^Cheska
Chapter 25
Jazzella's Point Of View
It's already midterm examination.
After this week, it'll be intramurals, and right after that it's finally paradise! The senior high students are given the freedom to go anywhere for one week since we're given a vacation. The department decided to grant us a short time off every 2 terms. Kagaya nung junior high school pa kami. Ang sa kanila lang ay every after quarter exams.
Wala pa akong plano but I'm pretty sure kasama ko si Mayka at Kelly since wala sila mommy for the month. It's their wedding anniversary next week kaya nagha-honeymoon ulit sila. Kung ayaw akong isama ng dalawa kong kaibigan, edi sa condo lang ako tatambay.
Naglalakad ako sa corridor nang mahagilap ko ang isang bulto ng lalaking may dalang basketball, ngumiti siya at kumaway ng makita ako. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at tumalikod. Kaagad kong tinahak ang dinaanan ko kanina. Damn it, why am I hiding? What's there to avoid anyway?
Tumigil ako sa paglalakad at huminga nang malalim. I was about to stride my way to my class when I felt a strong arm on my shoulder. I gasped.
"Hi, Jazz. Okay ka na?" Napapikit ako nang marinig ko ang boses niya. There is definitely something to avoid. Naalala ko na naman ang nangyari nung nakaraan. Lasing na lasing ako kaya hindi ko masyadong maalala ang mga naganap. All I could remember are blurred photos of the fight, Neil's face, and me, crying like a baby in Mico's arms.
I breathed out heavily and jerked his arm from my shoulder. Do I have to remind people na ayokong inaakbayan ako? "I'm fine, thank you for your concern."
Ngumiti siya ng nakakaloko. "Oh, talaga? Are you really sober?"
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin kaya tinikom niya ang bibig pero nandoon pa rin ang ngiti niyang nakakainis.
I rolled my eyes and walked away. He didn't stay behind me. He chased me and accompanied my pace.
"Are you really okay?" he leaned towards me while walking fast. "You were really wasted the other night."
Hindi ko mapigilan ang mamula nang maalala ko ang mga nangyari. The hug, the comfort, and his song. Gusto kong kalimutan ang lahat ng yun but it's rather a pity to forget the warmth.
Napansin kong pinagtitinginan kami ng mga taong nadadaan namin. Nagbubulungan at mukhang kinikilig nang makita ang kasabay ko. Some of them were smiling at me, and they turned to Mico. I mentally face palmed when I remembered he mentioned my name during their performance.
Some of them literally fangirling when we passed by them. "Oh my gosh, bes. The ship is sailing." Tili ng isang babaeng nadaanan namin kaya tumigil ako sa paglalakad at hinarap si Mico.
"I am really fine, Mico. And t-thank you for... the other night. That was really... helpful." I mumbled and looked down para hindi magtagpo ang tingin namin.
He smirked and seemed to be amused by my bashfulness. "Why do you look so timid today?" he asked.
Well, does he think he got the upperhand?
"And why are conceited today?" I argued back and narrowed my eyes at him. "You know what, if you don't want my gratitude, then don't. Don't be such a haughty."
Iniwan ko na naman siya at pagkaraan ng ilang segundo ay narinig ko ang tawa niya. "I am not being a hottie." Aniya nang sumabay ulit sa akin.
"Ewan ko sayo." I ignored him.
"And I didn't say anything about not wanting your gratitude. If you insist, then I might accept it." He uttered at pinaglalaruan ang bolang dalawa niya.
"Forget it."
He just chuckled at my retort. "By the way, class is about to start. Where are you going?"
"Isn't it obvious? To my room." I said matter-of-factly.
Natigil siya sa paglalakad pero hindi ko siya nilingon. "But your room's the other way."
I stopped on my tracks when I realized I'm almost near the school entrance. Napapikit ako dahil sa inis at hiya. That dimwit, kung hindi dahil sa kanya, hindi sana ako babalik sa dinaanan ko. Gosh, that was so embarrassing.
Pumikit ako at nakayukong naglakad pabalik. Mico laughed so loud when he saw my timid reaction. Inis ko siyang tinignan at kinuha ang bolang hinawakan niya. I threw the ball at him exasperatingly kaya tumigil siya sa pagtawa.
"Umph." He groaned when it hit his chest hard.
I chortled irritatingly and left him whimpering. Serves him right.
Mayka's Point Of View
It's lunch time at patapos na akong kumain kasama si kuya. We were talking about Jayzee. Hindi pa rin kasi siya makapaniwalang boyfriend ko siya. I mean, duh. Hindi niya man lang ba nahalata ang lahat? Palagi kaya kaming magkasama.
