"Welcome to New York, Bebe!"
"Whoooo!" You raised your hands to the sky as you stood on the tiny terrace of my apartment. It wasn't grand by New York standards—small, cozy, just enough—but seeing you there, radiant and wide-eyed, made it feel like a palace. You tilted your face toward the brisk city air, eyes closed, as if inhaling every dream this place held for you.
I couldn't resist. I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around you from behind, resting my chin lightly on your shoulder. "I'm so happy na sumama ka, Bebe," I murmured, my voice a little shaky with emotion.
You didn't answer immediately, but I felt your smile. That unmistakable, signature Sheena smile—one that could light up even the dimmest corners of my little apartment—our apartment. Then you turned to face me, so close I could see the tears threatening to spill from your eyes.
"Ang saya-saya ko, Bebe," you whispered, your voice catching. And then you hugged me back, your warmth sinking into my chest.
It was one of those moments you wish could last forever. But the emotions were swelling too high, too fast, threatening to tip over into something we couldn't handle just yet. So I pulled back, grabbed your hand, and tugged you inside.
"Tara, tawagan na natin ang girls," I said, my smile widening.
We settled on the couch, and the phone propped up for the video call.
"Hello? Rinig ba?" Ate Colet's voice boomed through first, her usual strong, commanding tone making us laugh.
On the screen, Jhoanna and Staku appeared next, their heads so close together they practically merged into one face. They were already bickering, Jhoanna scolding Staku for moving too much, Staku rolling her eyes. The usual JhoCey antics had you giggling instantly.
"Ano ba yan," you teased. "Asan na si Mikhs? Natulog na naman ba? Dito na si Ate Aiah and Ate Maloi, oh."
You were smiling so wide, your dimples cutting deep into your cheeks. Seeing you like that, so full of life, made my heart swell.
This is why we did this. For moments like this, Bebe.
"Sorry, girls!" Mikha's face finally popped up on the screen making everyone cheer.
Ate Aiah's face softened instantly, though she tried to hide it behind a neutral expression. Her eyes, though—they stayed fixed on Mikha, drinking her in as if she hadn't seen her in years. Mikha, on the other hand, barely glanced at the screen but kept sneaking looks at the side where Aiah's box was displayed.
The tension was thick, layered with unspoken words and lingering feelings. It hung in the air until Jhoanna burst through it with a clap of her hands.
"Okay. Since dito na lahat, sasabihin ko na. Bebe, may surprise kami para sa'yo!"
Your eyes widened. "Surprise? Ano naman 'yan?"
"Bebe! Sagot na namin ang dance school mo!" Jhoanna announced happily. The room—or rather, the call—erupted into cheers.
"Ha? Lahat kayo?" you asked, blinking in disbelief. You were utterly stunned, and for a second, all you could do was stare at the screen.
"Syempre!" I chimed in, my heart swelling at the way your face lit up. "It's our gift for you, for your dreams. You've given us so much joy, Bebe. It's time we give back."
Your hand flew to your mouth, and tears began to fall, unbidden and raw. You laughed even as you cried, shaking your head in disbelief.
"Dati, binibilang pa natin ang eleven pesos na sukli. Ngayon, may pang-libre na kayo para dito sa New York dreams ko?"
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How Did It End? (HamBebe)
FanfictionLosing that rare, sacred kind of friendship with a bond that goes deeper than sisterhood is a tragedy like no other. For Sheena, this isn't just pain--it's a haunting reality she never saw coming. Sure, she has weathered the storms of broken relatio...
