Seasons

Not So Stranger (Flashback II)

Anntonia's POV:

At some point, I wished for her not to go. I hoped for the possibility that she would stay and spend the entire night with me and erase the thought of that man as much as I am still here.
 

But she happily left as if being with him was the highlight of this party, and you must give it to the birthday girl.
 

Just when the venue felt suffocating, I stood up and grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniels. I walked away, trying to find a place where the blinding lights and noisy sounds were not consuming me.
 
 
I reached the seashore. It wasn't as silent as I hoped it would be, but this is better. The sound system can still be heard, but it's not that loud anymore. The splashes of the waves and the sound of the wind hitting the branches and leaves of the trees are more dominant.
 

While my heart is crumbling, this serene nature brings me peace.
 

I stared at the sea for a second before attempting to open the bottle. I had a hard time opening it until I saw a teardrop fall into my palms.
 

I touched my eyes to make sure if it was from me, and right after the moment, I felt my eyes watering up, my hands shaking, and my knees getting weaker.
 

I sat on the sand and placed the bottle beside me carefully. I embraced my legs and covered my face.
 

I just hope no one sees me in this state. I already have a name in the modeling and pageantry world. Letting people see how vulnerable I am is by far not an option for me.
 

I quickly wiped the tears from my face and composed myself when I sensed that someone was walking behind me. I grabbed the bottle and gripped it to contain the nervousness and fear I was feeling. It was dark and hidden here and I just realized that it was not that safe to be staying in this place.
 

I can feel the person getting closer and closer. I waited for a few more seconds before I get up and turn around.

Oh.

"Hi."

After greeting me, she offered a handshake. But due to my extreme confusion, I was just left silent with no reaction.
 

Her hand, which is actually offering a handshake, was gone and was replaced by a pair of arms that were spread out as if she's now offering a hug.
 

It was dark here, but I tried to focus on her face to understand why she was here instead of having fun there in the party. 
 

Just when I was searching for a clearer view of her face, I spotted her eyes, staring directly at me as if she's intently reading not just my facial expression, but my soul.

I felt weak under her stare. I can see the concern, the confusion, the awkwardness, and the sympathy.
 

I've never seen myself trust a person so easily, but I just found myself getting closer to her and snaking my arms around her.
 

I felt her arms embrace my body and rub my back through her hands, and in that exact moment, I felt like bursting out. I buried my face in her chest, and her embrace got tighter, making me more fragile.
 

I feel like someone's actually there for me.
 

I let my tears stream down my face. It feels like my heart is being crumpled by cruel hands, and it is making me breathless.
 

I find her hug comforting. They say that trusting a stranger can put you in bad situations, but we'll surely give this woman an exception.
 

I felt like there were no more tears left to cry. I was about to detach myself from the embrace, but it still feels so warm, and my body yearns for this. She's caressing my back like she knows I'm done crying and I just need to revive my breathing.
 

She still hasn't said anything aside from that "Hi." but this silence was not awkward at all.
 

When I felt relieved, I released myself from the hug and wiped away my tears. I cannot face her in this state.
 

"I'm sorry if I got your shirt wet. I'll just lau--"
 

"Feeling better?" She said, cutting me off.
 

I unconsciously looked at her, and I saw her staring, like she was observing me. 
 

"Uhm.."
 

"Mhm. You don't have to answer."
 

"Thanks.. Thank you for making such a genuine gesture. It helped a lot." I managed to say to her despite the awkwardness I was feeling inside.
 

She's still staring at me as if she's searching for something more. "Don't drink that JD."

"Huh? Why?"

"You have to sleep. Your eyes are swollen." She commented and carefully took the bottle away from me.

She looks demure and soft.

"I look messed up."
 
 
"Nah. Still gorgeous."
 

I was caught off guard after hearing her compliment. I wasn't really used to their group showering me with the sweetest words, but hers feels like a confidence booster. 
 

"Wow. That was.. out of the box."
 

She just nodded and started walking. I followed her like a lost pup. Funny how she doesn't even tell me to follow her, yet I am here also walking to reach my room without me noticing.
 

"Where's your room?" She asked when we reached the stay-in.
 

"223."
 

She pointed to the door beside me. I just realized that I was just following her, and I don't have anything in mind. 
 

"Oh. Here it is." I twisted the doorknob to open it, but before I got inside, I faced the woman again. "Thank you. You don't have any idea how much you helped me."
 

"I actually wanted to accompany you longer in case you needed it, but you must not be spending too much time with a stranger." She jokingly said with all that charm and fascinating smile.
 

Her aura is very bright whenever she's smiling.
 

"You're right," I responded.
 

"I'll get going." She said, and saluted at me using her two fingers. She was about to turn her back when I called her. 
 

"Have a good night, Dee."
 

"You too, Porsild." She said and we both smiled at each other before I closed the door and bumped my head lightly against it.
 

This night was not as gut-wrenching as I thought.

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A/N:

Second and last part. Next time ulit. (I don't know when's my free time ulit 🥲)