𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐘𝐎𝐔- 🏳️‍🌈𝐆𝐗𝐆✔️

TWO

"Kaninong bahay to?" tanong ni Nicole nang tanggapin ang kumot at unan na ipapagamit nito sa kaniya. She felt a mix of gratitude and uncertainty as she settled into the unfamiliar space.

Nakaligo na rin siya at nakapagbihis. The refreshing sensation of warm water had washed away some of her worries, but the tension still lingered.

"Sa mga amo ko," sagot ni Skylar, her tone casual yet reassuring.

"You work here?" Nicole asked, her curiosity piqued.

Tumango ito. "Oo, dito ako nagta-trabaho. Mahalaga ang tulong sa mga amo ko."

"Maaga gumigising ang mga trabahador, kaya pagpasensyahan mo na kung maiisturbo ang tulog mo mamayang madaling araw," anito nang humakbang na palabas ng kwartong pinagamit sa kaniya.

"Okay lang," sagot ni Nicole, trying to mask her apprehension.

"Mahina ang signal rito, kaya mahihirapan kang kumontak sa family mo. Pero wag kang mag-alala, bukas ng tanghali ihahatid kita sa City. Sa ngayon, pagpasensyahan mo na ang higaan kung medyo matigas. Yan na kasi nakasanayan ng mga nakatira rito."

Tango lamang ang tangi niyang naisagot nang iwan na siya nito. She felt a wave of gratitude; at least she had a roof over her head tonight.

Napatingin siya sa kabuuan ng silid. Gawa sa kahoy ang dingding, at isang stand fan lamang ang nakatayo sa isang sulok, malapit sa higaan. The rustic charm of the room made her feel strangely comforted, yet it reminded her of how far she had strayed from her previous life.

Nakakabit pa ang mosquito net sa buong kama. It looked inviting, yet she couldn't shake off the feeling of being an outsider.

Wala siyang choice kundi pagtyagaan kung anuman ang nakahanda para sa kaniya. She reminded herself that this was temporary, just until she could get back on her feet.

Wala siya sa lugar para magreklamo. After all, she should be thankful; may bahay siyang matutulugan ngayong gabi sa halip na sa loob ng kotse matutulog.

Napatingin siya sa naka-charge na phone sa ibabaw ng mesa. Lumapit siya at binuksan ito, but her heart sank when she saw there was no signal.

Nadismaya siya nang makitang walang signal. Kaya binaba niya uli ito at nagpasyang matutulog nalang. Sleep was her only escape from the whirlwind of thoughts.

Akala niya mahihirapan siyang dalawin ng antok. However, mayamaya lang ay tulog na siya. The exhaustion from the day finally took over, wrapping her in a blanket of dreams.

---

KUMATOK ng marahan si Skylar sa pintuan. She felt a sense of duty to check on Nicole, wanting to ensure she was comfortable.

Nang walang sumagot, dahan-dahan niyang pinihit ang door knob at itinulak ang pinto. The sight of Nicole sleeping peacefully brought a gentle smile to her face.

Nang makita niyang mahimbing ng natutulog ang dalaga, pinatay niya ang ilaw na iniwan nitong nakabukas. The soft glow of the room faded, creating a serene ambiance.

Saka muling isinara ang pinto. She stepped back into the hallway, her heart feeling oddly lighter.

Sinalubong siya ng isang may edad na babae. "Kinsa man to? (Sino yun?)" tanong nito agad sa kaniya. The woman’s curiosity was palpable.

"Kaila naku sa Manila. (Kilala kong taga Manila.)" sagot niya, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Kaguapa ba ui. Mura mag artista. (Ang ganda naman, parang artista.)" The woman’s eyes sparkled with admiration, making Skylar chuckle.

"Guapo man sad ko. (Guwapo din naman ako.)" biro niya, trying to deflect the attention from Nicole.

"Ay tinuod jud, guapo kau. (Ay totoo talaga yan, ang guwapo mo nga.)" The compliment made her feel a bit bashful.

Nagpaalam na rin siya rito na matutulog na siya. "Salamat! Good night!" she said, the warmth in her voice genuine.

Kailangan pa niyang gumising ng maaga kinabukasan. She wanted to prepare herself for their meeting, to ensure she was ready for whatever emotions would surface.

Ihahanda niya pa ang sarili sa muli nilang paghaharap ni Nicole bukas. There was so much left unsaid between them, and she hoped for a chance to mend what had been broken.

Nang nasa sariling silid na siya, kinuha niya mula sa ilalim ng unan ang larawang matagal na niyang iniingatan. The photograph was a reminder of happier times.

Larawang kanyang karamay sa lungkot at pangungulila. "I miss you Nikki," aniya sa larawan ni Nicole nong sila ay nasa college pa lamang. The nostalgia washed over her, filling her with both joy and heartache.

Skylar held the photo close, feeling the weight of memories that bound them together.