"Kuya, can you please quit it?" I whined when I feel like he's getting more annoying. "We're done with this yesterday. Just drop it already."
"Pasensya naman kung hindi ko siya gusto para sayo." He realtalked. "We're friends ever since I befriended Ryce. I know he had lots of girlfriend. I don't want you get hurt."
"What is he even talking about?" I babbled exasperatingly. "Who will get what? Hah. I told you kuya. I was forced, okay? Maybe we're just... flings. Or friends with a label." I trailed and fell to silence.
Label?
Umiling ako sa sarili to remove that thought. "And what did you just said? Hindi mo siya gusto para sa akin? Kailan ka pa naging love guru? And hey, sa tingin mo ba boto ako sa inyong dalawa ni Jazz? No, as in no. Tinulungan lang kita last time because you begged me. That was only a one time favor. Wala ka nang makukuha sa akin" I ranted at binelatan siya. I was joking tho. Of course I like him for Jazz.
My kuya is a good and innocent guy. He's hardworking, diligent and talented. He's the Batallion Commander of our school's COTC, he's the vocalist of the band D'Lads, he's a member of the basketball team Underdogs, and he's smart, too. Siya ang top notcher ng section nila. Ano pa ang kulang sa kanya? He has it all. He has the looks, the power, the money, the brain, and the attitude. He can also be anything. He can be a leader, an athlete, a rebel, a sweetheart, a slave, and a good student.
How can one not fall for him?
"Babe," pareho kaming lumingon ni kuya nang may tumabi sa akin. "Tapos ka nang kumain?"
Hahalikan niya sana ako sa pisngi nang marinig naming umubo si kuya kaya natigil siya at lumingon sa kasama ko.
"Uy Mics." He greeted nonchalantly and showed him his fist.
"Brad." Bati din ni kuya at nakipag-fistbump sa kanya.
Nakangiting bumaling si Jayzee sa akin at umakbay. "Tapos ka na palang kumain, hindi mo man lang ako hinintay." Reklamo niya.
"Kanina pa ako nagugutom." I answered. Medyo nag-aalilangan pa akong sumagot dahil nasa harap ko pa rin si kuya at strikto ang mukha. Iniwasan ko ang nakakatakot niyang tingin at kumain ng tahimik.
Humawak si Jayzee sa tiyan niya. "Hindi pa ako kumain kasi akala ko sabay tayo." He mumbled while looking at my food. "Pwede mo ba akong subuan?"
Nahulog ko ang tinidor ko habang nabilaukan naman si kuya inumin niya.
"Good riddance." Aniya at pinaypayan ang sarili gamit ang kamay. He looked at Jayzee and crinkled his nose. "Bless your soul, dude."
Nagtataka namang tumingin si Jayzee sa akin na nagtatanong kung ano ang ibig niyang sabihin. Hindi makapaniwalang tinignan ko siya. I don't know if he's acting innocent or if he's just plain ignorant, but if it's the latter, then good for him.
"W-Wala. Kumain ka nalang." I paltered and gave him my pizza. He shrugged and just ate the food without further ado.
Nang makarecover si kuya ay pinatong niya ang dalawang siko sa mesa at pinaglapat ang dalawang kamay habang pinagmasdan ng maigi ang inosenteng si Jayzee. "Dude, anong section ka nga?" he asked as he tried to sound dominant.
"Classmates tayo." Walang atubiling sagot ni Jayzee.
"Oh, right..." he said laughed awkwardly and cleared his throat to hide the embarrassment. "I totally forgot about that. Anyway, pang-ila ka nga pala sa klase?"
"Pang-apat."
"Eh sa club?"
"Thirteenth last month." Tumango si kuya sa sagot niya.
"Honor ka ba nung junior high?" tanong niya ulit kaya umirap ako sa kawalan. Why is he acting like a protective brother all of the sudden?
Jayzee eyed kuya suspiciously. "Mico naman. Why are you asking me those as if you don't know?"
Nagkibit balikat si kuya at isinawalang bahala ang tanong niya. "I'm her brother. You should earn my blessing if you want to date her."
"I am already dating her. What's the point of your blessing?"
Ngumiwi si kuya at minura ang kaibigan kaya nagpeace si Jayzee. Kumain ulit si Jayzee habang pinagmasdan na naman siya ni kuya.
"Marunong kang magbasketball?" he asked again.
"Again with those silly questions. We played, like, a hundred times together right?" iritadong sagot ng katabi ko.
"Seryoso na kasi to." Kuya snickered. "May try out ang Underdogs mamaya para sa mga junior high pero you can also join them."
Jayzee gave him a knowing look. "And you're inviting me because..."
