Seasons

Do Me A Favor

Anntonia's POV:

Michelle and I just ended our call because she kept convincing me that I have to eat so that I would be energetic for the rest of the last rehearsal day.

I don't want to stress her out more because I know that she's still being targeted by the suspicious eyes of Max. She's already having a hard time.

"Let's go?" Miss Laos stood up from her seat.

I don't want to go. I sense something.

I pushed that feeling away and followed Miss Laos. I really have to eat or else I might collapse later. The temperature of the arena makes me so weak and it's giving me a runny nose.

I almost bumped Miss Laos' back when she suddenly stopped on her way out. I was about to ask her what is wrong but my mood dropped when this woman appeared.

"Go ahead, Miss Laos." She said and diverted her gaze at me. "Get inside, Ann."

I clinched my fist upon hearing Max. What's up now? What does she want?

Miss Laos looked at me worriedly.

I can't feel anything. I just looked at her blankly. She's still looking at me like she's trying to earn any reaction from me, but no one came. I am just so tired of dealing with Max. I don't think I'm still capable of feeling any emotions when she's around.

I nodded my head to signal Miss Laos that it was okay and that she could go ahead and leave me.

She was contemplating leaving me, but I already pulled Max inside our room and locked the door, probably leaving Miss Laos puzzled by what I was actually wanting to express.

"Wow, aggressive. I like that." Max said as she crossed her arms across her chest, like she's being turned on by what I just did.

"What is it, Max?"

"Nothing. I just want to see your pretty face."

"Cut it, Max."

"Calm down, my woman. I have something to tell you, actually." She said as she held my hand and soothed me like she was comforting me.

You're doing the exact opposite, Max.

"Finals tomorrow night, correct?" Max said, like she's talking to someone who does not have common sense. Her tone is insulting. She's really up to something.

"Yes." I just automatically reacted, like a puppet.

"I am letting you meet your great Dee for tonight."

I felt my face starting to relax, and my eyes were probably brighter than the soulless eyes I used to show Max. I feel myself rejoicing internally.

But knowing how crazy her mind works, I know she either does not mean it or she's making me fall into her trap. That thought alone ruined the happiness I felt for a second.

"Why aren't you happy?" Max asked, and I am probably right. Her tone alone sounds super fake, like she's planning something I would not like.

"What are you doing?" I asked her to question her suspiciousness.

"I am doing you a favor." She sarcastically said in a soft manner.

"Max, please. Let's stop this game of yours. I'm tired already."

"That's why I am letting you see your Dee. Why don't you take my offer?"

"What do you want in return?" I weakly asked, hoping that she just wanted to do something good for me for once.

"So, you will take it?" She said with force in her voice, like she's back to threatening me again.

I just sighed. I knew it. Her mind works so differently.

"Kidding. You can actually go see your very, very, very good friend." Max said, closing our distance. "But you'll only see her because you'll cut ties with her. It's like a farewell, hmm?"

"I knew it." I scoffed in disbelief. This is just too much. Just who does she think she is to control me for who I want to stay in my life?

"Do you hear me? You'll cut ties with that woman. You guys are so hardheaded, aren't you? You always find a way to do something not to my liking."

"I won't." I said firmly, not wanting to be the subject of her controlling habit this time.

"Oh, wow. You're fighting back. Do you want me to do something about her plac--"

"Stop."

"No, Anntonia. You stop." She points her index finger at me. "If Deedee won't listen to me, I expect you to not do the same, hmm?"

"Max, stop. You're hurting me."

"You do, babe. You're hurting yourself because you're not listening to me."

"Max..."

"Listen. I'll give you the entire night, okay?" Max held my shoulders and rubbed it. "Tomorrow, I want whatever the two of you have.. gone." Max then smiled.

She stepped backward to give me the space I've been longing to have. It took me a second of zoning out before realizing that she's been doing me wrong.

A drop of tears fell from my eyes without me noticing that I was already teary-eyed.

I am starting to feel numb. I don't like feeling nothing and getting used to whatever Max does to me. I don't wish to be this weak and powerless.

How can I be a potential Miss Universe if I can't speak up for myself at this time?

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A/N:
If u guys are asking me if igo-ghost q ba i2 if ever mapagod na rin me magsulat, gusto ko lang ulit kau i-assure na my answer is No. Matatag 'to, guys. Hinubog na ng mga pinaka-lubog na ships, eme. Big baby ko 'tong book na 'to bcoz it's my first time to actually write more than 40 chapters para sa isang book given na I have a short attention span.

Plus, I know that y'all can sense na we're nearing the end. Of course bibigyan natin ang PorDee ng ending na deserve nila.

Guys, three months isn't that long, sa totoo lang. Good things happen to those who can wait. (Ang Tugon: PorDee Continuation Soonest. 🙏)