Disclamer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used factiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Morning, umpisa ng morning practice at umpisa na rin ng unang araw ko sa basketball team, hindi ko maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko ng mga sandaling iyon dahil na rin siguro sa biglaan kong pag desisyon na sumali. "Bago tayo magsimula ng ating morning practice, Let me introduce a new member on the team today." One of the captain said to the team bago magsimula ang practice. "I'm Rey, 17 years old. I look forward to being on the team." Pormal na pagpapakilala ko sa kanila at sa tingin ko naman ay sapat na iyon para makilala nila ako. Sa kabilang banda naman ay nagmamasid sina Jim at Jsimyth sa di kalayuan. "Talagang sumali siya..." Jsimyth said at nag aalala siya. "He sure did it, alright..." Sagot naman ni Jim. "Hindi ko akalain na sasali talaga siya samin." Mark said to himself habang pinapanood kami sa di kalauyan at kasama niya si Rhianne pero wala siyang imik.
"We've been waiting for you, Rey! You were amazing during the P.E. tests!" Sabi ng isang member sa akin. "I heard you beat our very own Benito" Another member said to me at siguro yung tinutukoy nila eh yung nakalaro ko nung basketball try outs. "You're great." Papuri naman ng isa pang member. "I'm not that great..." I humbly said to them kasi nahihiya na ako sa mga papuri nila. "Yo, Rey. So what position are you going to choose?" Tinawag naman ako ng isa pang Captain sa likod ko at tinanong ako. "Umm, small forward, I guess." I confidently answered the captain. "I think that's a good choice, too, captain. He's perfectly suited to be a basketball player." Mark said to the captain. "I see." The captain said at unti unti na siyang lumapit sa akin. "Medyo mahirap ang practice, but do your best." The captain gave me an advice and taps my shoulder. "You can count on me!" I confidently answered the captain pero hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin alam. Hinarap ni captain ang ibang members at sinabihan na maghanda. "Alright! Let's start out with the "goldfish droppings". alright be ready! For the guys, split into two groups." The captain said to everyone. "Okay! Let's go for a light workout." Benito said and he stands up after doing some stretching. "What's a goldfish dropping?" Pagtatanong ko sa kanila at bigla na lang silang pumila ng single file at nagsimulang mag jogging ng sabay sabay. Nakisabay na rin ako sa kanila para malaman ko kung ano ang susunod kong gagawin. "Oh, it's just running. The pace is kind of fast." Sabi ko sa sarili ko habang tumatakbo ng kasabay sila. "Mark, mga ilang ikot tayo tatakbo?" Tanong ko kay Mark sa harapan ko habang patuloy pa rin kaming lahat sa pagtakbo dahil sa utos ng captain. "Who knows." Sagot sa akin ni Mark. "Who knows?" Pagtataka ko pero habang tumatakbo kami ay biglang umalis si Benito sa pila namin at tumakbo papunta sa harapan. "Don't tell me you got to dash from the back to front?" I said to myself dahil sa ginawa ni Benito kanina at nakuha ko na ang ibig sabihin ni captain sa "goldfish dropping". "You're next, Rey." Mark queued me to get ready to run in front. "Okay!" I affirmed him and I started running on the side to catch up in front. Habang tumatakbo ako sa gilid ay sinubukan kong humabol para makapunta sa harapan pero hindi ko magawa dahil sa sobrang bilis nila. "Damn it, I can't get past them! Everyone's pace is too fast. How is this light?" I said to myself at pagrereklamo ko habang patuloy ako sa pagtakbo. Natapos ang pagtakbo namin na di ko naaabutan ang harapan and I was penalized by my captain to run another ten laps. "*Gasping* I ended up dashing ten times, and have no clue how many laps we ran." I said to myself. "Why does everyone looked so refresh?" Pagtataka ko sa napansin ko. "Isn't it obvious?" Rhianne said nang lumapit siya sa akin. "Rhianne?" I said to her. "You were talking too much, and your running form kept on changing. As a result, everyone's pace slowed down" Rhianne explained to me kung bakit at parang sinasabi rin niya na nagiging pabigat ako sa kanila. "Huh?" Pagtataka ko sa sinabi niya. "I told you I'd get annoyed. Don't slow them down!" Sabi naman ni Rhianne sakin at umalis na siya pabalik sa mga ka teammate niya. "Rhianne sure is strict." A familiar voice said to me at nung nilingon ko siya ay si. "Ah, My name is Ana Perez, a freshman. I'm also an athlete like you, so nice to meet you." Introduction of Ana to me. "Ah, nice to meet you too." My reply to her. "From here, we split up into separate event practices. Come on, let's go." Aya niya sa akin pero napapagod pa rin ako. "Teka naman, pagpahingahin mo naman ako." Reklamo ko sa kanya dahil napagod talaga ako sa kakatakbo kanina. "Anong pinagsasabi mo? Eh nagsisimula pa lang tayo." Sagot naman niya sa akin. Panimula palang yun, eh halos buong araw na ako tumakbo nun. Wala na rin ako nagawa at tumayo na at sumunod sa kanya. "Line up into four lanes." Our senior called us all to regroup. "What are we going to do now?" Tanong ko sa sarili ko habang papunta na sa lugar ng aming senior. "We're going to do four sets of 250 running jump shots" One of seniors said. "Oh, if that's all, then.." I said to myself proudly dahil madali lang yun at hinanda ang sarili. The session starts and we start to shoot some jump shots but I don't feel any fatigue yet but after the second set I felt my legs and hands are getting heavy and I'm also gasping for air. "*Pant* Me and my big mouth!" I said to myself habang hingal na hingal pagkatapos ng second set. "Now we continue for the third set!" Our senior prompted us. "Rey, get a grip. We're only half way there." Our senior motivated me. "My sides are cramping and my legs and arms are numb I can't feel them. He's really a slave driver." I said to myself as I continue to catch my breath. "There's almost no time to rest if we practice in fours." I said to myself again at bigla kong naalala yung mga sinabi ni Rhianne sa amin last time.
