Caitlin
Season 82 began. From Middle blocker, I was converted to Opposite Hitter. It was already halfway of the season. But sadly, hindi siya natuloy due to emerging COVID-19 virus break out. It was cancelled until season 83.
I decided to continue my volleyball career as Pro sa PVL.
Since the economy as many of the business (big or small) starts to open and reopen again and the COVID-19 cases are slowly winding down, the return of sports are being considered. Pretty sure athletes didn't slack off and were able to maintain their body in shape and in condition.
As the PVL commissioners announced its come back, without any hesitations, submitted my application. T'was surprising that two teams offered me a position in their teams despite of no assurance kung kelan kami makakapaglaro since we're still in the middle of pandemic. And Choco Mucho is one of them. Coach Kung Fu's the head coach of the other team.
I was about to accept the offer of coach Kung Fu's team when my manager advised me that I should take Choco Mucho's offer for it is the better option. Career and salary wise at the same time. And she's right! I should challenge myself and learn to step out of my comfort zone. Exploring and learning to adapt in a new coaching style/system is quite not an easy task, Even so, I took my manager's advise and I signed with CMFT. I should take a risk.
But there's still a part of me asking kung tama ba naging desisyon ko, knowing that most of the players there are from Ateneo. The university team we went up against no'ng season 81 Finals. And most especially, nandoon sa team na 'yon si Bea de Leon!
Bahala na!
When Rebisco management announced that I will be joining CMFT, they're very welcoming naman. Makukulit sila especially when I was already added to the team's group chat, lagi nila akong inaasar about that S81 championship especially Maddie and Deanna. Nakikisali din sa pangaasar si Bea na kinakainisan ko dahil napakabully at maangas kahit sa chat. Every week din kami may zoom meeting. Nakapagtraining na din ako thrice with them and I survived! Whoaaa! Buti na lang ate Shannen is also here na kateam ko sa UST before.
Go USTe!!! 😅🤣😂
I remember nga no'ng nagkaroon kami ng online huddle/introduction of new players may sagot ako sa tanong ni Bea na alam kong napansin nya na hindi parin ako makamove on sa nangyari nung S81
Flashback...
(Choco Mucho Heavenly huddle)
Bea, Maddie and Kat Tolentino ang hosts.
It's me, Deanna, ate Denden, Ponggay and ate Jamie that they're going to introduce as the new players in the team.
After ng introduction and kamustahan, we had a short break.
Pagbalik sa huddle..
Maddie: Not only Ate Den, but also, Jamie, Caitlin, Ponggay and Deanna. We know that in their UAAP career, they also created a mark especially during the season 81 UAAP Finals.
Bea: I think I remember that game very much. Right, Caitlin? (Laughs)
She said teasingly which made everyone laugh.
Maddie: Taray ni Caitlin nang-aaway
Said Maddie referring to one of our games during the S81 Finals.
Tawang-tawa Bea? She's laughing so hard kase..
Bea: Anyways, So to our knew Titans, Uhhmm my question is... what were you feeling or anong nag-gogo through sa mind n'yo when you guys knew that you'd be already joining our team, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans?
Ate Den was the first one to answer followed by Deanna, Jamie.
Bea: And next Uhmm we have.. Miss Caitlin Viray...
'Pag sakin may "Miss"? Sabagay 'di pa kami masyadong close.
Cait: For me... sobrang unexpected niya. Pero... I'm very excited kase parang before 'di ba nakakalaban ko lang kayo, pero ngayon, we're now in one team and I'm really looking forward to meet and jell with you guys.
After kong sumagot, it was Ponggay's turn
Ponggay: Umm I'm really excited same as my fellow newbies. You know, I think we're all itching really to get on the court and you know I can't wait to see everyone kill it! Like, let's goowww! Who would have thought na magkakasama na rin pala tayo. Like si Caitlin, who would have thought 'di ba? Nagkita lang tayo sa Finals game tapos biglang.. uy teammates na tayo. Let's go!