Ngumisi si kuya dahil kinagat ni Jayzee ang pain niya. "If you can successfully pass the try out, then I will fully support your relationship. One hundred percent."
Jayzee suppressed a laugh. "Sabihin mo na lang kasing naghahanap kayo ng magagaling na players para sa finals ng basketball league."
"Ang mga old players lang ang maglalaro sa high school edition." He said. "Pero if that's what you want to hear, then whatever. Basta sumali ka ha?" dagdag ni kuya at nagsimulang magligpit ng kalat.
"Anong oras ba?"
"Pagkatapos ng klase. Tsaka, may meeting daw ang club mamayang 5:30." Tumayo na si kuya dala-dala ang tray niya.
"Call. Pupunta ako." Nag bro-fist silang dalawa bago nagpaalam si kuya at umalis.
--
"Manonood ka ba mamaya?" tanong niya habang naglalakad kaming dalawa papunta sa classroom ko.
Nagkibit balikat ako. "If you're gonna force me, then sure. I'll be there." I joked.
"Come on, wag ka ngang killjoy." He whined. "Kailangan ko ng energizer mamaya."
"Edi uminom ka ng enervon."
"Tsk. Kate." He warned. Wala na akong nagawa kundi ang tumango.
"Fine, fine. Pupunta ako para sabay tayo sa meeting." I surrendered. Ngumiti naman siya dahil dun at inakbayan ako.
"You're so supportive, girlfriend." He chuckled. I rolled my eyes upward.
"Psh, hindi naman sana ako manonood kung hindi mo ako pinilit." Sabi ko.
I'm kind of hesitant since nandoon si Jeff. I heard siya na ang captain ng Underdogs ngayon. Good for him since matagal na niyang pinangarap ito. He's been a member of the team ever since he entered the school. Binanggit niya sa akin noon na, the reason he works so hard is because he wants to lead the team. Madalas siyang ma-MVP noon kasi magaling siya. He was and is the coach's favorite since complies well and plays hard.
"You said you'll watch if I'll force you. I did and now you're complaining."
"Whatever." I grunted. Tumigil kaming dalawa sa harap ng classroom namin tsaka niya binigay ang mga libro kong dala niya.
"I'll see you later." He said and kissed my cheeks. Hindi ako nakapalag dahil hindi ko inasahan yun. Tumango lang ako at tahimik na pumasok sa room.
All eyes on me again. Since glass and pinto namin, malamang ay nakita nilang lahat yun. Nakakahiya, I can feel my cheeks burning red. Jazzella and Kelly are probably laughing at me right now.
And as expected, they really are ridiculing me.
"What's with all the lovey dovey, my friend?" Kelly mocked nang umupo ako sa tabi niya. Sinubsob ko ang mukha ko sa aking braso at yumuko para itago ang namumula kong pisngi.
"She's blushing!" Jazzella exclaimed kaya mas lalo kong ibinaon ang mukha ko. That Jayzee! Bakit ba kasi siya nanghahalik?! He's causing me humiliation.
"Bakit ka ba nahihiya, Kate?" sumabat si Hanz pero hindi pa rin ako lumingon. I will bury my head until they'll divert their attention. "Gwapo naman yung boyfriend mo."
Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili kong mapaawang ang bibig at tignan siya. Pareho kaming nakatingin ni Jazzella sa kanya habang masamang tingin ang ibinigay ni Kelly.
"Are you gay?" she asked darkly. This time, si Hanz na ang nakaawang ang bibig.
"What the—bakit ba ako pinagduduhan ng mga tao?" he yelled exasperatingly. "I'm straight, okay? Isn't that obvious? Just because I praised my friend doesn't mean I like him. Well, I do like him but not the way you're imagini—stop giving me that look, young lady!"
Kumunot ang noo ni Kelly. "What look are you talking about? Tsaka, why are you getting so hyped about that? It was only a joke, don't take it seriously."
"And why are you so denial?" Jazzella asked. "It's making me think otherwise."
"Ugh! Unbelievable." He muttered and turned his back to us. Bakit ba siya nagagalit? Pikonin pala ang boyfriend ni Kelly.
Nagkatinginan kaming tatlo at sabay na tumawa. Kalaunan ay dumating na ang teacher namin sa biochemistry at nagsimula na ang madugong exam.
--
"Samahan niyo na kasi ako." Sabi ko sa kanilang dalawa habang hila-hila ang kanilang kamay papunta sa gym. Nakasunod lang si Hanz sa amin. "Mamatay ako sa inip kapag ako lang mag-isa eh."
"Ayoko." Jazz said monotone and pulled her hand back kaya natigil ako sa paglalakad at lumingon sa kanya.
