A'ishah's POV

The rain fell lightly as we gathered around Nicole’s grave, the gray skies mirroring the weight in my chest. The crowd was silent, except for the soft murmurs of prayer and the occasional sob that broke through the heavy air. This was it.

The final goodbye to Nicole.

My best friend. My sister in every way that mattered.

I stood beside Mara, who was barely holding herself together. Her shoulders shook violently as tears streamed down her face. My own hands trembled as I clutched the perfume Nicole had gifted me years ago, during our college days. Hoping it will make me feel her for the last time. Wishing that it'll keep me grounded in this darkest time. But it didn’t feel like enough now. Nothing did.

I looked around to see the Intelligence Group; Gwyneth has Sienna wrapped in her arms as they both cry, John and Jeremy are both just staring at the ground, while Sasha and Jana are standing close to Nicole's coffin.

The Special Unit is here as well. Cleo and Detective Osorio have their heads hanging low, while Detective Santos and Detective Morales are talking to Nicole's dad.

My mom is also here. She's with Nicole's mom, trying her best to comfort her. My dad however couldn't make it today because of my grandfather.

My grandfather has been hospitalized and my father is doing everything; handling businesses, taking care of my grandfather, and solving my grandfather's debts.

Everyone who loves Nicole is here. Her family, her girlfriend, her friends, her colleagues, except one. Only one is missing.

Maxine.

I heard she wanted to attend, but she wasn't allowed. She's locked up in their station as of now, as she should. But it's not enough.

I want her to rot in prison.

When Nicole’s parents approached me, I braced myself. Her mother pulled me into a tight hug, her tears soaking my shoulder.

“Please, A’ishah.” She whispered between sobs, her voice heavy with pain. “Get justice for Nicole. Don’t let her death be in vain.”

“I will po, Tita.” I choked out, the words barely audible. “I promise.”

“Sisiguraduhin kong magbabayad yang De Luna na yan. Kahit pa Colonel siya. Hindi siya makakatakas sa batas.” Nicole's father is so angry, I can only imagine what he's planning.

As I stepped back, I couldn’t help but remember the girl Nicole had always been to me. Fearless, compassionate, and unrelenting in her loyalty. She was my anchor during the storm in my life.

When my father abandoned my family, leaving us in London to chase after his mistress, it was Nicole who had been there for me. Even my mom left me during those times.

But Nicole didn't.

She gave me a safe place to heal when I felt I had nowhere else to turn. She never once let me feel like I was alone, no matter how much I tried to push her away in my pain.

Nicole wasn’t just my best friend. She was my guide, my support, my constant reminder to keep moving forward.

I glanced at Mara, her tears falling silently now as she stared at the casket being lowered into the ground. My heart ached for her, for all of us. Nicole had brought so much light into our lives.

And now, that light is gone.

As the priest said the final blessings, I let my mind wander to the countless memories I had with Nicole. Study sessions where we’d end up laughing until our sides hurt, late-night talks where she’d remind me of my worth when I doubted myself, and the way she always had my back, no matter what.

She’d been my sister when I needed one the most, my unwavering confidant through every trial and triumph. And now, I had to find a way to live without her. The thought felt unbearable.

But I knew one thing for certain, Nicole wouldn’t want me to fall apart. She’d want me to fight. For her, for justice, and for the life she didn’t get to live.

As the first shovels of dirt were thrown onto her grave, I whispered under my breath, “I’ll make you proud, Nicole. I’ll never stop fighting for you.”

And as painful as it was to say goodbye, I knew I carried a part of her with me. A part I would hold onto forever.

At the parking lot, my mother pulled me somewhere quiet. Her grip on my arm is tight, but nothing can compare to the pain I'm feeling right now.

“I told you, that girl is up to no good.”

I tiredly looked at her. “Yeah, mom. You're right.” My voice came out weaker than I intended.

My mother's eyes softened, and she let go of my arm. “How are you holding up?”

I swallowed hard, forcing back the lump forming in my throat. “How do you think, Mom? I just buried my best friend.” I replied, my voice sharper than I intended. Her face fell, and I instantly felt a pang of guilt.

She reached for my hand, but I pulled back. I couldn’t handle comfort right now. It felt too fragile, too hollow in the face of everything.

