My Last And My Only

Chapter 99: Early Mornings and Road Trips

Saturday mornings were meant for sleeping in.

At least, that was what Aiah always believed.

Today was the exception.

Her eyes fluttered open a few minutes before her alarm had the chance to ring. She blinked at the ceiling, still cocooned beneath her blanket, before remembering exactly why she was awake.

Antipolo.

The thought alone made her smile.

She reached over just as her phone vibrated.

6:00 A.M.

Before the alarm could make a sound, she silenced it with a tap.

The house was unusually quiet.

Even the morning sun seemed reluctant to rise, spilling only faint golden light through the curtains.

Her phone buzzed again.

She didn't have to check the name.

She already knew.

Khae

Good morning.

Aiah smiled before typing back.

Morning.

Almost immediately...

Awake already?

Surprisingly.

I was going to wake you up.

You underestimated my excitement.

Three little dots appeared.

I did.

Another message followed.

I'll be there in twenty minutes.

Aiah locked her phone, unable to stop smiling.

Today was going to be fun.

By the time she came downstairs dressed in a cream knit sweater, jeans, and white sneakers, the smell of toasted bread filled the dining area.

Gwen was already sitting at the table, lazily stirring her coffee.

She looked up.

"...You're awake."

"I am."

Gwen narrowed her eyes.

"You."

"What?"

"You woke up before me."

"I did."

"...This trip must be important."

Aiah laughed.

"It is."

"I can tell."

Gwen pointed her spoon toward Aiah's face.

"You've smiled at your phone at least twice."

"I have not."

"You literally walked downstairs smiling."

"...Did I?"

"You absolutely did."

Before Aiah could defend herself, Ivy emerged from the hallway dressed neatly for work, car keys already in hand.

"Good morning, girls."

"Morning, Tita,"
"Morning, Mom." they greeted together.