Traversing through time to find you

(Michelle POV)

Gods, does Anthony see me that way too? Like, if he didn't, then why did he serve me some food too? Wah! Stop, stop! Maybe he's just being nice? Well, whatever it is, I have a chance! I am totally positive that he must have fallen for my charm!

Wah!!!! I knew it! If I tried the first time, then maybe we would have… ugh, no, it's better that we didn't. because if we did, then I don't think I would have been able to handle his death.

Anyhow, I briefly looked at my watch. Ah, 9:55, we still have a few minutes together! What do I do? What do I say? Oh yeah! The ginseng!

I opened my bag and brought out the box. I looked at him who looked like he was having a hard time to breathe because of being too full. Well, he did eat a lot.

"Uhm… Anthony, before I forget… this is from my mother…" I said as I handed him the box of ginseng.

"She didn't have too. I mean, the food was enough. Now, I feel embarrassed." Anthony replied as he received the box.

I just shook my head. "No, no, it's alright. I mean, it's nothing much."

(Third POV)

Anthony felt that he should do something for her somehow in exchange. He wondered what. Then, he chuckled "Ok… by the way, are you attending Andy's birthday next week?"

'Wait, why is he asking that? Would he ask me to be his date? Wahhh I'm not ready!!!! Oh! Who am I kidding? I am more than ready!' Michelle thought, but of course, she did not say that. "Yes… how about you?" she replied.

"Yes, I'm attending too. Have you gotten him a gift already?" 

'Why? Will you shop one with me this weekend!? Sure sure! I'm all up for that!' she thought.

"Ah… not yet… I was thinking of getting one this weekend… but… I'm a bit troubled as I don't know what to get him…" she answered, while in her mind, she was already chanting, 'come on, please please bite the bait. Ask me out, ask me out!!!'

Anthony grinned. Well, at least this way he could give her some pointers and they can call it quits. "Hmmm, as one of his closest friends, I should say that Andy is quite easy to please. I mean, he likes almost everything. But since he's able to buy many things, he would appreciate a gift with more sentimentality. Something personalized would be good."

Michelle did not know if she should frown. Uh, personalized? She knew that already, but she wants to spend time with Anthony! Then again, the weekend was the week before their evaluation exams, what if he blames her when he fails their English exam?

"Ah… thank you very much for that…" she replied as she smiled at him gratefully. So… what now? Can she now ask what type of girl he likes? She shook her head. No way. "So… I am not very familiar with… with how Andy's birthday party goes… what should I be prepared for?" she asked.

Anthony frowned remembering last year. Really, was Michelle ready to attend something like that? She's so shy. What if she gets a culture shock? The answer was quite simple really, booze, partying, girls on skimpy outfits, dancing, well, normal party. He felt a bit awkward telling her those.

"Well, Andy's parties are usually full of surprises. As what to be prepared for… since this year would be on a yacht, perhaps a swimming attire and an evening dress?" he tried.

"I see… uh… have you tried studying for the evaluation exams?" Michelle shifted the topic. Argh. Her question was stupid. Like it's a friggin party obviously.

"A little. How about you?" Anthony replied. Well, not really, he's not a big fan of studying too much. He prefers going for some extracurricular activities.

"Just a little too." She replied as she smiled at him. Well, at least now, it seems like they did have something in common.

Anthony chuckled, well, he did catch her not listening in class. "We should." He suggested jokingly.

Michelle felt it funny. "Definitely." She answered. Wait, should they study together!? This is it! her chance! She took a deep breath. Then, she looked at him pleadingly. Here goes! "Uh… will you… help me?"

Anthony blushed. How could he help her? He sucked himself! He was no genius.

'Did he really blush!? Gosh! He must like me too!' Michelle thought wanting to celebrate.

"It would be fine, but I'm not so good myself… perhaps you should ask Andy?" he tried.

'Ugh… ouch!!!! Did I just get… rejected? No, what he said makes sense. Both of us are taking basic English while Andy is taking Regular English. Don't lose hope!'

Anthony thought that Michelle was too shy to ask Andy herself. Honestly, Andy likes her not that he's telling her anytime soon. Come to think of it, it would be a good idea as he would be doing them both a favor. Honestly, which girl did not like Andy when he started courting them? Andy would thank him too. Two birds in one stone.

"If you like, I can ask him for you?" he offered.

'How could there be an angel as nice as Anthony in this world?' Michelle thought, thinking that he was so nice to her. However, she can't let him ask Andy for her, she like told the group that she has private tutors at home!

"No… no… it's okay… I mean, he should be busy with his own studies…"

"Nah… Andy would love to help. I mean, we're taking the same exam and…"

Michelle wanted to bury herself somewhere. "Please, just… just no…" her voice a bit panicky. Well, she doesn't want to be pegged as a liar.

Anthony looked at her and felt like he was bullying her if he were to insist. Maybe she's too shy as she likes Andy too? He smiled as he shook his head. Girls. "Okay, I'm sorry for insisting, I was only trying to be helpful. I hope you don't mind." He explained.

"No, it's alright… thank you." She answered, feeling a bit disappointed while hoping that Anthony did not think that she overacted.

Anthony only smiled and nodded his head. Then, the bell rang, signifying that it's 10:20. Anthony would need to leave for his next class. "And that's my cue. I have to go, my next class is at bellarmine. Quite a long walk. Are you heading anywhere? If it's on the way, maybe I can walk you there?"

Michelle looked up at Anthony who was still staring at her. Her heart again beating a mile per second. Why was he so nice and gentlemanly to her!? Wait, where will he pass through before reaching his class? "The library… I'm heading to the library." she answered.

"Great! let's go." Anthony said as he stood from his seat. Then, he picked up the insulated lunch bags to carry them himself.

"I can carry them…" she shyly protested, though deep inside her girly heart was all over the place.

"No, no. I'll just hand them back to you later after PE. Our dismissal is both at 4:30 right?" he asked.

'God, thank you for this opportunity, you can now take my soul.' Michelle thought as she nodded her head.

--

TBC