"Jazz naman!" I whined. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay.
"The last time you brought me here, you left me with your brother. I don't want another blind date." She said and crossed her arms over her chest. I pouted. Yeah, that was true pero wala na akong binabalak ngayon. I only intended on watching the game.
"Promise, I'll behave today. Manonood lang naman tayo ng try-out ng mga juniors."
Pinanliitan niya ako ng mata at pinagmasdan ng maiigi. Ninenerbyos na tumingin ako kay Kelly, humihingi ng tulong pero nag-iwas siya ng tingin.
I heard Jazz sighed and when she was about to answer, may biglang nagsalita sa likuran niya. "Ano pang ginagawa niyo dito?" tanong ng bagong dating at tumabi sa akin.
Sasagutin ko sana si Aljo nang may dumating ulit na matangkad na lalaki at umakbay kay Jazzella at Kelly. "Magsisimula na ang try out. Tara na." aniya at hinila ang dalawa para pumasok.
"Ugh!" inis na bulaslas ni Jazz at siniko si Markhel sa tiyan bago padabog na naglakad, sumunod si Kelly sa kanya. He grunted and looked at me, puzzled. Inirapan ko siya at iniwan siyang dumadaing.
Nang nasa loob na kaming tatlo kasama ang tatlong lalaki ay pumwesto kami sa bleachers. Wala na ang mga decorations nung party at malinis na. Ang mga monoblocks at tables na ginamit namin nung nakaraang gabi ay nasa gilid at kasalukuyang binibilang ng mga members ng Student Council. Nandoon pa si Cheska, kasama ang lalaking sa tingin ko ay ang president nila.
Nakita ko siyang lumingon sa gawi namin at sinundan ng tingin si Hanz na nakasunod sa akin. Nang makitang nakatingin ako sa kanya ay nagulat siya at kaagad nag-iwas ng tingin at binalik sa kausap niya ang atensyon. Maya-maya ay lumabas na sila ng kasama niya.
Tumingin ako sa paligid at may nakita akong mga estudyanteng nakasuot ng jersey, nagkukumpulan sila malapit sa pwesto namin at ang iba ay nagshu-shoot sa ring. Sila siguro ang magta-try out. I saw Jayzee close by, playing something with his phone. Must be Clash of Clans again. Hindi niya pa ako nakita kaya hindi ko nalang din pinansin. Baka ma-distract siya.
Sa kabilang bahagi ng gymnasium ay doon naman nagkukumpulan ang mga members ng Underdogs pati ang coach nila, mukhang may pinag-uusapan pa sila para sa mga gustong sumubok.
Markhel left us at the bleachers and went to his teammates. He said something to their coach and after few instruction, they all scattered and went to their respective works.
Neil, who has been with them for a year, and the others went to arrange and organize the balls they'll be using today. Jeff stayed beside their coach to help him monitor the students' performance since he is the Underdog captain.
Kuya Mico and Markhel went to the students who're exercising near us. Tinuro kami ni Markhel kaya lumingon si kuya sa gawi namin. Kumaway lang siya sa amin at ibinalik ulit ang atensyon sa mga basketball players.
"So guys," My brother clapped to catch the attention of the younger students. Nagpameywang si kuya habang binibigyan sila ng tingin. "After warming up, we will divide you guys into two groups. The group depends on your executions. Now, start your own warm up drill. Go!"
Nagsitakbuhan silang lahat at nagkanya-kanyang warm up. Some of them performed step slide, glute walk, back pedal, knee hug, quad walk, and others I'm not familiar.
Maiging pinagmasdan ng old players ang mga rookies. May iba mukhang satisfying ang ability, may iba ring mukhang kulang at stiff ang katawan.
There's this one guy that stands out though, he's doing low lunges. Matangkad at kayumanggi ang katawan. His jaw and adam's apple are really sharp and well defined. Makapal ang kilay at mapula ang labi. Wala pa siyang suot na t-shirt kaya nakikita namin ang pigura niya.
Napaawang ang bibig ko dahil sa nakikita ko. His body covered in sweat is so satisfying, busog na busog ako. And I think I'm not the only one who's gawking at him. Maging si Kelly at Jazz ay sa kanya nakatuon ang pansin. He's tall, dark, handsome, and hunk. Junior high pa lang siya?
Hanz and Aljo noticed us practically drooling at his well-built body. He nudged his girlfriend kaya tinikom ni Kelly ang bibig niya. "What?" inis na tanong ni Kelly.
"Tulo laway mo."
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Kelly at pinunasan ang labi niya. Hinampas niya naman ito. "Wala naman ah!"
