Part 26

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“Sorry to interrupt, everyone,” Addison said softly as she stepped into the frame, her presence immediately drawing the chat’s attention. Her eyes scanned Mackenzie, who was slumped slightly in her chair, looking visibly unwell. “I hate to cut the stream short, but I think we need to wrap this up. Mackie’s really not feeling well,” she explained, her tone calm and apologetic. 
The chat quickly lit up with messages:  @kabitniMackie: It’s ok! Naiintindihan namin. Basta okay si Mackie!

@Alasenjoyer: Get well soon, Mackie boi. We love you!
Dior’s smile faltered as she turned toward Addison, irritation flickering in her eyes. “Wait, what? Why would you say that? We just started!” she said, her voice tight with frustration. Addison stayed composed, though her gaze hardened slightly. “Dior, I understand this is important, but you can see she’s really sick. She needs to rest,” she said firmly, though her tone remained polite. Dior huffed, crossing her arms. “She can handle herself. Kilala ko siya—ako ang best friend niya, remember? She’s tougher than you think.” Her words were laced with subtle sass, earning a ripple of unease in the chat.

Before Addison could respond, Sab appeared in the doorway, arms crossed and an unamused expression plastered on her face. “Seriously, Dior?” she said sharply. Her voice cut through the tension like a knife. “If you don’t want me to fight you on stream, I suggest you end it now.” The room fell silent as Dior glanced at Sab, who was radiating an intimidating aura, her deadly glare making it clear she wasn’t joking. Mackenzie shifted uncomfortably, mumbling, “Guys, it’s fine…” but her voice was barely above a whisper. 
Addison crouched down next to Mackenzie, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “It’s not fine, Mackie. You need to rest,” she said softly, her voice filled with concern. The chat erupted once more, this time siding firmly with Addison and Sab: 

@rideorJhai: Palayain mo na bata namin!

@AldubNation: Addison’s right. Dior, let her go!* 

@loverboiMackie: Scary ni pink girl pero go off queen!
Finally, Dior sighed dramatically and forced a smile. “Fine. Let’s wrap it up then. Sorry, guys. We’ll reschedule.” She leaned into the camera, waving stiffly as she ended the stream. As the live feed cut off, the tension in the room lingered. Addison helped Mackenzie stand, her arm slipping around her waist to steady her. “Come on, Mackie. Let’s get you somewhere comfortable.”  Gab and Jhai immediately stands up to help her. “Kami na ate Ads” Jhai says assisting them.
Sab stayed rooted in place, her sharp gaze following Dior as she awkwardly gathered her things. “Tara na princess” Gab says her voice firm but gentle. “We’ll talk later,” Sab muttered under her breath, her words a clear warning. 
Dior didn’t reply, but the tension between them was palpable, leaving an uncomfortable silence as Addison led them out of the room.

  Dior didn’t reply, but the tension between them was palpable, leaving an uncomfortable silence as Addison led them out of the room

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Gab and Jhai gently placed Mackenzie on the bed, her pale face sinking into the pillows

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Gab and Jhai gently placed Mackenzie on the bed, her pale face sinking into the pillows. “Hindi naman sakitin ‘to, ah,” Jhai muttered, concern etched on her face as she looked down at Mackenzie. 
“Baka naman ganyan talaga pag may nagb-baby na,” Gab teased, trying to lighten the mood with a grin. “Ang kulit mo,” Mackenzie croaked weakly, though her lips quirked up slightly. “I’m fine. Magpahinga na din kayo, okay?” she said, though it was obvious she wasn’t. 
Addison, who had been standing by the doorway, frowned. “I’ll make you some soup,” she said firmly before disappearing into the kitchen. Sab sat down on the edge of the bed, brushing back Mackenzie’s hair with surprising gentleness. “Hindi ko na sasabihin kay Dad, pero hindi rin ako aalis hanggang okay ka na,” she said with a soft smile. “Thanks, princess,” Mackenzie murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes flickered to Addison, who was moving purposefully in the kitchen. “Ikaw ba tumawag kay Addison?” “Yeah,” Sab admitted with a shrug, glancing at their older sister. “Ang bilis nga niya dumating. I thought you said malayo siya?” Mackenzie let out a weak chuckle, her gaze never leaving Addison. “I really like her, sis,” she confessed quietly, her voice filled with warmth. Sab’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “I know. Bagay naman kayo,” she said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Mackenzie’s ear. “I’ll go help her,” Sab added, standing up. “Magpahinga ka muna.” 

Sab paused at the doorway, glancing back at her twin. Though they bickered endlessly, moments like this reminded her how deeply they cared for each other. They were more than just siblings—they were each other’s constant, the safety they’d clung to through every storm.  She made her way to the kitchen, watching Addison from the corner of her eye. Sab didn’t say anything at first, but as she leaned against the counter, she let out a soft sigh. “Thanks for coming,” she said, her voice unusually sincere.

“Oh, hey, no big deal. I just wanted to be here for her,” Addison said, stirring the pot on the stove, her tone calm yet focused.  Sab leaned against the counter, her eyes thoughtful. “Uhm, I wanted to ask,” Addison continued hesitantly, “bakit tinawag mo pa ako? She was with Dior and the others naman. Though… I appreciate you telling me.”  Sab chuckled lightly. “Sila Jhai? Ate, if magkatuluyan kayo ni Mackie someday, please, *please* never entrust her kay Jhai.”  Addison laughed, glancing at Jhai across the room, who shot them a mock-offended look. “Rude!” Jhai called out, but it only made them laugh harder.  When the laughter settled, Sab’s tone softened. “If I’m being honest, Ate, magaan loob ko sayo. I know we’ve only just met, but I see something different in Mackie when she’s with you. She’s… happier. Parang mas relaxed siya.” 
Addison paused, her stirring slowing as she took in Sab’s words. “Thanks,” she said quietly, her lips curving into a small smile. “She does the same for me. Kaya nga, right now, all I want is to take care of her so she can get better.” 
They both turned to look at Mackenzie, who lay curled up on her bed, her brows furrowing slightly as she twisted in her sleep. Sab smiled softly, glancing back at Addison. “You’re good for her, Ate. I can see it.”  Addison didn’t respond immediately, but the way her gaze lingered on Mackenzie spoke volumes. She adjusted the heat on the stove, her focus unwavering. “Let’s make sure she wakes up feeling a little better,” she finally said, determination in her voice.

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