Waves of Healing (Mikhaiah)

Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Torn Between Hearts

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Ava’s POV

Ilang araw na rin ang nakalipas simula nung nang yari sa pagitan ni Ryan and Miley sa mall, pakiramdam ko kinakain ako ng buhay dahil sa guilt nararamdaman ko. Hindi ko maalis sa isip ko na responsable ako sa gulong nangyari lalo na sa nangyari kay Miley. Ryan had been out of control, and I had let it happen. That’s why I decided to reach out to Miley to make things right, or at least try.

*Hey, Miley. Are you free?* I typed nervously. *I want to talk. Let’s meet at Joss’ Café*

Ilang minuto pa ay nag vibrat na ang phone ko at agad kong kinuha yon para tignan kung si Miley ang nag message sakin.

*Sure. See you there in an hour.*

Nang dumating ako sa café ni Joss nakita ko naman agad si Miley na nakaupo sa tabi ng bintana habang nakatingin sa labas. There was a calmness about her that made me nervous. I walked over, and she looked up, offering me a small smile.

“Hey,” bati ko sa kanya at naupo na sa katapat nyang upuan.

“Hey,” she replied. “What’s going on?”

Nag dalawang isip pa ako, hindi ko alam kung saan mag uumpisa. “Gusto ko lang humingi ng pasensya sa ginawa ni Ryan sayo.... I feel like it’s my fault.”

Nagsalubong naman ang makapal na kilay ni Miley tila hindi nagustuhan ang sinabi ko. “Ava, you don’t need to apologize for him. Wala kang kasalanan. What Ryan did is on him.”

“Alam ko, pero kung kinausap ko si Ryan baka....”

Bago ko matapos ang sasabihin ko, bumukas ang pintuan ng café at naglakad si Ryan papunta sa gawi namin ni Miley. Kita ko sa mukha niya ang galit at selos. Natatakot ako kasi alam ko kung saan nanaman hahantong 'to.

“Ava, what the hell is this?” Ryan said, his voice low but angry. His gaze shifted between me and Miley. “Kaya ba ayaw mong makipag ayos sakin dahil dito sa babaeng 'to?!” pagalit na tanong sakin ni Ryan habang tinuturo nya si Miley.

I stood up, trying to stay calm. “Ryan, it’s not like that. Miley and I are just talking.”

“Talking?” he scoffed, glaring at Miley. “Tingin mo ba maaagaw mo sakin si Ava?”

Miley stood, her posture steady and unbothered. “This isn’t about taking anyone. She’s not yours, Ryan.”

Lumapit naman si Ryan kay Miley at nagsalita “You shut your mouth.”

“No, Ryan,” mahinahon kong pagkakasabi “you need to calm down....” before I could finish, Ryan shoved me aside and lunged at Miley. His fist swung wildly, but Miley was ready. She dodged the punch and, in one swift motion, struck back. Her fist connected with Ryan's jaw, hard. He staggered backward, clutching his face.

"Gago ka ba?!" Miley shouted, her voice filled with rage. "You hit me once, and you thought I'd just let you get away with it?"

Agad namang pinunasan ni Ryan ang dugo na nang gagaling sa labi niya, puno ng galit ang mga mata niyang nakatingin kay Miley. “You think you're better than me, don’t you? Ano bang alam mo sa relasyon namin, ha?”

Miley held her gaze, unshaken. “Sapat nang impormasyon yung niloko mo si Ava.”

Tumingin naman sakin si Ryan na tila humihingi ng tulong. “You’re really gonna stand here and let her talk to me like that, Ava? After everything we’ve been through?”