Seasons

Turnover (A Special Chapter)

Michelle's POV:

(5 months after - March 2024)

"Celeste!" I yelled to grab her attention. I started running but remembered my heels and the danger they posed, so I switched to fast walking instead. Thankfully, she stopped midway, allowing me to catch up and match her pace.

"What's up?" she greeted, approaching me for a beso. "Looking alluring today, ha? Lalaban pa ata."

I just tapped her shoulders lightly, and we started walking together because Mama J wanted us to be there before the girls finished rehearsing.

"Anyway, Celeste..." I paused. "Last year when I was crowned, did you meet the panel of judges ahead of time? Or not?"

Celeste pinched her chin between her index finger and thumb, trying to recall the system at the Miss Universe Philippines 2023.

"I think so? But not all of them. They showed me a list, so I knew who they would be, but I only met all of them personally after your coronation," Celeste said, opening the door for us. My forehead creased as my curiosity grew about Mama J and Sir V keeping this secret from me. They called it a 'thrill.' Even Sam, Rhian's fiancé, who I'm sure will be on the panel, hasn't revealed anything to me.

"Why am I not allowed to know this year?" I asked in a low voice, almost a whisper, as if talking to myself.

Celeste's chuckle made me glance at her. I gave her a questioning look when I saw her grinning for no apparent reason.

"Worried about that actress, ano?" she teased. I knew she was referring to the Kapamilya artist linked to me last December.

Honestly, that didn't bother me. It was a pathetic rumor created by people with dull lives. I never had any connection with her or her family. Well, my mom and hers are close friends from what I've heard. But it's still a total nonsense, really. Luckily, the issue blew over quickly.

"Consequence of being linked to multiple women," I replied. We continued walking until we reached the backstage, where the entire MUPH team was monitoring the candidates' blocking on the TV.

"Hey, everyone!" I greeted when we saw them. Mama J approached and hugged us both. We greeted the other people present here before Miss Shamcey pulled me aside, while Celeste and Mama J chatted.

Miss Shamcey talked about various things: the gown Mark Bumgarner designed for me, the stage design and blockings, and a reminder about my farewell speech.

Two days from now, the Philippines will crown its new Miss Universe Philippines, who will compete in Mexico.

Mexico...

I dismissed that thought out of my mind for the meantime and informed everyone I was stepping out for a while. Janina recommended a coffee spot here when she hosted an event last month. That suggestion led me to the % Arabica Cafe here in Baywalk that she once mentioned.

I was wearing my sunglasses. I know that a guard and Don, who was part of my team, is just trailed close behind me in case I need something. They already know it when I want distance, so for sure they're staying a few steps away from me.

I entered the place and admired the warm, kitchen-like ambiance. It's also not that crowded even though it's already 10 in the morning. My eyes skimmed the place, appreciating the details, but I flinched when I sensed that I almost bump someone.

"Woah, sorry! I wasn't lookin—" I was frozen on the spot and was left speechless when I saw a familiar woman in front of me.

"Michelle?"