“I know this is hard, anak.” She said softly, her voice careful, almost afraid to push further. “But you have to stay strong. Nicole would want you to be strong.”

“I’m trying.” I muttered, looking down at the perfume bottle in my hands. “But it feels like… like I lost a part of myself with her.”

“Then don’t lose the other parts, A’ishah. Don’t let this break you.” Her tone was firmer now, but I could hear the worry beneath it.

I took a deep breath, trying to absorb her words, but my mind kept circling back to one thing… Maxine.

How could she do this? How could the woman I once loved, the one I vowed to spend my life with, take Nicole away from me? From all of us? The thought felt like shards of glass scraping against my heart.

“She’s a monster.” I whispered, my voice trembling with rage and anguish. “I trusted her. I loved her. And now…” My voice cracked, and I shook my head, unable to finish.

My mother stepped closer, her hands gripping my shoulders. “Don’t let her actions define your future. You’re better than this pain, anak. You’ve overcome so much already.”

I wanted to believe her, but the weight of grief and betrayal was too heavy. “I’ll get justice for Nicole.” I said, my voice low but resolute. “Whatever it takes.”

She nodded, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Good. But don’t lose yourself in the process. Promise me that.”

I didn’t respond. How could I promise something I wasn’t sure I could keep?

All I could think about was how Nicole deserved better. Better than what life gave her, better than what Maxine took from her.

As I drove away from the cemetery, I replayed every moment of the investigation in my head. The clues, the evidence, the gut-wrenching revelation that Maxine was the killer. It didn’t make sense, but it was undeniable.

Nicole’s death wasn’t just a loss. It was a betrayal that cut deeper than anything I had ever felt. And the fact that it came from Maxine made it all the more unbearable.

I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, my jaw clenched. I’d make sure Maxine paid for what she did. No matter how much it tore me apart.

But even as I steeled myself, a part of me, a small, fragile part ached for the Maxine I used to know. The one who once held me in her arms and promised me forever. And that made the pain so much worse.

Three days later.

I stood in the bustling airport, the sound of flight announcements echoing around me. My eyes scanned the sea of faces, searching for Rebecca and the others. They had insisted on visiting, their concern for me was noticeable even through the distance. I hadn’t been able to refuse. After Nicole’s passing, they said they didn’t want me to feel like I was grieving alone.

Rebecca, Jas, and Lyka had always been a tight-knit part of my circle, and their support meant everything to me right now. But it was her presence. The one I secretly dreaded and craved in equal measure that sent my heart into a quiet storm.

Maxine.

The woman I loved.

The woman I hated.

The person who killed Nicole. I haven't seen her since the cops in Baguio captured her. Hindi ko pa kaya.

When I finally spotted them emerging from the arrival gate, Rebecca’s smile lit up the moment she saw me. She waved, her usual exuberance, a small reprieve from the weight in my chest. Behind her, Jas and Lyka followed, dragging their luggage, their expressions warm but cautious.

I immediately ran towards Rebecca to get honey. I have missed my dog so much!

“Hey, you're a big girl now.” I said as I carried her in my arms.

“What about me? Where's my hug?” Rebecca protested with a pout.

I managed a weak smile as I set Honey down gently, the warmth of her fur is a small comfort. Rebecca opened her arms dramatically, and I let out a soft chuckle before pulling her into a hug.

“I miss you.” I murmured against her shoulder, feeling a momentary wave of relief.

“I miss you too.” Rebecca replied, her voice softer now. “I'm sorry I couldn't be here sooner. All flights were full. You've got me now though. You're not alone anymore.”

Jas and Lyka joined in, their hugs quick but comforting. “We’ve got you, girl.” Lyka said, her voice steady, her hand squeezing my shoulder.

I nodded, fighting back the tears that always seemed to hover just behind my eyes. “Thank you. I needed this.”

As we began walking toward the exit, Rebecca kept glancing at me, her usual vibrant energy dimmed.

“So... how are you?” She finally asked, breaking the silence. “I mean, really, A’ishah. How are you?”

I paused mid-step, the question hitting me harder than I expected. “Honestly? I don't know.” My voice cracked despite my efforts to stay composed. “Everything feels so heavy, Becca.”

Rebecca wrapped an arm around me, and said, “We’re here, okay? You don’t have to do this alone.”

