Seasons

One Step At A Time

Anntonia's POV:

"Aaaaaaah!"
 

I flinched when a candidate behind me suddenly screamed so loudly. I turned around to check who it was, and I saw Miss France shaking her hands repeatedly and jumping a little to probably release the tension she was feeling.
 

Few minutes from now, and we will be live. All of us were wearing cute and classy Clarisse designs for our opening dresses. Thanks to MUBA as well for our glam look. They are definitely doing their job so professionally.
 

The majority of the girls were already practicing their breathing exercises and praying. They were lined up, getting ready, and waiting for the signal from the staff to enter the stage. The other girls were still being accommodated by the glam team for their hair and make-up.
 

I was just listening to the music and dancing a little bit to it. I was calm and doing well compared to my mood earlier this day.
 

My eyes went to the monitoring TV that was featuring the crowd waiting for us to come out. There are a lot of different flags that were being waved by the people to show their support. I smiled when the camera caught my national director and the Miss Universe Thailand team. They were looking more nervous than me.
 

Then suddenly, the monitor was featuring the backstage. It caught Miss Nicaragua, who immediately noticed the camera, so she gracefully danced to entertain the people watching.
 

The camera continued to roam around, and it caught Miss India. She blew a kiss, and Miss Colombia went to her side to join her, and they were laughing. 
 

They looked so pretty. 
 

Then suddenly, this very fine woman appeared on the monitor. She wasn't looking at the camera; she was busy helping Miss Peru put bronzers on her clavicle. Miss Peru pointed at the camera, so Michelle stopped what she was doing and waved at the camera too. She even winked before the camera shifted to another group of women.

I didn't realize I was smiling the entire second that she appeared on the screen. I have too much appreciation for her details. The curves, the thoughtfulness to help Miss Peru, her short hair that was gelled perfectly and neatly, her make-up that complements her oriental beauty, her commanding smile, and everything.
 
 
I suddenly thought of coming to her. So I started walking. I stopped at the full-sized mirror and checked how I looked. I fixed my hair to emphasize its volume and traced my dress, which perfectly hugged my figure.
 

I continued to walk and tried to find where the P group was, but when I was on the way to the right side, I overheard a conversation between two familiar women.
 

"Yuck. Stop flirting with me!" 

"I'm just telling you that I know you'll do well. That wasn't flirting."
 
"It is for me."
 
"Then it's in your mind. Don't worry, if I am satisfied with my performance tonight, I'll date you after."
 

Uhm...?

I suddenly felt like my throat was too dry. I think I also got myself sweating.
 

Because, wow.. I don't even think I am allowed to hear that. Feels illegal to eavesdrop.
 

I was about to scream when someone pulled my wrist to pull me away in that spot, but the woman was quick to shut me up by placing her index finger on my lips.

"Hey."

Damn. Why is she always showing up before I even look for her?

"Hi."

I don't know what was running through her mind, and I do hope she doesn't know what's mine too. She was just staring at me like she's memorizing my face, while I stared at her, knowing so well that I could freely look at her so dearly.
 

I just don't know how she'll perceive the way I act around her or if she'll be attentive enough to notice the changes in the little things I do for her, but I am actually proud of being honest with what I feel.

After all, there's really no point in hiding. Whatever happens, she made my Miss Universe journey and even my healing journey the best of the best.

She's literally my rock, and she's been the most consistent.

"Why are we suddenly acting so awkward?" I awkwardly chuckled because no one was talking. We're just looking at one another's faces, and no one plans to even break the ice.
 

"Are we? I was just questioning you for looking like you're spying on something there." She said, pointing at the place where I was from before she pulled me.
 

I suddenly felt excited again. I opened my mouth to say something and tell her the gossip I wanted to report, but I was trying to process it, so I looked like I didn't have a voice as I tried to explain it through my hand gesture.
 

Michelle, on the other hand, was looking at me like she was about to burst out laughing. She was following the gestures of my hand before she touched it, stopping it from continuously moving nonsense. "Anntonia, you can talk. Why do sign languages all of a sudden?"
 

I really want to tell her, but I thought that the people involved might be really secretive and not approve of letting others know.
 

I was just excited because it's our roommates. The plot twists in this competition are too dramatic.
 

"Now you're grinning? Are you still okay?" Michelle said to bring me back to my senses.
 

"Of course I am. Just excited." I responded.
 

"If that's the case, then let's do this?" She said to hype the both of us up. I quickly nodded and shook my body to get rid of the cold.
 

She lifted her hands, and I did the same to give her a high five. She intertwined our hands when they touched, and she looked directly into my eyes.
 

Does she even know what she's doing to me? It's insane.

"Good luck, Thailand." She said with her normal deep voice that she uses only if she's getting carefree and comfortable.
 

"Best of luck too, Filipinas." I energetically said to lift her spirit up. I mean, she can do this without me saying this, but because of too much energy, I'd love to be her cheerleader.

"Michelle!" Miss Peru suddenly yelled to call Michelle's attention, so I patted her arm to encourage her to go quickly.
 

"I have to go. Gotta complete the P group." She said. I nodded.
 

She waved at me, but before she even stepped away from me, I called her again. "Wait!"
 

"Hmm?" 
 

"...." I was thinking of what I should say because I was suddenly mentally blocked. "Uh.. I forgot. Oh my gosh, I'm so---"
 

Wha.. What just happened?
 

"Had to do it before I left. That's my way of wishing you good luck."
 

She then again waved her hand at me and hurried to the other side to join their line. 
 

My chest was heaving as I touched my right cheek. I am not exaggerating, but I feel like my veins will pop out and my heart will explode.
 

She just kissed me on the cheek...?

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A/N:
Niloloko ko lang talaga sarili ko. No updates daw amp eh lagi namang dito ang bagsak ko sa mga oras na 'to. XD

Last na talaga. Tulog na mga ineng. Good night :)