Seasons

Alliance

Michelle's POV:

"Ano na, girl? Hindi pa ba enough ang lambingan time niyo?" Samantha asked on the other line.

This is the reason why we've had the chance to stay like this for almost two hours already, because this other best girl who was calling me promised that she would distract Max.

Samantha came to El Salvador earlier than Max but couldn't settle everything. She faced inconvenience because she forgot to book a hotel ahead of time. When she arrived, she didn't know where to stay. She tried booking at hotels near our place, but most were fully booked due to tourists watching Miss Universe.

She had to settle for a hotel a bit far from us, so she had to take a ride back and forth, and I feel guilty because it was undoubtedly stressful.

"Anntonia is sleeping," I responded, looking at Anntonia who rested her head on my chest and is now sleeping peacefully.

"Girl, I really can't do this anymore! Max has been so handful! Thankfully, I found someone here to help me," Samantha complained.

"Eh? Who?"

"I don't know her name, but her sash says Indonesia."

Aww, Fab.

"You met my roomie!" I told Sam. Anntonia moved a bit, so my hands automatically touched her gently to assure her she still has me.

"Oh, this was your roommate? She's too funny! She's been introducing the girls passing by like she's making a reto to Max." Samantha paused. "I wanted to laugh, but this whole thing is stressing me out."

"I'm sorry, Sam. A few more minutes, please. Anntonia has to rest." I pleaded. I heard Samantha sigh on the other line. I know she understands.

"Fine. We'll take care of this," Samantha said, so I was able to calm down.

"What's happening there?"

"Heto, she's looking for Ann even though she's been introduced to the gorgeous girls."

"Sabihin mo wala, taken na."

"What?!"

"Woah woah, calm down," I quickly said to stop Samantha from reacting more. "I was just kidding."

"Mukha ba akong nakikipag-joke sa'yo?" Samantha said over the call. I wanted to laugh because the stress was so evident.

"Sorry na nga."

"Mas nakaka-stress pa taguan niyo ng feelings kaysa i-distract si Max eh," she whispered.

"Sam, I told her," I carefully said, so Samantha wouldn't scream and react exaggeratedly.

"You told her what?" She asked, confused.

"What I feel," I said. I heard a gasp on the other line, and it made me smile. Surprising it is, right?

"Are you for real, or is this a joke again?" Samantha asked, obviously not trusting what I was saying.

"It's true," I paused and looked at Anntonia. "I am happy."

"Aww, Deedee. I feel like tearing up."

"I know. It feels good to be honest about how you feel."

"Right? Years of being in denial, and you found the courage to tell her the truth right in the middle of this chaos," Samantha said, making me more sentimental about the confession.

"It was totally worth it, Sam. It took us a really, really, really long time before we did."

"You girls, your love story is too beautiful."

"I just hope no one would attempt to block us from moving forw——"

"Pinagsasabi mo? Eh nandito nga," Samantha irritatingly said, and that made me laugh. "Papainggit ka pa, hirap na hirap na ako rito."

"I can picture you rolling your eyes," I commented.

"Because I am!"

"Fine, bye na! I'll text you if Anntonia woke up soonest."

"Sige. Pakasaya ka, Deedee. Utang mo 'to sa akin."

"Thanks, Sam. You're the best. I owe you a lot."

"Just make sure that the two of you won't go through the same heartbreak you had to endure with your best friends in the past. You girls are my last straw!" Samantha said. I heard her voice crack, as if she was getting emotional.

"Tama na, iyakin."

"Pag ako, iyakin. Pag si Ann, baby. Favoritism talaga," she complained. Samantha was extra funny if she's teasing the two of us.

"Malamang, crush ko 'to eh." I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling, or else I'll hurt my cheek from smiling too much.

"Ay wow? Sobrang coward mo pa lang nung isa? Grabe, there's really something in the air of El Salvador."

"What do you think it is?" I asked, riding on Samantha's antics.

"Basta something that makes the losers like you have the courage to take the risk," she bluntly said. Although she wouldn't see it, I made a face to mock Sam.

"Okay, say whatever you want to say. I'll have to go na for real."

"Alright. Bye! I got you, okay? Take your time with her, Deedee!" Samantha said.

I really can't thank Sam and Fab enough for all the things they did just to support me and Anntonia. They have been exerting too much effort even though I don't ask them to do so.

The call ended. I was feeling sleepy too, so I closed my eyes to take a rest.

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I woke up to the warm feeling of someone hugging me from behind. I opened my eyes and realized that I was only hugging a pillow, but when I turned around, I saw a captivating woman embracing me as she tapped my stomach.

"Hi."

The woman smiled at me. She leaned forward and kissed me on my cheek.

Hala...?

"Sorry, can't help it." Anntonia started smiling as if her plan was successful and she'd been wanting to do that.

"Wow, you're fighting back." I said as I pulled her closer so that she could embrace me more.

"You're too clingy, Dee." She chuckled.

Mangangalay na ata pisngi ko kakangiti. I've been really happy since we entered this room of mine. It feels like it's just us, and we filled this room with love and honesty.

"Anntonia," I paused, trying to find the right words to say. As much as I don't want to ruin the vibe and end this moment, we have to go back and face what we left just two hours ago. "We have to go back later."

"I know." It made me sad when I sensed fear and disappointment in her voice.

"I am just behind you in case you feel unwell, okay?"

"I'll take note of that." She said, tightening her embrace at me like she doesn't want to let go.

"You're such a baby, a big baby to be exact."

"Are you complaining?"

"Not a bit." I turned around so that I could face her, so we now have more access to stare at one another.

She wrapped her right arm around my neck, and I took that chance to bury my face in her chest. This feels like home; I find it so comfortable to be this close with Anntonia.

The moment we step out of this room, I know we will behave differently, completely opposite to what we're doing right now.

So I want to stay present in the moment, before I remind myself that I must wait till the night comes, and it will be my time to take care of her again.

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