ALIBI

Chapter 13: I Hate This Part

Trigger warning: self-harm,language

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2020, 2 months after Charlotte's death

Stacey found herself at the doorstep of Mikha's condo, her heart racing with a mix of urgency and dread.

The call she had received earlier that evening had left her uneasy.Mikha's behavior had been erratic and impulsive.

Not the usual stoic and composed Mikha.

Lately, Mikha had been avoiding work and cutting herself off from her team and all that is close to her.

Stacey's heart pounded in her chest as she fumbled with the keys, finally unlocking the door to Mikha's condo.

"Mikha please huwag mo akong pakabahin ng ganito.."

Shes not responding to her calls and messages,something felt off, and she wasn't about to wait any longer.

Stacey's pulse quickened as she moved through the condominium, each empty room heightening her anxiety.
Her eyes darted around the room empty bottles of alcohol were scattered across the living room table.

Her worst fear was confirmed when she reached the bathroom.

Mikha was submerged in the bathtub, completely intoxicated.The sight of her, so vulnerable and defeated, struck Stacey with a heavy blow.

The alcohol had clearly taken its toll, and Mikha's grief over Charlotte's death was evident in the way she lay there, as if she had given up on everything.

"Shit, Mikha!" Stacey exclaimed, rushing to the tub. She didn't hesitate, she grabbed Mikha's limp body, pulling her out of the water with urgency.

The alcohol soaked clothes and water made her movements clumsy, but she was determined to save her.She was too heavy, too far gone. Panic clawed at Stacey's chest, her mind racing.

Pano ba to umabot sa ganito?

Her heart ached seeing Mikha's flushed face and the pain in her eyes.This wasn't just about the alcohol.

Mikha was grieving, drowning in her own sorrow.

With great effort, Stacey successfully lifted Mikha from the bathtub, her hands shook as she pulled Mikha from the tub, laying her gently on the bathroom floor, her heart aching with every second that ticked by.

"Mikha gumising ka!" Stacey's voice cracked as she tried to revive her. She immediately began CPR, pressing down on Mikha's chest in rapid, precise movements.

As she knelt beside her, Stacey couldn't help but notice how vulnerable Mikha looked, so different from the strong, fierce woman she always saw.

Tears streamed down her face, mixing with the cold sweat on her brow. She knew how deep Mikha's sorrow ran, how the loss of Charlotte had nearly destroyed her, but seeing her like this was heart wrenching.

Her hands were steady despite her racing heart. She couldn't afford to lose control now.

Mikha needed her.

"Mikha huwag mo akong takutin ng ganito!"she shouted, her voice breaking.

After what felt like an eternity, Mikha suddenly coughed, water sputtering from her mouth. Stacey quickly turned her on her side, holding her as she gasped for air.