Bea: Tinatrash-talk niya lang ako noon tapos ngayon teammates na kami.
She said almost whispering and trying to cover her mouth teasing me.
We just laughed... Minsan it's good to look back at that moment and I'm okay with it at least we can now casually talk about it. ...
We took a short break again and the next portion of the show is Titanong or the question and answer portion.
Bea: Is there any player that you look up to and became your inspiration to do better sa volleyball?
Ate Den again was the first one to answer the question followed by Ponggay and Jamie
They mentioned their teammates are their inspiration especially daw mga naging teammates nila sa Ateneo.
Cait: Uhmm for me, aside sa teammates ko or most especially sa teammates ko, gusto ko i-emphasize si ate Sisi kase sobra talaga 'yung work ethics niya, 'yung sipag niya and 'yung passion niya sa ginagawa n'ya. Sobrang nai-inspire niya 'ko to do better.
I said with sort of bitterness hiding behind those words.
Which is totoo naman. Hanggang ngayon sobrang nanghihinayang ako that we weren't able to give her the championship during her last playing year no'ng S81. She was the best team captain for me. And I really mentioned ate Sisi kase I want to let her know (Bea), that ate Sisi also deserves na grumaduate ng champion as team captain.
Bea: Yeah.. Passion is very much inspiring. I agree.
She said in a soft and serious tone. Nagets din siguro n'ya..
We answered a lot of questions pa and habang nakikinig ako sa kanila na purk taga-Ateneo, I'm really intimidated and impressed kase they're very eloquent and confident with speaking in English. Pag Tagalog they almost slur, I mean stammer while speaking but still sound expensive. Pwede pahingi ng tissue guys?
Bearable pa naman s'ya. Kaya pa!
End of Flashback -----------
Hindi ba? Hirap talaga nila kabonding eh 😂🤣😅
I shook my head trying to get back at my senses. I am now here at Choco Mucho Flying Titans Chronicles shooting
During my turn for the interview...
Interviewer: Ma'am ready na po kayo?
Cait: Ah yes po.
Cameraman: Rolling in 3...2...1
Interviewer: Ms. Caitlin, ano po masasabi n'yo sa chemistry ng team? Is there any of your teammates that you got intimidated at first? Or nagworry ka because you thought or yung sa tingin mo hindi mo makakasundo before?
Cait: Pinakanaintimidate ako kay Bea. No'ng naglalabas ng list ng roommates sabi ko, sana hindi ko s'ya roommate. Kasi ang akala ko nga maangas s'ya. Isa s'ya sa mga iniiwasan kong maging roommate. Pero yun nga, nung naglabas na at kami 'yung roommates, and then nakilala ko s'ya. Hindi naman pala siya masungit, mabait pala s'ya.
Bakit ko ba nasabi 'yon? Tama ba na sinabi ko pa yon?
-------------------------
Flashback...
And since the upcoming conference will be held in a month, We had a bubble training at Ilocos. And guess what?
"Girls lapit lahat dito!" Coach O whistled and raised her hand, a signal for us to gather around.
"Oh my gosh! No way!" Kat nervously covering her mouth
"Ayan na yun coach?" -Maddie
"Oh no!" - Ponggay.
"Yes. I'll be announcing the lost of roommates during our stay here" Coach teasing laughed after he said that.
With my fingers crossed, praying for at least a decent roommate like Shannen or ate Dancel or Arianna. Or kahit sino na lang basta wag lang si...
"Bea and Caitlin will be at room 4" Coach O announced.
Mali yata ng pagkarinig sa prayers ko. Sabi ko po h'wag siya eh. Pero bahala na.
Yes you read it right. Kami ang naging magroommate.
She came close to me and said "Hi, roomie!"
"Hi!" I greeted back, trying to stay calm and not wanting then to notice how dead nervous and pissed I am.
Simula nang maging magroomie kami, I got to really know her. Napakaingay nya and she bullies me whenever she has a chance. One time nga nilocked nya ko sa terrace eh. Kaloka and vinideo nya pa! Apaka bully talaga. Minsan nga I don't know if matutuwa pa ko sa kanya eh. Sa mga pang-aasar niya sakin.
