A week had passed since what happened, and I maintained my resolve to avoid her. Each day, I continued to distance myself. Palagi niya akong nilalapitan at balak na kakausapin pero hindi ko siya pinapansin as much as I don't want to be near her.
Finding solace, I frequently goes to Ma'am Vivien's office, a haven where I felt secure. Sa office niya nakakapagpahinga ako nang maayos. Ma'am Vivienʼs care also provided everything I need kahit nahihiya na ako. Soiraya and my friends were doing well, especially as we were gearing up to become third-year students next month. Time seemed to fly by.
Mornings came early, and on this particular Monday, I woke up with a sense of positivity. Despite her lingering in my thoughts, I was determined to focus on myself. The conflicting emotions persisted - part of me remained entangled in thoughts of her, while another part resisted any urge to communicate.
I do miss her.
Pero nakikita ko pa rin sila palagi ni Sir Montejo na magkasama sa SU. Wala na akong magawa kundi lumayo nalang. I'm not lacking on her subject rin as I have a highest GWA. Naisip kong ang tagal ko na pala sa SU despite of the struggle I faces nagpapatuloy pa rin ako.
Upon arriving at the university, I made my way towards the building, only to find her standing by the elevator once again. Nag-antay kaming bumaba ang elevator. An awkward silence hung between us, replacing the conversations we had shared in recent days. Tumunog ang elevator at nauna siyang pumasok sumunod ako. Walang nagsalita saming dalawa kahit kami lang ang tao sa loob. It was clear that she had stopped trying to initiate a conversation. The atmosphere was markedly different from before, as if an invisible barrier had emerged between us.
Walang pansinan ang naganap. Well, hindi ko din naman siya papansinin. Bumukas ang elevator sa 3rd floor at nauna akong lumabas, sumunod naman siya agad kasi rinig na rinig ang heels niya sa hallway. Umupo ako at pumasok naman siya dala ang laptop niya pagkakuway binaba at tumingin samin.
"Tomorrow, we have a field trip to Grand-Terre Cosmo," she announced with a firm tone. "GSU students will also be participating, and various activities are planned, such as basketball, student concerts, and games, all designed for your enjoyment before the moving-up ceremony."
Nagtinginan ang lahat ng colleagues ko, bakas sa kanilang mukha ang saya at pagka-excite.
"Emails have been sent to your parents regarding this event. Accommodations at the Grande have been arranged, and all expenses have been covered by Silvestre. Prepare for the camping trip accordingly. You are dismissed," she concluded, her words delivered with a chilly demeanor.
Yon lang? Hindi umabot sa minuto ang oras niya tapos nag dismiss na.
Baka wala talaga siyang balak na magturo.
Pagkalabas niya ay patalon-talon namang lumapit sakin si Charlotte.
"Yesss! I'm sure kasama si Samantha!" sigaw nito nang makarating sa table ko. Kinunutan ko lang siya ng noo.
"Chosen student lang naman siguro ang makakapunta, well I guess kung makakasama siya." I stated.
"Kung hindi siya pupunta ako mismo ang kukuha sa kanya sa bahay nila." Ngisi nitong sabi. Bumuntong hininga nalang ako.
"Hindi ka ba excited?" tanong nito. Inilapit ang mukha niya sakin. "Nilalagnat ba ang baby Frey namin?" sabay dampi niya sa noo ko.
"Tumigil ka nga," sabi ko sabay alis ng kamay niya mula sa noo ko.
"Ito naman HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA," tawa nito, "Sasabihan ko sila Sav na sumali tayong apat sa magco-concert."
My eyes widened in surprise, "Kayo nalang, ayoko nga kasi."
"Ang KJ mo, papayag ka o hahalikan kita?" natatawa nitong nilalapit ang mukha sakin.
Inilayo ko naman ang mukha ko tapos tinutulak siya, "Wala ka talagang magandang naidudulot sakin, Charlotte!" I yelled, she's still teasing me while laughing.
"Kakanta lang naman tayong apat. Pasalamat ka hindi ka na mag-iisa sa stage n'yan." She stated. Umupo siya sa mesa habang natatawa pa rin.
