To Be Loved

Chapter Thirty-Five

I didn't receive any text from him. I still get disappointed whenever this happens even when I'm already used to it. 

After coming back from our brief vacation, balik sa pagiging abala sa training at school works si Xavi. He doesn't have anytime for anything. His focus is divided between basketball and his studies. Naiintindihan ko naman. He's graduating and he's pressured because everyone wants their team to get the championship for his last game. 

Kapag tumatawag siya sa akin tuwing gabi, rinig ko ang pagod sa boses niya. I miss him a lot. Ayaw kong madagdagan ang pagod niya kaya tuwing kausap siya ay pinipilit ko na maging masaya, just so I can cheer him up somehow.

"Hey," Ryd greeted as soon as I exited the room. 

I laughed, shaking my head. "You don't have to do this, Ryd."

"I don't mind."

"Don't lie." I squinted my eyes at him. "I know you'd rather be with your other friends." 

"Lavie, when I am with you there's no place I'd rather be."

I scoffed at him. "Clean Bandit, really?" 

He sheepishly grinned. "So, saan tayo kakain?"

The next two weeks were like that. Pakiramdam ko ay buwan na ang lumipas simula nung huli kong nakita si Xavi kahit na nagkasama kami sa family dinner nung isang gabi.

A loud buzzer blared all over the arena. It was accompanied by the deafening screams of the crowd. I jumped from my seat and screamed in delight. The drums began rolling, adding the hype to the crowd. On cue, the crowd began to cheer our university's chant.

I happily turned to my best friend who looked bored on her seat. "We won, Alana!"

"Who cares? I'm only here to look at the cute players."

I shook my head. "You're incorrigible." 

"I'm Alana," she replied like her name is the answer to everything. Oddly enough, it is.

I pulled Alana towards the locker rooms. Iniiwasan ko ang pamilya ng Serrano dahil paniguradong kasama nila si Gaia. I'm trying to stay away from her because I'm not liking the thoughts that are lurking in my head whenever she's around.

Mabait siya at wala siyang ginagawang masama. Her only flaw is that she likes Xavi. She's innocent and that's why I'm swamped with guilt whenever I'm getting irritated at her.

"Bakit ba kasama pa ako hanggang dito?" Alana complained as we waited outside the locker room of our university's basketball team.

I gave her a pleading look. She just heavily sighed. Hindi na siya nagreklamo ulit. At least not vocally. Kitang-kita pa rin sa mukha niya ang pagkainip. Matagal ang paghihintay dahil may cool down routine pa ang team.

Si Xavi ang unang-una na lumabas mula sa locker room. He already changed into black shirt and black jeans. He didn't look like someone who just played an intense basketball match. 

Ngiti ang sinalubong ko sa kanya. He smiled upon seeing me smile, too. I can't reel in my excitement and rush to him for a hug. 

"Congrats, X!" I happily greeted. His body was a bit stiff under my arms. His muscles are still probably tight and tensed from the strenuous activity earlier.

It only took him a second to relax and let out a breath, like my hug soothed him. It made me smile. Gusto ko man tagalan ang pagkakayakap sa kanya, hindi pupwede dahil baka may makahalata kaya pinakawalan ko rin siya agad.

Like a cast of an old play, Alana squealed. Lumapit din siya at hinawi ako para mayakap si Xavi. I know she's only doing this for me. 

"Congratulations, Serrano!" Alana heavily patted Xavi's back before releasing him and stepping a few steps back. I know her too well, that's why I can perfectly see the disgust in her eyes.