Despite her being bully, she's the most caring and kind person that I have ever met in my whole life. I guess I judged her too quickly kaya no'ng una I was so aloof towards her. There was a time when I got my period and sobrang lala ng sakit ng puson ko. The entire team was enjoying outside swimming and taking advatage of the fine, sunny weather since we're taking a short break from training. But she just stayed with me and took good care of me instead which I didn't expect her to do.
"Ate Bei ayos lang ako. Itutulog ko lang 'to. Hinahanap ka na nila siguro sa baba." I assure her.
"No. Mag-isa ka lang dito. And I guess, kaya na nila 'yan. They can still have fun with out me." She insisted. And she handed me the hot compress.and nilagay ko nqman 'yon sa sumasakit kong puson.
From then on, I promised to be more open to her and let her show me her true self. The real Bea that I am not aware of outside the court during our UAAP days. Maybe I did just let what other people's opinion about her, who also don't even really know anything affect how I look at her.
Every Saturday night, the while team would gather and will play board games or any games. Sabay kami laging lumalabas ng room at bumaba for team bonding or pag kakain na. Hindi nya ako iniiwan. Halos lagi kami na ang magkatabi at magkadikit
End of Flashback
And who would have thought nga naman, The person I didn't expect to be as close as this, siya pa ang pinaka-close ko ngayon. Ibang-ibang 'yung Bea na nakikita ko ngayon kesa sa nakikita ko when she's inside the court.
She's also a very open person. Lahat ng dapat nyang sabihin, sasabihin. Magk-kwento siya about random things. She also made an effort to get to know me. Tinanong niya mga ayaw at gusto ko so she'll have an idea daw.
And during the times even when I was broken, she was there to comfort me and gave me some sort of advice or she'll make me feel better.
Kr and I broke up months ago. I guess from the start palang I knew that our relationship will never gonna work out. I loved him. I appreciate all the things he had done for me. Even the smallest of things he could offer.
While I was lying on my bed 'coz I was really tired from our extreme training the whole day, my phone rang.it was Kr calling. I quickly reached for my phone which was on the table drawer beside my bed.
Cait: Hi baby!
Kr: Uhmm Cait...
He answered from the other line.
Cait: Yes, baby?
Kr: I know this isn't the perfect timing but, I want to end things up with you.
I just gaped with what I heard not any single word wanting to escape from my mouth.
Kr: I am so sorry, Cait.
That's the last thing I heard from him before he ended the phone call and tears starts to stream down my face.
Bea, who was just on the other bed came to me and hugged me. No questions asked. I needed that. I just cried my heart out. She stayed with me until naiyak ko na lahat. I told her everything. I never saw this coming. Na yung taong iniiwasan at kinainisan ko dati, sya pa ang magiging karamay ko at times like this.
Bea
When Cait told me that Kr broke up with her, I just stayed there, by her side and hinayaan siya magvent out. I'm just really glad that she's starting to open up things to me. As time went by Everything becomes so comfortable. Well, at least for me. From what I can see.
Days after that...
"Uhmm. Kayo pala ni... Yung basketball player, what's the name?" She's in doubt to ask pa.
"Thirdy?" I answered with snort.
"Yeah. Kamusta pala kayo? Buti pa kayo kahit you often see each other' you seem to be handling it so well." she blurted out.
"Eh paano naman kami magkakaproblem eh we're just really... good friends lang naman. We're not thing." I burst out laughing.
"Seryoso? Eh nung Finals grabe nga kayong dalawa eh! Sobrang yakap mo kaya dinamba mo eh." - She said laughing in disbelief.
I just rolled my eyes at her and eventually laughed too. Every time maaalala ko yun, Hindi ko alam if mahihiya ako with what I did during that championship or maiinis or what. But we're just really good pals you know.
