My Last And My Only

Chapter 57: Still Here, Still Hurting

The day had started with Chico showing up at their house far earlier than any reasonable person should.

Aiah had barely finished her breakfast when he walked through the gate carrying a paper bag of pastries and enough energy to irritate an entire neighborhood.

Her father had been delighted. Aiah had not. At least, that was what she told herself. The truth was, she had smiled the moment she saw him.

Now, several hours later, the two of them were sitting at a small seaside café after spending most of the afternoon wandering around Cebu. Chico had insisted on revisiting places they used to frequent as children. Some had changed over the years. Others looked exactly the same.

Aiah wasn't sure which was more comforting.

She rested her chin against her palm and watched the waves roll toward the shore. The ocean stretched endlessly before them, glittering beneath the late afternoon sun. There was something peaceful about it. Something steady.

Unlike her life.
Unlike her heart.

Across from her, Chico was busy finishing a second serving of halo-halo.

Aiah shook her head.

"You're unbelievable."

"What did I do now?" Chico glnced at Aiah.

"That's your second one."

He looked down at the glass.

"Your point?"

"You're going to get sick."

"I've trained for this."

Aiah laughed.

For a moment, everything felt normal. Not perfect. Not fixed. Just normal. And maybe that was enough.

The smile lingered on her face even after the laughter faded. She hadn't realized how much she missed feeling light until these past few days. Ever since arriving in Cebu, there had been moments when she almost forgot everything waiting for her back in Manila.

Almost.

The problem was that Khae seemed to exist in the smallest corners of her life.

The song playing from the café speakers reminded her of a road trip they once took with friends.

The strawberry shake on the menu reminded her that Khae always stole a sip of hers even when she ordered her own drink.

Even the empty chair beside her made her think of her.

It was ridiculous.

No matter where she looked, somehow she found Khae.

Aiah looked away and focused on the ocean again.

The waves were easier.
They didn't leave.
They didn't make promises.
They didn't break her heart.

"You're thinking about her again."

Aiah closed her eyes.
Of course he noticed.
Of course.

"Must you do that?" Aiah turned toward Chico and gave him a look.

"Do what?"

"Read my mind."

"It's not my fault you're predictable." Chico grinned.

Aiah rolled her eyes. The annoying thing was that he wasn't entirely wrong. Chico had known her almost her entire life. There was very little she could hide from him. Especially not something like this.