Neighbor ✓ [MikhAiah] [Book #2]

04

—🐶🐣—

ALANA'S POV

I spent the whole day quietly watching Mikaela and Judy interact, like I was some sort of undercover detective on a top-secret mission. Every time they talked, laughed, or even stood near each other, I couldn't help but keep an eye on them. Mikaela looked so... different around Judy. Softer. Like she was really into her.

The more I watched, the more convinced I became that Mikaela was head over heels for this girl. It was almost amusing, seeing this cold, unbothered girl suddenly acting all shy and nervous. Sinong mag-aakala na may soft side pala siya?

"So tinitingnan mo pa rin sila?" Jo's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. She's browsing through a few books, throwing a teasing glance my way as I pretend to focus on my own reading. "Ano ba meron? Bakit ba focus na focus ka sakanila?"

I shrug, my eyes following Mikaela and Judy out of the corner of my vision. "Well... I was just thinking... If inasar uli tayo ni Miks edi may pambara na tayo sakanya.."

Jo chuckles, shaking her head. "Uhm.. I don't think magandang idea yan, Lana. Hindi mo pa alam paano mainis yan si Miks."

I roll my eyes, "Hmmm okay."

—🐶—

The bell rings, signaling the end of our library time. As I pack up my things, my phone vibrates with a message from my mom. I open it, and as soon as I read the words, I feel an instant wave of dread.

I slap my hand against my face. Of course. Of all people, it had to be her. I type back a quick "okay" because, honestly, ano pa ba magagawa ko?

Jo taps my shoulder twice, grinning like she can already sense the disaster waiting to unfold. "Well, well, well... good luck with Miks. Maarte pa naman yan kapag nagpapasakay siya sa kotse niya," she says, her voice full of amusement.

I sigh and nod, feeling like I'm walking into my doom.

—🐶—

As I step out of the library, staring down at my phone, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and, of course, there's Mikaela, her face as blank as ever. She holds up her phone, showing me a message from her own mom.

"Looks like I'm driving you home today," she says dryly. Then, her lips curl into the faintest smirk. "So... tapos na date niyo ni Jo? Or uuwi na tayo?"

I cross my arms, glaring up at her. "First of all, anong date pinagsasabi mo?"

Mikaela just shrugs and starts twirling her car keys around her finger. "Sige sabi mo eh. Halika na baka hanapin ka pa ng magulang mo sakin." She turns on her heel, walking away leaving me standing there, feeling annoyed.

With another sigh, I jog to catch up with her, trying not to let her get under my skin. The sooner we get this over with, the better.

—🐶—

We reach the parking lot, and Mikaela clicks her keys, unlocking the doors of a muscle car that looks straight out of an old movie. It's the kind of car that makes a statement. Not really what I expected from her.

"Nice car," I comment, half-impressed.

"Alam ko," she says, completely unphased. "So be careful not to break anything."

I roll my eyes, climbing into the passenger seat, and she slides in beside me. The drive home is surprisingly peaceful—no snarky comments, no awkward small talk. Just the sound of the engine and the road beneath us. I stay quiet, keeping myself on my best behavior.

—🐶—

We finally pull up in front of my house. Mikaela parks the car smoothly and then glances at me. "So... kailan mo balak lumabas?"

I turn to her, narrowing my eyes. "Sabi ko nga."

I reach for the door handle, but before I can leave, Mikaela's voice stops me. "By the way, the ride's not free ha. Convenience, gas—everything adds up. I'll need some kind of... payment." Her words are casual, but there's a hint of something more.

I pause, turning back to her with an eyebrow raised. "Payment? Hmm, maybe I can help you with Judy."

For the first time all day, I see Mikaela's expression change. Her eyes widen just slightly, and I know I've hit a nerve.

"Seryoso ka ba? Hindi lang basta basta babae yun si Jud—" she starts, but I cut her off with a smirk.

"Oh? So I guess hindi nagkkwento si Cole sainyo kung paano naging sila ni Malia, hm?"

Mikaela's surprise is obvious. "Wait, may kinalaman ka sakanila?"

I unbuckle my seatbelt and push the door open. "Well? Why not, tanungin mo si Nicole about that?"

Before she can say anything else, I step out of the car, leaving her sitting there, dumbfounded. I can still feel her eyes on me as I walk toward my house, and for once, it feels like I have the upper hand.