I appreciated her words, but deep down, I knew there was a part of this grief, this anger, that no one else could share. Not Rebecca, not Jas or Lyka. It was mine alone to carry.

As we stepped out into the Angeles City’s humid air, I felt a familiar heaviness creep in. Because somewhere out there, Maxine existed.

Maxine, with her piercing eyes that once felt like home. Maxine, whose smile used to melt away every piece of armor I wore.

Maxine, who shattered my world the moment she ended Nicole's life.

The thought of her, of seeing her again, stirred an anger so fierce it burned away any lingering tenderness I once held. I loved her, yeah. But love wasn’t enough to excuse what she had done.

“Are you okay?” Jas asked as we reached the car.

I nodded, forcing a tight smile. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

But deep inside, I knew I wasn’t okay. I wouldn’t be. Not until I got justice for Nicole. And not until Maxine paid for what she did.

As we pulled up to the house, the sight of it hit me harder than I expected. Our house. The home Maxine and I had chosen together, the place where we imagined our future.

A future that now felt like a cruel joke.

I clenched my fists as memories threatened to overwhelm me, but Rebecca’s gentle voice broke through.

“Girl, are you sure you’re okay being here? I mean, you… still staying here? This house has... a lot of memories.” She said cautiously, eyeing me from the passenger seat.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I’ll be fine. I just... I need this.”

Jas and Lyka exchanged a glance but didn’t press further. Rebecca simply sighed, muttering something about needing a drink as she got out of the car.

The moment I unlocked the door, the sound of laughter and hurried footsteps echoed from inside. I barely had time to step through the threshold before I was tackled by two familiar figures, Ashley and Nicolas.

“Ate A’ishah!” Ashley’s excited voice rang out as she wrapped her arms tightly around me, nearly knocking me off balance. Her hair was damp, and I noticed a towel slung over her shoulder. She must’ve been cleaning up when we arrived.

“Hi, Ashley.” I hugged her back, her warmth instantly soothing some of the tension I’d been carrying. She pulled away, beaming at me.

But before I could say much more, Nicolas appeared, his face lighting up the moment he saw me.

“Ate!” He called, his usually cool and stoic demeanor completely gone. In two quick strides, he closed the distance between us, throwing his arms around my waist and burying his face in my shoulder.

“Hey, Nicolas.” I murmured. “Missed me, huh?”

He didn’t respond verbally, just nodded against my shoulder, his grip tightening like he was afraid I’d disappear like her Ate Nicole.

“Awww.” Rebecca’s voice broke the moment, soft and full of admiration. “Look at this! This young man must be Nicolas.”

Lyka clutched her chest dramatically. “Oh my God, that’s so sweet. A’ishah, are you seeing this? He ran to you like you’re his favorite person in the entire world!”

Jas shook her head with a small smile. “I’d have to agree. That was the cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time.”

Nicolas finally pulled back, scowling lightly at the attention. “Tigilan niyo ako.” He muttered, though his red ears gave him away. He kept one hand wrapped loosely around my arm as if grounding himself.

“Huh?”

“What did he say?”

“He said leave him alone.” Ashley gladly translated, amused by these three new faces.

“Ouch!”

Rebecca laughed. “The kid is a little savage like Maxine-– oh.” Her smile completely dropped, looking at me with concerned eyes. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—”

“It's okay, Becca.” I faked a smile.

Ashley cleared her throat to break the building tension. She instead turned to my friends to greet them.

“Hi po! Ate A’ishah didn’t tell me she’s bringing guests tonight. Welcome!”

“Hi, Ashley.” Jas greeted her warmly. “You’re just as lively as A’ishah said. And Nicolas, well...” She grinned, teasing. “I didn’t expect that.”

“Shut up.” Nicolas mumbled, earning a round of laughter from the group.

I ruffled his hair, earning an annoyed huff but no real protest. “Alright, alright. Let’s not bully him too much. He’s been holding the fort while I’ve been away.”

Ashley nodded eagerly. “Nicolas has been taking care of everything! Even cooking. Ate, you’d be so proud of him.”

I smiled at Nicolas, pride swelling in my chest. “Thank you for keeping things together. I don’t know what I’d do without you two.”

