Mirror Mirror

Chapter 17: Two

"Martha Quinn," the girl whispered, her eyes filled with fear and hope.

"We have the same second name!" Alex said excitedly. "Don't worry, okay?"

She was about to approach a security guard to ask for help when she spotted a familiar face. It was Mikee, the owner of the hospital where Alex still worked. Over the past six years, Alex had climbed the ranks, now a board member but still in the same role.

"Oh my God! Martha! We've been looking for you!" Mikee exclaimed, rushing over. She noticed the person holding her granddaughter's hand and her eyes widened in shock.

"Master!" Martha exclaimed excitedly when she saw Mikee.

"Huh?" Alex mumbled, confused. She was watching the heartwarming reunion when her attention was caught by another child.

"Martha, wag ka kasing malikot," said a little boy, shaking his head. "Kabang-kaba na si master sa 'yo eh. Malalagot siya kay momma and nanay!" He even laughed after scolding his sister.

"Sorry, Martin. Where's momma?" Martha asked.

"Kambal?" Alex asked Mikee, her brow furrowing.

"Ah, yes. Hi, Alex. Mga bunso ko. Menopause babies ni misis," Mikee said with a quick smile. "Una na kami, ha? We're in a hurry."

"Oh. Di mo po sila naikukwento ah. Sure, sure," Alex replied, watching Mikee walk away with the twins in tow.

Mikee had returned to the Philippines 5 years ago and had been flying back and forth to the US to visit her family. Over the past years, she'd kept Alex updated about Martina, mostly about her school life.

"Momma!" Martha cried out excitedly as she spotted her mom inside the Apple store, buying a new phone. "Momma, mama lost—"

Before Martha could finish, Mikee quickly scooped her up. "Let's buy ice cream!"

"Martin Alexander? What happened? Why is your sister crying? Iniwan ko lang naman kayo kay lowlamama niyo to buy a new phone," Martina said, looking down at her son.

"Si Master po... I mean si mama kasi... nevermind. I want ice cream too," Martin replied with a cheeky grin then followed Mikee and Martha.

Di ko kayo maintindihan minsan. Mana siguro kayo sa daddy niyo, Martina thought to herself.

Alex walked towards the Apple store where Martina was. She headed straight to a saleslady at the counter, holding her old phone in her hand.

"Excuse me, miss. Papagawa ko sana itong phone ko," Alex said, placing the phone down gently on the counter.

The saleslady inspected it and frowned slightly. "Ma'am, sobrang luma na po nito. Baka wala na po kaming parts na available kapag may kailangang palitan. Mahirap na po makahanap kapag ganito kalumang model."

Alex sighed, rubbing her temples. "Kailangan ko talagang magawa 'tong phone, ate. There are... important memories on this phone. Photos, videos—things I can't afford to lose. Ang dami kasing di nagsync sa cloud."

The saleslady glanced at a nearby technician and waved him over. After inspecting the phone, he shook his head and said, "Parang imposible na masalba 'to, ma'am. Pwede nating subukan pero maliit yung chance."

Alex's frustration grew. "You don't understand. It's not just a phone—it's memories of someone. It's... it's everything I have left from before. Please, I need this fixed."