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ASHIANNA
The next day in class felt different. Every little glance, every soft chuckle we shared seemed to hint at something deeper, unspoken yet palpable.
Mavis sat beside me, her presence undeniably comforting in ways I couldn't quite understand.
“Gusto mo bang mag-aral after class? We could, you know, work on the project or just hang out” She suggested, her voice casual but her eyes betraying a hint of eagerness.
I chuckled, trying to hide the butterflies that seemed to have taken permanent residence in my stomach since last night. “Sure, Mavs. Mag-aral muna tayo, then maybe we can hang out. Walang bola, ha?” I teased, giving her a playful nudge.
Her grin widened. “Promise, no bola. Study buddies lang for now” She added with a wink that made me roll my eyes but smile nonetheless.
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After class, we found a cozy spot in the library, away from the usual crowd. Mavis spread out her notes, surprisingly organized and detailed. I couldn't help but admire how focused she seemed.
“Ashi, alam mo ba na sobrang galing mo mag-memorize ng mga dates sa history?” Mavis said, eyes shining with genuine admiration. “Ako kasi, kailangan pang paulit-ulit, pero ikaw—parang effortless lang sayo.”
I shrugged, feeling a slight blush creep up my cheeks. “Hindi naman sa effortless, kailangan ko rin mag-aral. Pero salamat” I trailed off, unsure of how to handle this softer, kinder Mavis who seemed to be emerging more each day.
She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed at me intently. “Parang gusto kong matutunan lahat ng tungkol sayo, Ash. Yung mga bagay na nagpapasaya sayo, nagpapangiti sayo—lahat.”
I felt my heart skip a beat, her words both thrilling and terrifying. “Wala ka na bang ibang gustong gawin kundi bolahin ako?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.
She laughed, shaking her head. “Mahalin ka. It's all you, Ashianna Quinn. Ikaw lang talaga it's not a bola” Her words were soft, genuine, and I found myself lowering my gaze, unable to meet the intensity of her stare.
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That weekend, Mavis invited me to her family's small gathering. I hesitated, not wanting to make things more complicated, but her hopeful smile was hard to resist.
“Please, Ash? I want you to meet them. Alam mo ba, ikinukuwento na kita kay Mama. Sabi niya, she wants to meet the girl na hindi nawawala sa kwento ko.”
I raised an eyebrow, half-surprised. “Teka, binibida mo na ako sa pamilya mo? Hindi pa nga tayo” I stopped, realizing how my own words hung heavily in the air.
Mavis just smiled, unbothered. “I don't care, sabi mo nga "hindi pa" but still ikaw ang gusto kong ipakilala. Basta kahit ano pa yan, masaya akong kasama ka.”
I sighed, but a small smile crept onto my lips. “Fine, Mavs. For your mom, okay?” I said, trying to hide the warmth in my voice.
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The night of the gathering, I found myself standing in front of Mavis's house, feeling both excited and nervous.
Their gigantic house was filled with warm lights, laughter, and the smell of food drifting through the air.
Mavis opened the door, a wide grin on her face. “Ashi! Akala ko hindi ka na darating!”
“Of course I came, pinilit mo ko eh” I replied half teasing, my voice softening as I saw the relief in her eyes.
She guided me inside, introducing me to her family. Her mom was a gentle woman with warm eyes, and she immediately pulled me into a hug.
"Ikaw pala si Ashi. Maraming salamat at sinamahan mo si Mavis. I think you're the only reason she's been this happy recently.”
“Ma!” Mavis said, her cheeks flushed as she playfully nudged her mom.
I genuinely smiled at her mom, suddenly feeling the warmth of a mother's love by how sincere she welcomes me.
The evening passed in a blur of laughter, stories, and small moments that felt inexplicably special.
Mavis's siblings teased her endlessly, and I joined in, finding it easy to laugh and feel at home with her family.
It was a side of her life I'd never seen before, and I felt honored to be a part of it, even if just for one night.
When the night finally wound down, Mavis walked me outside. The street was quiet, and the cool night air felt refreshing. She took my hand, her thumb tracing soft circles against my skin.
“Salamat, Ash. Alam kong hindi madali 'to for you, pero sobrang saya ko na nandito ka” She murmured.
I smiled, feeling my heart swell. “Thank you din, Mavs. Para sa lahat ng effort mo.”
She grinned, her eyes crinkling. “Sabi ko nga, hindi ako magsasawa. Kahit ilang beses mo pa akong itulak palayo, nandito lang ako.”
Without thinking, I reached out, cupping her face in my hands. “Mavis, huwag ka lang mawawala, okay? Let's just take it slow. Pero wag ka sanang mawala.”
She leaned into my touch, her eyes closing briefly as she let out a soft sigh. “Ashi, you have me. As long as gusto mo akong nandito, nandito lang ako.”
In that moment, under the streetlights and the quiet night sky, I felt the walls I'd built around myself begin to crack.
And for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel the need to hide.
“Goodnight, Mavs” I whispered, stepping back but holding her gaze, feeling the silent promise that lay between us.
“Goodnight, Ashi” She replied, her voice soft but steady.
As I walked away, I couldn't stop the small smile that lingered on my lips, feeling hopeful and scared, but more alive than I had in a long time.
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