Maxine's POV
I just got home from a long tiring day at work. A'ishah hasn't replied to my messages yet. Busy ba siya?
I was in the kitchen when I heard my mom call out to me, her tone heavier than usual. I glanced over, only to see her looking at me with an intensity that immediately set off alarm bells in my mind.
"Maxine, we need to talk.” She said, gesturing to the dining table. She didn’t wait for my answer, just sat down, her eyes fixed on me. My stomach twisted.
“Is… is something wrong?” I asked, my voice steady, but inside I felt a storm building.
Mom sighed, tapping her fingers against the table, as if gathering her thoughts. "Earlier today, I ran into A'ishah. She was with her grandfather and… that boy Miguel." Her lips pressed into a thin line. “Her grandfather introduced Miguel as her boyfriend.”
I blinked at what she said. I needed a pause to process what I just heard. Andito si Miguel? How come A'ishah didn't tell me? And I never heard her talk about her grandfather either.
Because of my reaction, my mom heaved a sigh. “You didn't know huh?”
I shook my head. “She hasn't replied to my messages.”
“Maybe because she's still busy.” My sister suggested.
“Busy of what? Her boyfriend?” My father said mockingly. I looked at him, and he raised his eyebrow suggestively.
“Miguel is not her boyfriend.” I said in almost gritted teeth.
“Oh yeah? How sure are you?” He scoffed.
Hindi ko gusto ang reaction ni Dad ngayon. I didn't want him to get the wrong idea so I tried to explain for A'ishah.
“Because I'm…” I paused. Ano nga ba ako ni A'ishah? We love each other for sure, and we share something special. But up until now, hindi pa rin kami official.
My father chuckled humorlessly. “Just what I thought.”
“Hon, calm down. Maxine might be right. Besides, hindi naman namin narinig ang buong usapan nila. There's more to it that we don't know.” My mom reached for my father's hand on the table, trying to calm him.
“Oo nga naman, Dad. The look on A'ishah's face says that she's not happy about it—”
“Paanong matutuwa eh nahuli niyong may boyfriend?” My father cutted my sister off. My grip on the fork tightened. What is happening to him?
“No. I mean, she looks like she's suffering from something, dad. She was crying when we saw her. Madadatnan ba namin siyang ganon kung totoong boyfriend niya ‘yon?” My sister continued what she was saying, this time she explained it clearly.
I stood up, drawing attention to them. I was about to leave when I heard my father's voice.
“Where do you think you're going?” His voice is deep, and cold. Something I have never experienced to hear from him.
“I'm going to A'ishah. If it's true that she was crying, then she probably needs me now.” I said, my voice is firm.
As I reached for the door, my father's voice stopped me again, colder than before.
“Sit down, Maxine. This conversation isn't over.” His voice left no room for argument, but I stayed standing, glancing between him and my mom, who looked torn. My sister shot me a sympathetic look, sensing the tension building up. My brother, however, is watching everything with a blank face. I haven't heard a word from him.
"I don’t get why you’re reacting this way, Dad. If A'ishah’s going through something, I want to be there for her." I said, forcing myself to stay calm.
YOU ARE READING
Love on Trial
FanfictionA'ishah stood out in the vibrant city of Manila, not just because she was new, but because her calm demeanor suggests that her poise and serenity are so exceptional that they seem almost too perfect for this world, giving her an almost magical, out...
