Behind Closed Doors

thirteen

The call that Miro received earlier was from Aliah.

Miro drives to the nearest convenience store. She got out of the car and quickly walked into the store.

She gets everything that she needs and pays her bill. She got in her car and drove away almost immediately.

After 15 minutes of drive, Miro find herself in front of her door, again.

Even though she said to herself that she won't do this again so many times. Yet, she's here holding a grocery bag with pads and sweets inside.

'So stupid Miro.' She thought as she smiled bitterly.

She lift her left hand and knock on the door. After a few moments the door swang open, revealing Aliah in her pajamas.

"Come in." Aliah said sweetly. Miro stepped in and Aliah push the door close.

Miro place down the grocery bag on the coffee table. Aliah walked behind her.

Miro stood there without knowing what to do. Her mind is racing and thoughts are messy. Maybe it's the alcohol in her system.

Aliah smiled but her eyes have a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked.

Miro stared at her without saying anything. Aliah became anxious about Miro's behaviour.

"Babi.." Miro uttered. She stepped closer to Aliah.

'What is happening to me?' Miro thought.

Aliah froze.

"M-miro.." She whispered.

Aliah's anxiety turned to concern.

"Miro, what's wrong?"

The air thickened with unspoken emotions as Miro's gaze became unreadable.

"Babi, I thought we agreed-," Aliah whispered, her voice trembling.

Miro's hands instinctively reached her face. She leans in until they can feel their hot breath.

"What do you want, Miro?" Aliah asked, her voice laced with vulnerability.

"Do you remember?"

Miro whispered, her voice trembling.

"What we almost had?" Miro finished, her eyes searching.

"Why did we drift apart?" Miro asked, her fingers caress Aliah's cheek.

"We can't..." Aliah muttered weakly as her hands wrapped around Miro's wrists.

A knock on the door interrupted them.

"Aliah, can I sleep here?" Sam's voice behind the door made them freeze on the spot, lost in each other's gaze.

The door suddenly burst open and they are not able to move away from each other.

"You--" Sam can't believe what she's seeing in front of her,widened eyes, mouth agape.

Miro is the first one to come back to her sense. She immediately pulls her hand away as she step back.

"I just brought her needs. I'll go now." She said, her voice laced with nervousness.

She tried her best to think straight as she walked out.

"That was wow." The only words that Sam can say. Aliah seems lost in thoughts.

'What was that?' She thought.

"I guess, hindi talaga gumagana sayo yung sermon ko no?" Sam tried to ease the tension. She walks near Aliah as she tap her shoulder.

"Sam.."