“Don’t mention it.” He mumbled, looking away, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips.

Ashley suddenly gasped loudly. “Oh my gosh! You have a dog?!” She excitedly went to take honey in her arms.

“Her name's honey. She's A'ishah's.” Lyka answered.

“You have a dog, Ate A'ishah? Since when?” She excitedly took honey to the living room, she didn't even bother to wait for my answer out of excitement.

After the girls settled in the guest rooms, they came down to eat dinner with us. Ashley and I cooked. But actually, it's more on Ashley and I just assisted her.

“Miguel will be here next week.” Lyka suddenly said, while we're eating.

“Oh! Yeah. He's planned to arrive with us today but something came up so he had to push his flight.” Jas shrugged her shoulders like it's nothing.

“Who's Miguel?” Ashley raised an eyebrow, eyeing everyone curiously.

“He is A'ishah's admirer since God knows when.” Lyka smirked at me, and I just rolled my eyes.

“For real?”

“Yes.”

“He's not allowed to live here.” Nicolas suddenly spoke, stopping everyone.

“Why is that?” Lyka raised an eyebrow to him.

“Someone out there will not be comfortable with that idea.” He looked at me seriously, his expressive eyes told me who this someone is.

“So, tell him to live somewhere far from here. I will not allow him even if it's just a quick visit.” He stood up, and walked out like he didn't just say those words, leaving everyone in awe. I even saw Rebecca literally drop her jaw.

“He is indeed a little savage.” Jas whispered to herself.

“Where did that come from?” Rebecca finally broke the stunned silence, recovering first. “That kid just dropped a bomb and walked out like a mic drop moment!”

Ashley laughed nervously, her eyes darting between me and the others. “Don’t mind Nicolas. He’s just... protective.”

Lyka raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Protective? That kid is on another level. He didn’t even blink when he said Miguel can’t stay here. He meant business.”

After dinner, Rebecca leaned back on her chair, her sharp gaze landing on me. “Alright, A’ishah, you’ve been quiet all night. It’s time we do something about that.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“A drink.” Rebecca said firmly, gesturing to the bottles of wine and liquor they had brought with them. “You need one.”

I sighed, shaking my head. “No, Becca. I’m not in the mood. A lot of things have happened, and honestly, I just want to rest.”

“That’s precisely why you need this.” Lyka chimed in, pouring herself a glass. “We’re not saying you need to get wasted. Just relax with us. Let loose for a bit.”

“Girls, I don’t think—”

Jas cut me off, leaning forward with a smirk. “A’ishah, let me remind you, we didn’t come all the way here to watch you sulk. You’re grieving, yes, but that doesn’t mean you have to carry everything on your own. Let us help you unwind, even just for a while.”

Rebecca nodded in agreement. “Come on. One drink. For me?”

I hesitated, my resolve wavering as they all stared at me with those expectant eyes. Even Ashley, who had joined us on the couch after finishing with Honey, chimed in.

“Ate, it’s just one. Sige na. They’re right; you need this.”

I groaned, finally throwing my hands up in defeat. “Fine. Isa lang, okay?”

The room erupted into cheers, and Rebecca wasted no time pouring me a glass.

“That’s my girl!” She said, handing me the drink.

The first sip was warm and bitter, but it wasn’t unpleasant. Before long, the conversation started flowing more freely, the heaviness in the air lifting bit by bit.

Lyka cracked jokes, Rebecca shared funny stories from her cases, and Jas tried to teach Ashley the proper way to hold a wine glass, earning laughter from everyone when Ashley accidentally spilled some on herself.

But the laughter died down as the doorbell rang. Rebecca stood up to see who it was but I stopped her.

“It's fine. I'll go check who it is.” I walked away without waiting for her response.

The laughter and warmth of the living room were abruptly replaced by the cold stillness of the hallway as I approached the door. My heart sank with every step, the unease settling in my chest like a heavy weight. Who could it be at this hour?

I opened the door, and the sight before me made my breath hitch.

It was Mara.

She stood there, drenched from the rain, her hair plastered to her face, and her usually vibrant eyes dull and lifeless. Her lips quivered, and her entire frame shook as though she could barely hold herself upright. She looked like a shell of herself, completely shattered.

“Mara…” I whispered, stunned.