"I'll think about that." Tipid kong sagot.
"Sige na. We also want you to enjoy our remaining days as a second year student." Huminto ito sa pagtawa tapos tumingin sakin.
"Tinitingin-tingin mo?"
"Alam mo Frey," saad nito.
"Hindi."
"Alam mo ang ganda mo," sambit niya ulit.
"Alam ko."
"Tanga lang," pagkatapos niyang sabihin ay tumalon na siya sa mesa habang tumatawa tapos hinabol ko siya para sikmurahan. Siraulo talaga ang babaeng to.
The day passed quickly, and I soon found myself in my room, pondering over what to pack in my backpack for the upcoming trip. A 3-day, 2-night excursion awaited us, as my parents had informed me after receiving an email from Silvestre. Wala naman silang problema sa field trip as they will be busy with their works. Anticipation tinged with uncertainty filled me. I'm eager for the trip, I couldn't help but feel unsure about how to interact with her. Ilang araw na rin kaming walang conversations, the fact that she was my professor, and likely to be one of our mentors in that field trip, added an extra layer of complexity to the situation.
Umaga na nga at nakaabot na ako sa Silvestre University, madaming bus ang nakapaligid sa parking lot. Marami ring students na makikita dala dala ang mga malalaking bag nila. Some of them have maids na nagdadala ng mga gamit. I thought pwede mag own service lang pero bawal pala after they've announced na lahat ay sa bus sasakay. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako sasakay, nililibot ko ang parking lot habang patingin-tingin sa mga bus baka may signboard na pang art student nang biglang sumigaw si Charlotte sa likod ko.
"Frey!!" nagulat ako sa boses niyang halos mabingi na ako. "Andun lang ang bus natin kasama sila Raya, Savannah is also there along with Catalina. Ikaw nalang hinihintay namin."
May sariling bus pa nga ang mga bruha.
Sumunod ako kay Charlotte dala-dala ang bag ko. Pagkapasok ko ay ngumingiti pa ako, malaki ang bus at may aircon sa loob, sobrang lamig din. Sa hindi kalayuan, nakaupo naman siya. Ma'am Rhea again.
Mag-isa lang siyang nakaupo roon, tumingin siya sakin, iniwas ko ang mga tingin ko at pumunta kina Charlotte. Pero wala yata silang balak na paupuin ako sa tabi nila, ngumisi pa sila sabay turo sa vacant seat katabi ni Ma'am Rhea. Having no other option, I took a seat beside her. She was dressed in a laid-back attire for the day, sporting a white t-shirt that bore the inscription "Silvestre Professor," paired with a sleek black pencil skirt.
Bakit pala nandito siya? Akala ko personal bus to ni Savannah? Tsaka wala si Ma'am Vivien, wala ding ibang professor except from her.
Suspicious din ang tatlo na pasikretong ngumingiti sa may unahan. I rolled my eyes at lumayo sa kanya ng konti.
Nagsimula ng lumabas ang mga bus sa main gate isa-isa. Kami ang pinakahuling bus. Hinahanap ko pa rin mula sa bintana si Ma'am Vivien baka kasi naiwan siya. Hindi ko talaga siya makita.
"Looking for her?" she spoke, ang lamig ng mga boses niya. Her arms crossed the entire time and not even glancing at me. Siguro napansin niyang kanina pa ako pasilip-silip sa bintana.
"Yes." Tipid kong sagot pagkakuway tumigil na sa paghahanap.
"She's at the bus number 3. If you want to go there then exit the bus." She answered, her tone is icy.
Once more, I chose to sit next to her, opting not to join Ma'am Vivien on the bus. My emotions were divided, torn between wanting to distance myself from her and desiring to be close, despite the situation.
As the bus set into motion, our journey to Grand-Terre Cosmo began. While seated beside her, I observed her gradually drift off to sleep, her arms crossed in a relaxed manner. Nakatulog na nakaupo lang. Napansin ko ang pag galaw ng ulo niya habang umaandar ang bus. Moved by concern, I inched closer and gently lifted her head, placing it on my shoulder to ensure her comfort and prevent any discomfort in her posture. Nakatulog siya sa balikat ko, napansin ko ring patingin-tingin ang mga bruha sakin, pati rin si Savannah.
