I met Her on Facebook

The Conversation - Part III

Axel's POV:

I've been staring at my phone for what feels like hours now. I keep checking the notification from Mikee. Every time I try to respond, my thumb hovers over the screen, unsure of what to say. It's funny, really. I've never been the type to overthink messages, but there's something about her that makes me want to get it right.

Finally, I type a simple reply. No need to complicate things.

Hey, Mikee. I'm good, just trying to get used to everything here. It's a lot to take in.

I press send and then wait. The bubbles show up almost immediately. She's fast, that's for sure.

Ganun ba? Hindi ko yata kayang mag-adjust ng ganun kabilis. How's school?

Her message makes me smile. There's something easy about talking to her. It's like we've known each other for longer than just a few chats.

It's... different. Big school, lots of people. It's overwhelming, but I'm getting by.

I wait for her reply, scrolling through the news feed on Facebook, but nothing catches my eye. I'm kind of distracted now, thinking about what she might say next.

I can imagine. Pero di mo ba na-miss ang bahay niyo?

Her message comes through, and suddenly it feels like she's talking directly to me, like she really understands how it feels to be far from home.

I do. I miss it. My mom and dad, the food, the warmth. But I'm here now, so I'm trying to make the most of it.

Good for you. Sometimes it's hard to be away, especially if you're not used to being alone.

True. What about you, Mikee? How's everything with you?

I'm genuinely curious. I've been so caught up in my own little world lately, but I want to know more about her.

Mikee's POV:

Tot... tot... tot...

Oh, wait, he's calling me again. Why am I even picking up? I don't know. It's just... Axel's different. I don't know what it is about him, but he makes me feel... lighter. And that's rare for me.

I tap the green button.

"Hello?" I say, trying to sound cool, though I can already feel my heart racing.

"Hey there," Axel's voice comes through, warm and casual. "What's up?"

"Nothing much," I reply, leaning back on my bed. "Just trying to survive the morning shift." I yawn, stretching. "How's everything there?"

"Same old, same old," he laughs. "Just trying to make it through my first week here. I'm still adjusting to everything, honestly."

I chuckle. "I bet. You're probably getting overwhelmed by all the new stuff, huh?"

"Yeah, you could say that." He pauses for a moment, like he's thinking of something else. "But enough about me, tell me about you. You said you're working early mornings, right? How's that going?"

I sigh, shifting a little. I wasn't planning on talking about it, but it feels like I can with him. So I go ahead and share. "Yeah, work's been tough. I'm doing everything I can to make sure Khea's okay. I don't want her growing up without a mom who can give her everything she needs, you know?"

There's a silence on the other end. I can tell Axel's listening carefully.

"Mikee..." His voice softens. "That's really admirable. I know it can't be easy, but it sounds like you're doing everything you can for her."

I smile, even though I can hear the slight catch in my throat. It's been a while since someone acknowledged how hard it is, especially when you're doing it alone.

"Thanks," I say quietly. "Sometimes it feels like I'm barely keeping it together. But it's worth it for her."

I hear Axel shift in his seat. He sounds serious now.

"You know," he says, "I think you're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. You've been through a lot, but you're still here. For her."

I'm quiet for a moment. No one's ever really said that to me before. And it hits me harder than I thought it would.

"Thanks, Axel," I whisper. "You don't know how much that means."

He laughs, but it's not his usual lighthearted one. It's softer, almost like he's trying to lighten the mood, but still understanding. "Hey, no problem. I've got your back. Even if we're half a world apart."

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. "You've got a good way with words."

Axel laughs again. "Well, I try."

I hear the hum of the background noise on his side, probably his dorm or wherever he's staying. It's strange how connected we've become in such a short time. But I like it.

"So, what's next for you, huh?" I ask, changing the topic. "Still gonna be a basketball MVP or what?"

He chuckles, and I can practically picture him rubbing the back of his neck, probably shy about the compliment. "I'm not sure yet. I'm just taking things day by day. Focused on school and my part-time job for now."

Part-time job? "Wait, you're working too?"

"Yeah, I got a job at this small grab place near the school. It's not much, but it helps with expenses."

I feel a smile tugging at my lips. "Look at you, hustling. But I guess I should've known. No way a guy like you would just sit around and let everything be handed to him."

Axel laughs. "Well, I try to stay busy. Can't afford to slack off."

"That's good," I say, nodding even though he can't see me. "It's the same for me. No time to stop. Khea's counting on me."

There's a moment of silence, and then I hear Axel's voice again.

"You're really something, Mikee. Seriously. I don't think I could do what you're doing."

I can't help but chuckle. "Don't sell yourself short. You're a lot stronger than you think."

There's a light chuckle from his side. "Guess we both have a lot to prove, huh?"

I smile at his words. "I guess so."

After a brief silence, I decide to change the subject again, to keep the conversation flowing. "So, what's the plan for today? Are you gonna go back to your dorm and take a nap or are you gonna get in trouble out there?"

He laughs again, this time more carefree. "You never know, Mikee. I might just get into some trouble. But for now, I'm just going to grab a quick snack before heading back to work."

I laugh, feeling a little lighter. "Make sure you don't get into too much trouble, okay?"

"I'll try," he says with a grin I can hear in his voice.

Axel's POV:

I hang up the phone feeling... well, lighter. Talking to Mikee does that. She's a lot more than I expected — and I find myself looking forward to our conversations. There's something about her that's real.

But I still can't get over the feeling that there's more she's not saying. Maybe one day she'll open up more, but for now, I'll just be here, listening.