Lost and Found • mikhaiah au

28. Waves that Once Were Ours

It is Colleen's birthday, and Agnes had woken up at the crack of dawn.

The drive to La Union stretched out before her, a familiar path that felt both comforting and heavy with memories. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft, golden light across the horizon as she navigated through the early morning streets, her thoughts swirling with the weight of everything that had happened.

Her heart ached with every mile, the recent events playing on a loop in her mind. She couldn't shake the guilt, the constant sting of her actions. She kept thinking about Maiko, how she had pushed her away, how she had lied and distanced herself, and now, how she had made the painful decision to cut herself out of Maiko's life entirely.

It was the only way she knew to stop causing more hurt, but it didn't make the pain of her decision any easier to bear.

As the car sped down the highway, her mind drifted back to her first visit to La Union. It was where everything had begun, where she had first felt the pull of something deeper and more profound.

La Union had brought her into the lives of Maki and Althea, unraveling a story that intertwined her fate with six incredible women who had become so much more in her life; They were her family now, her Ate Malia with her gentle wisdom, Colleen with her unwavering support, Sienna's infectious laughter, Glen's steady presence, Jovanna's bold spirit, and Casey's caring heart.

And, of course, Maiko.

La Union had been the place where their story began, where the waves had first crashed against her heart, bringing with them the unyielding force of Maiko's presence.

She remembered the laughter they shared, the quiet moments under the stars, and the way Maiko's eyes had always seemed to see right through her.

Agnes sighed, her grip tightening on the steering wheel. She couldn't deny the impact La Union had on her life, it was where she had started to believe in something again, where she had found a sense of belonging. And now, she was returning to that place with the intention of severing the one thing that had become her greatest joy.

The drive felt longer than usual, every moment weighed down by the decision she knew she had to follow through on. As much as she wanted to pretend otherwise, Agnes knew there was no going back.

The best thing she could do for Maiko was to let her go, to give her the chance to find someone who could love her without hesitation or doubt. Someone who wasn't trapped in their own fears and uncertainties.

A tear slipped down her cheek, and Agnes brushed it away quickly. She had to stay focused. Today was supposed to be a celebration for Colleen, and she couldn't let her own emotions cast a shadow over it.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm inside her as the familiar landscape of La Union came into view, the sea glimmering under the morning sun.

Agnes pulled into the parking spot and turned off the engine, taking a moment to steady herself before stepping out. As she closed the car door, she saw Glen and Sienna approaching with warm smiles on their faces.

"'Yun oh, dito na siya!" Sienna called out, pulling Agnes into a tight hug. Glen followed suit, squeezing her shoulder affectionately. "You made it just in time. We're almost ready."

"Thanks," Agnes replied, forcing a small smile. She let herself lean into their familiar warmth, trying to push away the thoughts still swirling in her mind.

Sienna looped her arm through Agnes' as they began to walk towards the cabin. "On the way na din sila Ate Malia and Colleen. 'Tas wala pa din kaalam alam si Ate Cols."