In your arms

Chapter 8 - A New Routine?

Ako woke up with a groan, her head pounding as if a marching band had set up camp inside her skull. She squinted against the harsh morning light that filtered through the curtains, slowly taking in her surroundings. She was still dressed in the same work clothes from the night before, a pillow strategically placed behind her to keep her on her side. As her vision sharpened, she noticed the single red rose Rick had given her, its petals still vibrant and soft despite the night's events.

With a tender smile, Ako reached for the rose, her fingers lingering on its velvety surface. She brought it to her nose, inhaling its sweet fragrance mingled with a faint hint of Rick's cologne. The subtle scent was enough to make her heart flutter, reminding her of his thoughtful gesture. Her gaze then fell on the note on the bedside table, and she immediately recognized Rick's neat handwriting.

She picked up the note, her smile widening as she read it:

"Your head will hurt in the morning. Drink a lot of water—it'll help. Send me a message when you're awake or if you need anything, and I'll come running."

The warmth of his words enveloped her, filling her with a profound sense of comfort. She sipped the water Rick had left for her, feeling its cool relief against her parched throat. The hangover was still there, but the gesture made it more bearable. She reached for her phone and was startled by the number of messages waiting for her. Most were from her best friend, June Pena.

June's messages were a mix of concern and curiosity. The first read, "Hey, I heard you had quite the night! Are you okay? Fill me in when you're up." The second followed quickly, "Also, did you survive the hangover? I'm dying to know all the details about Rick!"

Ako chuckled softly, picturing June's animated face. June was a lively and confident 29-year-old, known for her outspoken nature and fierce loyalty. Despite her bold exterior, she had her insecurities but rarely let them escalate into conflicts. Her passion for singing was matched only by her dedication to self-care, and her adventurous love life made her the subject of many stories.

Ako decided to start her day with a little self-care. She drew a warm bath, adding a splash of lavender-scented oil to the steaming water. As she sank into the bath, the heat eased the remnants of her hangover, and the tension in her muscles began to melt away. After a leisurely soak, she wrapped herself in a soft towel and prepared for the day ahead.

In the kitchen, Ako set about making her favorite breakfast: eggs perfectly scrambled and seafood fried rice that filled the room with a delicious aroma. She brewed her coffee just the way she liked it—creamy with a hint of sweetness. As she sat down to eat, each bite brought her a little more energy and focus, preparing her to face the day.

With her morning routine complete, Ako tidied up and made sure everything was in order. She grabbed her bag and took one last glance around her apartment, ensuring nothing was out of place. As she stepped outside and locked the door behind her, she felt a quiet sense of satisfaction and readiness for whatever the day might bring.

Ako's morning commute began as it always did: a rhythmic pattern of familiar faces and comforting routines. As she walked down the street, the old lady who lived on the corner greeted her with a warm smile, just as she did every morning. The white cat, a neighborhood fixture, emerged from its hiding spot and trotted alongside her, its tail flicking contentedly. Ako paused to kneel and offer the cat a gentle head pat, earning a soft purr before it meandered away.

Arriving at the bus stop, Ako joined the usual crowd of commuters. The bus pulled up with its customary punctuality, and she boarded, finding an empty seat by the window. As she settled in, she slipped on her headphones and queued up her go-to commute track, "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC. The familiar guitar riff electrified her mood, a welcome jolt of energy as the bus started its route through the city.