Seasons

Quality Time

Michelle's POV:

The day went really fast for our second day in Mexico. I did enjoy strolling on the roads of the museums and art galleries, as well as touring, but we can't take more of that today. The sun is scorching hot, and it makes my head ache again. So did Anntonia; she was complaining that she's feeling dizzy, so we requested to come back to the hotel earlier than the other girls. Thankfully, we were permitted.

Not to add that I was also bothered. Anntonia was talking about the essence of immortalization that any painters and historians do to keep the history or a specific subject alive. It's as if she's talking about death too.

Or maybe I was just overanalyzing everything?

"Dee," Anntonia called while we were on the bus heading back to the hotel. I looked up because I was lying my head on her shoulder for the entire ride.

"Yes?"

"I love you."

I unconsciously held my blazer a bit tighter when I felt different emotions rising. There's this happy feeling, but there's also fear.

"Wha-"

I wasn't able to finish what I was about to say when she leaned forward to give me a peck on my lips. She detached right away and looked around to see if anyone saw that.

As for me, I couldn't care less about the other people, but I do know that it is still risky on the sides of both of us.

Anntonia closed her eyes and crossed her arms, indicating that she's about to rest already. I was still in quite shock of what she did, but I was able to recover. "I love you, Anntonia."

I saw the side of her lips rise up. She didn't open her eyes nor say anything, and it's making me feel anxious. "I love you more than enough to wish for you to stay. In every aspect, I hope you stay," I said, trying to send her the message that I don't like the way she acts like she's low-key bidding goodbye.

I went back to my previous position when she didn't say anything in response. I do feel that my heart was racing, and it wasn't the normal state.

The ride wasn't that long. We arrived at the hotel, and the staff and our team that came with us assisted us as we stepped out of the bus. They were on a rush because they still have to go back to the tour since the remaining girls are still there. However, Anntonia and I took our time and walked slowly, not forcing our bodies.

We reached our hotel room, and our respective teams reminded us about the medicine tablets and foods they left. We just thanked them before going in. I closed the door right after I said goodbye to Mama J, and I heard a loud noise behind, so I turned around only to hear and see Anntonia making these noises like she was struggling to take off her shoes.

"Untie the lace kasi," I commented. She just pouted and ignored my suggestions. Anntonia plumped her body on the bed with her arms spread like a bat. I shook my head and kneeled down to untie the laces of her shoe before I took it off.

She was so silent that I had to take a peek at her face closer. However, I was distracted by her top, so I did the buttons of her blazer to cover her chest. That's when I only realized she was sleeping.

I let her be, afraid to wake her up and touch a part of her body with sensitive muscle parts.

After changing my pants with more comfortable joggers and leaving only my bra as I wear my bathrobe, I went back to the bed, and Anntonia was already in a better position. She was even hugging her spare pillow.

I stared at her while she was sleeping. She looks peaceful, and you can't tell that she's going through something really tough. It breaks my heart to see her in a state that makes me forget that there's an external pain she has to deal with.

My eyes landed on the guitar I was able to borrow from Darrick's friend who works here in the hotel. I quickly got it from the side and started to tune it. I was just messing up with the keys when a song suddenly entered my head.

I strummed the chords of this one song by Pamungkas that I absolutely love. I was just playing, completely uninterested to sing the lyrics, not until I reached the ending part. I heard Anntonia humming at first, and without opening her eyes, she started singing.

"Would you just take me home?" She beautifully sang. I continued strumming so that she wouldn't stop. "Would you just love me long?"

"I'd gladly bring you with me to my home country if you'd love to," I said when I stopped playing the guitar.

"I would love to, but let me come back to my beloved country first." She chuckled, still not opening her eyes.

"Sure. Basta the invite was already sent."

"Will be there sooner or later since you asked so nicely." She joked. This time, she stood up from lying down and rested her back on the headboard instead. "Last day tomorrow."

My smile dropped, and I feel like my whole energy went drained. I do miss the Philippines, that's for sure. But it's... it's different. Anntonia and I managed to stay connected in the past three years, but now, it really is different.

"The gala event for the night, and you'll have to finish packing because your flight will be at 9 in the morning, right?"

"Right."

"Yeah."

"Mhm."

An awkward silence filled the atmosphere. I just smiled at how obvious it was that we have so many things we'd like to say to one another but opted not to.

"Is your bed good for two?" Anntonia said, breaking the silence. I tilted my head in confusion, but after a while, I understood what she meant.

"Good enough for you and me." I told her while smiling. She left her bed and immediately grabbed her clothes to change and headed to the bathroom. I just stared at the closed door of the bathroom as I wait for Anntonia to go out.

The door opened, and she appeared with her white tee and jersey shorts. She jumped on my bed and hugged my waist. I warmly welcomed her with a tighter hug as I rub her back through my palms. "Don't miss me that much." I teased. She just scoffed before she looked up. Our faces are inches away, and I've been used to this. I really don't have any idea how I would deal with my separation anxiety after tomorrow.

We spent the entire day plumped on my bed, with the mere awareness that tomorrow will be the last day that we could be like this.

------------------------------------------------------