*Flashback*
"The athletic team here isn't just people that do it for fun. We're all working very hard just to improve records by one points, one centimeter, etc. and are you saying you can do that?" Rhianne asked me.
*End of flashback*
Tuloy pa rin ako sa pag habol ng hangin at tiningnan ko si Rhianne na nag eensayo sa di kalayuan. "Wow... It seems so easy for her, even after all that running." I said to myself because of amazement that she can still perform good even after running. "Rey, stop daydreaming!" Sinigawan ako ng captain namin dahil bigla akong tumigil. "Ahm opo, pasensya na!" I said to my captain and I continue. The day ended na nabugbog ang katawan ko at di ko na nagawang tumayo sa gymnasium ng school. Kinahapunan, "Alright! That's it for today!" Our team captain said to us to cal it a day. After that I sat on middle of the basketball court and let out a loud groan. "*Groan* Finally over!" I shouted. "I'm starving!" One of our teammates said. "Let's go get something to eat, then" Sagot naman ni Mark para ayain na kumain. "Magandang ideya yan!" Sagot naman ni Benito habang umiinom ng tubig. "Rey, want to join us?" Pag alok ni Mark sa akin pero imbes na makasagot ako ay nakaramdam ako ng pagduduwal. "Ulk! It's ok. Hindi ko kayang kumain ng kahit na ano ngayon." Pagtanggi ko naman sa alok niya. "*Chuckles* Ganun ba, Siguraduhin mo na mag "down" ng mabuti" Sabi ni Mark sa akin at medyo natawa siya sa kalagayan ko. "I'm already "down."" Sagot ko naman sa kanya pabalik at bigla akong nahiga. "*Chuckles* By down, I mean cool down drills." Sagot naman ni Mark pabalik sa akin. "Ah, ganun ba yun?" Tanong ko naman sa kanya. "Well, good practice today." At nagsimula na silang umalis at maglakad palayo sa akin. "Good luck, Rookie" Pahabol na sabi ni Benito sa akin. "*Sigh* My mouth tastes like blood all over. I never thought it'd be tough" I said to myself habang nakahiga pa rin sa sahig. "Maybe I really underestimated the basketball team, just like Rhianne said." I said to myself as I realize something after the morning practice. "*Sigh* She does this practices everyday and seems totally fine." I said to myself with a feeling of guilt dahil sa mga bagay bagay na napag-tanto ko nang may napansin akong tao bigla sa di kalayuan. "Rhianne?! She's still practicing" I asks myself dahil nakita ko siya na nag eensayo pa rin. "Rhiane's amazing, isn't she? That's her self-training program." A familiar voice said to me at biglang may bumalot sa mukha ko nung kinuha ko ito ay isa pala itong bimpo. “I went to a different high school than she did, but I saw her often at competitions.” She said to me habang nakikinig ako sa kanya. “She’s a cool perfectionist, and their team always wins tournaments with a cold expression. But she still would never smile. Doesn’t that make you angry? I hated her.” Kwento pa niya sa akin habang patuloy ako sa pakikinig. “Pero nainitindihan ko na siya ngayong nasa iisang school na kami. Hindi siya ngumingiti because her ideals are much higher. Even if they are the champion, she’s not satisfied by what she’s accomplished. So I really respect Rhianne right now.” She said to me at napasulyap ako kay Rhianne na patuloy na nag eensayo mag isa. “Damn, she’s cool. The special student on the volleyball team, and admired by everyone. She even has her own training program after that hard practice.” I said to myself as I realize something more about her. “It’s like, the more I get close to her, the more I feel I’m apart from her.” I said to myself dahil sa mga napagtanto ko at mas lalo akong nawawalan ng pag-asa sa kanya. “Ana, pwede mo ba ako matulungan ditto?” Rhianne asked Ana from afar. “Sige!” Ana accepted it. “I guess I’ll be working with Rhianne a bit more. You go home first, Rey.” Ana said to me para mag paalam. “Well, gustong gusto ko na talaga gawin yan, pero ang katawan ko… *chuckles*” I tittered on embarrassment dahil sa katayuan ko. “Yo!” Ana and I heard a voice not far from us and it seems familiar. “We’re here to collect Rey.” Paglingon ko ay si Jim pala ito kasama si Jsimyth at agad silang lumapit sa akin. “Hey, ace player.” Jim said to me. “Are you okay, Rey?” Pag-aalala ni Jsimyth sa akin. “Why are you guys…” Di ko na natapos ang sasabihin ko ng ibangon ako ni Jim at iakay ako sa balikat niya. “I knew it would end up like this, so we waited for you. Magpasalamat ka sa amin.” Jim said to me na parang pinalalabas niya na napakahina ko. “Ah, tutulong din ako.” Lumapit si Jsimyth at inakay din niya ako sa balikat niya pero parang wala rin naitulong ito. “How do you feel now after doing it for one day?” Jim asked me. “Amazing.” Sagot ko naman sa kanya dahil di ako makapaniwala na ganito pala kahirap ang ginagawa nila. “I knew I sound like a kid…” I said to myself habang patuloy silang dalawa sa pag akay sa akin. “Ahhh, ang bigat mo!” Sabi ni Jsimyth at napabitaw na siya sa pag akay sa akin at bumagsak ako. “I’m so sorry, Rey!” Pag hingi ng tawad ni Jsimyth sa akin. “You okay there?” Tanong ni Jim sa akin. “…but I couldn’t think of any words to describe her.” I said to myself, despite sa mga nangyari noong mga nakaraang araw ay lalo akong humanga sa kanya sa mga bagay na nalaman ko sa kanya. Pagdating sa bahay kinagabihan. “Aray! Tama na!” Sigaw ko habang hinihilot ni Nikki ang aking binti. Nagpatuloy ang training