Neighbor ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #2]

01

—🐶—

Alana stands in front of the bathroom mirror, fingers deftly fixing her hair into a neat ponytail. The soft morning light filters through the window, illuminating her reflection. She checks her phone, glancing at the time. It's nearly time to go, and a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbles within her. This is the first day at her new school, and everything feels foreign yet exhilarating.

Having grown up in Canada, she still feels the pang of unfamiliarity here in the Philippines. With her parents' separation, Alana has chosen to stay with her mother, embarking on this new chapter of her life.

"Lana! Time to go na!" her mother calls from downstairs, a hint of encouragement in her voice.

"Okay!" Alana replies, taking one last look in the mirror before heading downstairs. She descends the wooden staircase, feeling the cool surface beneath her feet. The house feels new, filled with boxes yet to be unpacked, but her mother has made it cozy enough to feel like home.

In the kitchen, the aroma of breakfast lingers in the air as her mother waits by the door, purse slung over her shoulder. "Ready ka na ba? It's your first day today." she asks, her eyes sparkling with maternal pride.

Alana nods, forcing a smile despite the butterflies in her stomach. "Kakayanin naman, Ma."

They step outside, the warm sun greeting them as they walk to the car parked in their driveway. The neighborhood is lush and vibrant, a stark contrast to the bustling life in Canada. As they drive through the streets of Quezon City, Alana's mother reassures her. "You'll make great friends at Bon University. Just look for your cousin, Nicole. She's in the same year as you and will help you settle in."

"Thanks, Mom," Alana replies, grateful for her mother's support. She leans back in her seat, allowing herself to daydream about the possibilities of new friendships and experiences awaiting her at university.

As they approach the university, Alana's heart races with anticipation. Bon University stands tall and proud, a beacon of education and opportunity. Her mother parks the car, turning to Alana with a warm smile. "Oh, before ko pala makalimutan. Make sure to go home as early as you can ha, our neighbor invited us for dinner kasi eh." she adds, the excitement evident in her voice.

"Noted," Alana says, committing the invitation to memory as she opens the car door. She steps out, the university buzzing with students all around her, and waves goodbye to her mother, who watches her with a mix of pride and hope.

Taking a deep breath, Alana makes her way toward the gymnasium, where all the students are gathering. The atmosphere is charged with energy, laughter, and the sound of chatter filling the air. She glances around, momentarily overwhelmed as she tries to find her classroom. The vastness of the school feels daunting, a maze of new faces and experiences.

"Lana!" A familiar voice breaks through the crowd. She turns to see Nicole, her cousin, rushing toward her, her face lighting up with joy.

"Cole!" Alana exclaims, rushing into her cousin's embrace. The warmth of their connection eases Alana's nerves, and she feels a sense of belonging starting to blossom.

"Hindi ka pa rin talaga nagbago! Parang nung nakaraan lang, puro lang tayo video call." Nicole beams, stepping back to look at Alana. "These are my friends pala, Malia and Giselle." Nicole gestures to the girls beside her, who smile and wave.

"Nice to meet you!" Alana says, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.

Just then, a girl with a red hair comes barreling into view, breathless. "Nicole! Malia! Selle! Kanina ko pa kayo hinahanap!"

"Ah, here's Mikaela!" Nicole exclaims, excitement lighting her eyes.

"Miks, this is my cousin pala, Alana," Nicole introduces, and Alana offers a smile to Mikaela.

"Nice to meet you," Alana says, but Mikaela only gives her a curt nod, her focus shifting back to her friends. Alana feels a slight pang of disappointment but shakes it off. Not everyone has to warm up immediately.

Cold amp. Alana thought.

"Attention, students!" The principal's voice rings out, commanding everyone's attention. The gym falls silent as students line up properly. "Welcome to Bon University! As first-year college students, you're about to embark on an exciting journey. I want to remind you that this is an all-girls university. While dating is allowed, we ask that you avoid public displays of affection as they can distract you from your studies."

Alana listens intently, absorbing the information. The principal's words echo in her mind as she feels the weight of expectations resting on her shoulders.

"Lastly," the principal continues,
"I wish you all a wonderful school year. Enjoy your time here!"

As the students disperse, Nicole waves goodbye to Alana, who finds herself standing next to Mikaela. They share the same class, and Alana hopes this means she can get to know her better.

"Alana?" a girl of similar height asks, stepping forward with a friendly smile.

"Yes," Alana nods, curious.

"I'm Johara. Pwede namang Jo so mas madali sabihin. I'll be your seatmate. I'm friends with Nicole rin." she introduces herself, her enthusiasm infectious.

"Ang dami namang friends ni Cole." Alana jokes to which causes the latter to laugh, "Marami rami pa kami actually. It's nice to have a new face rin around here." Jo adds.

Before Alana can respond, Mikaela interjects, her eyes narrowing slightly. "If I were you, Jo, I wouldn't flirt with Nicole's cousin."

Alana's cheeks flush as she shoots Mikaela a surprised look, unsure of what to say next. The air feels charged with tension, and she can't help but wonder what the rest of this day will hold. Bakit ba apaka taray nito?