Chapter 19

Aiah’s POV

I’ve been on leave for a week, pero siguro bukas makakapasok na ako. I mean, okay na ako. My mind is functioning well at kami ni Janna… okay na rin? I think.

Sina Maloi at Stacey, pumasok na sa work kaya ako na lang ang mag-isa rito sa bahay. Ayaw ko namang maglinis kasi sobrang tinatamad ako this week I nver did something , pero yung pinagkainan ko, hindi ko naman pwedeng iwan lang doon-baka ipisin kami.

Tawagin ko kaya si Janna?

Thinking of her makes me blush. Simula noong maamin ko kina Stacey na I like her, parang mas naging aware yung buong kalamnan ko-I mean, the whole me. Feeling ko maiilang na ako sa kanya. I decided right then: iiwasan ko muna siya. No Janna for today.

I started washing the dishes. I can do this. I’m an independent woman.

Pero maya-maya, may kumatok sa pinto. Sinilip ko muna sa door viewer and my heart skipped a beat.

It was Janna!

Gosh, bakit nanaman siya nandito? My heart started racing.

How can I talk to her?

Bago lumabas tinignan ko muna yung sarili ko sa salamin. Muka pa naman akong tao..

Huminga ako nang malalim.

Act normal, Aiah. Normal.

Binuksan ko ang pinto.

“Good morning, Aiah,” she said, smiling at me.

That smile… it was so gentle, so warm. Her whole being was just… perfect. No, iba na ‘to. Bakit parang mas lalo siyang gumwapo-I mean, gumanda? She’s ten times more attractive now that I’ve admitted my feelings to myself.

“Pwede ba akong pumasok?” tanong niya.

Snap! Nasa pinto pa pala kami.

“Pasok ka…” mahina kong sabi. Ghad, halata na ba ako?

Pumunta ako sa kusina at binuksan ang isang drawer. I pretended to look for something, pero ang totoo, wala naman akong kailangang kunin. I just needed to look busy. The air was thick with awkwardness and silence.

Maya-maya, lumapit siya. Mas lalong kumabog ang dibdib ko. Walang sabi-sabi, tinuloy niya yung paghuhugas ko ng plato.

“Janna, it’s okay. Ako na,” pigil ko sa kanya.

“Aiah, let me do it,” she said, looking straight into my eyes.

Yung mata niya yung kilay niya..

Iba na yung tama sakin…

My heart beat so fast. Then, accidentally, nagdikit ang mga braso namin. Para akong nakuryente! Sa sobrang taranta ko, napa-usog ako pero sa kamalasan, na-out of balance ako.

Agad akong inalalayan ni Janna, which made my heart scream even louder. Sa sobrang gulat at hiya, natulak ko siya.

“DON’T GO NEAR ME!” wala sa isip kong sabi.

Nagulat siya. I could see the confusion in her eyes, maybe questioning what was happening to me. Pero hindi siya lumaban. Tinuloy niya lang ang paghuhugas at nagsalita nang mahinahon.

“I’m here kasi… I want to say we need a check-up. I want to make sure you’re safe, and the baby too. I already talk to the hospital and anytime we can go there”

I felt a wave of guilt. Tumahimik na lang ako at naupo sa sofa. Kunwari nanonood ako ng TV, pero ang totoo, pasimple ko siyang tinitingnan bawat galaw niya.

Biglang nag-shift ang nararamdaman ko. Naawa ako kay Janna. I’m being so rude to her, pero bakit ba niya hinahayaan na ganun ko siya itrato? Lahat ng sabihin ko, “oo” lang siya. Hindi siya pumapatol.

And then, I just started crying. Ewan ko, bigla na lang akong naiyak. Janna saw me and rushed to my side.

“Aiah!” Sobrang alala sa boses niya. “I’m sorry-may nagawa ba ako? May masakit ba? Bakit ka umiiyak?”

Tarantang-taranta siya habang pinupunasan ang mga luha ko.

“I-It’s just the movie… nakakaiyak,” hikbi ko.

Napatigil siya. “You’re watching White Chicks, Aiah. Walang nakakaiyak d’yan?”

I cried even harder. Umupo siya sa tabi ko sa sofa at dahan-dahang hinagod ang likod ko. Her eyes were so full of worry.

“Kung about ‘yan sa nangyari… about the baby or my lies… I’m really, really sorry. I didn’t mean it. Sorry, Aiah.”

My mind wanted to shout ‘No, it’s not about that!’ pero ayaw bumuka ng bibig ko.

