In the blink of an eye, it was Friday. Or otherwise known as the championship game of the Beaufort Titans.
The whole week, the Beaufort Titans practiced so much and so hard that the other students didn't wonder why they didn't see Elizabeth and Alexis together with Wolf and Alvin.
But John, on the other hand, went to wherever Chandria was every chance he got. He thought that being schoolmates with Chandria was his only advantage so he might as well take advantage with it. He fetched her everyday but he wasn't able to take her home as Chris had taken over that job. Although this pissed John off, he just concentrated during practice to get his mind off things.
On the other hand, Hope was very pleased. She was in the gym the day before the championship. The pep squad's practice just finished but the Titans were still practicing.
Almost all the cheerleaders had gone to their locker room but Hope stayed behind for a bit. She had seen Elizabeth lingering by the door of the gym, looking at Alvin. Of course, Elizabeth missed spending time with him but she understood that this was just a little sacrifice. After tomorrow, she could have Alvin back all for herself again.
Hope smirked as she watched Elizabeth. She was overjoyed because she felt the strain in their relationship so she thought her little picture succeeded on putting a wedge between their relationship.
"It worked out well, huh?" Marco said out of nowhere.
Hope was startled, "Shoot, will you stop doing that? Stop sneaking around and suddenly appearing like that!"
"It's not my fault you're a dumb chick that you didn't notice me."
"Whatever!" Hope rolled her eyes and continued arranging her things instead.
"Is that what you say to the person who helped you? Shouldn't you be thankful?"
"What is your problem with them anyway? Why are you helping me?"
"Because it's fun," Marco shrugged.
"Yeah, right. Just that? You know what, I asked about you. I think it's not fair that you're the only one who has shit against me. You like Elizabeth, don't you?"
"What the fuck are you talking about? A player like me? As if!"
"Yeah, sure," Hope smirked. "Rumor is your father is pressuring you into having one of the Power A.C.E. as your wife or something. And you targeted Liz first, right?"
"So? What's your point?"
"Liz already turned you down, right? Turned you down hard and she's together with Alvin now too. So it got me into thinking. Why, then, have you not switched to the other two? I mean, wouldn't it be easier that way since Ria and Lex aren't in a relationship, right?" Marco glared at her as Hope continued, "But no, you're still hung over Liz. And I could only think of two reasons why. Either you're really an asshole or because you fell in love with her."
Marco laughed out loud, "And your conclusion is the latter? That I fell in love with her? How stupid is that? Maybe I really am just an asshole, ever thought about that?"
"Yeah, except I see the way you look at her. It's the same way as how Alvin looks at her too."
The smirk in Marco's face vanished and then he glanced over to where Elizabeth was standing and watched as she left the gym. Marco's eyes soon fell onto Alvin, who like him, was standing still although their practice was on-going as he was also watching Elizabeth walk away too. Marco laughed but this time it was a desperate laugh, like he realized something sad and crazy at the same time.
"Just be thankful you even have an ally, you dumb chick," Marco said before he walked away.
"Fine, thank you then!" Hope rolled her eyes at him again. Although she thought Marco was crazy, she knew he was right. In this school where she felt everything was only just for show and connections, she knew she'd be an outcast and even be bullied again if her classmates found out her dark past. Marco was the only one who remained consistently mean to her. And although she'd like for him to treat her better, she thought that at least he wasn't pretentious and was true to her. Although he still called her names, she had learned to fight back. She was glad to have one ally at least. It wasn't a friend like she'd want but then she comforted herself that Marco was uncaring about her past and was even helping her whatever his reason was.
Back to the day of the championship, Alexis was in the student council office. It was an hour before the games and they had free period or self-study.
There was a knock on the door.
"It's open," Alexis said.
"Hi, Alexis," Hannah, the student council secretary, greeted.
"Hi, Hannah. Do you need anything?"
"Yeah. Uhm, you see... you received another package yesterday. But your bodyguard had talked to us about it before and if it was a suspicious package, she asked us to not tell you. But I thought you still wanted to know."
Alexis smiled appreciatively at her. She was glad that she still had friends who were loyal to her, "Thanks, Hannah. Did you see what was in the package?"
"Yeah, I did. I'm sorry that I actually opened it. Here, I took photos before I gave it to your bodyguard," Hannah handed Alexis her phone to show her the photos. It was another gift, this time a white dress.
"Is this..." Alexis was horrified.
"A wedding dress? Yeah, I thought it was."
It was a white, off-shoulder cut dress with embroidered patterns in the front. It was actually very beautiful save for the red words written on the left chest. There was a big "X" on where the heart would be and under it was the word "MINE" written with red paint.
