My world, My Universe

Chapter 25

ANTONIA'S POV

Me and Michelle talked about everything, from our favourite childhood memories to our dreams for the future. Out of nowhere, Michelle asked me about Irfan, my best friend and my first love.

"Where is he now?" She asked, glancing slightly at me.

"Who?" I asked her with a frown

"Your best friend." She replied

I didn't answer right away. She glanced at me when I didn't speak.

"I'm sorry if I asked. Just don't answer if you don't feel comfortable talking about it." She said, looking seriously at the road

"He just came back to the Philippines four days ago." I said

"Do you still have feelings for him?" She asked while still looking at the road

"I don't know. Maybe when we meet again, I can tell if I still have feelings for him." I answered her seriously. She just nodded but didn't speak again.

I really don't know if I still have feelings for Irfan. I'm happy because he's back, but it's not enough to say that I still love him.

"You? Do you still love her?" I asked. I was surprised by the word that came out of my mouth, but it was too late to take it back.

"No. Sorry. Don't an-." I said. but before I could finish what I was going to say, she cut it off

"Honestly, I don't even know. Right now, I'm trying to forget her and move on. But what if every time I think about her, I can't help but be hurt, especially when I remember the happy days we spent together. I loved her so much. She became my life, my everything. My world revolved around her, but that world collapsed when she left me. I can't help sometimes. I feel longing to see her again, but I'm afraid what if I still love her, but it's not possible anymore because she's tied to someone else. So there is nothing I can do now but accept the fact that we are not meant for each other. Even though it's painful and difficult, I need to move on." Michelle answered, she was full of emotions.

I didn't speak, but I can't deny that I'm hurt by the possibility that she still loves Rhian. I could feel the pain in every word she uttered. Why did I even ask that? What a fool I am.

I wanted to cry, but for what? "Yes," I love her. That's why I'm in hurt, but I'm not in a position to do that. Maybe she would be surprised to see me crying, so I suppressed the tears that were coming from my eyes.

I felt that there was an underlying tension in the air, a silent acknowledgement of the unspoken feelings between me and Michelle.

We were just teasing each other and talking a while ago. But now a deafening silence enveloped us. No one wants to break the silence.

As we drove, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

In the corner of my eyes, I observe Michelle. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful Michelle looked in the soft, golden light. I cleared my throat, trying to dismiss the flutter of nerves in my stomach.

As the car climbed higher into the hills, I stole glances at Michelle, lost in the way the sunlight played against her skin.

A few minutes more when we reached our final destination - The beach, with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters coming into view.

"What a beautiful place," I breathed. My eyes wide with wonder, as I looked at Michelle.

'Beautiful, just like this woman I'm with' In my thought

"Just like you, Antonia,"Michelle said as she pulled over to the side of the road

My gaze snapped to Michelle, surprise flickering in my eyes, and immediately I looked away and started to giggle