Maybe they planned this.
Dalawang oras ang byahe bago kami nakarating sa Grand-Terre Cosmo. Excited na lumabas sila Savannah at naiwan ako sa loob kasama siya. Tulog pa rin.
Dalawang oras natulog sa balikat ko.
Hinayaan ko nalang siya, waking her is not a good choice, hindi pa naman namamanhid ang balikat ko. Dumaan ang minuto ay hindi pa rin siya nagigising pero napapansin ko ng ginagalaw niya ang mga daliri niya. I sighed, kanina pa siguro siya gising.
"Are you still mad at me?" she weakly whispered.
I was startled by her, but I remain composed. "Hmm.." I hummed as a response.
"You're enjoying her company, right?" she asked again, her voice quiver.
"Hmm... kinda.."
Before she could utter another word, Ma'am Vivien's voice could be heard from outside, calling out my name.
"Frey? You still there?" tanong nito sa labas. Bahagyang lumayo siya sakin. Napatayo naman ako agad at lumabas dala ang bag ko. I left her alone in the bus. Bumungad sakin ang mukha ni Ma'am Vivien, smiling.
"Thank God, you're still here, let's go?" she said, offering her hand. I took her hand and left the bus.
My hopes of spending a brief moment with her seemed to dissipate.
Upon entering the Grand, I took note of its numerous restaurants, a well-maintained parking area, and ample lighting that would prove beneficial at nighttime. The presence of several pools caught my attention, and a beach lay ahead, featuring an array of volleyball nets. Further exploration led us to a spacious hotel with an abundance of rooms, exuding an inviting charm. Iniwan muna ako ni Ma'am Vivien kasi mag-aasikaso pa sila sa magaganap na event.
"Welcome, everyone, to Grand-Terre Cosmo!" Professor Alvarez voice reverberated through the lobby, capturing everyone's attention. "During our time here, you have the flexibility to pick any room and choose your partner. Our aim is to build teamwork and create memorable experiences. So, go ahead and make your choices as we prepare for a day of fun games and friendly competition with the GSU students."
As students dispersed, forming groups and animatedly discussing room arrangements, I felt a mix of anticipation and butterflies in my stomach. I glanced around, pondering who my partner might be and where we'd decide to stay - mabilis na lumapit sakin si Charlotte tsaka hinila ako papunta kina Sav.
"Sama-sama tayo sa iisang room," nasasayang sabi nito.
"Except for me and Cat." Sabi naman ni Savannah.
"Gusto niyo lang maglabing-labing kaya ayaw mo sumama samin sa iisang room e." Ngisi naman ni Raya.
"Totoo, baka nga gagawa kayo ng memorable experience dito sa Cosmo... kayong dalawa lang, ayiieee!" sabi ni Charlotte.
"Sigurado kayo? Tayo? Magsasama sa iisang room?" tanong ko sa kanila.
"Ayaw mo? Sino ba gusto mong makasama si Ma'am Vivien or si Ma'am Rhea?" tanong naman ni Charlotte.
"Sabi ko nga sasama ako sa inyo." I answered. Bahagya naman silang napatawa. Hirap mamili.
"Savannah," tawag ni Cat sa asawa niya.
Chaks, sana all asawa. Lord, when kaya sakin?
"Yes baby?" sagot ni Savannah na nagpangiwi saming tatlo nila Charlotte at Soraiya.
"Ano ba yan! Tara na nga, uwi na tayo." Reklamo ni Charlotte.
"Please huwag kayo maglandian sa harap namin," naiirita kong sabi sa dalawa. Tumingin naman ang dalawa tapos sabay na natawa.
"You should join them, Sav." Sabi ni Cat kay Sav.
"I don't want. You don't have a company anymore if I will join them." Sagot naman ni Sav.
