Shadows & Spotlight | Anthologies

Behind the Spotlight (1)

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Events before they attend to Tabing Ilog: The Musical.

Fluff

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Today is an important day for the BINI girls, especially for their leader, Jhoanna. She carries the spotlight once again, but this time, not on a concert stage but on a theatre stage for her role in Tabing Ilog: The Musical. This isn't just another performance; it's a moment of pride and dedication for Jhoanna, and as has become tradition, the other girls make it a point to show their unwavering support. Their presence is as crucial as her preparation-they know it makes all the difference for their leader.

As Mikha slides into the driver's seat of her car, she places her cap snugly on her head and grabs the car keys. The morning air feels lighter after the grueling practices of the past weeks leading to their Grand Biniverse performance. The hustle had been endless, but today feels different-calmer yet meaningful.

Her fingers glide across the touchscreen of her car's media system, selecting a playlist of her favorite songs. She never goes for a drive without music; it's her solace, her mood setter. A soft hum escapes her lips as she shifts the gear into first, releases the handbrake, and smoothly maneuvers out of the parking lot. She has two stops to make today, and one is more special than the other.

The early morning drive proves peaceful. The skyway is almost deserted-a rare sight in Manila. Mikha relishes the quiet roads as her car glides effortlessly toward her first destination. Soon, the familiar outline of a condominium building comes into view, a place she has come to know almost as well as her own home.

She parks and steps out of the car, her cap pulled low and her facemask firmly in place. She knows the drill. Navigating the hallways of the condo feels second nature now. She's been here so often that even the building staff recognizes her, though they're polite enough not to intrude.

Stepping into the elevator, Mikha presses the button for the floor she knows by heart. Her stomach does a little flip-a mix of excitement and nervousness. She's visited countless times, yet somehow, being here always makes her feel like it's the first. After all, this is Aiah we're talking about.

The elevator chimes softly, and Mikha steps out into the hallway. She approaches the door, hesitating briefly before pressing the doorbell. She hears the familiar sound echo inside, but when she tries the knob, it's locked. With a smile, she reaches for her car keys, jangling them until a smaller, more distinct key stands out-a spare key Aiah had entrusted to her. She unlocks the door and is immediately greeted by their shared fur baby, Honey.

"Hi, Honey," Mikha greets warmly, crouching to scoop the dog into her arms. Honey's tail wags furiously, her floppy ears lowered in joy, as if greeting a long-lost parent. Mikha chuckles, carrying Honey like a baby. "Where's your mommy? Tulog pa rin?" she asks, her voice soft as she glances toward the closed bedroom door.

Honey barks in response, as if agreeing. Mikha places her tote bag on the couch and makes her way to the bedroom, still holding Honey. She nudges the door open and is met with a heartwarming sight: Aiah, curled up beneath thick blankets, her face illuminated by the faint sunlight streaming through the window.

Mikha can't help but smile as she places Honey on the bed. The little dog scurries toward Aiah, wagging her tail and licking her owner's face excitedly. Mikha stifles a laugh, watching the chaotic yet adorable interaction.

"Mamaya na, Honey," Aiah mutters sleepily, her hand weakly pushing the dog away. Still half-asleep, she grumbles, "Wala pa naman tatay mo..."

At this, Mikha bursts into laughter, the sound filling the room. Her amusement is contagious, and Aiah stirs, slowly realizing someone else is there. Jolting awake, her eyes snap open. "Gulat mo naman ako!" she exclaims, sitting up with a start.

Mikha leans against the doorframe, her grin wide. "Good morning," she says, trying to stifle her laughter. "Andito na yung tatay," she teases, gesturing toward herself.

Aiah chuckles, rubbing her eyes. "Ang aga mo naman today."

"Well, kailangan natin pumunta sa play ni Jho, remember?" Mikha reminds her.

Aiah's eyes widen in realization. "Shucks! Oo nga pala! Wait lang!" She scrambles out of bed and heads for the bathroom. Mikha shakes her head, amused.

"Okay, Honey," Mikha says, turning her attention to the dog. "Tara, prepare tayo breakfast niyo ni Mommy."

In the kitchen, Mikha opens the refrigerator, scanning its contents. She quickly whips up a simple breakfast of rice, eggs, and bacon. The savory aroma fills the condo as she sets Honey's food bowl on the floor.

Not long after, Aiah emerges from the bathroom, fully dressed, a towel draped over her damp hair. She pauses, watching Mikha sit beside Honey, who's eagerly munching away.

"Good timing," Mikha says, motioning toward the table. "Kain ka na, then toothbrush, then we can go."

Aiah nods, settling at the table. "Thank you for the food," she says, flashing Mikha a grateful smile before digging in.

Mikha watches her with a fond expression. "Ikaw ba? Kumain ka na?" Aiah asks between bites.

"Yeah, kumain na ako before ako pumunta dito," Mikha replies, leaning back in her chair.

🦊🐶

After breakfast, Aiah grabs her bag and kneels beside Honey. "Uuwi kami agad ah, papunta na rin naman Tito mo," she says, stroking the dog's fur.

"Tito?" Mikha asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Ah, oo. Tinawagan ko si Fons," Aiah explains. She straightens up and gestures toward the door. "Tara na, may service pa tayo sa ABS."

The pair makes their way to the car. As they buckle in, Aiah leans back with a yawn. "Aga mo magising today ah," she comments, eyeing Mikha with a teasing grin.

"True," Mikha laughs. "Parang hindi ako."

Aiah's eyes suddenly widen. "Shucks! Nakalimutan ko jacket ko! Malamig pa naman dun!"

Mikha glances at the backseat. "It's fine. May dala naman ako."

Aiah breathes a sigh of relief, settling in. "Okay, gisingin mo na lang ako pag andun na tayo," she says, her voice soft as she leans her head against the window.

Mikha hums in response, focusing on the road ahead. The day is just beginning, but with Aiah by her side, everything feels easier.