"Alexis. I'm worried. Please promise me you will be careful."
"Hannah, don't worry. I have Nancy with me wherever I go. And I'm really being extra careful."
"Okay. But on the safe side, I'm asking my tito who's a fashion designer about the dress. Maybe it could be a clue, right?"
"Really?. Thanks, Hannah! That's a great idea but you don't have to do that. This Mr. X seems to know about a lot of things going around here and I don't want anything bad to happen to you."
"It's okay, Alexis. And, uhm, I'm sorry if I may be stepping out of bounds here... but... uhm, I noticed you and Wolf don't talk a lot... at all lately. And, well, I've always seen Wolf here with you ever since he transferred here. Always. The only time I didn't was when you guys fought and I thought... well, maybe you guys are having a misunderstanding about this Mr. X. So if this will help you even just a little, then I'll snoop around for you guys."
"You don't have to do that, Hannah, really. I don't want you to get hurt."
"No, I'll be careful too, I promise. It's just that I'm rooting for you guys. I want to support you."
"Okay but if anything happens you have to tell me as soon as possible."
"Yes, I will," Hannah smiled.
"Thanks a lot, Hannah."
"So, aren't you going to the gym? I saw the rest of the squad going there."
"I... will later..." Alexis was having second thoughts of whether she should go or not because she felt like she'd just be distracting Wolf from concentrating on the game.
On the other hand, Chandria was outside of the gym's door because she answered a call from Chris, "Hi Chan-chan. Pick you up later, same time?"
"I... sorry, Chris. I can't today. It's the championship game today and I'm not sure what time the game will finish."
"Then I'll watch the game," Chris insisted. "Then I'll take you out to dinner after?"
"No! I don't want you to get tired and I don't want you to overexert yourself."
"I'm not that weak, Chan-chan. Besides, I'm not the one playing. I'll just watch with you."
"Uhm... Chris... I'm sure when the Titans win today, there'll be a victory party after since this is Jo- uhh, since their tradition, uhh usually."
"What if the team loses?"
"They won't. I'm sure they'll win."
"Okay, then I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Yeah, take care of yourself."
"You too. And Chan-chan?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you." Everyday, ever since Chris started courting her, he'd tell her that he loved her to remind her of his feelings for her. He thought he had already lost a lot of time he could have spent with her as, aside from the years they didn't see each other ever since Chandria and her family migrated to Australia, he also lost time he'd spend in the hospital. Chris knew that during those times he wasn't with her, she was with John. All he was trying to do was make up with it by reminding her how he felt.
"Thank you," was Chandria's usual reply. She wasn't ready and she was avoiding facing her problem. She kept telling herself she'd make a choice after spending one last really happy and worry-free day, which was her debut, before she made a decision.
They hung up the phone and just as she was about to go in, she saw John jogging towards her.
"John! Where are you going? Isn't the game about to start?
"Ah, I was... going to look for you. I was worried when I didn't see you when Liz and the others came in and I thought...."
"Oh," Chandria smiled. "I just answered a call so I stayed behind a bit."
"Alex not with you?" John looked around.
Chandria shook her head, "Why?"
"Wolf looked worried too, so I told him I'd try looking for her too."
"She's probably in the student council room. I probably should go and get her before she thinks about skipping."
"I'll go with you."
"No, the game's about to start. I'll go alone. Concentrate on the game."
Chandria was about to leave but John stopped her, "Wait, you're coming back, right?"
"Of course I will. I'll just look for Lex, remember?"
"O...okay."
"Uhm, don't worry, John. I promise I'll come back."
John smiled but he remembered the last game when Chandria left with Chris halfway through the game. Chandria noticed that John's smile looked forced and he still looked worried.
"I won't leave halfway. I'll stay until you guys win this one," Chandria assured him. She was unable to help herself because she didn't want to see him with a forced smile. She wanted him to be happy too.
"Sorry," John sighed. "Yeah, you go ahead. Don't mind what I just said."
"Wait," Chandria stopped him this time.
"Yeah?"
"I... I just want to wish you good luck."
"Like before?" John grinned as he held out his hand. He was waiting for Chandria to draw her lucky charm on his hand like she always used to for him before a game started.
Chandria took his hand but instead of taking out a pen, she pushed John closer to her until his face was the same level as hers.
Then she kissed his cheek.
"Good luck!" Chandria whispered then she let go of his hand and ran away, leaving John stupefied.
John watched as she ran away, touching the cheek where Chandria kissed him. It wasn't the first time someone kissed him on the cheek but it was the first time it felt different. He could feel his cheek heat up, and he was sure his face was as red as a tomato that moment.