"Sige, imaginen niyo nang na hindi niyo kami kasama." Biro ni Charlotte. Kinindatan lang siya ni Savannah sabay tumawa na naman.
Ang hirap nila kasama. Paano pa kaya pag nagsama kaming apat sa iisang room.
"It's okay. Tita Porchevannah will be here naman." Nakangiting sabi ni Cat kay Sav. "I'll be fine and join them."
Tumango si Savannah kahit siguro labag sa kalooban niya ay pumayag nalang ito, asawa na niya ang nagsabi. Sinong hindi mawawalan ng angas niyan?
Amidst the lively crowd of students, surrounded by the cheerful conversations of them. The professors had just made an announcement, giving us the freedom to select both our room. Sumama ako kina Charlotte at Raya para maghanap ng room na may saktong bed para samin while si Savannah naman ay hinatid si Catalina sa VIP room kasi maya-maya dadating din ang may-ari ng school - which is mom ni Sav.
Umabot nalang kami sa palapag ng hotel ay wala talaga kaming nahanap na apat ang kama kasi hindi vacant tapos punuan na rin ang mga VIP room kasi gamit ng mga professors.
Sa paghahanap namin minalas kami dahil isang room nalang ang vacant at isa lang ang kama pero malaki naman. Paano kami matutulog nito? Tsaka feeling ko hindi papayag ang mga ʼto na magtabi-tabi kami sa iisang kama, mga expensive tong mga to.
"There's no other room left!?" Savannah exclaimed.
"Wala na nga," Charlotte groaned. Nasa loob kami ng isang room sa 5th floor dahil ito nalang ang bakanti. Dala pa namin ang mga bag namin.
"This is your fault, Charyy!" reklamo ni Raya.
"Hoy anong ako? Sinabi ko bang sumama kayo sakin para maghanap ng room?" sagot naman ni Charlotte.
"How can I sleep with just this!?" sabay turo ni Savannah sa kama. Malaki naman ang kama kasya nga pitong tao pero hindi lang kami sanay.
"Sa sahig nalang daw matutulog si Raya," natatawang sabi ni Charlotte.
"In your dreams," irap ni Raya kay Charlotte. Basta ako nakikinig lang sa kanila. Iniisip ko kung saan ako matutulog.
Akala ko lalabas ang tatlo or dalawa sa kanila lalo na si Savannah na hindi yata sanay ganito. Pwede naman niyang utusan ang ibang professor na lumipat pero nakita kong nilagay niya ang bag sa table at pabagsak na tumihaya sa kama.
"Whatever, let's just accept our fate." She said, in defeat.
Humiga na rin si Raya katabi ni Sav tapos tumalon si Charlotte sa kama at humiga. Sumunod na rin ako at humiga. Nang nakahiga na kami we shared a laugher.
"I'll sleep beside Ray," Sav spoke.
"Tabi kami ni Frey." Agad na sambit ni Charlotte.
"Me, Charlotte, Raya, and you Sav?" I asked, still we're laying in the bed.
"Absolutely!" they exclaimed.
"Ang lambot naman pala, parang ayaw ko na muna bumaba, let's just stay muna like this saka na tayo bumaba pag tawagin na tayo." Raya stated. We all agreed, tama naman si Raya, wala pa naman kaming gagawin sa labas.
Dumaan ang isang oras. Tumunog ang doorbell, indicating na may tao sa labas ng room kaya napatayo ako at napansin kung nakatulog pala ang tatlo, hindi man lang inayos ang mga higa nila tsaka hindi sila nagbihis. Tumungo ako sa pintuan tapos binuksan, bungad sakin ang magandang mukha ni Ma'am Vivien.
"So you're here. Who's with you?" tanong agad nito.
"Sila Raya po, Savannah and Charlotte." Sagot ko. Pumasok nang kaonti si Ma'am Vivien saka sumilip.
"Y'all are gonna sleep here?" she inquired.
"Yes po since there's no vacant room left," I answered, a smile drew my lips.
"Are you comfortable with this state? If you want then you can have my room instead." She stated, offering her gentleness.
