My Last And My Only

Chapter 100: Windows Down

The parking lot buzzed with excitement as everyone settled into their assigned vehicles.

Yves glanced one last time at the itinerary on her phone before slipping it into her tote bag.

"Okay," she announced. "Everyone knows where they're supposed to be?"

Christine saluted dramatically.

"Yes, ma'am."

"You don't have to salute."

"I know."

Lindtsey clapped her hands together.

"Let's go before traffic remembers it's Saturday."

Everyone laughed.

The group naturally split up.

Khae unlocked her car with a soft beep.

Aiah walked around to the passenger side without thinking. It had become second nature now, and no one questioned it anymore.

Francheska and Nica settled into the back seat.

Meanwhile, the newly bought white Isuzu MU-X looked almost too spotless as Islao opened the driver's door.

"Good morning again," he greeted.

"Morning, Kuya!" Gwen, Christine, Yves, Chico, and Lindtsey replied almost in unison.

Lindtsey carefully buckled herself into the front passenger seat.

She patted the dashboard affectionately.

"My baby."

"It's your mom's baby," Gwen corrected from the second row.

"Our family's baby."

"There you go."

Islao chuckled as he started the engine.

"I'll make sure we return your family's baby without a scratch."

"My mom will love you even more, Kuya."

"I already know."

Everyone laughed.

Back in Khae's car, soft acoustic music played through the speakers as they pulled onto the main road.

The city was only beginning to wake up.

Coffee shops were opening.

Joggers filled the sidewalks.

The early morning air still carried a pleasant coolness.

For several minutes, no one spoke.

It wasn't awkward.

It was peaceful.

Khae rested one hand on the steering wheel while the other shifted gears with practiced ease.

Beside her, Aiah looked out the window, quietly taking in the morning.

Eventually...

Khae reached toward the paper bag resting in the center console.

"I almost forgot."

She handed it to Aiah.

"The sandwiches."

Aiah smiled.

"You remembered."

"I almost didn't."

Turning around, Aiah held the bag toward the back.