Behind Closed Doors

twenty eight

"Oh! Miro, who's that beautiful lady?" My Lola exclaimed as soon as we went inside.

"Hello po," Aliah immediately let go of my hand and went to Lola, embracing her warmly.

"So sweet of you, Iha," Lola said, looking at her endearingly. She turned to me with a knowing look on her face.

"I like her," she mouthed.

I laughed at her antics. Aliah looked at me with confusion, tilting her head slightly.

"Lola, we are going to take a rest first. Medyo napagod kami sa byahe," I said, hugging her as well. "The trip was a bit tiring."

"Okay, but you have to come back here for late lunch," she said, rubbing my back affectionately.

"Of course," I smiled at her, feeling a familiar wave of warmth. I turned to Aliah, who was quietly listening to our conversation. "Let's go?"

"Lead the way," Aliah replied with a smile, her eyes mirroring my own.

I walked ahead, feeling a sense of lightness as Aliah followed behind me. As we made our way through the familiar hallways of Lola's house, the scent of sampaguita, always hanging heavy in the air, filled my nostrils, a comforting reminder of my childhood.

We reached my room, I opened the door, and Aliah stepped inside, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the cozy space. It was small, but comfortable, with a four-poster bed draped with mosquito netting, a writing desk cluttered with old books, and a window overlooking the sprawling garden.

"Cosy" Aliah said softly, roaming her eyes around the room.

"Lola keeps it nice," I replied, letting her luggage down the floor.

"Make yourself at home. You can use the bathroom first if you want."

Aliah nodded and disappeared into the small bathroom. The sound of running water filled the room, and I took the opportunity to sink onto the bed, closing my eyes and letting the exhaustion wash over me. The past few weeks had been hectic, filled with work and last-minute preparations for the year end party.

My mind has been messy and I am having a hard time.

Hindi ko na nga alam kung ano ang dapat kung maramdaman sa mga nangyayari. Hindi ko maintindihan kung tama ba ang ginagawa ko.

Minsan kasi parang mali na magkasama kami.Pero masaya ako kapag kasama ko siya. Masarap nga daw ang bawal, I guess? Pero kapag bumalik kami sa Manila, hindi ko ka ulit alam. Baka umiwas siya ulit at hindi ako pansinin.

Push and pull method really had me going crazy. Malapit na talaga akong mabaliw.

A few minutes later, Aliah went out from the bathroom, her face refreshed. "Your turn," she said, gesturing towards the bathroom door.

I took a quick shower, washing away every worry and stress.

Stepping out, I found Aliah sitting on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on a framed photograph on the bedside table. It was an old picture of me, about ten years old, standing next to Lola, both of us beaming at the camera.

"You were such a cute kid," Aliah said, a smile playing on her lips.

I chuckled, running a hand through my damp hair. "Don't let that fool you. I was a spoilt brat type of kid."

She laughed, and the sound filled the room, chasing away the lingering shadows of my fatigue. "I can't imagine that."

I sat down beside her, feeling a comfortable silence settle between us. We didn't need words to communicate the emotions from us - the worry on how I am going to introduce her, hindi ko nga alam kung ano ba kami.

'Ano ba kasi tayo?'

After a few more moments of quiet contemplation, I broke the silence. "So," I said, turning to face her. "What did you think of Lola?"

Aliah's eyes lit up. "She's amazing, Miro. So warm and welcoming. It's easy to see where you get it from."

I smiled, feeling a surge of pride. "She's the best. I'm glad you like her."

"Like her?" Aliah playfully nudged me with her elbow. "I think I'm already in love with her."

'E sa'kin ba?In love ka na din kaya?'

I laughed, feeling a wave of affection wash over me.

This trip, which had felt so daunting just days before, suddenly felt a little less scary, a little more like coming home.

"You should sleep muna. We still have 3 hours pa." I glance at her. She nodded as she adjusted on the bed and lay down there. I can feel my heart drumming against my chest.

I also adjusted to my spot as I lay beside her, facing the ceiling.

How am I supposed to act around her? Teacher ko pa din naman siya pero I know na there's something more between us.

Hanggang kailan kaya kami ganito? Hanggang kailan kaya mananatili sa utak ko ang mga tanong na hindi ko kayang bigkasin para itanong sakanya?

"Hindi ka ba matutulog?" Tanong niya sa'kin. Her voice was hushed, barely a whisper.

I smiled at her. A genuine, weary smile that stretched from the corners of my eyes. "I will."

She didn't seem convinced. "Pero ang tagal mo na diyan, nakatulala lang."

"Just thinking," I replied, turning slightly to face her more fully. "Marami lang tumatakbo sa isip ko."

She leaned closer, her hand reaching out to gently touch my arm. "Gusto mo ba magkwento? Baka makatulong."

I hesitated. Opening up felt like lifting a heavy weight, but her genuine concern was hard to resist. "Maybe next time," I said softly. "Right now... I just need to sleep. Kaya matutulog na ako. Promise."

She studied my face for a long moment, her eyes searching for something I couldn't quite discern. Finally, she nodded, a small smile mirroring mine.

"Sige," she whispered, her voice a little lighter now. "Matulog ka na.."

"Yeah," I replied, closing my eyes. Her presence lingered in the room, a comforting warmth that slowly lulled me closer to sleep.

But as I was about to fall asleep my phone rings. I lazily open my eyes and reach my phone on the bedside table.

"Hello Miro. How are you? Baka nababagot ka na sa condo mo, gala ka bar mamaya."

Author's note: Grabeng emotion at this moment, hindi ko ma-identify kung anong nararamdaman ni Miro.