"No worries ma'am besides I wanna spend this field trip with them," I responded.
Bumalik sa labas si Ma'am Vivien and I followed her, "Are you hungry?" she inquired.
"Hindi pa naman po ma'am. Kumain naman po ako ng breakfast sa bahay before departing."
"Okay, if you're hungry let me know. If you need anything let me know, hmm?" she insisted.
"I will po. Thank you ma'am."
"I'll go. I have a lot of things to prepare for the evening activities." Pagpapaalam niya.
I bid her good bye at umalis siyang nakangiti. She's just so nice to me. I spent some time waiting patiently for them to wake up from their sound sleep. Savannah was the first to rouse, her eyes still heavy with sleep, giving her a somewhat dreamy appearance. Raya woke up next, and eventually, Charlotte joined us, all of them slowly emerging from there slumber. The timing worked out perfectly as we were planning to have lunch, prompting all of us to head downstairs to enjoy our meal together. Pababa na kami habang naka-akbay sakin si Charlotte. Inaantok pa ito habang nakalambitin sakin.
Nakarating kaming pinagtitinginan ng mga tao sa baba. Mabilis namang kumawala sakin si Charlotte at pumunta agad sa food section para kumuha ng pagkain. Pero gulat kami sa reaksyon ng mga tao samin kasi nakatingin lang sila as if hindi kami kilala. Kumukuha na ng pagkain si Charlotte tapos naiwan lang kaming nakatayo nang mapansin naming kulay puti lahat ang suot ng mga tao. Hindi rin sila mukhang mga students.
Lumapit samin ang isang accommodator, "Good day, kayo po ba ang guest ng kinasal?" nakangiting tanong ng babae.
"Kasal!?" Savannah, Soraiya, and me exclaimed. Sabay kaming napatanong, nagtinginan sa isa't isa.
"Guys, hindi ba kayo kakain?" tanong ni Charlotte habang dala-dala ang pagkain na nasa food tray.
"Charlotte," napatakip nalang kami sa mukha nang tumingin kami dito, "Nasa kinasal tayo." Mahina naming bigkas.
Halos mabitawan ni Charlotte ang hawak niyang tray. Her look is just funny, halata pang pumuslit siya ng bread tsaka kinain kasi makikita sa bibig niyang may kinakain siya.
"We're sorry po. Akala kasi namin sa Silvestre to." Paghingi ko ng despensa. Hindi pa man nagsasalita ang babae ay kinuyog na namin si Charlotte tsaka iniwan ang tray sa isang mesa.
Halos mamatay kami sa kakatawa pagkalabas kung saan kami nanggaling. Nakita rin namin kung paano natulala si Charlotte sa nagawa niya. Nahihiya pa pala tong isang to.
"Why! Just why!?" Charlotte exclaimed, her voice has a hint or regrets.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA patay gutom mo kasi!" natatawang sabi ko.
"I thought mom rented the place," sabi ni Savannah, tawang-tawa pa rin siya.
"Sarap pa ng kuha mo ng pagkain ah. Anong klaseng droga gamit mo?" sabi naman ni Raya.
"Tigilan niyo ako!" Charlotte groaned. Napasampal pa ito sa mukha niya. Ngayon ko lang siya nakitang nahiya talaga. Tanga kasi.
Timing naman na dumaan si Professor Alvarez at nakita kami kaya sumama na kami sa kanya. Nakarating kami sa isang magarbong dining hall, siguro ito ang nirentahan talaga ng Silvestre. Malaki, sobrang expensive, sosyal, at hindi kagaya doon sa isang napuntahan namin. We kicked off our lunch by choosing our dishes and savoring our food, all while Charlotte continued to carry the weight of regret from the wedding section. Laughter accompanied our meal as we affectionately teased her.
Napatigil ako sa pagtawa nang sa hindi kalayuan, nakita ko naman si Ma'am Rhea. Sir Montejo is not with her. I noticed that her food sat untouched as she stared at it, her lack of appetite and energy evident. I couldn't help but empathize with her during that moment. I observed her quietly from a distance. Her gaze was fixed solely on her plate, she seemed to be lost in thought. After a while, she abruptly stood up and left the dining hall.
