Seasons

Sore in the Eye

Michelle's POV:

"You know what? I'm done. Let's leave." Fabienne attempted to stand up, but I was able to grab her wrist and pull her back before she did.

"What are you talking about? We're rehearsing," I reminded her.

"Are you seriously letting yourself see this? Aren't you satisfied with the reason why you're wearing sunglasses right now?" Fab pointed at me like she's scolding me.

"Fab, it's no big de—"

"Are you hearing yourself? Haven't you realized that you look like a mess last night?" She paused and tapped my shoulder. "You can't convince me that you are well. I saw how it broke you last night."

"You saw nothing."

"Well, to be fair, I didn't see you cry. But you acted worse than crying. You were smiling, trying to accept what's happening, but you're existing like it's killing you."

"Fab, I just want her to be safe. You know that, from the very beginning."

"I know it so well. I saw them so clearly. That's why I am telling you that the rest you could do for yourself is save yourself from being completely wrecked."

"Are you thinking that I am jealous?"

"Jealous is such a shallow word to express what you feel. I know you feel way more than that."

"I do agree, actually..." I weakly confessed. Fabienne's wisdom since last night never fails to make me realize things.

"Oh my god! Finally! I thought I had to kick you back to kindergarten school just to learn how to be not so clueless about everything." Fabienne commented as she massaged her temples.

"You're talking as if I'm that naive."

"Excuse me, woman? Obviously, you are. Hello?"

We stayed silent when the lights got dim and the LED lights were dominating the space. The promotional ads played on the big screen, and the MUBA ad played.

I weakly smiled when Anntonia's face appeared. It was the same exact day that she came to me; her eyes were hurting, and I felt her pain so much. That was the day I ought to be by her side for as long as she wants me to.

My eyes roamed the room, and they landed on the right side of the VVIP seats. I could only see their backs, but Anntonia was sitting there, and Max's arms were around her shoulders.

I smiled bitterly at the view.

I can't take this anymore.

Why did I never think that I would feel this way? Three whole years of friendship, most of them staying in touch online, and I did not realize what I would actually feel if this time comes when she would be back in Max's arms.

We were just so comfortably finding our way to each other's embrace in the past days, then suddenly, I can't think of ways on how could I be with her the same way I had her before Max came.

That was really the calm before the storm. The peak before its landslide downfall.

"Michelle, please. We can excuse you."

"Fab, we have to rehearse. There are only two days left before the coronation."

"Fuck it."

"Calm down."

"How could I if I am seeing you in that state? You can't even acknowledge the feelings you have for that woman, and now another pain is hitting you!"

"Fab, tone down your voice," I reminded her because she's starting to speak loudly.