Arrange Marriage

Chapter 43 - Flashback

This flashback is focused on Mikhael's past.
Each dot corresponds as a time skips.

Flashback - 11 years ago.
Mikhael's POV

Today is our graduation as a Sophomore, aakyat na kami ng senior high. Nakatayo ako ngayon while Mom is beside me. I'm the top one in our class and yes, I have an achievement at hindi ko na kaklase si Ayara dahil g8 ko lang naman siya naging kaklase, nung g9 ay naging kaklase ko yung tatlo kong kaibigan at ngayong g10 ay si Malaria na kaibigan ni Ayara. Nasa harapan na ako ngayon ng hagdan ng podium, waiting to be called. Hindi ko pa nakikita si Ayara pero pakiramdam ko nasa likod ng pila siya pati na rin ang tatlo kong kaibigan dahil hindi ko sila matanaw. My name was called out so I took a deep breath before going above the podium.

"We proudly present, Mikhael Jay Lim, as our highest honor graduate, having consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance. With a grade point average of 97. 4% with an excellent award of best in English, best in Mathematics, best in Filipino, best in AP, best in Science, best in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao" nakatayo lamang ako habang sinusuotan ng medalya ni Mama, pasimple akong sumusulyap sa pila at nagbabakasakaling makita si Ayara. Nang kukuhaan na kami ng litrato ay nahagip ng mata ko si Ayara na nakatayo sa gilid at nakangiti sa akin.

Pagkababa ko ng stage ay bumalik kami ni Mama sa upuan namin. Maya-maya pa ay narinig ko ang pangalan ni Ayara.

"Let us applaud, Ayara Arcallana, our highest honor graduate, who has exemplified academic excellence throughout their high school journey. With a grade point average of 98. 3. With an award of best in Mathematics, best in English, best in Science, best in AP, best in Filipino, best in Edukasyon sa pagpapakatao" the speaker proceeded while her Mom was putting a medal on her. Halos parehas kami ng award. I'm so proud of her, of us. Pumalakpak ako habang nakaupo at pinagmamasdan siya.

.

Ayara and I are still here in ISM, but as a Junior. We are here today at Ayara's house, I am helping her with her assignment because she said she has a lot to do, I finished mine right away because my brother helped me. Ayara's parents are not here now because they have an important trip and they will be gone for three days. Their nanny also said goodbye to her that she was only going to buy stock for the pantry.

"Kuha lang ako makakain natin" Ayara said and stood up. Nagpatuloy ako sa pagbabasa at pag-intindi ng assignment niya. Hindi ko ito sasagutan, hahayaan kong sagutan ito ni Ayara pero tutulungan ko siya.

I decided to lay on Ayara's bed while waiting for her. After a few minutes she entered the room with a tray so I stood up to help her.

"Okay let's proceed" I said and was about to sit back when she held my wrist.

"Break muna sandali pwede? Kanina pa tayo diyan hindi tayo makaalis" She said.

"It's because you're zoning out" I responded and flicked her forehead.

"Ouch" she said and rubbed her forehead.

"Sige, 30 minutes" I added and sat down to her bed. Sumunod siya sa'kin at humiga sa tabi ko, ginaya ko rin siya at humiga sa tabi niya habang nakatulala sa ceiling.

Narinig kong huminga nang malalim si Ayara kaya napalingon ako sakaniya.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Uh yeah.." she responded, I nodded.

We stayed silent for a minute and she suddenly spoke.

"May sasabihin ako" Ayara said and sat down, kaya napaupo rin ako.