Seasons

Almost There

Anntonia's POV:

The time has come for the National Costume show. It is already 2 p.m. in the afternoon, and everyone has their luggage, boxes, and whatever they used to secure their costumes prepared in the preparation area. The place is too occupied by the girls, representative assistants, and pieces of their NatCos.

I feel a little better today compared to what I felt during the preliminaries. I expect today's show to be successful and more relaxed. I practiced everything, the execution, and we even had this costume blessed before I left.

My costume is about nature. We aim to pay tribute to "The Goddess of Ayothaya," which plays a crucial role in the Buddhist history of my country. I loved it since I saw the sketch. I even enjoyed wearing it a couple of times when I was in Thailand for the photoshoots and showcases I had to do.

Just as I thought everything would go well in today's performance, it's not the same with my personal issue.

I woke up earlier this morning, seeing posts and updates from various pageant sites that Samantha was here in El Salvador. I was shocked, of course. I was just on a call with her a few days ago, and now she's here. I wasn't informed, so I was really surprised about her sudden arrival.

Not to add that I also just read another one, saying that a famous Filipina actress arrived too and was invited by the Miss Universe Organization to grace the VVIP seat at their expense.

I didn't know what Max is doing. How could she easily get the chance for that big of a treatment? Does she know Miss Anne since the start?

I suddenly felt tired of thinking, so I grabbed the rice crispies I have with me. Michelle gave this to me before she had to leave, saying that she's sorry because she didn't tell me about the arrival of her two friends right after she got the news from Janina. I said it's okay because if I were her and I knew something about the past, I would've felt the same contemplation.

But this girl just can't seem to let it go. I saw her figure entering the room, scanning the place, as if looking for something. Her eyes landed on me and immediately waved energetically.

"Hi!" Michelle stood in front of me and gave me something. "Come on, accept this."

"Michelle, I said we're okay."

"I still feel the need to make it up with you because I still hid it from you," she said, explaining her side.

"Silly, it wasn't a big deal. I told you that I get where you're coming from." I paused and looked at the cup she had in her hand. "What is it?"

"Kiwi fruit tea. Your source of Vitamin C because you don't like orange, or you don't anymore? Anyway, I brought you this because I read somewhere that Vitamin C somewhat helps reduce joint pains. You'll be carrying a heavy costume for an hour; you need proper support for your body." She explained eloquently. I was wowed by everything she said.

"It won't attack this time."

"How would you know? Just take it, or if you don't like kiwi, I'll make anothe---"

"You made this?"

"Uhm.. yeah. I mean, just out of scrap."

I quickly grabbed it from her hands and instantly tried it in front of her.

"It tastes so good," I confessed and took another sip of it. "Wow, didn't know you have talent in this?"

"Is it for real? Is it actually not bad?"

"Not at all. This is just my taste." I took another sip; it really tastes like those you can order at tea shops.

"Thank you," she shyly said.

Adorable. Thoughtful. Exceeds effort even when she's busy. This is too much for me. This is more than in the limit of what could I intake.

I stared at her, who was looking at me with her usual bright smile and shy eyes.

I suddenly remembered how intense we pretended like we were cold and annoying to one another and like we've never constantly talked online in the past three years during our first days here in El Salvador.

Only to look at one another now like we have so much to say to each other but keep letting it be left unsaid.

"No, thank you for this. You're busy, but you had the time to even make this," I said as I held the cup carefully.

"It wasn't time-consuming naman. So I don't mind," she said and gave me a thumbs up. "And did you take supplements pala?"

My eyes suddenly went panic as I tried to remember if I do.

I didn't.

I guiltily looked at Michelle, who has her eyes somewhat judging me because she probably knows what I'm about to answer.

"I forgot," I honestly said and gave her a guilty smile.

"Hay nako, Anntonia." I didn't understand, but it was familiar. It's like an expression she always does when I do something that she disapproves when we were in Boracay.

"Khuṇ ǹā rạk keinpị c̄hạn mị̀ s̄āmārt̄h rạb mạn dị̂," I blabbered. "I'll be talking in my native language too so we won't understand one another."

"Huh? What was it?"

"Not telling you," I teasingly said to the curious Michelle. Her facial expression was funny because she looked like she wanted to learn what that meant.

[Translation: "You're too adorable. I can't take it.]

"Fine. But call me if you need anything, okay?"

"Are you gonna rush your way to me if I do?"

"I'll fly right to you. I am a plane."

That made me laugh so hard. I saw from my peripheral vision that Miss India looked in our direction, probably distracted by how loudly I laughed.

"Shh..." Michelle scolded me.

"Miss India was looking at you." I suddenly brought up. I tried to read Michelle's face; she just nodded and looked at me, but her face looked like she was cool with it.

"Maybe because I am with a noisy person."

I pretended to feel offended by what she said, and she just laughed at me, her smile reaching her eyes, almost like she was literally closing her eyes.

I really can't take it. Everything about her is so hard not to appreciate.

"Mhmkay! I'll get going. I still have to check my bad boy right there," she said, referring to the costume she has. "I'll see you later!"

"See you. Good luck, Dee," I said, tapping her hand that was holding mine.

I didn't even realize that her hands were there. It just felt too normal, like it's just right that it's there.

She smiled wider and waved one more time before she turned her back and walked away.

I really can't understand what's up. We're still so happy despite the news we received. Why are we acting like it does not affect the two of us when we're together?

I don't know anymore how Max's mind works, and it's scarier than facing the thousands of hyped crowds.

I just hope this isn't the calm before the storm.

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