The Closer I Get To You

LOVE AND OTHER BRUISES

Anntonia's car got into a minor road accident on her way to the airport. And Michelle may or may not have almost had a heart attack upon learning about it.

Her driver, whom Ann said wasn't familiar with driving on the freeway, was speeding and missed the exit going to the airport. He attempted to take an illegal and unauthorised U-turn and collided with another vehicle coming from behind.

Her heart raced, her attention solely focused on her phone, trying to get a hold of her girlfriend. Even if the car had sustained only minor damages, Michelle still couldn't help but worry about Ann.

And to say that she was angry was an understatement. Oh, she was livid. How could someone be so reckless when they know they're driving with passengers inside the vehicle?

"Hello?"

"Baby, are you okay?" She asked. It didn't even bother her if Ann's team could hear her calling Ann with their term of endearment.

"I'm okay, b-darling. Just a little shaken from what just happened." Her voice was shaky and laced with fear.

"Do you want me to go there? I need to see if you're okay. You didn't get hurt, baby, did you?"

"You didn't have to. I'm okay. Just about to check-in. Don't worry, okay? I'll message you before boarding."

Michelle breathed a sigh of relief. She couldn't imagine what she would've done if something happened to her. The mere thought of losing Anntonia, not being able to see and touch her, was more than enough torture. What more if... if.. Michelle shook her head, dismissing the horrifying thought.

"Alright, good to know you're okay. I thought you got hurt, but I'm still so mad at your driver. How could he be so careless like that? I should've driven you to the airport."

Ann closed her eyes, sighing, grateful to hear Michelle's phone on the line. Though, she was having a hard time talking properly over the phone, because she's with her team. Not wanting anyone to hear who she was talking to.

"It's okay," she wanted to groan because she couldn't call her baby. "And you're going home soon as well. Get ready. I have to go, text me, okay?"

"Yeah, I will. I love you."

Silence.

Anntonia bit her lower lip to hide her smile, feeling giddy every time Michelle uttered those words. Too bad she couldn't say it back. Not when everyone could hear her, and she thinks her handler already had an idea who she was talking to.

"Y-you too, thank you. I feel better now."

Somehow, Michelle understood why Ann didn't say it back. Besides, she doesn't even need to say I love you back because she knows Ann loves her as much as she does.

—

After almost seventeen hours, her plane finally landed in Istanbul. She feels sluggish, though all she did was sleep during the flight, her mind thinking about a certain someone before drifting off to sleep.

"Do you want something to eat?" Her handler asked, "we still have another 9 hour flight to catch. Should we drop you off at Irfan's or at your parents' house?"

Shit. Neither are the best options. Right now, she just wanted a few days away from anyone so she could think properly and prepare herself before speaking with Irfan.

"I'll be staying at my parents' house. Thank you." She answered hesitantly. "Unfortunately, she planned a welcome home party for me when I just wanted to lie down and sleep."