FLASHBACK
"And the number one PBA overall draft pick goes to.... Welcome to San Miguel Coffee Mixers...." Tim Cone announcing their pick.
"The Phenom, KIEFER ISAAC RAVENA!"
Palakpakan at hiyawan ang mga tao.
Nafocus kay Kiefer ang camera. Basang basa sa bibig nya ang "Thank you Lord" while he was pointing his right index finger upwards.
Umakyat si Kiefer sa stage to join his team. Sinuutan sya ng jacket ni Coach Tim. Sinuutan naman sya ng cap ni James Yap. And then photo op na.
Sobrang saya lang kasi di nya inaasahan na number one draft pick sya. All he was aiming was to be drafted. And to be picked number one is definitely an added bonus.
After the first round, tinawag sya ni Erika Padilla for a quick interview.
"Ano ang pakiramdam ngayon ng isang Kiefer Ravena? And what will we expect for the coming days?" Pambungad na tanong ni Erika.
"Parang nasa Cloud 9. Hahaha! Sobrang saya. Hindi ko maexplain. Uhhmmmm! Thankful ako sa San Mig kasi they gave me this very elusive opportunity that a basketball-pro-league-wannabe is hoping and wishing for. I promise to work hard and not disappoint the team and the fans. Siguro for the coming days, it's going to be a busy one. Trainings, tune up games. A lot of things to look forward to. Excited ako." Nakangiting sagot ni Kiefer.
"Kiefer, meron ka bang mga gustong pasalamatan?" Singit ni Erika.
"First of, thank you Lord talaga. You've showered me so many blessings. Hiniling ko lang talaga mapick ako ng kahit saang team. Tas eto, higit pa sa hiniling ko ang ibinigay nya. Kaya sobrang thankful po ako. Syempre sa family ko, daddy, mommy, dani and thirdy, thanks for the support. Guys, para sa inyo ito. Kayo ang inspirasyon ko. Basta sa lahat ng taong naniwala sakin since day one, you all kept me grounded. Uhmmm! Hi Miks! Miss na kita." Natatawang sabi ni Kiefer, kumaway sya sabay nag excuse na kay Erika dahil tinatawag na sya for photo ops.
Medyo late na natapos ang Draft. Nag invite ang Mixers ng dinner afterwards. Kiefer felt so at home because of the warm acceptance of the team. Picture dito, picture doon. Tawanan dito, tawanan doon. Tinutukso sya nina James at Mark ng "idol, idol, pa-autograph pls."
Overwhelming it is.
Kiefer drove himself home. After kasi ng draft, umuwi na ang family nya. Mika was not there to witness this new milestone in Kiefer's basketball career, pero she was there in spirit. Out of town kasi sila for an exhibition game.
"Babe, sorry I missed your calls, I only got to check my phone now." Very apologetic na sambit ni Kiefer. Si Mika agad ang tinawagan nya pagkadating na pagkadating nya ng bahay nila.
"Ok lang!" Boses bagong gising si Mika. "Congrats Babe. I'm so proud of you!"
"Thank you, Babe. You were more than a lucky charm. Miss na kita Babe. Uwi ka na." Paglalambing ni Kiefer.
"Two days pa. Tiis tiis muna. Miss na din kita" Sagot ni Mika.
Inabot ata ng tatlong oras ang pag uusap ng dalawa. Kung hindi pa malulowbat ang phone ng isa, hindi pa sila magpapaalaman. Natapos ang usapan nila by exchanging their "I love you's" and "I miss you's".
Two days after, sinundo ni Kiefer si Mika sa airport.
"Babe, I can see you from here. Di na ako bababa ng kotse ha. Sakay ka na lang agad." Tanaw na kasi ni Kiefer si Mika sa may drop off area.
"Ok Babe, kita ko na kotse mo!" Sagot naman nito.
Pagkasakay na pagkasakay ni Mika ng kotse, gaya ng inaasahan, she got a very sweet kiss on the lips at yakap na napakahigpit.
