Love on Trial

Chapter 12: Christmas

Maxine's POV

"Merry Christmas." I said softly, my heart pounding louder than I expected as I looked at A’ishah. Her reply was cheerful, and for a moment, I felt like everything was perfect. The warmth in her voice, the way her face lit up, this was what I’d wanted. Just to see her happy, to share this moment with her.

I reached out and squeezed her hand, letting her know how much it meant to me that she was here. “I’m glad you’re here with us,” I whispered, hoping she understood how much I really meant it.

She thanked me, and when our eyes met, I felt something shift between us. Her smile, the warmth in her gaze, it made me feel like everything else in the world didn’t matter. But then, I noticed her lips. I tried to ignore it, but my body moved on its own, leaning in, the space between us shrinking. Just as I was about to close the distance, she turned away.

A wave of embarrassment hit me, and I cleared my throat, turning to the window to mask the awkwardness I suddenly felt. I didn’t want her to think I was disappointed, but I couldn’t help feeling that way.

The silence stretched between us, heavy and thick. I knew I had crossed a line, and I didn’t know how to fix it. When she finally whispered, "I'm sorry." It broke my heart a little. I didn’t want her to feel guilty.

Alam ko naman kasi na kasalanan ko. I have been attracted to her lips for how long now. Hindi ko nalang napigilan kagabi, at ngayon.

I feel like a fool. I know to myself that I'll focus on self improvement. That I don't want to jump into a relationship yet. Kasi ayokong masaktan siya kalaunan.

I want to be better before I decide to be in a relationship. Especially if it is someone like A’ishah. After all the things she's been through, I know that she deserves better. The best version of me.

So please, A’ishah. Hold on tight there.

I couldn’t help but chuckle as I watched A’ishah stir from her sleep, her face scrunching up adorably when the sunlight hit her. The moment she stretched and let out that tiny yawn, a soft giggle escaped me. She looked so peaceful, like she wasn’t the same person who carried so much weight on her shoulders.

When her eyes fluttered open and met mine, her expression quickly turned to surprise. She covered her mouth, her cheeks flushing a shade of pink that made me smile even wider.

"Good morning, sleepyhead!" I teased, leaning back on the headboard, thoroughly enjoying her reaction. There was something about seeing her like this unguarded, soft that made my heart swell. Maybe it was because I knew there was so much more behind her usually composed exterior.

As she sat up, her embarrassment written all over her face, I thought about how I wanted her to feel safe and comfortable enough to show me these small moments, to laugh freely without holding back. After what she shared with me about her family, I just wanted to be someone she could lean on. For now, though, teasing her like this felt like a good start.

A’ishah's POV

The next morning, nagising ako sa sinag ng araw na tumatama sa mukha ko. Gusto ko pa sanang matulog kaso ginigising na ako ni Mr. Sun.

I stretched with my eyes still closed, and let out a soft yawn, savoring the last remains of my dreams when I heard a soft giggle beside me.

Pagmulat ko ng mata, ang nagpipigil tawang si Maxi ang agad na bumungad sakin. I quickly covered my mouth, feeling embarrassed.

Kaagad akong umupo para mapagtakpan ang ngayo’y namumula ko nang mga pisngi.

"Good morning, sleepyhead!" Maxi teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned back against the headboard, clearly amused by my surprise.