The Queen & I (GxG)

Chapter 24 : Take Your Time

Chapter 23 & 24 are up! Double update ☮️

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Morning came and I woke up with a slight headache. Last night was chaotic as my internal battles finally caught up on me. I looked at Aisha's side and the Japanese was still in deep slumber.

When Aisha entered our room past midnight, she found me still awake - crying in the corner. As soon as she kneeled in front of me, I bawled out and hugged her. I told Aisha everything - from the struggles I'm facing in this pageant, my worries, the negative comments of people affecting my confidence, the immense pressure of wearing the Philippine sash, to my unexplained attraction for Amanda. Aisha listened to me like a big sister whom I needed to pour my heart out.

I sat up and prepared myself to get in the shower. The warm steam should help me rejuvenate and give me a boost to start the day. I have to destress immediately or else I wouldn't be able to function and think properly. Kaya mo ito, Ibyang. Kailangan ko kumapit.
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After shower, I took the denim suit that I'll be wearing today off the rack. Aisha started to move so I tried to minimize the sound I was making from my movements.

I went back to the bathroom and started to prep my makeup. For a few minutes, I just stood in front of the mirror looking at myself. I really changed a lot, I don't even look like a meek girl anymore.

My phone vibrated and so I swiped my thumb up to open the screen.

Mary Jean 😈
Team Ibyang is here 🇵🇭 !!! I'm sure gising ka na. Inaambunan lang kita ng message ko para maging maganda yung araw mo.

I smiled while typing my reply.

Rabiya
Hahaha! Walang kupas ka talaga! 
Gising na ko manang. Makeup lang. San kayo mamaya?

I placed my phone back on the table and reached for my makeup kit. Sigh, hindi ako mapakali. I grabbed my phone again and rang MJ.

"Good morning!", manang MJ energetically greeted on the other line. "Kaw talaga langga. Hindi mo mapigilan yung sarili mo. Di mo talaga kaya na hindi marining itong boses ko ano? Alam ko maganda talaga yung boses ko pero hindi ako alarm-clock."

I was giggling because she was being funny again and I needed this kind of light and fun interaction na wala lang.

"Ui ha, grabe ka naman kanina pa ako nagising. Nakashower na nga ako at nagme-makeup. Good morning din manang MJ. Ganda ka parin sa umaga?" I laughed while teasing her.

"Aba? Nagtanong ka pa kung maganda ako sa umaga—hindi naman nabubura ang kagandahan. Especially yung gandang ganito. Pag dilat ko palang, yun na yun. Walang budol."

I was chuckling.

"So? Ano naman ganap ninyo today? Kamusta ang aming bunso?"

"Rehearsal uli, then beauty day namin mamaya with Miss O, tapos may Unbreakable event kami with Miss Demi. Yun lang, at night may mini party for us delegates dito lang din sa loob ng hotel." I said as I dabbed my concealer under my eyes.

"Ah, I see. Sige, mag-enjoy ka lang. Once in a lifetime event lang yan kaya sulitin mo na", MJ advised.

I paused for a while and thought about telling what I told Aisha to manang MJ.