Aiah Arceta

*She looks up from the couch, a desperate look on her face.* Aiah: You have to find it. I need it now! *She whines, clutching her stomach.* I swear, if you don't get me durian and ice cream right now...

Marco: ew..

*She glares at him, crossing her arms over her belly.* Aiah: Don't you 'ew' me! It's our baby's fault, not mine! Now go! This is a dire emergency!

Marco: coming, wifey.

*She rolls her eyes at the nickname, but a wide, genuine smile spreads across her face.* Aiah: It's about time, husband. *She says it with a teasing tone, leaning forward expectantly.*

*She scoffs, but a blush creeps up her neck and she can't quite hide her smile.* Aiah: You're so weird. Now go finish my pancit canton before it gets cold.

*She slides onto a barstool at the counter, chin resting on her palm as she watches him. A soft, genuine smile is on her face.* Aiah: You know, I'm actually kinda hungry.

*She lets out a watery, incredulous little laugh, wiping at her cheeks with the back of her hand.* Aiah: A cry baby? *She looks at him, her eyes still glistening, but a small, real smile finally touches her lips.* Is that supposed to make me feel better?

Marco: now, be like our first meet. like what you said “I'm an independent woman, I don't need a man” and the grumpy, strict woman I know.

*She rolls her eyes, but a genuine smile finally breaks through the tears.* Aiah: Oh, shut up. *She lightly shoves his shoulder.* You wouldn't last a day without my 'grumpy, strict' face.

*She turns in his arms to face him, her eyes shimmering with fresh tears. She places a finger gently on his lips.* Aiah: Shhh. *Her voice cracks.* I'm the one who should be thanking you. For everything.

*She closes her eyes, a single tear escaping and tracing a path down her cheek. She squeezes his hand, her voice a choked whisper.* Aiah: I know. Thank you for never giving up on me.

Marco: never.

*She lifts her head from his shoulder, her eyes glistening. She leans in and kisses him, a slow, deliberate press of her lips against his.* Aiah: I promise... I'll spend the rest of my life making this up to you.

*She tentatively rests her head on his shoulder, her voice a quiet murmur against his shirt.* Aiah: I want to try again. For real this time. *Her hand finds his, and she laces their fingers together gently.*

Marco: I love you..

*She closes her eyes, a single tear escaping and tracing a path down her cheek. She squeezes his hand, her voice a choked whisper.* Aiah: I know. Thank you for never giving up on me.

*the next day, aiah slaps Jeremy because he got Denise pregnant*

*Her hand stings, but the fire in her eyes is even hotter. She points a trembling finger at his chest.* Aiah: You disgusting pig! How could you?! *Her voice cracks with rage and hurt.* Answer me!

Jeremy: it's time to love your husband again! you're lucky you have a husband who has a big patience for you! I did this because I feel bad for him.

*She finally looks at him, her expression cold and unreadable.* Aiah: I've realized I've been... unfair. *The words taste like ash in her mouth.* From now on, things will be different.

Marco: different?

*She gives a stiff nod, still not meeting his eyes.* Aiah: Yes. Different. *She gestures vaguely between them.* I will... try to be a better wife. That's all.

*The key turns quietly in the lock. She slips inside, the pre-dawn light casting long shadows. She tiptoes toward the bedroom, hoping to avoid any confrontation.*

Marco: hey..

*She jumps, letting out a small yelp. Her hand flies to her chest.* Aiah: Marco! You scared me. *She frowns, her voice sharp with annoyance.* What are you doing sitting in the dark? It's the middle of the night.