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The one where they jumped - 6

M

Michelle is a morning person if she wants to. She couldn't count the times she have watched the sunrise ever since she was young. But today is extra special. She cannot point it out, but she feels so giddy watching it today.

As planned, Michelle and Anntonia went early today to start the day early.

"I will never get tired of the beauty of the sunrise" Anntonia commented, looking at the sunrise. 

"And I'll never get tired of your beauty" Michelle said, smiling to herself as she looks at Anntonia, the sun hitting her soft skin slightly. "Kidding asside, so do I, even though I have watched it almost everyday of my life" Michelle said.

Anntonia just laughed and pretended she didn't hear the first part of what Michelle said. "Why, do you wake up early all the time?"

Michelle nodded. "Most of the time, yeah. A friend of mine... uhm, a friend of mine said it's good to wake up before banking time"

"Wise friend" Anntonia said. "I'm an early person as well, and I wake up even before bank time. I'll wake up for this everyday as well"

"Then let's do it!" Michelle exclaimed. "Let's roam around the town to watch the sunrise until it's time for us to go home"

There was a pang of pain that crossed Anntonia's face that Michelle saw and she could feel the same way. 

It maybe because they know when they go back to their lives, they will be back to their realities, or maybe because even after a few days knowing each other, they have grown accustomed to each other presence already  

"Yeah, let's do it" Anntonia answered, transferring her eyes from Michelle to the sunrise again.

—

Michelle doesn't know but Anntonia hasn't stopped bouncing her legs since they left the beach. She doesn't want to pry so she didn't ask.

But when it was the time for them to jump in the water, Anntonia stopped on her tracks. "I can't do it"

Michelle was confused. "Why? This was your idea"

"Yeah it was. I thought I can do it,but I can't" Anntonia answered as she retreats towards the middle of the boat.

"Hey, hey. What's the matter?" Michelle asked, concern.

"I am scared of the fishes"

"You're scared of the fishes?" Michelle repeated as if she couldn't believe what Anntonia was saying.

"The big ones! I'm good with the beach but seeing what's below.. I can't" Anntonia said.

"Have you tried diving?"

"No"

"Then I think it's the perfect time to do it" Michelle said. "I'm right here. I'll hold you and I won't let go. And if you still cannot do it, I'll still be here for you. We will talon together"

It took a solid minute for Anntonia to answer but it's not what made Michelle stopped on her tracks. It's what she said to her that let her think hard.

Michelle is scared of commitments. Maybe because all her life, she really wasn't able to do what her heart desires. It's second to her nature to be disconnected with a lot of things. Most especially if she haven't tried and tested it, just like her friendship with Anntonia.

She met the girl 3 days ago. Sure she knows that Anntonia is the most beutiful girl she has ever seen. Sure she enjoys her company. But it is the person Michelle is when she's with Anntonia. The person she really is and the person she wants to be. 

In 3 short days, the other woman is bringing out the best in Michelle like they have known each other for years.

If you ask her now why she's feeling this, Michelle doesn't have an answer. She probably would just say that she feels like it. Being with Anntonia is like taking photos for Michelle. She feels safe and herself. She's in her safe space.

"You promise?" Anntonia asked, worried.

Michelle nodded and offered her hand. "Yes I promise"

"I am a certified diver, so you don't have to be scared. You just follow me and you'll be good to go. I'll point at the best scenes so you can enjoy it, oki?" Michelle assured her again.

Anntonia nodded before she took a deep breath and held Michelle's hand. They slowly walked towards the end of the boat.

Anntonia gave Michelle a nervous smile before repeated what Michelle said earlier. "Talon!" before they both jumped to the water.

Michelle laughed as she heard Anntonia scream. For the last 3 days she know Anntonia, she always makes this weird noises wether a small yelp, an 'oh' or an 'ah' with every small inconveniences she faced but Michelle enjoys it nonetheless.

A

Fear of uncertainties. That's Anntonia's biggest fear. The moment she was born, her path has been laid out already for her. When the time comes, she will lead her country as the queen but before then, she will learn how to be the best leader she can be.

Not knowing what to do next is the worst thing that can happen to a leader, hence, Anntonia has never been in such position. The sea is deep, God knows what's down below. Anntonia is pretty sure there's at least a thousand of species that are still unknown in the ocean. That scares her so much.

But when she saw and heard the sincerity in Michelle, she felt safe. For the first time, she felt that she can venture into the unknown and still be okay after. She appreciate Michelle so much that it led her to decide to face her fears.

It was indeed her idea to do diving for today's activity but only because she thought Michelle will enjoy it. For the past 3 days, she have this impression on the taller girl as an adrenaline junkie. Of course, she also saw the big bike Michelle owned so you really have to have an adrenaline junkie side of you to drive that big thing.

When the time came that they have to jump, she thought she really can't do it. She was even ready to cry.

The whole time they were diving, Michelle kept her promise of not letting Anntonia go. It was definitely hard for Michelle to swim with only one free hand, but not even a second she has broken her promise. She really do not break her promises as she said to her earlier.

The moment they went up to the boat after their diving activity. Anntonia threw herself at Michelle for a hug.

Michelle momentarily lost her balance but was able to regain hers when she held Anntonia's back to stabilize them both. "Woah woman!" Michelle said laughing.

"Michelle! Thank you so much! That was the best thing ever!" Anntonia claimed happily.

Michelle chuckled. "I'm glad you enjoyed! Let's do this again?"

Anntonia smiled but shook her head. "Maybe not too soon, but I can try to talon again only if I'm with you!"