namin, umulan man ay patuloy pa rin kaya nararamdaman ko na nasasanay ang katawan ko unti unti sa mga activities dito sa basketball team. “And this is how history is made as you can see…” My professor said pero lumilipad ang isip ko sa pagod, antok at sakit ng katawan kaya hindi ko na maintindihan ang sinasabi niya and I began to dose off during class.”Remember this part because it’s going to be on the test.” My professor said at nagulat ako sa narinig ko kaya pinilit ko na lang na magising at makinig. Natapos na ang klase ko at agad agad akong pumunta ng gym at nag training. Naging ganito ang sistema ko sa school at naranasan ko ang gumapang sa hagdanan ng apartment dahil sa sobrang pagod. Days had passed I’m still going on my training and I didn’t noticed Jsimyth was always there staring at me idly. “Why does he push himself so much?” Jsimyth asks herself. “What’s this? Still looking at basketball team, Mendoza?” A familiar voice said to him. “Ah, Jim ikaw pala.” Paglingon niya. “People sure don’t get tired of doing this everyday, eh?” Jim said. “Right. He’s been just practicing and practicing for a whole week now.” Jsimyth replied. “Hindi, ikaw ang tunutukoy ko, Ikaw.” Jim said to her at nagtaka siya. “Me?” Pagtataka niya. “Everyday after school, you just come here and watch them idly.” Jim explained. “If you’re so worried about Rey, why don’t you join the athletic team?” Jim suggested to her. “But I guess that’s impossible. You’re way too slow.” Jim said at umalis na ito at naiwan si Jsimyth na parang minaliit siya masyado ni Jim kaya pag uwi niya kinahapunan habang naglalakad ay nag iisip isip siya. “What does that mean? If I…” Jsimyth said to herself at nagsimula na siyang tumakbo bigla. “If I got serious…” Patuloy pa niyang sabi sa sarili niya at biglang may dalawang bata na nag uunahan sa pagtakbo at nalampasan na nila si Jsimyth. “I’m gonna be first!” Said the kid. “Wonder if we’ll get a rare card today.” The other kid said pertaining to a gaming card. Hindi na nakahabol si Jsimyth at nagsimula na siyang bumagal sa pagtakbo hanggang sa tuluyang huminto at naghahabol ng hininga sa pagod. “Elementary kids sure are fast these days…” Sabi niya sa sarili niya habang naghahabol ng hininga at muli niyang ginunita ang kabataan naming dalawa.
"We've been waiting for you, Rey! You were amazing during the P.E. tests!" Sabi ng isang member sa akin. "I heard you beat our very own Benito" Another member said to me at siguro yung tinutukoy nila eh yung nakalaro ko nung basketball try outs. "You're great." Papuri naman ng isa pang member. "I'm not that great..." I humbly said to them kasi nahihiya na ako sa mga papuri nila. "Yo, Rey. So what position are you going to choose?" Tinawag naman ako ng isa pang Captain sa likod ko at tinanong ako. "Umm, small forward, I guess." I confidently answered the captain. "I think that's a good choice, too, captain. He's perfectly suited to be a basketball player." Mark said to the captain. "I see." The captain said at unti unti na siyang lumapit sa akin. "Medyo mahirap ang practice, but do your best." The captain gave me an advice and taps my shoulder. "You can count on me!" I confidently answered the captain pero hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin alam. Hinarap ni captain ang ibang members at sinabihan na maghanda. "Alright! Let's start out with the "goldfish droppings". alright be ready! For the guys, split into two groups." The captain said to everyone. "Okay! Let's go for a light workout." Benito said and he stands up after doing some stretching. "What's a goldfish dropping?" Pagtatanong ko sa kanila at bigla na lang silang pumila ng single file at nagsimulang mag jogging ng sabay sabay. Nakisabay na rin ako sa kanila para malaman ko kung ano ang susunod kong gagawin. "Oh, it's just running. The pace is kind of fast." Sabi ko sa sarili ko habang tumatakbo ng kasabay sila. "Mark, mga ilang ikot tayo tatakbo?" Tanong ko kay Mark sa harapan ko habang patuloy pa rin kaming lahat sa pagtakbo dahil sa utos ng captain. "Who knows." Sagot sa akin ni Mark. "Who knows?" Pagtataka ko pero habang tumatakbo kami ay biglang umalis si Benito sa pila namin at tumakbo papunta sa harapan. "Don't tell me you got to dash from the back to front?" I said to myself dahil sa ginawa ni Benito kanina at nakuha ko na ang ibig sabihin ni captain sa "goldfish dropping". "You're next, Rey." Mark queued me to get ready to run in front. "Okay!" I affirmed him and I started running on the side to catch up in front. Habang tumatakbo ako sa gilid ay sinubukan kong humabol para makapunta sa harapan pero hindi ko magawa dahil sa sobrang bilis nila. "Damn it, I can't get past them! Everyone's pace is too fast. How is this light?" I said to myself at pagrereklamo ko habang patuloy ako sa pagtakbo. Natapos ang pagtakbo namin na di ko naaabutan ang harapan and I was penalized by my captain to run another ten laps. "*Gasping* I ended up dashing ten times, and have no clue how many laps we ran." I said to myself. "Why does everyone looked so refresh?" Pagtataka ko sa napansin ko. "Isn't it obvious?" Rhianne said nang lumapit siya sa akin. "Rhianne?" I said to her. "You were talking too much, and your running form kept on changing. As a result, everyone's pace slowed down" Rhianne explained to me kung bakit at parang sinasabi