Seasons

It's A Secret

Anntonia's POV:

I had to excuse myself from the rehearsal because I did not feel well all of a sudden. The organization was understanding enough to let me and sent their staff to accompany me to the clinic. The nurses did not advise anything complicated to me because they didn't see any sign of a serious case in my health that should be raised as a concern. Well, they gave me vitamins and told me to drink a lot of water because it's probably the fatigue. I get nauseous easily.
 

I was confessing in my mind that I don't actually need the medicine tablets given to me because I already take a lot. 
 

Honestly, I started feeling dizzy even when the rehearsal wasn't starting. Special thanks to Miss Chile for noticing that I became uneasy, so she called the staff to tell them that I must be rested.
 

But I was feeling guilty because, in reality, I do think that the reason why I didn't feel well is because my stomach was turning after dropping a very, very embarrassing joke on Michelle.
 

I didn't know why I was so hyper earlier. Maybe, yes, I am burdened by the weight of expectations that I mustn't fail, but the rehearsals made me so out of control, and I just went so excited.
 

But, yeah, what I said is really unintentional. I even had to leave quickly because I also realized in a snap that I was so stupid for even saying it to Michelle.
 

She looked so confused. It's embarrassing. She probably thought I am strange.
 

I exhaled loudly and plumped my body on the bed here in the clinic. I was complaining secretly in my mind because the mattress wasn't too soft, but this will do. They weren't letting me leave until 9:25 because they were waiting for my national director to come and check my condition.
 

The door opened, so I got up because I thought I could leave already, but to my surprise, it wasn't who I expected to see.
 

????
 

"Oh, Anntonia." The woman said, going straight to me to greet me and give me short hug.
 

"What are you doing here?" I asked Fabienne, who was being guided by two other nurses to help her walk.
 

"Ah, yeah, I accidentally tripped on my ankle during the practice of choreography, so I was sent here to check my condition."
 

I felt suddenly worried for her and for everyone. Being sick and injured is literally the least that we would want to suffer from, especially now that the final night is so near.
 

"Was it too serious?"
 

"Actually, no. I can walk, but we're not trying to force it because the impact from the incident was still evident. But it's good. I only have to cover my ankle if ever I'll get a bruise." She calmly responded, so I nodded and observed her.
 

"You look so chill. Would've ended up wailing if I was in your position." I jokingly said.
 

Miss Indonesia laughed at that and shook her head, "Perks of being close with the roommate."
 

I was left quiet upon hearing what she said. Great, if I stepped out of this room, I must see if she reacted negatively to me or what. 
 

I'm so great at making things awkward.
 

"Was her impact so strong that you were able to adapt one of her traits?"
 

I saw how she smirked and looked at me directly. I don't want to assume, but there is a hint of playfulness in her eyes.
 

"I certainly don't have to answer that question if you're the one asking." She paused, "You know better, Miss Thailand."

That made me internally smile. After all, I do know her better than anyone else in this competition, and no one could change that fun fact. 
 

I was her friend even before she made friends with these women.
 

The door opened, and there came my national director. She was with the nurse who checked up on me, and they excused us from the rest of the people in the room.
 

After formally thanking and waving at them, me and my national director left the clinic.
 

"How are you?"
 

"I am okay. Better than earlier."
 

She nodded and touched my arm while we were walking. "I informed the organization. They seem to be forgetting that there are other candidates that must be monitored with a keen eye."
 

"Ma'am, I told you it's not like that."
 

"Like what then, hmm?" She responded, sounding like a mom who's about to challenge her daughter's excuses.
 

"Like what you were assuming, Ma'am. I am good, and there's no need to worry. I am taking care of myself here."
 

"Be sure, Ann. We're getting worried every day. Are you taking your meds on time?"
 

"Yes. No need to worry about that."
 

"Tell us instantly if the signs are showing again, alright?" She worriedly requested, so I nodded quickly. She squeezed my arm and slightly hugged me from the side.
 

I am thankful for my team. Especially with Miss ND. She's like a mother figure, even during my time as a candidate in MUT. She's very hands-on with everyone.
 

We reached the venue for the rehearsal, and ND kept on asking if I really didn't want to skip the practice in the meantime and rest instead. But I said no, so she just accepted it and bid her good-bye when I entered the room.
 

I just hope I'll successfully get to the finish line of this competition.

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