Embracing scars (COMPLETED)

09. X&X

We're finally done with third year --which means, we still have a month left before internship starts. Kaya ngayon, I'm on my way to school.

I'm here for South, of course.

Agad akong naghanap ng available parking area. At nang makahanap, mabilis akong dumiretso sa gym. According to my sources, every MWF, may basketball practice sila early in the morning, and in their TTh schedule, their practice is placed in the evening.

Agad hinagilap ng mata ko si South. Where is he? Umupo ako sa 'di kalayuang bench. Sakto lang, para makita ng magandang mga mata ko.

There he is! Agad akong napangiti ng makitang seryoso siya sa paglalaro. He's wearing a black sleeveless shirt and a jersey shorts. It matched with his latest edition of nike basketball shoes.

I already mentioned that my cousins plays basketball too. And yup! They are my so called sources. Nagulat nga sila ng magtanong ako. It was a first time. Alam kasi nila na wala akong interest sa basketball. Reason why hindi ako madalas pumunta rito. And I don't --- well, never did watch any of their basketball practice. Nanunuod lang ako tuwing championship games na nila.

Pero hindi nakatutok ang atensyon ko sa laro -- which I regretted. Edi sana mas maaga kong nakilala si South! And, and -- I could have joined their countless after party celebrations! I didn't know!!! Palagi kaming ini-invite dahil na rin sa lahat ng pinsan naming lalaki ay kasali.

Si Kuya Alexander na lang ang wala ngayon dahil kakagraduate lang niya. Habang nakaupo ako doon, napansin kaagad ako ni Storm. Kaagad niyang tinawag ang atensyon ni Kuya Xian. Mukhang hindi na sila nagulat sa presensya ko pero kunot-noo nila akong tiningnan. I just smiled and wave my hand at them. At nang mag-water break sila, kaagad nila akong nilapitan. Isa-isa ko silang inabutan ng face towel.

"Not to sound rude but ... why are you here, princess?" tanong ni Kuya Xian habang nagpupunas ng pawis.

"Just ... wanna watch your basketball practice, Kuya. I'm curious!" I reasoned out

"Okaaaayy? But Xixi mentioned na magsho-shopping kayo today ah?" tanong niya saka umupo sa tabi ko

"Mamaya pa, Kuya. Bibili lang naman kami ng outfit for tonight."

"Are you sure you're here to watch us, princess?"

"--- baka naman iba ang pakay mo rito." Storm hit the bullseye but of course, I need to act naturally.

I smirked. "Sina Kuya Xian ang pinunta ko. Of course, hindi ka kasama 'dun." His happy face fell.

"Princess naman!"

I crossed my arms as I leaned back. "Oh bakit, may angal ka?"

"Tama na 'yan. Baka mamaya ay mag-away na naman kayo." awat ni Kuya sa amin.

"Sandy will be joining us tonight." Anunsiyo ni Izaac. Ibinaling ko ang atensyon ko sa kanya.

"And who's Sandy?" taas-kilay kong tanong

He smirked. "My date, of course."

What should I expect? Its fucking Brix Izaac Dela ferrer we're talking about here. I was about to comment when I saw South stood up and fixed his bag.

"Wait, tapos na ang practice niyo?" tanong ko

"Yep!" sagot ni Mikael na ngayon ay kumakain nang homemade chicken sandwich.

Palabas na ng gym si South kaya kaagad akong tumayo. Nagtatakang tiningnan nila akong apat.

"Hindi ka sasabay sa amin?" tanong ni Kuya

"Hindi po."

"Where are you headed? Sumabay ka na lang." dagdag ni Storm

"No thanks! I brought my car!" Hindi ko na sila hinintay at mabilis ang mga naging hakbang ko para maabutan si South. Damn! Ang bilis naman niyang maglakad!