The moment our eyes met, a broken sob escaped her lips. “A’ishah…” She choked out, her voice raw with pain. Then, without warning, she lunged forward, pulling me into a desperate, crushing hug.

“Mara, hey…” I barely managed to say, my voice catching in my throat. She clung to me tightly, her sobs wracking her body as she cried out loud against my shoulder. The sound was guttural, primal, pure, unfiltered grief.

I wrapped my arms around her, holding her as steady as I could, even though her pain threatened to pull me under.

“I’m here.” I whispered, my own voice trembling. “I’m here, Mara. Just let it out.”

She cried harder, her fingers digging into my back like she was terrified I’d disappear. “I can’t… I can’t do this, A’ishah.” She gasped between sobs. “I don’t know how to… how to go on without her. She was my everything.”

Her words sliced through me, reopening wounds that hadn’t even begun to scab over. Nicole. Her absence was a gaping hole in both of our lives, and seeing Mara like this only deepened the ache.

I tightened my hold on her, resting my chin on her shoulder. “I know, Mara.” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “I know it hurts. It hurts so damn much.”

We stood there in the doorway, the rain continuing to fall around us. I didn’t care that the cold droplets were soaking through my clothes. All that mattered was being there for Mara, just as Nicole would’ve wanted.

After what felt like an eternity, her sobs began to quiet, though the occasional hiccup escaped her. She pulled back slightly, her red, swollen eyes meeting mine.

“I don’t know what to do, A’ishah.” She admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I feel like I’m drowning.”

I cupped her face gently, my thumbs brushing away the tears that kept falling. “You’re not alone, Mara.” I said firmly. “You have me, and you have everyone who loved Nicole. We’ll get through this together, okay?”

She nodded weakly, though the pain in her eyes didn’t lessen. “I just… I keep thinking about her. About everything we were supposed to do together. And now… now she’s gone.”

Her words were like daggers to my heart, but I forced myself to stay strong for her. “Nicole wouldn’t want you to give up.” I said softly. “She loved you, Mara. She would want you to keep living, even if it’s hard.”

Mara let out a shaky breath, her shoulders sagging. “I don’t know if I can.”

“You can.” I said with as much conviction as I could muster. “And when you feel like you can’t, I’ll be here to remind you that you can.”

Her lip quivered again, but she managed to hold back another wave of tears. “Thank you.” She whispered. “For being here.”

I gave her a sad smile. “I’m just doing what Nicole would’ve wanted.”

“Sorry kung pumunta pa ako dito. Baka naabala pa kita.”

“Hindi ka abala, Mara. And it's fine, naiintindihan ko.” I held her hand lightly. “Why don't you come inside? Dito ka na matulog, disoras na rin naman.”

Mara hesitated, glancing past me toward the house. “Ayoko namang makaabala. Mukhang may mga bisita ka pa.” Her voice was quieter now, laced with embarrassment.

“Nandito sila Rebecca, Lyka, at Jas. They just arrived kanina.” I admitted, stepping aside to let her peek inside. “Pero hindi ka abala, Mara. They're just trying to cheer me up, pero mas importante ka. Let me help you tonight.”

Her eyes flicked toward the living room, where faint laughter could still be heard. Instantly, a shadow of anger covered her face.

“You're having fun?!” She shouted that caught my friends’ attention. I know because they stopped talking, and the laughter instantly died down.

Mara's voice sliced through the air, sharp and cold. It caught me completely off guard, and I froze for a moment, my heart sinking. Her eyes were no longer full of grief alone, but filled with something darker, something I hadn’t expected: anger.

“You’re having fun?” She repeated, her words heavy with bitterness. Her fists clenched at her sides, and her body was trembling, though not from tears this time, but from the fury that seemed to burn through her.

“Mara…” I whispered, trying to step closer, but she stepped back, her gaze hardening.

“How dare you?” She spat, her voice shaky but laced with fire. “After everything that happened to Nicole, you're here drinking and laughing? How can you just… move on like this? How can you be happy, A’ishah? How can you be so selfish?”

I stood there, paralyzed, her words sinking deep into my chest. They were so much harsher than I expected. It felt like a slap to the face, and I could feel my own defenses starting to crumble.

~~~

Thank you for reading! 💛