The Closer I Get To You

BLEED TO LOVE HER

As William Shakespeare said, "Parting is such sweet sorrow." It couldn't be more true. When it's time for her to go, the couple couldn't help the tears fall. It's as if Michelle was having separation anxiety even before their last day in Mexico.

Mexico. The place that held so many memories for the both of them. Where they had the freedom to be together without thinking of any problems that may occur.

They both tried to ignore it, Anntonia especially, the looming storm that would happen eventually the minute she stepped out of the plane when she landed in Thailand. It scared her, that is much true. Yet, she feels at peace knowing that at the end of the line, a certain someone will be there waiting for her.

She hasn't heard from Irfan after their heated exchange of text messages. Ann knows that she was acting so cold towards him, though the man didn't know the real reason she's being like that.

It was cruel, because he didn't do anything bad towards her. He has always been very supportive of everything she wanted to accomplish, as she was towards him. And there's no easy way of ending what they have.

Sometimes when she's alone during her time in El Salvador, pondering things about everything that's happening between her and Michelle, there are times where she wishes that she's not with someone, because then the only problem they will have is the distance.

But then, a part of her felt like the cruellest person to break someone's heart just because she found someone new and fell in love with. Her heart breaks for their relationship because, even if it wasn't perfect, Anntonia was happy. The memories they've shared, it was all there.

Then along came the cool and collected, enchanting, beautiful, her love machine, and her walking-talking source of serotonin, that is one Michelle Marquez Dee.

Oh, how the things have changed the day they met each other. It only took one simple shaking of their hands, one earnest smile, and her world's already turning upside down.

Because really, how can you not fall in love with someone like her? God knows how hard she tried to bury her feelings, how it almost took everything from her to stop herself from feeling as strongly as she did for Michelle.

As their closeness developed, it was all she could ever think about. Imagining things, stepping into a boundary that she's not even allowed to step foot in. Because it would cause such a great heartbreak to everyone.

But that's how things are right now. She's in love, but not with the man she thought she'd spend the rest of her life with anymore.

—

El Salvador (Flashback)

They were seated by the staircase near the stage. It was another day of rehearsals. During the break, Michelle observed the people around her. Some girls were laughing and just goofing around, and her eyes landed on Anntonia.

After their talk that night in her room, after she watched her walk away. The girls were oblivious to what went on between them. No one asked why they were suddenly avoiding each other.

She watched from afar. Anntonia was singing a song playfully while the others laughed at her antics. The song was an upbeat one, causing her to dance and sway side to side; the others eventually joined in. Humming and singing right along with her.

At the end of her unserious 'performance', they applauded and cheered. Hoots ringing through the cheery atmosphere. As if their conversation the night before didn't just break both of their hearts. The anxiety they felt about going home soon, or probably losing the pageant, long forgotten and now replaced by excitement.