So I did the only thing I could.

I hugged her. Mahigpit. At doon na ako humagulgol nang tuluyan.

“Janna naman, eh… bakit ang bait mo? Bakit ganyan ka?”

“Aiah?… What do you mean?” she asked, clearly confused.

“Ssshhh, don’t cry. It’s okay. Anuman ‘yan, I’m here. I won’t leave you. I’ll stay,” she whispered, comforting me.

“Janna… I’m not mad at you. I already forgive you. But I just want to say sorry for… for being so mean to you even though you’re just taking care of me.”

Hindi ko na alam kung gaano kami katagal na magkayakap. Ang alam ko lang, sa loob ng mga bisig ni Janna, parang huminto ang mundo.

Ang bango niya-yung amoy na halo ng fresh laundry at yung natural na scent niya na nakaka-relax.

“Thank you, Aiah, for forgiving me… and you don’t need to say sorry. I understand you,” she whispered.

The way she said it was so sincere na mas lalo akong sumiksik sa leeg niya. I couldn’t pull myself away. My “independent woman” card? I-revoke niyo na muna. For now, gusto ko lang maging baby girl sa yakap niya.

And then, total darkness.

Nakatulog ako sa sobrang gaan ng pakiramdam. Pag gising ko, laking gulat ko na nasa lap pala ako ni Janna. Nakahiga ako sa hita niya habang may kumot na nakabalot sa akin.

Dahan-dahan akong umupo, trying not to wake her up. Pero bago ako tuluyang bumangon, tinitigan ko muna siya.

Ang cute niya. She looks so tough and masungit dahil na din siguro sa makapal niyang kilay pero in reality she’s such a soft person. Her nose was cute and sharp, giving her that “pogi” profile no wonder madaming nag kaka gusto sa kanya. And then… my eyes drifted down to her lips.

Her lips ..

were naturally red.

And… kissable.

My mind went rogue.

Bigla akong namula because of my wild imagination.

Ano ba, Aiah!

But how does it feel to kiss those lips? Would they be as soft as they look?

“Stop, Aiah!! Stop it!!” bulong ko sa sarili ko sabay hawak sa noo ko. Para akong timang na nakikipag-away sa sariling utak.

Bigla namang gumalaw si Janna. Napabalikwas ako ng upo pero huli na.

“You’re awake…” she mumbled, her voice raspy and deep. Gosh, bakit pati boses niya pagkagising, attractive?

Inayos niya yung buhok ko na nagulo dahil sa pagtulog. The way her fingers brushed against my forehead was so gentle, like I was some fragile glass.

“Hmm… sorry, nakatulog ako sa ‘yo. Namamanhid ba yung binti mo?” tanong ko, trying to act normal kahit ang totoo, gusto ko nang magtago sa ilalim ng sofa sa sobrang hiya.

Natawa siya nang mahina. “A bit. Pero okay lang. You looked so peaceful.”

…..

Mikha’s POV

It’s been a few weeks since nagkaayos kami ni Aiah, and honestly, everything is working out better than I expected.

Every day, routine ko na ang ihatid siya sa work at ipaghanda ng baon.

Naka-dalawang check-up na rin kami, and the doctor said she’s healthy. I’m so glad. Knowing she and the baby are okay is the only thing that keeps me sane.

About my problems? Thank God, wala na akong natatanggap na harassment. Life is peaceful.

Ang top priority ko ngayon ay si Aiah. Siya muna bago ang lahat. I’m also managing my small business on the side just to keep up with the expenses.

But today is different. I have an important meeting with my business partner. Someone I have a history with. We’re not officially together, but we have this… “thing.” Her name is Daniela.

I called Joanna to pick up Aiah for me tonight. Buti na lang at pumayag siya.

Nasa restaurant na ako. Pagdating ko, Daniela was already there. She was wearing a black dress with a high slit and heels that made her look so damn hot. Hindi mo maipagkakaila-she’s a head-turner.

“Babe! Finally I missed you,” she said, immediately pulling me into a hug and giving me a lingering kiss.

“Sorry, I’ve just been so busy lately,” I said, trying to sound as normal as possible.

“It’s okay. I already accepted that I am not your priority,” she said, her voice dropping into a seductive tone. “But it’s okay. I did the same. The important thing is at least we have time now.”

“Yeah… let’s eat?”

Matagal ko nang kilala si Daniela. We act like we’re in a relationship every time our schedules meet.