rin niya na nagiging pabigat ako sa kanila. "Huh?" Pagtataka ko sa sinabi niya. "I told you I'd get annoyed. Don't slow them down!" Sabi naman ni Rhianne sakin at umalis na siya pabalik sa mga ka teammate niya. "Rhianne sure is strict." A familiar voice said to me at nung nilingon ko siya ay si. "Ah, My name is Ana Perez, a freshman. I'm also an athlete like you, so nice to meet you." Introduction of Ana to me. "Ah, nice to meet you too." My reply to her. "From here, we split up into separate event practices. Come on, let's go." Aya niya sa akin pero napapagod pa rin ako. "Teka naman, pagpahingahin mo naman ako." Reklamo ko sa kanya dahil napagod talaga ako sa kakatakbo kanina. "Anong pinagsasabi mo? Eh nagsisimula pa lang tayo." Sagot naman niya sa akin. Panimula palang yun, eh halos buong araw na ako tumakbo nun. Wala na rin ako nagawa at tumayo na at sumunod sa kanya. "Line up into four lanes." Our senior called us all to regroup. "What are we going to do now?" Tanong ko sa sarili ko habang papunta na sa lugar ng aming senior. "We're going to do four sets of 250 running jump shots" One of seniors said. "Oh, if that's all, then.." I said to myself proudly dahil madali lang yun at hinanda ang sarili. The session starts and we start to shoot some jump shots but I don't feel any fatigue yet but after the second set I felt my legs and hands are getting heavy and I'm also gasping for air. "*Pant* Me and my big mouth!" I said to myself habang hingal na hingal pagkatapos ng second set. "Now we continue for the third set!" Our senior prompted us. "Rey, get a grip. We're only half way there." Our senior motivated me. "My sides are cramping and my legs and arms are numb I can't feel them. He's really a slave driver." I said to myself as I continue to catch my breath. "There's almost no time to rest if we practice in fours." I said to myself again at bigla kong naalala yung mga sinabi ni Rhianne sa amin last time.
*Flashback*
"The athletic team here isn't just people that do it for fun. We're all working very hard just to improve records by one points, one centimeter, etc. and are you saying you can do that?" Rhianne asked me.
*End of flashback*
Tuloy pa rin ako sa pag habol ng hangin at tiningnan ko si Rhianne na nag eensayo sa di kalayuan. "Wow... It seems so easy for her, even after all that running." I said to myself because of amazement that she can still perform good even after running. "Rey, stop daydreaming!" Sinigawan ako ng captain namin dahil bigla akong tumigil. "Ahm opo, pasensya na!" I said to my captain and I continue. The day ended na nabugbog ang katawan ko at di ko na nagawang tumayo sa gymnasium ng school. Kinahapunan, "Alright! That's it for today!" Our team captain said to us to cal it a day. After that I sat on middle of the basketball court and let out a loud groan. "*Groan* Finally over!" I shouted. "I'm starving!" One of our teammates said. "Let's go get something to eat, then" Sagot naman ni Mark para ayain na kumain. "Magandang ideya yan!" Sagot naman ni Benito habang umiinom ng tubig. "Rey, want to join us?" Pag alok ni Mark sa akin pero imbes na makasagot ako ay nakaramdam ako ng pagduduwal. "Ulk! It's ok. Hindi ko kayang kumain ng kahit na ano ngayon." Pagtanggi ko naman sa alok niya. "*Chuckles* Ganun ba, Siguraduhin mo na mag "down" ng mabuti" Sabi ni Mark sa akin at medyo natawa siya sa kalagayan ko. "I'm already "down."" Sagot ko naman sa kanya pabalik at bigla akong nahiga. "*Chuckles* By down, I mean cool down drills." Sagot naman ni Mark pabalik sa akin. "Ah, ganun ba yun?" Tanong ko naman sa kanya. "Well, good practice today." At nagsimula na silang umalis at maglakad palayo sa akin. "Good luck, Rookie" Pahabol na sabi ni Benito sa akin. "*Sigh* My mouth tastes like blood all over. I never thought it'd be tough" I said to myself habang nakahiga pa rin sa sahig. "Maybe I really underestimated the basketball team, just like Rhianne said." I said to myself as I realize something after the morning practice. "*Sigh* She does this practices everyday and seems totally fine." I said to myself with a feeling of guilt dahil sa mga bagay bagay na napag-tanto ko nang may napansin akong tao bigla sa di kalayuan. "Rhianne?! She's still practicing" I asks myself dahil nakita ko siya na nag eensayo pa rin. "Rhiane's amazing, isn't she? That's her self-training program." A familiar voice said to me at biglang may bumalot sa mukha ko nung kinuha ko ito ay isa pala itong bimpo. “I went to a different high school than she did, but I saw her often at competitions.” She said to me habang nakikinig ako sa kanya. “She’s a cool perfectionist, and their team always wins tournaments with a cold expression. But she still would never smile. Doesn’t that make you angry? I hated her.” Kwento pa niya sa akin habang patuloy ako sa pakikinig. “Pero nainitindihan ko na siya ngayong nasa iisang school na kami. Hindi siya ngumingiti because her ideals are much higher. Even if they are the champion, she’s not satisfied by what she’s accomplished. So I really respect Rhianne right now.” She said to me at napasulyap ako kay Rhianne na patuloy na nag eensayo mag isa. “Damn, she’s cool. The special student on the volleyball team, and admired by everyone. She even has her own training program after that hard practice.” I said to myself as I