My instinct was to follow her, but my inner voice cautioned that it might not be necessary. A part of me wanted to reach out and talk to her, yet the memories of what transpired held me back.
"Attention, everyone!" Professor Alvarez's voice echoed across the hall. All the professors, including Ma'am Rhea, were dressed uniformly. "The GSU students have arrived. Let's extend a warm welcome as they join us for lunch," she announced.
As the GSU students revealed themselves, our collective gaze fixated on them. Their casual attire bore the distinctive GSU logo on their t-shirts. Amidst the crowd, I noticed Samantha's stare directed at me. The tension from our restroom encounter still lingered, evident in her lingering anger. Agad namang umalis si Charlotte samin tsaka tumungo agad kay Sam.
Landi talaga.
"In the afternoon, we'll kick off our friendly game against GSU. SU versus GSU, a light-hearted competition. Let's focus on enjoying our time here," Ma'am Vivien announced. Her gaze wandered and settled on me, a warm smile forming. I responded with a smile of my own.
As the afternoon rolled around, we prepared for the friendly game with the GSU students. Our SU team donned white shirts while our rivals wore black t-shirts.
"Let's have a blast!" Raya exclaimed, her face radiating enthusiasm.
"For the win! For the win!" Charlotte cheered.
Savannah and I listened, absorbing their excitement as we geared up for the upcoming game. Sabay kaming lumabas ng room suot ang short at white shirt namin na may tatak na "Silvestre University."
Habang pababa kami, nakasalubong naman namin si Sir Montejo at siyempre walang iba kundi siya. Tumingin siya sakin pero iniwas ko agad ang mga mata ko na parang walang nakita at dinaanan lang sila.
"Ang sakit!" sigaw ni Charlotte.
"Ang alin?" Raya asked, laughing.
Ayan na naman silang dalawa. Nagsisimula na naman.
"Ang makitang may kasama siyang iba.. Oh kay sakit naman ng ginawa mo...Ohhh" nagsimula na naman si Charlotte. Tumawa pa si Raya pagkatapos tumakbo ang dalawa nang matulin. Naiwan kami ni Savannah, natatawa rin.
"You're so hopeless, Frey." She said, chuckling.
"I know," I sighed. "That's why I'm distancing myself from her."
"We know." Tipid niyang sagot.
Nakarating kami sa labas na naghihintay ang dalawa. Kinuyog nila kami papuntang open basketball court. Nakarating kami sa court at lahat ng mata ay samin.
"Ang popogi!"
"Who's that girl? She's like a model"
"That's Mercedez right there!"
"Ang tatangkad"
Iilan lang yan sa narinig namin galing sa GSU students na nag-aantay rin sa basketball court.
"Attention, everyone!" Professor Alvarez voice echoed in the court. "It's time to kick off the basketball game between our SU and GSU students. Remember, this is a friendly match meant for enjoyment. We'll be selecting players at random to create a team."
Mabilis akong kinuyog ni Charlotte papunta sa gitna kasama si Savannah at Raya.
"Ma'am! Maglalaro po kami," nae-excite na sabi ni Charlotte.
I didn't agreed for this. Hindi pa ako nakalaro ng basketball at lalong wala akong alam sa mga ganitong activities - tanging pagpinta lang ang alam ko.
"Ayuko." Tipid kong tugon. Pero hindi ako binitawan ni Charlotte.
"Mabilis lang naman, Frey. Sige na, pag napagod ka maghanap kami agad ng sub sayo." Giit ni Raya.
I don't have a choice besides para mag-enjoy na rin. Kaso wala talaga akong alam maglaro. Tumango ako at naghanap kami ng isang player sa SU para makasama namin maglaro. We lined up as we face thr opponents from GSU, mukha silang mga player tapos kami mga tanga.
"Let's play fair and have a great time!" Sigaw ng referee.
A blend of eagerness and uncertainty washed over me. It was showcasing skills akin to varsity athletes. Meanwhile, I possessed no basketball experience. Hindi talaga ako marunong, nanonood lang ako minsan.
