Out of Reach | Mikhaiah

Chapter 23

Disclaimer: This is pure fiction. Any similarities to real people, places, or events are purely coincidental. Read, enjoy, and don't take it too seriously!

- ✦ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 ✦ -

Arisha's POV:

Damn, finally.

After everything, I was finally discharged a few days ago. Tomorrow, I could go back to school. Everything went well naman, but my mind was still replaying that almost kiss.

Sobrang nakakahiya.

I just hoped Tita wouldn't tell Shezelle about it, kasi panigurado, she'd never let me live it down.

I shook my head, trying to snap myself out of my thoughts. Ang gulo pa rin ng utak ko, but there was one thing I was sure of now-I was choosing Mikhazra over everything.

That's final.

I sighed and got up from bed. Napansin ko na naubusan na pala ako ng tubig sa kwarto, so I decided to head downstairs to grab a bottle. But the moment I reached the last step, I froze.

Dad was on the phone, his voice sharp, tense, dangerous. His fingers pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. His whole stance screamed pissed off.

"I don't give a damn how much it costs-fix it," he snapped before abruptly ending the call.

I hesitated before stepping closer. "Dad? What's wrong?"

He exhaled heavily, shaking his head. "Nothing, anak. Just some business problems. Maaayos din 'to."

I narrowed my eyes. He was lying. I could feel it. Something was wrong.

Still, I nodded. "Okay..."

I grabbed my water and headed back to my room, but my mind was still restless.

I checked my phone for the hundredth time.

No messages.
No updates.

Mikhazra, where the hell are you?

She visited me yesterday. Dinalhan pa niya ako ng favorite cheesecake ko. Pero umalis din agad, may pupuntahan daw siya.

There was something off about her. Parang hindi siya mapakali.

And then-

BANG!

I jolted up from my bed, my heart slamming against my ribs.

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

Five consecutive gunshots.

The air in my lungs disappeared.

What the fuck-

My body moved before my brain could process it, tumakbo ako papunta sa pinto-

Biglang bumukas 'to.

"ARISHA!"

Mom was crying. Dad was behind her-holding a gun.

What the fuck is happening?!

"Mom-!"

She rushed to me, wrapping her arms around me so tightly na parang mawawala ako anumang segundo.

"Stay here. Do not move," Dad ordered, his voice sharp and commanding.

But I could hear the strain in it. The anger. The fear.

Mom sobbed against my shoulder, her body shaking. I clung to her, completely fucking lost.

Then, silence.