THAT GIRL | MIKHAIAH

CHAPTER 12

Maraiah's POV

Back in the crowd, I exhale a deep breath I was holding. I master a smile. I didn't want people to see me distress over something I couldn't explain myself.

“There she is!”

“Go, take your shot!”

I hear a murmur seconds before a brunette with a slim figure appeared. I blankly stare at her from head to toe. She's wearing a tank top, pencil skirt, with a decent amount of make-up on her already pretty face, has the same height as mine. If I'm not mistaken, I've met her in pageants before.

“Hi...Aiah. I'm Maxine.” She introduced. Her friends giggle as she asks for a handshake.

“Hello...” I awkwardly take her hand but I manage to give a polite smile.

She clasps her slim hands. “So...uhm..You know I've been keeping this for quite some time now...” She blushes. Wait...what?

“I like you!” She blurted out.

I almost choke on my saliva at the revelation. What the f? Is she being for real? I was so stunned to utter a response.

“Would you go on a date with me?” She asks.

I could feel the eyes burning at me in anticipation the longer I stay muted. We're starting to gain more attention and I would bet this becomes a hot topic in the school's bulletin in the next days. I should ask Jho to take care of this.

“I'm sorry...” Was all I said and excuse myself.

I hear different reactions from those who witness the scenario.

“I told ya she's straight.”

They weren't all sympathy, some were gossip. I can only act deaf. I didn't want to embarrass her or anyone, but I didn't have a choice. I couldn't say yes just to save her from it. Now, I'm starting to feel bad about what happened.

I quickly rush to the exit gate after I get the bag in my locker. Shit! I forgot to give Cols my present. Hindi ko alam paano 'to ibibigay sa kaniya ngayon, ayoko namang bumalik don. Panigurado tatambakan lang niya ako ng mga tanong.

Napagdesisyonan kong umuwi na lang. Magdadahilan na lang ako na masama ang pakiramdam ko.

I took off my heels as I enter the house. Mom's still at work kaya ako lang mag-isa dito. Kumuha ako ng malamig na tubig sa fridge. I sank in the sofa, heaving a sigh. I stared at the ceiling. After a few minutes, I got up to change my clothes, but my eyes darted at the bag at the edge of the sofa.

Hinila ko ito palapit sa'kin. Bubuksan ko na ba 'to? Sige na nga.

I opened the present curious of what might it be, despite the ache I feel as the memory of Mikha and Stacey flashes again. Shrugging it off, I grab the zipbag inside it.

It reveals a knee-length black cocktail dress that has a slit on the side. I let out a subdued laugh. Humor me, I did tell Maloi black was my favorite color, thinking she was asking about Colet's, but Mikha said she asked for Maloi's help cause she didn't have an idea of my preference.

This dress is definitely fabulous!

I can't help but feel ecstatic.

No!

I drop the dress. Aiah, you're hurt! Ugh! You know what?

I should call it a day. I don't care if it's only 4PM. I'm having mix emotions.

—

I woke up before my alarm because my mother has been knocking at my door nonstop. I groaned, running a hand through my hair.