Seasons

So, Why? (+ Flashback)

Michelle's POV:

"Are you seriously pushing me towards Max?" I sighed at the sight of Anntonia, who stood in front of me. She was so angry that she forgot to pause when she spoke.

I know it's my fault; I likely triggered her emotions without even realizing it. All I know is I hate seeing her look so victimized by a heartbreak she didn't deserve.

I hate to see her as collateral of someone else's grief. I understand Max's complexity, but pulling Anntonia into that dark side wasn't the best for either of them.

(FLASHBACK:
Ann's flight back to Thailand from Boracay)

"Max, we're about to go. Why aren't you preparing yet?" Sam, Janina, and I stood in front of Max's room door. There was only an hour and thirty minutes left before Ann's flight.

I glanced at my watch every minute. I had to show up. I had to tell her about my plans to join Miss Universe Philippines, probably two to three years from now. I wished to see her compete in Miss Universe Thailand, just as she told me last night during our critique of Miss Universe 2017 coronation.

In the short time we bonded with Anntonia, we got to know her other side, the humorous and weird side which has become something we grew fond of. We adored that side of Anntonia.

I snapped back when the door opened, but instead of Max, a topless man appeared. The three of us felt quite weirded out by his presence.

"Uh, where is Max?" Janina asked, awkwardly chuckling to appear casual and kind to the man.

"Oh, well, she's tired from last night," the guy said, bragging through his smirk.

Eww. That's totally the most disgusting thing ever.

"Uh, haha... is she awake?" Samantha struggled to say. Knowing Sam, she's been blunt. Hearing how she talks now is funny because she's trying not to sound sarcastic.

"I am." Max showed up, shoving the guy away. "What's up?"

I raised my eyebrow and looked at her with judgment. "What do you mean, what's up?"

"Max, we planned this," Janina said, trying to make her remember.

"What— Hey! Where are you going?" Max asked the guy, trying to block his way.

"I'm leaving." The guy nonchalantly replied.

"Hey, love! Stay."

Damn. This is what I'm saying.

The guy continued to leave, and Max was about to follow him, but I grabbed her wrist and made her face us.

"Are you seriously not showing up on Ann's last day here?" I said, shooting daggers at her angry eyes.

"You don't understand, Michelle. I love that man! So please, not now!" Max yelled at me.

"And Anntonia loves you! Don't you realize how much she hopes to see you before she bids her goodbye?" I yelled back.

"The fuck I care! She's not Pancho."

That statement almost made my ear deaf. It's like something was ringing on it. "Oh really?"

"Yes! And she'll never be as great as Pancho. She's not the one who satisfies me. She's not the one I crave for. She's just a friend! So stop pushing that hopeless romantic woman to me and let me g—"

She wasn't able to finish her insulting remarks when I pushed her; her back slamming against the door. I gritted my teeth, convincing myself to shut up, or else I'd say something I'd regret, potentially ruining our friendship.