the airport around three in the afternoon. My plan is to just leave my luggage in the hotel room then alis na agad para makauwi ng bahay.

My roommate is Staku and I already informed her na baka di ko sya masamahan all the way because I will try to give my free time kila mama and she said, she really understand.

Pagkadating sa hotel, nagpaalam na din ako sa girls na uuwi muna ako and they were all excited for me.

Kakalabas ko lang ng room namin ni Staku ng makita ko si Mikha sa labas ng pinto.

"Hi A, you're ready? let's go, I'll walk you to the lobby." she's smiling at me.

My handsome girl is wearing jogger pants, hoodie and cap.

"Mikha Lim, you should be resting." I'm so touched, I want to hug her.

Actually, I want to bring her with me sa bahay but I know she will not have time to rest there because I'm sure that my family will not let her, once they see Mikha.

"I'm not that tired, A. You don't have to worry about me."

I recieved kuya Bryan's message that he is outside na to pick me up.

"Aiah!" I heard him calling me as he gets out of the car and wave his hand.

"Kuya!" I walk towards him and we hugged. "I missed you, Kuya Bryan!"

"I missed you too bunso."

We are now inside his car and talking non-stop about what we've missed for the passed months.

"By the way, I saw Mikha with you kanina ha? I thought she'll be coming with you."

"Ah, hindi kuya she's just.. ahm, hinatid nya lang ako and she needs rest kasi galing pa sya sa taping."

"What? she's so sweet naman ata sayo bunso?" he said smiling.

"She's not just sweet kuya, she always takes care of me." I answered and my mind flew to a certain someone.

I lost track of time the moment na makarating kami ni kuya sa bahay. I missed them so much and ang dami naming kwento sa isa't isa. Ang tagal ng naging kwentuhan namin at parang hindi sila nauubusan.

And finally, now I'm just busy munching cookies that mom baked while scrolling on my phone.

Hala! Grabe yung blooms! May pictures na agad yung hoodie ni Mikha nung suot nya paalis ng airport vs nung suot ko sa airport dito. Mga detective ba sila?

"Aiah, anong tinatawanan mo dyan, 'nak?" tanong ni mama habang nilalapag yung lemon cucumber juice.

Aww, my favorite mix made special by mom.

"Wala ma, yung blooms kasi masyadong napapansin lahat ng galaw namin. Ang hirap din po pala talaga maging medyo kilala."

I saw my mom's face and how proud she is with my achievements.

"I'm so lucky to have a daughter like you, Mariah. All I want is for you to be happy while doing what you love to do."

My heart is full, I have my supportive family and they always make me feel that they will love me no matter what.

"I love you, mama." I said with teary eyed while hugging her tightly.

"Yung dalaga ko still a crybaby."

"Mama naman eh." I baby talked while pouting.

"Oo nga pala, make sure that Mikha will be here with the girls, anak ha?"

When I heard it, I was like.. huh? But I managed to act and answered normally.

"Of course, mom. They actually can't wait to taste your cooked food!"

"Good. Now, you have to go back in your hotel room at walang kasama yung roommate mo. We will see you tomorrow in the event."

It's quarter after nine in the evening ng makarating ako sa hotel. I'm so lucky to have my driver, kuya Bryan.

"Oh! Ate Aiah? I thought you were sleeping in your house, tonight." bungad sakin ni Staku.

I look at her wondering, because she is about to get out when I came in.

"Ahm, makikitulog kasi sana ako kila Jho? Wala kasi ako kasama dito. Hindi ko alam na babalik ka tonight."

"Huh? Ano ka ba, go lang, Staku. I can sleep by myself tonight so don't worry."

It's actually not a big deal for me since sanay naman ako matulog ng mag isa sa condo. Nakakahinayang lang na sana nasa bahay ako at matutulog na kasama si Lingling.

"No, ate Aiah, I'll be back. Puntahan ko lang sila sa room to inform them."

"Okay, pero if you want to stay with them, it's really fine, Staks."

I almost done with my night routine when I heard the door opening. I wasn't looking because Staku said she'll be back.

"Staks, I told you, you can stay with-"

I felt arms wrapping my waist and chin on my shoulder.

"-Hmmm.. na-miss kita today, my big baby A." she said sweetly while back hugging me.

I can feel her heartbeat. I'm home.

"M-Mikha Lim."

"Hmm? Is it okay? Nagpalit kami ni Staku for tonight."

I'm caressing her arms that wrapped around my waist.

"I'm not complaining. I want you here."

I know she's smiling. She snuggled closer and I almost feel her lips on my skin. Oh my dear Lingling!

Her hot breath on my neck is.. driving me crazy.