realize something more about her. “It’s like, the more I get close to her, the more I feel I’m apart from her.” I said to myself dahil sa mga napagtanto ko at mas lalo akong nawawalan ng pag-asa sa kanya. “Ana, pwede mo ba ako matulungan ditto?” Rhianne asked Ana from afar. “Sige!” Ana accepted it. “I guess I’ll be working with Rhianne a bit more. You go home first, Rey.” Ana said to me para mag paalam. “Well, gustong gusto ko na talaga gawin yan, pero ang katawan ko… *chuckles*” I tittered on embarrassment dahil sa katayuan ko. “Yo!” Ana and I heard a voice not far from us and it seems familiar. “We’re here to collect Rey.” Paglingon ko ay si Jim pala ito kasama si Jsimyth at agad silang lumapit sa akin. “Hey, ace player.” Jim said to me. “Are you okay, Rey?” Pag-aalala ni Jsimyth sa akin. “Why are you guys…” Di ko na natapos ang sasabihin ko ng ibangon ako ni Jim at iakay ako sa balikat niya. “I knew it would end up like this, so we waited for you. Magpasalamat ka sa amin.” Jim said to me na parang pinalalabas niya na napakahina ko. “Ah, tutulong din ako.” Lumapit si Jsimyth at inakay din niya ako sa balikat niya pero parang wala rin naitulong ito. “How do you feel now after doing it for one day?” Jim asked me. “Amazing.” Sagot ko naman sa kanya dahil di ako makapaniwala na ganito pala kahirap ang ginagawa nila. “I knew I sound like a kid…” I said to myself habang patuloy silang dalawa sa pag akay sa akin. “Ahhh, ang bigat mo!” Sabi ni Jsimyth at napabitaw na siya sa pag akay sa akin at bumagsak ako. “I’m so sorry, Rey!” Pag hingi ng tawad ni Jsimyth sa akin. “You okay there?” Tanong ni Jim sa akin. “…but I couldn’t think of any words to describe her.” I said to myself, despite sa mga nangyari noong mga nakaraang araw ay lalo akong humanga sa kanya sa mga bagay na nalaman ko sa kanya. Pagdating sa bahay kinagabihan. “Aray! Tama na!” Sigaw ko habang hinihilot ni Nikki ang aking binti. Nagpatuloy ang training namin, umulan man ay patuloy pa rin kaya nararamdaman ko na nasasanay ang katawan ko unti unti sa mga activities dito sa basketball team. “And this is how history is made as you can see…” My professor said pero lumilipad ang isip ko sa pagod, antok at sakit ng katawan kaya hindi ko na maintindihan ang sinasabi niya and I began to dose off during class.”Remember this part because it’s going to be on the test.” My professor said at nagulat ako sa narinig ko kaya pinilit ko na lang na magising at makinig. Natapos na ang klase ko at agad agad akong pumunta ng gym at nag training. Naging ganito ang sistema ko sa school at naranasan ko ang gumapang sa hagdanan ng apartment dahil sa sobrang pagod. Days had passed I’m still going on my training and I didn’t noticed Jsimyth was always there staring at me idly. “Why does he push himself so much?” Jsimyth asks herself. “What’s this? Still looking at basketball team, Mendoza?” A familiar voice said to him. “Ah, Jim ikaw pala.” Paglingon niya. “People sure don’t get tired of doing this everyday, eh?” Jim said. “Right. He’s been just practicing and practicing for a whole week now.” Jsimyth replied. “Hindi, ikaw ang tunutukoy ko, Ikaw.” Jim said to her at nagtaka siya. “Me?” Pagtataka niya. “Everyday after school, you just come here and watch them idly.” Jim explained. “If you’re so worried about Rey, why don’t you join the athletic team?” Jim suggested to her. “But I guess that’s impossible. You’re way too slow.” Jim said at umalis na ito at naiwan si Jsimyth na parang minaliit siya masyado ni Jim kaya pag uwi niya kinahapunan habang naglalakad ay nag iisip isip siya. “What does that mean? If I…” Jsimyth said to herself at nagsimula na siyang tumakbo bigla. “If I got serious…” Patuloy pa niyang sabi sa sarili niya at biglang may dalawang bata na nag uunahan sa pagtakbo at nalampasan na nila si Jsimyth. “I’m gonna be first!” Said the kid. “Wonder if we’ll get a rare card today.” The other kid said pertaining to a gaming card. Hindi na nakahabol si Jsimyth at nagsimula na siyang bumagal sa pagtakbo hanggang sa tuluyang huminto at naghahabol ng hininga sa pagod. “Elementary kids sure are fast these days…” Sabi niya sa sarili niya habang naghahabol ng hininga at muli niyang ginunita ang kabataan naming dalawa.
*flashback*
“Wow! You fixed it!” Jsimyth said after seeing the statue fix.
“This is our secret, ok?” I said to her telling to keep what happened a secret.
*end of flashback*
“Ever since then, I’ve had a crush on Rey…” Jsimyth said to herself while walking home when she saw a familiar cat. “Ah, Tabby!” Jsimyth said. “Meow!” Tabby replied. “Taking a walk? Your nose is dirty.” Lumapit dito si Jsimyth at nilinsan ang ilong pero dinilaan ni Tabby ang kamay nito. “If I were a cat like you, I’d be able to be with Rey all the time.” Jsimyth said to Tabby but Tabby replied it with his purr. “You know, whenever he ate kariman at our chapel, I’d always be looking at him. I thought someday I’d be able to sit right next to him and eat croquettes, and how much fun that’d be for me.” Jsimyth said with a very sad face. “Really?” A mysterious voice said to her and Jsimyth look back and see who it is. “If you’ve got romance problems, asking advice from an experienced person like me is okay too, you know!” And its non-other than Janna herself. After that short introduction, Janna invited Jsimyth to nearby bar.
