Second Chances

Chapter 15

The rest of the week was a blur—everything happened all too quickly—and just like that, the Miss Universe pageant ended.

The new Miss Universe had been crowned, and just like that, PorDee's iconic hosting gig was over.

It was time to face the music.

...

It was the morning after the MU finale. Their flight was this evening—separate flights to separate places, Anntonia's subconscious yelled at her.

Anntonia's heart pounded, her heartbeat drumming loudly in her ears, as she watched Michelle pack her stuff into her suitcase.

Michelle wanted to get everything ready, so they could spend the day together before they had to go. The girl was excited to spend some quality time, though brief, especially after the hectic days of the pageant.

But Anntonia couldn't focus on that. All she could focus on was her girlfriend, the suitcase she was packing, and the implications of all that.

It was deja vu.

Her mind flashed back to 3 years ago, to that last night in Mexico.

It actually felt a lot happier that time, because they had plans to meet again at some point and they were so sure they would. Nothing was amiss. That night of packing was full of hope and promises—promises that were eventually broken and unfulfilled.

Anntonia knew it's a different situation this time around, but she can't help it. It seemed like she still has this unresolved PTSD, this fear that once they leave this place, that they'll never see each other again.

And that thought scares her to her core. The first time was already devastating, and she never fully recovered—not until they reconciled again 3 damn years later. She doesn't think she could survive it if Michelle left her again. Not even time would be able to heal that heartbreak.

She thought back on Michelle and Melissa's relationship that ended in a break up because of 'the distance', as Michelle worded it.

What if Mich gets tired of the long distance? What if she thinks I'm not worth it anymore? What if she finds someone else when I'm not there?

There were too many what if's and maybe's.

Anntonia's thoughts consumed her, and unbeknownst to her, she was starting to panic—her breathing quickening as the ringing in her ears grew louder.

"Baby?"

The heavy breathing immediately caught Michelle's attention and she rushed to Anntonia's side.

She didn't touch her, though. She knew a panic attack when she sees one, because she had gone through them herself, and the last thing she wanted to do was scare Anntonia into herself even more.

Instead, she knelt down in front of Anntonia, who was sitting at the foot of the bed.

"Ann, baby... it's me, it's Mich," she whispered.

The girl was clutching at her chest, "M-Mich..."

"That's right, babe. I'm here. Focus on my voice, love. You're okay. You're safe."

Anntonia gingerly nodded, her breathing still quick and staggered. Tears blurred her vision, and there were too many noises, too many—

"Hey, hey," Michelle slowly called her back. "Stay with me, love. Can I hold your hand?"

The Thai woman nodded again.

Michelle gently unclenched the girl's fists. She took both her hands in hers, her grip tender but reassuring. She took their hands to her own chest, kissing her knuckles.