Searching Soul - a Mikhaiah au

Chapter 5: Ilalim ng Kalawakan

"Miss Gibrael, what a surprise to see you here!" A woman in her mid-40s exclaimed warmly, her face lighting up with genuine delight. "It's been years since we've had the pleasure of your company. The kids have missed you dearly."

Gibrael offered the woman a gentle smile, though her eyes betrayed a quiet hesitation.

"It's lovely to see you with someone today," the woman added, her tone both curious and kind.

"Miss Rosanna, it's wonderful to be back," Gibrael responded, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "I've missed this place."

She turned slightly and gestured to her companion. "This is my friend, Soul. She wanted to tag along."

"Fancy meeting you, Ms. Rosanna. This place is truly heartwarming," Soul said, extending her hand. She was pleased to see the place, especially since it brought out something rare—a genuine, carefree smile from Gibrael, a sight she cherished.

"Your friend is very courteous with her words," Ms. Rosanna observed with a smile. Gibrael's own smile faltered slightly as she remembered Soul's upbringing, one steeped in the formalities and etiquette of a countess. Soul, sensing the subtle shift, only smiled awkwardly.

"Gibrael!" A young girl, no more than nine, came running toward them, flinging herself into Gibrael's arms. Gibrael laughed—a sound so pure and unguarded that it caught Soul off guard. She had almost forgotten this side of Gibrael, the one untouched by the shadows of her past.

It was half-past three in the afternoon, and Soul and Gibrael found themselves in an orphanage Gibrael used to visit regularly during her college years. Three years ago, she had stopped coming, but even now, she still donated when she could. Today was the first time in a long while that she had returned in person.

"Hello, Eiffel! Look at you, all grown up!" Gibrael exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with a warmth that had been absent for so long. Soul, watching from the sidelines, felt as though she were witnessing a transformation—a glimpse of the Gibrael who had been lost, now resurfacing in this place that held so many memories.

"Miss Gibrael," Ms. Rosanna's voice brought them back. "You're just in time; the kids are about to have their story time. Would you like to tell them a story?"

Gibrael hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. "I—uh, me?"

"Don't worry, Miss Rosanna, I'll do the storytelling," Soul offered enthusiastically, stepping in with a reassuring smile. She gently placed a hand on Gibrael's shoulder, as if silently saying, I've got you.

Ms. Rosanna watched the interaction with a pleased expression. It was the first time someone had ever volunteered on Gibrael's behalf. In the past, when she had visited with her then-boyfriend, he would merely sit in a corner, waiting for her to finish. But Soul was different; she was just as invested as Gibrael in the children and the orphanage.

"It's settled, then," Ms. Rosanna said. "Gibrael, Soul, the kids are on the balcony. Come along, Eiffel."

As they prepared for story time, Gibrael watched Soul rummage through the storybooks. "So, which one are you going to tell them?" she asked, curious.

"Oh, I won't be needing these," Soul replied, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.

Gibrael furrowed her brow, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I'm sure the kids have heard these stories before," Soul said, her eyes twinkling. "But I have a story to tell—one they've never heard, and maybe one you haven't either."