“Uhm, why do we have to come to a place like this? And I’m a minor too.” Jsimyth said with a worried feeling. “They say that when you want to break the ice, alcohol is the way to do it.” Janna replied with a thumb up. “And how are you related to Rey, Ate Janna?” Jsimyth asked Janna. “Master-and-servant.” Janna replied. “Huh?” Jsimyth is puzzled. “But anyway, everyone’s worried about him, including me. You just can’t let him go alone, right? He’s so imprudent and stuff.” Janna added. “Really? I think he’s a nice and serious person. And he’s very reliable.” Jsimyth said. “Really?” Sagot naman ni Janna na di naniniwala sa sinabi niya. “Where do you see that from a guy that becomes all hopeless just because he got rejected?” Dagdag naman ni Janna na ikinagulat ni Jsimyth. “Rejected… Nino?” Pagtatakang tanong niya kay Janna. “Oh, darn. Umm….” Nagulat si Janna sa nasabi niya at hindi dapat niya ito nasabi sa kanya. “Who was it?” Tanong ulit ni Jsimyth. “Well, malalaman di naman niya yun sooner or later.” Janna said to herself. “The guy confessed to Rhianne, and got rejected.” Janna said. Jsimyth was silent when she heard what Janna said. “But he said he still likes her.” Janna added. “Rey confessed too… Rhianne?” Jsimyth said to herself and her expression changed to a feeling of sad and broken. “Saying stuff like “I’ll never give up!” It seems like he even went to join the basketball team.” Janna said. “Pero wag ka mag-alala, Men are animals that switch to something else fast. You’ll get your chance.” Pagpapalubag ng loob ni Janna kay Jsimyth. “Gusto ni Rey si Rhianne…” Sabi niya sa sarili niya na may halong kurot sa puso sa nalaman niya. Hindi namamalayan ni Jsimyth ay nainom niya ang isang baso ng alak ni Janna at tumayo na ito at tumakbo paalis. Hindi umiinom si Jsimyth at nalasing agad ito. “Kaya pala ganun na lang siya kapursigido mag practice… I felt it already, somehow. I’m not that dumb, either.” Jsimyth said to herself. “Hey, Jsimyth teka! Wag ka umuwi mag-isa ng ganyan…” Janna said pero hindi ito narinig ni Jsimyth dahil lumipad na ang isip niya dahil sa mga nalaman niyang dahilan sa mga ginagawa ni Rey. “It’ll be alright. I won’t cry because of this.” Nangingilid na ang luha sa kanyang mga mata habang tumatakbo pauwi sa kanila pero pinipigilan niya ito. Samantala, ako naman ay pauwi na rin pagkatapos ng mahabang oras ng practice sa school nang makita ko siyang tumatakbo palapit sa kinaroroonan ko pero di niya ako napansin. “Ahm, Jsimyth.” Sabi ko sa sarili ko nang ilang sandali ay… Blag! At kaming dalawa ay nagbanggaan at bumagsak sa sahig. “Aray, ang sakit.” Daing ni Jsimyth pero nagulat siya sa nakita niya at ako naman ay nagulat hindi dahil sa nagbanggaan kami kundi sa hawak ng kamay ko. Hawak ko ang dibdib niya! “Hindi ako iiyak… Hindi…” Jsimyth said pero hindi na niya napigilan umiyak kaya bumangon kami agad at dinala ko siya pabalik sa apartment at pagdating sa kwarto ko ay hindi pa rin siya tumitigil sa pag iyak habang ako naman ay todo hingi ang tawad. “I’m really sorry! Hindi ko sinasadya na mahawakan yon. Pangako!” Todo kong pag hingi ng tawad sa kanya dahil di ko talaga sinasadya ang pangyayaring iyon. “No, it’s not that…” Sagot naman ni Jsimyth habang pinapahid ang luhang pumapatak sa mata niya. “Then, why are you…” Pagtataka ko sa kanya pero hindi naman siya sumagot at nagpatuloy lang siya sa pag hikbi. “I don’t know what to do. What should I do?” Tanong ko sa sarili ko dahil di ko alam kung paano siya patatahanin. Hindi rin nagtagal ay tumahan na siya sa pag iyak at tumingin lang siya sa akin na may halong lungkot at awa na ikinataka ko lalo. “Okay ka na ba?” Tanong ko sa kanya. “Uhm, Oo.” Tipid na sagot niya at binigyan niya ako ng ngiti na di katulad ng dati na binibigay niya sa akin sa tuwing nag uusap kami. “Halika, lumalalim na rin ang gabi kaya kailangan ihatid na kita sa inyo.” Alok ko naman sa kanya. “Hindi na, salamat.” Tanggi naman niya at lumabas na kami ng kwarto ko at bumaba ng apartment. Meanwhile, on the other room’s balcony is Rhianne doing some stretching when she heard a little conversation below and see who it is. “I’ll take you home. It’s already pretty dark.” Sabi ko naman kay Jsimyth. “Pero sobrang abala na iyon.” Pag aalala naman ni Jsimyth sa akin. “It’s alright. Mag-aalala ako pag hindi kita nahatid.” Sagot ko naman sa kanya. Si Rhianne naman ay napatigil sa ginagawa niya at nagtataka kung bakit magkasama kaming dalawa ni Jsimyth ng ganitong oras. “Sorry ha, Masyado ka ng pagod sa practice tapos nag abala ka pang ihatid ako.” Nahihiyang sabi ni Jsimyth sa akin. “I’m fine, I’m fine. I’m used to it by now.” Sagot ko naman sa kanya pero sa totoo lang ay pagod na ako pero unti unti na rin akong nasasanay sa mga ginagawa namin. “I see. Rhianne’s there, after all.” Jsimyth said to herself habang naglalakad kami sa kalye na tanging liwanag lang ng mga poste ang nagbibigay liawanag dito. Nakarating na kami sa chapel nila at biglang may naalala si Jsimyth. “Do you think I could drop by the convenience store for a bit?” Tanong ni Jsimyth sa akin. “Yeah sure, go ahead.” Sagot ko naman at ako ay naghintay sa pagbabalik niya. Mga ilang minuto rin ang lumipas ay bumalik na siya pabalik sa kinatatayuan ko. