Anthologies {MIKHAIAH AU}

rockstar pt 7

Epilogue — Three Years Later

The auditorium hummed with the excited buzz of parents, friends, and teachers waiting for the next performance. The soft glow of stage lights illuminated the space, casting long shadows over the crimson curtains. Aiah sat in the middle of the audience, sandwiched between Maloi and Jho, her heart fluttering in anticipation.

"Alam mo," Maloi whispered, nudging her playfully, "you owe me big time for this. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be here right now."

Aiah chuckled, rolling her eyes. "I know, Maloi. Sabi ko na nga ba, I'll take you shopping. Wag mo na akong i-remind every time."

"Good," Maloi teased, smirking. "Kasi ang dami kong wishlist."

Jho leaned over, grinning. "Seryoso, though. Can we all agree na this kid is crazy talented? I mean, sino'ng five-year-old ang gustong mag-gitara tapos ngayon may recital na? Wild."

"Hindi na siya five," Aiah corrected, her voice tinged with both pride and disbelief. "He's eight. Ang bilis ng panahon, no?"

As she sat back in her seat, her eyes scanned the packed auditorium. On the other side of the aisle, Mikha's friends—Stacey, Colet, and Gwen—were waving subtly, their energy just as chaotic as ever. Stacey even mimed strumming a guitar, mouthing, "Rockstar!" at Aiah, making her laugh quietly.

Her heart felt full, as though it might burst. It had been three years since she first reached out for a guitar teacher, not knowing how much her life would change because of that simple decision. What had started as an innocent lesson for Enzo had spiraled into something far greater—a love she hadn't expected and a family she hadn't realized she was searching for.

She thought back to how far they had come since those early days. Enzo had grown so much—not just taller, though that was true, but also in confidence, in heart, and in his music. He had always been a bright light in her life, but watching him thrive with Mikha's guidance had been nothing short of magical.

And Mikha... Aiah smiled to herself, her heart swelling. Mikha, with her fiery red hair and even fierier spirit, had become so much more than she ever thought she could ask for. Not just a partner, but a co-parent, a friend, and someone who made her believe in love again.

"Hoy," Maloi whispered again, pulling her from her thoughts. "Mukhang si Rockstar na ang susunod."

Aiah snapped to attention, her hands clasping tightly in her lap as the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the audience. The curtains parted slightly, and a small figure stepped out onto the stage.

It was Enzo.

Her heart swelled at the sight of him, standing confidently in the spotlight with an acoustic guitar strapped across his shoulders. His hair was neatly combed, his button-down shirt tucked into dark jeans, and his smile—oh, that smile—was brighter than the stage lights.

The auditorium erupted into soft applause, and Aiah felt a tear prick the corner of her eye.

Enzo took a deep breath, adjusted the strap of his guitar, and strummed the first notes. Aiah immediately recognized the melody, her breath catching in her throat. It was "Until I Found You" by Stephen Sanchez—a song she'd heard him humming for weeks but one he had refused to play for her, insisting it was "a secret."

His small, confident voice filled the room, soft but sure as he began to sing:

"I would never fall in love again until I found her..."

Aiah's heart soared. His voice was sweet, so full of innocence and honesty, and she could feel the pride radiating from every part of her being. Her little Rockstar.