The match commenced, and I grappled with the ball, my movements uncertain. An opponent from the other team exhibited deft dribbling as she advanced. My attempt at defense faltered, leaving me trailing in her wake. Ang galing!
Raya's voice rang out, "Stay close to her, don't give her space!" offering guidance on marking opponents closely to deny them space.
My defense faltered once again kasi hindi ako marunong, allowing an opposing player to smoothly execute a dunk, garnering a point for their side. Watching her skillful display evoked both admiration and a pang of inadequacy.
Samin ang bola, agad ko namang pinasa kay Savannah ang bola habang tumatakbo at pinasa niya kay Charlotte. Charlotte's precision was evident as she effortlessly sunk a three-pointer, drawing cheers from the crowd. I couldn't help but marvel at her confidence and accuracy.
Sa kalaban ang bola nang tangkang inagaw ni Savannah ay tinulak siya ng taga GSU dahilan upang tumilapon siya sa gilid. Napamura kami lahat.
Foul ang kabila kaya nabigyan ng chance mag free throw si Sav. Savannah's free throw technique was nothing short of flawless, securing us a crucial point.
Her focused demeanor and skilled aim were unmistakable as the ball sailed through the hoop.
SU - 60
GSU - 63
"Let's keep up the effort!" Soraiya's encouraging words reverberated across the court as she maneuvered past her opponents with ease, setting up a seamless pass for Charlotte, who netted another three-pointer. Ang galing naman pala ng isang to. Parang varsity player din.
Dumami ang mga manonood from both university. Nakinood na din ang ibang professors at nag che-cheer. I roamed my eyes and amidst the noisy crowd I found her again, standing, watching me. Parang bumalik ang alaala ko nung may competition pa sa art. Sa kabila din nakita kong nanonood si Ma'am Vivien, cheering for us. May hawak itong towel at isang bottle. Her beaming expression is palpable.
Nagsimula na ulit dahil 4th quarter na, tagaktak na rin ang mga pawis namin habang humihingal na ako. My role primarily revolved around facilitating passes to my adept friends. Yet, with their guidance, I managed to contribute in my own capacity. Nagtagal ang laro, puro pasa lang ako dahil kada-shoot ko walang pumapasok. 88 - 87 na ang score at lamang kami pero humahabol pa rin ang kabila.
Nasakin ang bola, habang tumatakbo my vision seemed to blur at onti-onti akong nanghihina, "Pass it here!" Savannah's call snapped my attention back to the court. Swiftly, I delivered her the ball, and she adeptly maneuvered towards the basket, executing a swift layup that bolstered our score.
We win.
Sigawan at palakpakan ang magkabilang side. Tumakbo ang mga nanood na student samin sabay nag-cheer.
Despite my limited basketball know-how, the camaraderie and unity amongst us were palpable. Though not all of us were seasoned pros, the collective energy, teamwork, and the resounding cheers from the crowd created an unforgettable ambiance.
"Fantastic work, everyone!" Savannah shouted, happily, each of us contributing uniquely to our team's efforts. Nakaramdam ako ng matinding hingal at uhaw, nanghihina na rin ang katawan ko. As I glance around para hanapin siya, nagtama ang mga mata namin at nakita ko ang pag-aalala niyang mukha pero huli na ng inalalayan ako ni Ma'am Vivien papunta sa bench.
"You really shouldn't be playing, Frey. It's not suitable for your body," Ma'am Vivien expressed her concern, gently dabbing my sweat with a soft towel.
I offered her a reassuring smile. "Okay lang po, ma'am. I want to have some fun."
Surveying the surroundings once more, my gaze landed on her. She stood there, observing us. There was a depth in her eyes, a hint of pain that struck a chord. I observed her closing her eyes briefly before she turned and walked away from the court.
A yearning engulfed me. I longed for her touch, the comfort it provided. The impulse to follow her, embrace her, was strong, but it remained unacted upon.
The image of her with that man replayed in my mind again, a persistent ache in my heart that refused to fade away.