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Rey.” Sabi niya sa akin. “That’s okay.” Sagot ko naman at nagsimula na kami maglakad papasok sa entrance ng chapel nila. “Ano binili mo?” Tanong ko sa kanya. “Eh? Oh, not much.” Sagot naman niya at bigla siyang huminto sa may maliit na steps na hagdan ng chapel nila at humarap siya sa akin. “Hey, you want to sit down here?” Tanong niya sa akin. “Ha?” Pagtataka ko sa kanya at umupo siya doon at sinimulan nang buksan ang supot ng pinamili niya kanina. “Here!” Sabi niya sa akin sabay abot ng isang pagkain at nakilala ko agad ito dahil paborito ko ito, kariman! “Rey, you said you liked this, so…” Alok niya sa akin. “Is that okay?” Tanong ko sa kanya. “Yeah, that’s why I brought two of these.” Sagot naman niya at nanumbalik ulit yung ngiti niya na palagi ko nakikita sa tuwing nag uusap kami. “I see. Sorry for the trouble. I’m pretty hungy, to tell you the truth.” Sabi ko naman sa kanya dahil di pa ako nakakakain pagkatapos naming mag practice at umupo na ako sa tabi niya para kumain. Unang kagat ko pa lang ay nalasahan ko na ang sarap na lagi kong hinahanap sa kariman. “This is so delicious!” Sabi ko sa kanya. “It’s so good.” Sagot naman niya. “Yeah, though Rihanne wouldn’t eat it at first dahil naghihinala siya sa mga panlasa ko. Even though… this is so delicious.” Sabi ko sa kanya at patuloy pa rin ako sa pagkain habang si Jsimyth ay nakikinig sa akin. “I see.” Jsimyth said and her expression had changed again. “Even though we’re all alone… his hear is still…” Sabi ko sa sarili ko at napansin ko ito at tinanong ko siya. “What’s the matter?” Tanong ko sa kanya. “No, nothing at all.” Sagot naman niya sa akin. “I…” Jsimyth said to herself at tumayo siya sa kinauupoan naming dalawa na ikinataka ko. “Hey. I think I’m going to join the athletic team too!” Sabi niya sa akin na ikinagulat ko. “You too?!” Tanong ko sa kanya. “Yeah!” Sagot naman niya sa akin. “I won’t give up either!” Jsimyth said to herself. “I see. But it’s going to be tough” Tangi kong naisagot sa biglaan niyang pag decide na sumali sa athletic team. “I’ll be alright.” Sabi niya. The gentle wind began to blow in the evening at nagbigay ito ng magandang pakiramdam sa sinoman na nasa labas ngayon. Natitigan ko siyang mabuti habang dumadampi ang hangin sa mahaba at magandang buhok niya. “I’ll do my best. I just want to be with you as much as I can.” Jsimyth said to herself habang nakatingin sa langit at hawak hawak ang kariman ng dalawang kamay niya nang kariman na kinakain niya.
Sumunod na araw, “I’m Jsimyth Mendoza and I’ll be joining as a manager.” Pagpapakilala ni Jsimyth sa mga player ng basketball team. “Ang cute niya!” A random player said. “Hindi pa kami nagkakaroon ng manager, kaya kailangan na kailangan ka naming!” Sagot naman ng isa. Agad naman humanga si Benito sa ganda ni Jsimyth nang una niyang makita ito. “God, these people really go all the way.” Jim said to himself habang nakatingin sa di kalayuan. “Well, I guess I’ll go play somewhere else now.” Sabi niya at naglakad na siya papaalis at nag dial sa kanyang cellphone. “Ah, Hello? It’s me, want to go somewhere?” Aya niya sa kausap niya sa kabilang linya. “I didn’t think about you being a manager, though.” Sabi ko sa kanya dahil di ko inaasahan na sasali talaga siya pero bilang manager namin. “I know I’m bad at sports, but I should be fine doing a manager’s duties.” Her reply to me. “I see.” I replied to her happily. “That new girl seems pretty close to Rey.” Ana said from afar. “Yeah.” Rhianne replied to her while fixing her shoes. “Maybe she’s his girlfriend.” Ana said to Rhianne. “Stop saying such stupid things.” Tumayo na siya at nagsimulang maglakad palayo kay Ana. “Magsisimula na tayo ng running practice.” Rhianne said at nagsimula nang tumakbo. “Sandali lang, Rhianne!” Sabi ni Ana. Nagsimula na ang running practice naming lahat. “Last one, do your best, Rey!” Mark said. “Yeah!” Sagot ko sa kanya at nagsimula na akong tumakbo ng mas mabilis sa kanila para habulin ang nasa harapan. Napansin naman yun ni Rhianne at parang naninibago siya sa determinasyon ko. Samantala, si Jsimyth naman ay abala sa pagkuha ng mga towel at pag bigay ng mga tubig sa mga player na nagpapahinga. “Ah, I keep on giving them towels like it never ends.” Jsimyth said to herself habang nag iigib ng tubig para inuman namin. “I thought I’d be close to him as a manager, but reality is always so cruel.” Pagrereklamo ni Jsimyth habang nakatingin sa amin na nag eensayo. ”Alright, that’s it!” Our captain said. “Ang hirap pa rin.” Sabi ko sa sarili ko habang naghahabol ng hininga. “You’re doing pretty good, Rey. You can stay with the pack pretty well now.” Ana said to me sabay tapik sa nananakit kong likod. “Aray!” Daing