"Well that was interesting," Elizabeth said from behind him.
John jumped back in surprise. He didn't think anyone else was there.
"Well you didn't have to jump," Elizabeth said with an amused look on her face.
"Di-did you see that?"
"That Ria kissed you on the cheek? Yes."
"So that wasn't a dream?"
Elizabeth giggled, "What are you saying? It happened, John. You weren't dreaming."
"Are you sure?"
"Should I have taken a video for proof? But I don't have my phone with me so just believe me when I say that it did happen."
"Why?" John looked like he still couldn't believe it did. Chandria wasn't really the type to initiate those kind of things so John was really pleasantly surprised.
"Shouldn't you ask Ria that question? Anyway, I'm going back inside. I was just gonna call Ria and Lex to come but it seems like everything's fine. The game's about to start so better get inside too, John."
With one last amused smile at John, Elizabeth went inside. John had this goofy smile on his face as he still couldn't believe on what just happened. Now he felt like he had a chance to win her heart - a bigger chance than Chris at that.
Chandria, on the other hand, had ran straight until she was outside the door of the student council office. But instead of going inside, she started pacing in front of the door.
"Oh my God, did I just do that?" Chandria talked out loud to herself, blushing so hard. "I can't believe I just did that. Really, Chandria? You took initiative? You're not even together and you already kissed him? Ugh! No, just think of it this way, in some countrues, it's just a greeting! It's like a hello!"
"What did you do?" Alexis asked. Chandria didn't notice that Alexis was by the door. Alexis was holding the door open and she couldn't pass through because Chandria was busy pacing in front of it.
"I kissed–" Chandria caught herself. "Lex!"
"Uhm, obviously it wasn't me you kissed so... what happened?" Alexis raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing! I mean... ugh!"
"Nothing? Are you sure? But I just heard you say that you kissed someone?"
"Ugh! No! Okay, it was nothing! I didn't say that!"
"Okay, sheesh! Relax, Ria. As long as you didn't kill someone then we're fine."
"Come on, I just came here to make sure you don't ditch," Chandria took her wrist.
"Actually..."
"What? Don't tell me you're skipping again on this one? Come on, Lex, the Titans need our support! Besides, you can't evade Wolf forever. At least fight for you love for my best friend."
Alexis took a deep breath, "You're right. I really should face this head on. John even told me the same thing you just said."
"Huh?" Chandria blushed again at the mention of John's name.
"I said, John already told me the same thing you just did. Hey, you're blushing again!"
"I'm not! It-it's 'cause it's hot here!" Chandria tried changing the subject.
"Ahh... so you kissed John huh?" Alexis smiled widely. "So where did you kiss him? On the lips?"
"N-no! I only kissed him on the cheek! I-I didn't have a pen with me and I wanted to wish him good luck and, and..."
Alexis laughed, "Okay, okay. Come on, let's go cheer for them."
They walked hand-in-hand towards the locker room, with Nancy trailing after Alexis. It was a good thing her bodyguard was good at camouflaging herself to her surroundings so even though Alexis knew Nancy was always there, she had learn to ignore the presence of her bodyguard. Chandria kept Alexis company as she changed into her cheering uniform.
When they went in the gym, Chandria and John locked eyes for a moment. Chandria immediately felt herself blushing as John grinned at her. John passed the ball to whoever so he could wave at her.
"Aw, isn't that so cute? Go on and wave back to him, Ria!" Alexis teased her.
Chandria did but it was obvious she was still feeling a bit shy so she soon ran towards the pep squad, leaving Alexis by the door. Alexis was giggling and in the middle of laughing, she also locked eyes with Wolf who was already looking at her.
Alexis froze. They looked at each other for a few seconds. Then finally, Alexis smiled. It was a small smile, as if wishing him good luck. Wolf smiled back, and although he was still feeling a bit sad that Alexis was ignoring him, he couldn't help but smile back.
Alexis looked at Nancy, "Nancy, do you know when Papa is coming home?"
"According to his schedule, Ms. Alexis," Nancy looked at her phone. "He's coming home tomorrow morning. I think he plans to go with you on Ms. Chandria's debut."
"Okay, thanks," Alexis had made up her mind. She was going to talk to her father when he came home. They both couldn't run away from this forever and it was time Alexis confronted her father about it. They both needed to talk in a calm manner and she needed to make him understand that whatever happened was not Wolf's fault.
She also needed to tell him what she really felt. Her father needed to know that for the first time in her life, she had fallen in love and that she had a boyfriend.
Alexis followed Chandria and Elizabeth welcomed her, "You're finally here. Then I'm leaving for a bit.