She’s kind, understanding, and she comes from a well-known family. I’ll admit, I fell in love with her before. I had strong feelings for her. Pero sa hirap ng sitwasyon namin at sa dami ng priorities, unti-unting nawala ‘yon. We just decided to act like nothing happened, but the “benefits” and the labels stayed blurry.

And now, she’s here. It’s hard to tell her what’s actually happening in my life-about Aiah, about the baby.

The night went well. It was the same old Mikha style: I asked about her trips, her life, and I gave her compliments that made her laugh. She was clearly enjoying the night.

But something felt off.

Sa gitna ng tawanan namin, bigla kong naalala si Aiah. My mind drifted to her-kumain na kaya siya? Maayos ba ang tulog niya? She’s my top priority now, but I tried to gaslight myself. ‘It’s just one night, Mikha. It’s been a long time since you had a date like this. Relax.’

Pero kahit anong pilit ko, iba na ang pakiramdam. Before, Daniela was the only one who could make me feel this way. Pero ngayon? Her touch felt different. Her kisses felt… heavy.

Isang gabi lang ‘to, ‘di ba? Isang gabi lang. Pero bakit parang nagtataksil ako sa isang taong hindi ko naman karelasyon?

…..

Aiah’s POV

I stared at my phone screen, re-reading Janna’s text for the nth time. She said she couldn’t pick me up because she had somewhere “important” to go. She sent Joanna instead.

“I’ll just commute, maaga pa naman,” I replied, trying to keep my pride intact.

But deep down, I just wanted to see her after a long day at work.

But she was persistent. She texted back saying Joanna was already on her way. I had no choice but to agree, kahit may kaunting lungkot na humaplos sa puso ko.

How important is this meeting, Janna? Bakit kailan gabing-gabi na?

Maya-maya, dumating na si Joanna. She was nice, though. She was bubbly and funny, which made the ride less awkward.

But what’s weird was her refusal to step inside the condo. Especially when she and Stacey crossed paths at the door-they were literally like cats and dogs.

That’s when it clicked. I have a strong feeling that she’s the “ex” Stacey has been ranting about all this time. Pero wala akong time para maging detective.

I was too busy thinking about Janna.

After Joanna left, I went straight to my room and changed my clothes. Maloi and Stacey invited me to have dinner, but I gave them a faint smile and declined. Sabi ko busog pa ako at kumain na ako sa office, but the truth was… I just lost my appetite.

Where is Janna?

Bakit ba wala pa siyang paramdam?

I swallowed my pride.

Even though I didn’t want to seem too clingy, I couldn’t help it.

I texted her:

“Janna, text me when you are home. Please be safe.”

Send.

Five minutes.

Ten.

Twenty.

Still no reply.

I tried watching Netflix to divert my mind, but it was already 10:00 PM and there was still no sign of her.

My heart was pounding unevenly.

When I couldn’t take the silence anymore, I grabbed my slippers and headed out. I needed to check her unit just to make sure she was home.

I knocked softly on her door.

“Janna? Nandiyan ka na ba?”

No answer. The hallway was silent, and the inside of her unit felt even colder. That’s when the panic started to set in.

Biglang pumasok sa isip ko yung mga death threats na nabanggit niya dati. What if something happened to her? What if she’s hurt somewhere and I’m just here waiting?

I tried calling her. I stared at her name on the screen while the phone rang… but no one was picking up.

“Janna, please… wag mo naman akong takutin nang ganito,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

My fingertips felt cold. I leaned against her door, hugging myself as my vision started to blur with unshed tears. I’m so worried. I felt so small and helpless in this big, silent hallway.

Janna, please… be okay.

……

Mikha’s POV

The car was silent, but the air was heavy. Daniela leaned toward me, her hand resting on the center console, close to mine. The scent of her expensive vanilla and jasmine perfume was suffocating. She moved closer, her eyes fixed on my lips with a hunger that used to make my heart race.

I admit, Daniela is “fire.” She’s breathtaking, the kind of woman most people find impossible to resist. For a long time, I felt like the luckiest person because out of all the people she could have, she chose me.

She leaned in for the kiss, closing the distance. But as she got closer,

I didn’t feel the spark anymore. Instead, I felt a sudden wave of guilt. Everything about that moment made me think of Aiah; I kept picturing her soft face and our baby. I couldn’t stop thinking about the ‘home’ I was supposed to be heading back to. My mind was racing with worry-was okay lang kaya siya? Hinahanap niya ba ako?

