Love Me, Hate Me

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Just Win

Deep sky-blue varsity jacket hanging on their shoulder, white jersey and expensive shoes. It all came to view when the gym door opened. Their elite aura was emanating with every step they took. This is the basketball team that can rival ours – the St. Bernard Catholic School's Blue Angels.

Hindi ako makagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko. He should be in the front since he's the captain but I didn't see him. I breathe out a sigh of relief when all their players went in, but he didn't show up. I guess he won't be able to participate this practice game. To say I'm glad is an understatement. I'm relieved.

Sinalubong namin sila. Nakipagkamay sa 'kin ang kanilang coach na si Mr. Henry Go.

"I assume you're the manager?" tanong niya matapos makipagkamay sa 'kin.

"Yes," nakangiting sagot ko. "Salamat po dahil pinaunlakan niyo ang imbitasyon namin."

Sumulyap ako sa mga players na kasama niya. My lips twitched when I saw some faces I wanted to forget. They were looking at me with guilt in their eyes and all I could do was to look away.

Dinala ko sila sa kabilang side ng gym. "Mr. Go, they can start the warm-up and then we'll proceed to the practice game after ten minutes."

Iniwan ko na sila roon at nagpunta sa aming team. I heaved out a deep sigh and slumped on the bench. Pakiramdam ko'y malaking energy ang nawala sa 'kin nang mapalapit ako sa kabilang team.

"Manager, ba't ang putla mo?" Hinawakan ni Erzo ang aking noo.

Napatingin silang lahat sa 'kin nang magtanong si Erzo.

Bahagya kong tinabig ang kaniyang kamay. "I'm fine." Umiwas ako ng tingin.

"Uminom ka muna ng tubig." Nag-abot si Carl ng tubig sa 'kin.

"Thanks." I drank the whole water down and surprisingly, it made me at ease a little.

"Lian."

Sabay-sabay kaming napatingin sa tumawag sa 'kin. I inhaled and slightly looked away. Three from the other team stood in front of me. I thought to see Paul was the only thing I want to avoid. I didn't know I would react this way just by seeing them. The memories I wanted to forget all came crashing down on me and I couldn't breathe.

"It's...been a long time," sabi ng lalakeng nasa gitna. He's Erwin. How would I forget that name? He's the Vice Captain and Paul's bestfriend.

Tumayo na ako. "Simulan na natin ang laro."

"Can we talk a bit?" tanong naman ni Tyler, ang point guard ng team.

Ah, of course, I remember that face too. He used to look so cheerful. Why does he look like he ate shit?

Pilit akong ngumiti sa kanilang tatlo. "I'm afraid I can't. Kailangan na nating simulan ang practice game." Tumingin ako sa aking orasan. "Five minutes before eight."

"It will be quick," sabi naman ni Aaron, isa rin sa malapit na kaibigan ni Paul.

The smile faded on my lips. I looked at them with a serious expression. I couldn't pretend that this was ok. How could they have approached me as if nothing happened? Like they didn't do anything bad to me before?

"I don't want to repeat myself." I looked at Erwin dead in the eyes. "We have to start the practice game."

Lalakad pa sana palapit sa 'kin si Erwin ngunit hinarang ni Adam ang kaniyang braso. Adam was 2 inches taller than them so they have to look up a bit.