"Where are you going?" Alexis asked.
"Just there," Elizabeth pointed towards the direction of the bench where the Titans were. She waved at her friends then jogged towards Alvin.
"Hey Babe," Elizabeth smiled at Alvin.
"Hey," Alvin said.
"Are you okay?" Elizabeth sat beside Alvin.
"Yeah," Alvin said as Elizabeth took his hand to hers.
"Don't worry about it. You're going to win today, I just know it. Good luck but I'm sure you won't need it. The team's strong and it's stronger because you're captain."
"Thanks," Alvin barely smiled. He was a little nervous about the game and he felt the pressure to win because it was the last season for most of his team members because they were graduating.
Elizabeth squeezed his hand, "We'll celebrate later with everyone after you've won, okay?"
"Sure. And thanks for keeping your promise. I'll make it up to you after the game."
Elizabeth smiled, "Then I'll look forward to that!"
Alvin saw Coach Sam wave him over, "I have to go. Later, Babe." Alvin placed an arm around her and then kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. Elizabeth stood up as Alvin did. The Titans huddled around Coach Sam as Elizabeth returned to the pep squad.
The game soon started.
It was a close game as even the Atwood Warriors knew what was at stake and like the Beaufort Titans, they worked hard too especially Kobe. He was so eager to get back at the Titans for all the humiliation he imagined they had given to them.
The pep squad cheered hard for them, helping boost their confidence. John was still giddy over the good luck kiss Chandria gave him. Wolf, although still a little distracted, had learned to compartmentalize his feelings after John talked to him on the morning after he got so drunk.
John told him to stop sulking around and just trust Alexis, "Instead of fucking sulking around, why don't you just be patient?"
Wolf woke up with the worst hangover of his life, "What?"
John rolled his eyes, "I said, be patient and stop sulking. Alex is probably very confused right now. It's not easy choosing between you and her father."
"How do you know? She told you to say that?"
"No. Figured it out on my own. It's not like I'm not in the same situation as you are, you know. Besides, at least you're assured she likes you too."
"Heh, if she did she'll be the one assuring me that. Not you."
John laughed, remembering how Alexis worried over Wolf the night before. He decided not to tell Wolf about it, as it seemed as if Wolf had no recollection how Alexis worried for him while he was drunk. He was a little jealous because Wolf had this assurance so he thought he'd make his brother a little squeamish about his and Alexis' relationship. But John was sure Alexis would talk to his brother soon because no girl worried like that over just nothing.
And although Wolf was acting stubborn then, he decided to listen to John and distracted himself with the game. But that didn't mean he stopped looking after Alexis because he was always watching over her whenever he could, to make sure the girl he loved was all right.
Back to the game, it was already the fourth quarter and they were neck to neck with the scores.
Four seconds before the game ended, and the Warriors were leading by two points. In the heat of the game, Kobe fouled Alvin and Alvin was given free throws.
It was up to Alvin to tie up the game para mag-overtime and give the Titans a chance to overtake their score or else with the time left, they might not make it.
Alvin made the first shot. And he scored so the Titans were behind with just one point. They needed just one more and they would be tied.
Alvin didn't know why but at that moment, he looked over to where the pep squad were. To his surprise, Aaron was there, talking to Elizabeth. Aaron looked distress and it looked like he was pulling Elizabeth to go with him. They were behind the squad, talking in private while the rest of the people around them were absorbed in the game.
Elizabeth didn't see that Alvin's eyes were looking at her.
And more to Alvin's surprise, Elizabeth started walking out with Aaron.
But before he could see them walk out, he was forced to make the shot.
Unfortunately, he was too distracted to get the ball in, something he could've done easily otherwise The possession was to the Warriors after that, and the clock started counting down and Alvin was stuck on his feet.
4
3
2
1
The Titans lost.
And when the Warriors started cheering, that was when Alvin got to his feet and started running. He started running out the gym and after Aaron and Elizabeth. He had a bad feeling about it, but he hoped to God he was wrong.
Just as he made a turn, what he saw made him stop on his tracks and his blood ran cold.
Aaron was holding Elizabeth's arms, their body was close together. Their lips even closer.
Aaron and Elizabeth were kissing.
|| Hi everyone! First of all, I'm sorry for the heartbreaks here pero rest assured I have an explanation in everything and malalaman niyo rin naman bakit ganito yung flow nung story on the next few chapters so please put up with this muna. Hehe. May saysay ang lahat ng ito, I promise. Second and last, sobrang pasasalamat sa inyong lahat for your patience and support! See you next chapter? <3 || XoXo