Simon turned to Maricel. "Sorry, Tita, I forgot to buy you rice."
"It's okay," Maricel said with a gentle smile.
Ayisha glanced at her mother. "Ma, uuwi po ako ng five."
"Sige, nak," Maricel replied. "Kawawa naman si Samantha mag-isa."
Ayisha nodded.
"I'll take you home," Simon offered.
"You don't—"
"Yes," Maricel cut in firmly. "Take her home."
"Ma—"
"Yes, Tita," Simon said, smiling, a soft chuckle escaping him.
Ayisha rolled her eyes. "Wow. Kampihan."
"Mas safe, nak," Maricel said calmly. "May tiwala ako kay Simon."
Simon grinned. "See, kid. Listen to your mother."
"Kakakilala niyo lang ah?" Ayisha nudged his arm. "Epal." she muttered.
She sighed. "Sige na nga."
"Good," Maricel said, satisfied.
---
"Ma, sure ka ha? Okay ka lang?" Ayisha asked as she picked up her helmet from the chair.
"Yes," Maricel answered. "Don't worry."
"Babalik ako bukas ng umaga," Ayisha said.
Maricel nodded, then looked at Simon. "Bring her home safely."
Simon picked up his helmet and nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
Maricel chuckled. "Such a good man."
Ayisha smiled faintly. "Bye, Ma. Magpahinga ka lang."
They left the room together.
As they walked down the hallway, Ayisha glanced at him. "Thanks. For everything."
"You're welcome," Simon said, smiling.
She smiled back.
"What time will you visit your mother?" he asked.
"Four in the morning," she replied, struggling with the helmet strap.
Simon noticed and stepped closer, gently fixing it for her. When he looked up, their eyes met.
"I'll pick you up," he said quietly.
Her heart started pounding too loud. She looked away. "You don't have to. You should rest. You still have a business to run."
He exhaled, pulling back as he got on his motorcycle. "Then I'll just visit."
She climbed on behind him. "That's much better."
---
Ayisha unlocked the door and stepped inside.
"I'm home," she called.
"Ate!" Samantha jumped up from the dining table and hugged her, then paused when she noticed Simon behind her.
Simon smiled politely.
Ayisha patted Samantha's back. "I brought you food."
Samantha's eyes lit up. "Fried chicken?"
"Yes. Favorite mo."
Samantha immediately let go, clearing the table and grabbing the paper bag.
Ayisha laughed softly and turned to Simon. "Do you want something to drink?"
He shook his head. "No, thanks. I'll head home now." He smiled. "Goodnight, kid."
He turned to leave.
"Wait!" Ayisha called. "You forgot your helmet!"
Simon looked over his shoulder. "That's yours. Always bring it when we hang out again."
He smiled, then walked toward his motorcycle.
Ayisha watched him drive away.
"Kain na, Ate!" Samantha called.
Ayisha exhaled slowly and stepped inside, closing the door.
"Who is he?" Samantha asked.
"Simon," Ayisha answered simply.
Samantha studied her suspiciously but didn't push.
"Ate… si Natalie," Samantha said after a moment.
Ayisha stiffened.
"What about her?"
"She came home earlier. Took her things," Samantha muttered.
Ayisha scoffed. "Let her be. Matanda na siya." She rubbed her temples. "Kain ka na."
Samantha nodded quietly.