"Friends lang talaga kami. Good friends. He tried courting me, I think twice pero wala eh. I don't feel anything romantic towards him." I explained defiantly.
"Oh, I see! Everyone thinks na you two are in a relationship. Or there's something special between you. Akala ko naman..."
"Akala mo naman...?" I prompt.
"Nevermind!" She rolled her eyes and let out a soft laugh.
"Tara! Do'n tayo sa veranda" I asked her to come with me.
"Okay. I'll just make myself coffee. Gusto mo din ba?" She asked.
"Please. Thanks" I stood up and headed to the veranda.
While waiting for her, I browse to my IG account and I saw Jho posted on her ig story. I checked for it and I saw a picture of her hanging out with Cait's ex, Kr.
"Ay .." it came from someone from my back curiously looking at my phone too. It was Cait. She saw that."Happy naman n'ya. It's only been a week since we broke up" She continued and sat down as she puts the two mugs of coffee down on a circular glass table. "Ah. I didn't know na close sila." She continued.
"Same management lang kasi sila nakasign ng contract 'di ba?" I don't actually know what to say. Yun na lang lumabas sa bibig ko.
"I don't know. Wait. Sabi mo kanina there's nothing going on between you and Thirdy. So... Pero bakit sila magkasama? Are you aware of that? Does she constantly give you updates?" Sunud-sunod n'yang tanong and like she's trying to analyze things in her mind.
"Hey! Why would she? Ano kami, magjowa?" I can't believe she's asking me these questions.
"Ay, Hindi ba?" She said as she sips her coffee and laughed.
I furrowed my brows and rolled my eyes at her.
"We're not. She's also a close friend of mine." I replied and made a scowled.
"Ah. Okay... Lots of fans din ang nag sh-ship sa inyong dalawa kase. So I thought na kung hinid kayo no'ng guy..."
"We know. Gan'yan naman sila eh. Mga fans talaga!" I just shook my head.
"Pero sa pictures and napapanood kong videos niyo, sobrang sweet kayo. Wala ba talaga?" She stared at me and waiting for my answer as if we're in an interview.
"Wala... Well... Okay, sige. I had feelings for her. But I chose not to pursue it. She has a boyfriend and I don't want to ruin our friendship. So, we just decided to go lie low in public. Nagseselos din kasi jowa niya sa closeness namin" I replied and sat down in the chair across her.
"Really? Well, glad to know that you two are still in good terms. I know naman na makakahanap ka pa ng iba" She took a sip of her coffee.
"Well, the truth is... I already like someone else" I said and took a sip of my coffee she made too.
"Wow! Pinopormahan mo na Bei?" -She asked exultantly
"No. Not yet. She's still in the process of healing pa." I replied.
"Galing lang din sa break up?"
I just nodded and did not say a word.
"Tama 'yan Bei. Basta when you know that she's ready na, don't be reticent about your feelings. Teka. Kilala ko ba? I'll help you out."
"Well. I don't think so" - I chuckled.
Hindi mo sya kilala. Kilalang-kilala mo 'coz it's you!
"Ah siguro hindi nga. Isa din sigurong Englisherang born with a silver or golden spoon in her mouth." She teases.
"Enough na nga!" I told her.
"Picture na nga lang tayo." Then she took her phone and placed it dun sa flower vase and sinet 'yung timer.
"Ayan! Ang cute natin here. I'll post this ah. Okay lang ba?" -She asked staring at me asking for permission."Baka may magalit ha tapos bigla akong sugurin pati ng mga fans mo, n'yo" - She added
"No, it's okay. Gusto mo i-tag mo pa 'ko eh" I giggled.
Well, maybe I should wait some more time. I am not also sure if she's feeling the same towards me and I don't want to take advantage of her being broken hearted with her last relationship..She just came from a break up. So, mag a-antay ako. Patiently. No matter what.
Happy weekend, everyone! Will still try to publish some of the remaining chapters saved in my drafts. Need ko lang i-edit for revisions. Will also publish a new story on CB one shots, soon.