Just as her lips were about to touch mine, I pulled back and turned my head. Her kiss landed sharply on my cheek, her lipstick smudging against the collar of my white long-sleeve polo.

“I can’t, Daniela,” I said, my voice cold and firm.

“Why sudden change, Mikha. We do this before. You’re Okay with this?” She smiled bitterly, hurt crossing her expensive features. “Is this because of you’re having financial problems Joanna told me… Babe, I’m always here. If you need help, just tell me. You don’t have to push me away.”

​”I’m here for business, Daniela. Nothing else,” I replied, my tone icy as I fixed my collar, unknowingly smearing the red mark.

Huminga ako ng malalim
“I’m tired of this. I’m tired of ‘us’ having no labels, no direction. I’m not that person anymore. the games we shared before, when we were young and careless… forget about it. That was a different time, and I was a different person now.”

​​The rejection was the final blow. Daniela didn’t say another word. She grabbed her bag and walked out of the car fast, her movements hurried and her face a mask of questions and dark hurt. I watched her disappear into her building. Even though she was hurt, I knew it was the right thing to do. I had to be honest.

​The moment she stepped out,I grabbed my phone and my heart literally stopped.

15 Missed Calls.

10 Unread Messages. All from Aiah.

“Janna, please text me when you’re home.”

“Where are you? I’m so worried.”

“Shit… Sabi ko na nga ba,” I cursed.

The heat from earlier was gone,

replaced by pure panic. I didn’t waste another second. I slammed my foot on the gas, driving like a maniac back to the condo.

……

Habang nasa kotse, I was frantically calling Aiah. One ring, two rings… pero siya naman ngayon ang hindi sumasagot. My heart was pounding against my ribs.

Shit, I’m such an idiot.

I tried calling Stacey next. Luckily, she picked up. She said Aiah was fine at kanina pa raw ito pumasok sa kwarto.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko kung may mangyayaring masama sa kanya, lalo na’t sunud-sunod ang texts at tawag niya sa akin. I promised her that I would always be by her side, but here I was, coming home late after being with someone else.

Nang makarating ako sa floor namin, tahimik ang hallway. Siguro nga tulog na siya. But as I turned the corner towards my unit, my heart literally stopped.

I was shocked to see Aiah.

Nakatabi siya sa pintuan ng condo ko, nakaupo sa sahig at nakayuko. She looked so small, so fragile… parang nakaidlip na siya sa kakahintay sa akin.

“Aiah?…” tawag ko sa kanya habang mabilis na lumalapit. “What are you doing here?”

Napaangat siya ng tingin. Her eyes were puffy and red. Pagkakita niya sa akin, she didn’t say a word-she just stood up and threw her arms around me, hugging me like I was her only lifeline.

“Janna! You’re safe!” she sobbed against my chest. “Saan ka ba galing? Anong oras na…” She was crying harder now. “Pinag-alala mo ako nang sobra.”

My heart crushed. The guilt was eating me alive. We have no labels, but I felt like I had committed a crime. I felt like I deserved hell for making her feel this way. She’s so precious, so fragile… and all this time, she was out here in the cold hallway, waiting for me.

I was so stupid. Shit. She doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment.

Wala akong nagawa kundi yakapin siya nang mahigpit. In that moment, I made a silent vow to myself: hinding-hindi na ito mauulit.

“I’m sorry… I’m so, so sorry, Aiah,” I whispered, . “This is the last time I will come home late. Please don’t cry… nandito na ako..”

I guided her inside my room. Pinaupo ko muna siya at kumuha ako ng tissue para punasan ang mga luha niya. I gave her something warm to drink para mahimasmasan siya, pero kahit anong gawin ko, galit pa rin ako sa sarili ko.

“Kumain ka na ba?” I asked softly. I could see it in her eyes-she hadn’t eaten a single bite.

Kahit busog pa ako mula sa dinner namin ni Daniela, I immediately headed to the kitchen and heated up my prepped meal from the fridge. I needed to make her eat. I needed to fix this.

“Let’s eat. Hindi pa rin ako kumakain,” pagsisinungaling ko, just so she wouldn’t feel alone.

I mixed her meal and served her everything she wanted. Kulang na lang ay subuan ko siya. I wanted to make up for every second that I wasn’t here.

We ate silently.

I was still in shock at how she reacted. There’s something in her that changed… she’s becoming more open, more emotional. And I hated myself for being the reason why those tears fell tonight.

…….
GUYYY SORRY DI KO KAYA INIBA KO YUNG STORY LINE 😭😭😭🌈🌈🌈