ko naman sa ginawa niya. “What’s wrong?” My teammate asked me. “Just muscle pain…” Sagot ko naman sa kanya. “Oh, yeah.” Ana said. “It’s been week since you’ve join, so you’re at the peak right now. Want a massage? I got a pretty good reputation at massaging.” Alok ni Ana sa akin pero parang di ko ata magugustuhan ang susunod na mangyayari at sinimulan na niya ang pagpapahirap este pagmamasahe sa likod ko. “Aray! Ang sakit!” Daing ko ulit. “Stop moving!” Ana said to me. “Cut it out!” Sagot ko naman pabalik sa kanya. Sa di kalayuan ay nakita kami ni Rhianne at nainis ito at lumapit sa amin. “How long do you plan on folling around? Stop being sluggards!” Tanong ni Rhianne sa akin. Tumigil si Ana sa narinig niya at sinagot ko ang tanong ni Rhianne. “I’m not a sluggard!” I said to her. “Who knows?” Rhianne said. “I know I’m just barely keeping up with everyone.” Seryoso kong sagot kay Rhianne. “Hey, Rey! We’re going to start the passing intervals now.” A teammate of mine said. “Okay!” I said to my teammate. Sumulyap muna ako ng tingin kay Rhianne at umalis na ako papunta sa mga teammates ko. “I don’t feel like fighting with her at all, but now I don’t know what the point in joining the team was…” I said to myself habang naglalakad. “Hey Rhianne, Parang di naman ata tama yun? Nag susumikap naman si Rey.” Pagtatanggol ni Ana sa akin. “Same thing goes to you too, Ana.” Sagot naman pabalik ni Rhianne. “You’re going along with Rey’s pace and slacking off.” Katwiran ni Rhianne. “What’s wrong with you, Rhianne? You’re acting pretty weird laltely.” Tanong ni Ana. “I’m perfectly fine.” Tipid na sagot ni Rhianne. “Ganun ba?” Pag-aalala ni Ana. “You get so irritated when it comes to Rey. At least acknowledge him a little. He is working hard.” Ana said to her. “See you, then.” Ana said at naglakad na siya paalis at naiwan naman si Rhianne na napahiya sa inasal niya kanina. “Hindi ko maarok ang iniisip niya. I know I forcibly joined the team and she’s not happy about it, but I’m practicing pretty seriously. Getting angry so easily – not cute at all!” I said to myself habang nakatingin kay Rhianne pero bigla siyang ngumiti sa kausap niya at napabawi ako ng “Damn, she’s cute.” Sabi ko sa sarili ko ng makita ko ang pag ngiti ni Rhianne. “Rey, stop daydreaming! You’re next” Our captain shouted at me. “Okay!” Sabi ko sa pagkagulat at pumunta na ako sa court. “Darn. I’ll just work even harder. I won’t let you call me a sluggard!” I said to myself at nagsimula na ang mahirap na practice. Habang kami ay nag eensayo ay di ko na napansin na nakatiningin pala si Rhianne sa akin sa di kalayuan. “What’s he getting all serious about?” Rhianne said to herself at naalala niya ang sinabi ni Ana sa kanya kanina. “At least acknowledge him a little. He is working hard.” At nag passing interval na kami habang tumatakbo. Nainis si Rhianne bigla at “That’s only for now. He’s going to give up sooner or later.” Napasigaw si Rhianne ng kaunti at narinig ito ng mga taong malapit sa kanya. Samantala, sa kabilang banda naman ay si Jsimyth ay tapos nang mag lagay ng tubig sa malaking water jug para sa aming lahat na inumin. “*sigh* I’m finally done.” Jsimyth said to herself. “Let me bring Rey a towel.” Sabay takbo papunta sa akin pero pinigilan siya ng isa kong teammate ng tawagin siya. “Hey, manager! Refill our drinks please.“ My teammate said. “Okay. *Sigh*” At bumalik siya para lagyan ng tubig ang mga water jugs nila. Kinahapunan. “Alright, we’re done for today. Everyone, make sure to down yourself properly.” Our team captain said. “Over, over!” A player said. “Food, food!” Another player said habang tumatakbo paalis ng gymnasium. Samantala, naiwan kami ni Ana at tinutulungan niya ako mag stretching ng katawan. “Aray! Sabi ng tama na yan eh.” Sabi ko kay Ana. “And I’m saying you need to do this properly.” Ana said. “Rey! Here you go, a towel.” Lumapit si Jsimyth sa amin at inalok ako ng bimpo. “Thanks, manager.” Pasasalamat ko sa kanya at bigla akong napatayo at natumba si Ana. “Welcome.” She said to me at nagtawanan kami sa kwentuhan naming tatlo at napansin ito ni Rhianne na hindi pa rin pala umuuwi. “Whatever.” She said to herself at nag practice na siya mag isa katulad ng ginagawa niya lagi. Habang nag eensayo siya ay nagkamali siya ng pag hampas sa bola. “Geez!” Sabi niya sa sarili niya. Out of the blue she remembered and reminisced the things that happened between us before, our arguments, yung pagsabog ng itlog sa mukha ko dahil nilagay niya sa microwave, the roller coaster in the amusement park. Hindi napapansin ni Rhainne ay napapangiti na siya mag isa sa sulok habang inaalala ang mga iyon. Naalala rin ni Rhianne ang pagtatapat ko sa kanya sa amusement park at ang pag tanggi niya sa akin. Somehow, she felt something that she felt before years ago. “What? That guy…” Tanong ni Rhianne sa sarili niya at napatingin na lang siya sa langit ng dapit hapon.
-To Be Continued-
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