Mirage

thirty nine

Laughter could be heard. Along with the chirping of the birds and the rustling of the trees. Everything was peaceful.

Mira was laughing happily with Aliyah. The girl was telling a joke and holding her hand. They were under the tree, the one at Cebu, Aliyah's hometown.

Aliyah's cactus was beside them, the flower on top is in full bloom.

"I love you, Mira." She tilted her head at her and smiled wide. Aliyah brushed her hair away from her eyes.

"I can't live without you." Aliyah continued. "And I promised I won't leave you right? So, remember to share your nightmares and laughter with me and I'll do the same."

She poked Mira's cheek and giggled. "I'm so lucky I met you."

Aliyah stood up and let go of her hand. She twirled around with the wind and extended her arms.

"I love life Mira. I want to live it with you."

She clasped her hands on her back and grinned at Mira. "Punta tayo sa dagat."

And then Aliyah started walking backwards and backwards. Until she turned around and began walking towards the shore of the sea.

Moving farther and farther away making Mira anxious. She tried calling out to her but she can't hear her voice. She has no voice.

Mira tried shouting Aliyah's name and still there was no voice.

The girl was sinking further to the sea. The cactus was turning brown, the flower on top was gone.

Mira was afraid, she was losing sight of the girl. No. Aliyah! -

"Aliyah!" She gasped and sat right up on her bed.

She was distorted. Mira grabbed a fist of her hair in frustration.

It was the afternoon and the gang was at Joanne and Stella's unit again. They were already contacting the police for Aliyah.

All of them were in a somber mood after what they learnt. They were anxious and scared for their ate Liyah.

They also can't help but worry for Mira. Sam was still feeling guilty and down. Joanne was doing everything she can to be there for the girl.

"Di ako nakatulog kagabi, ang daming nangyayari." Cielo sighed and massaged her temple.

"Same. Nag aalala ako kay ate Liyah, nagaalala din ako kay Mira." Mayu said.

"Nakapag file na sa police, si Officer Manalo naka usap ko. Hinahanap na daw si Liyah." Guia said.

"Sana okay lang siya." Stella mumbled.

There was a desperate knock on the door, getting all of their attention.

"Ako na." Cielo said as she stood up and went to the door.

When she opened, Mira burst in looking at them with determination.

"Magpapakulong ako ulit, papabawiin ko ung parole." She said, gaining violent reactions from the girls.

"Ano daw?"

"Bakit?"

"Anong pinagsasabi mo Mira?"

"Hindi ko kayang patayin sarili ko, not when I know Aliyah could hate me for it." She said like she was making sense.

"Pwede ako mag pakulong ulit tas magiging safe na si Aliyah. Pwede naman niya ako bisitahin sa kulangan, kahit habang buhay ako don basta maging okay lang siya." Mira was talking like her plan was a genius one.

"Mira, you're not making sense. Bat ka magpapakulong ulit? Hindi mo kailangan gawin yon." Joanne said with a frown.

"Kailangan ko gawin yon, that's the only way para mawala ako!"

"Bakit kailangan mo mawala?" Cielo frustratedly questioned.

"Kasi kailangan! Ayon lang magpapasigurado na ibabalik ng tito ko si Aliyah."

"Pano ka naman nakakasigurado na gagawin niya yon? Knowing your uncle? Based sa mga nangyari?" Mayu said.

"Pinatay niya ang pamilya mo Mira." Sam said.

Mira clenched her teeth. "Alam ko, siya nag pasunog ng bahay."

"Siya namaril kela tito at tita." Sam continued.

She frowned. "Ano?"

"Nandon si kuya James, siya nagdala sayo sa hospital kaya ka nakaligtas."

"Ano?" Mira was stressed, she can't process it.

"Kaya hindi tayo makakasigurado kung gagawin niya yung sinasabi mo. Baka magpakulong ka ulit tas ituloy niya parin balak niya kay ate Aliyah."

So, the gunshots weren't imagination. Ung lalaki nung gabing yon si kuya James, pero siya may hawak ng baril?

"Si kuya James may hawak ng baril?" Mira weakly asked.

Sam shook her head. "Inutusan lang siya na kunin at ibalik ung baril. Pero hindi ko siya dinedefend, kasalanan niya paring wala siyang ginawa."

Mira groaned and put her face on her palms.

"I'm so sorry Mira." Sam quietly said.

The whole room was in silence. They were just looking at Mira, looking for her expression.

She put her hands to the side and let seconds passed.

"Don't say sorry. Hindi mo kasalanan."

"No, I, Mira I'm just really sorry."

"Hindi mo kasalanan, hindi mo responsibility mga ginawa nila. I'm sorry I made you feel like that." Mira looked at Sam with a sad smile.

"Group hug?" Stella softly asked.

They all smiled and agreed. The girls engulfed Mira and Sam into a big group hug.

"I think makakatulong si kuya James, tawagan natin siya?" Sam hopefully asked as they got out of the hug.

Mira nodded, "We need everything we have to find her."