"Nasa kaliwa kasi." Sagot ng boyfriend niya at hindi na ulit siya nilingon. Kelly made a face and turned to the hunk again.
Contented with the presentation, kuya and Markhel gathered the students again. As promise, they split the group into two and uttered some directions. After a while, they separated and get their selves read to play.
--
The scores are tied at 37 and the second quarter is almost over. The buzzer beat again, signaling the end of timeout.
The hunk guy was dribbling the ball while running to their ring. Pinasa niya ang bola sa ka-team niyang lalaki at tumakbo palapit sa ring. Nang makapwesto ay ibinalik sa kanya ang bola kaya shinoot niya ito. They cheered when they earned their selves another two point.
The other team cursed and dribbled their way to the ring. Naunang tumakbo si Jayzee kaya nang makarating siya sa 3-point range ay pinasa sa kanya ang bola. Muntik na niya itong hindi masalo, mabuti nalang at matangkad siya.
Humiyaw silang lahat nang na-shoot ang bolang shinoot ni Jayzee. The girls from the other bleachers beamed at his accomplishment. He turned to them to celebrate but when we locked eyes, he froze, then smiled so bright I thought his lips were gonna tear apart.
Nag-thumbs up lang ako at patuloy na pumalakpak. I'm obviously excited dahil feeling ko ay makakapasa siya sa try out. Tumango-tango ang legendary coach tuwing may naggagawa siya. Be it on shooting, dribbling, blocking, or stealing. He is really good at everything. Bakit kaya siya hindi sumali sa Underdogs? Kung pagbabasehan ang skills, magaling naman siya. Hindi rin siya lugi sa katawan. Mas lalong walang problema sa mukha niya.
Nasa likod ni Jayzee yung hunk guy na sa tingin ko ay Villegas ang family name, naka lagay kasi sa jersey niya, at nakita ang ginawa ko. Nahalata kong nainis na siya dahil matalim ang tingin niya kay Jayzee. Kanina pa kasi siya inaagawan ng bola kaya may kutob akong naiirita na siya sa boyfriend ko.
When it comes to skills, hindi nagpapatalo yung Villegas na yun. Magaling din siyang maglaro pero kinulang lang sa teamwork. He's selfish and an attention-seeker, reminds me of a certain btch. Hindi niya pinapasahan ang teammates niya at siya lang palaging nagshu-shoot. Tuwing nasa kanilang side ang bola, he keeps on insisting na siya ang gagalaw para sure ball daw. He is good but if compared to Jayzee, my boyfriend is more progressive.
The game went on and the longer activity, the more intense it gets.
A junior from Jayzee's team was holding the ball and seems to be bewildered by the fierce game he's playing. Jayzee was instructing something to the guy, telling him to go forward and avoid the hindrance because he will take care of the rest. Tumango siya pero hindi pa man siya makagalaw ay biglang naagaw ni Villegas ang bola. Kaagad namang kumilos si Jayzee at hinabol ang umagaw.
Villegas stood by the 3 point range and was aiming to shoot nang dumating si Jayzee sa harap niya at tumalon para pigilan ang pagshoot. Hindi niya inasahan ang lalaking sumipot kaya natigil siya sa pagkilos pero nung aatras sana siya ay nasangga niya ang paa ni Jayzee kaya sabay silang nahulog sa sahig. Then I heard him cried in pain.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at tumakbo papunta sa railings. Nang makita silang dalawa na nakaupo at mukhang nagtatalo ay napahinga ako ng maluwag. Akala ko may masamang nangyari.
"He pushed me!" sigaw nung Villegas sa coach at Jeff na lumapit sa kanila. Lumapit rin ang iba at tinulungan ni kuya si Jayzee habang tinulungan naman ni Markhel yung isa.
"I did not. Pinatid mo ako." Kalmadong sagot ni Jayzee habang minamasahe ang paa niyang nasangga. He flinched when he touched a certain part of his foot and sighed heavily. Something looks weird. Bumaba ako at lumapit sa kanila kahit hindi pa tapos ang game. Tinawag pa ako ni Jazz at Kelly pero hindi ko sila pinansin.
"You clearly pushed me dude!" mayabang na sabi ni Villegas at tinulak sa dibdib si Jayzee kaya muntik siyang matumba, mabuti na lang at nasalo siya ni kuya.. Naalerto ako at tumakbo para alalayan ang lalaki.
"Hey!" bulyaw ko sa lalaki at sinamaan siya ng tingin. Binaling niya ang pansin sa akin. "Bakit ka ba nagagalit? It's just a mere game!" I scolded him at hinawakan si Jayzee sa braso. Wala akong pakialam kung naliligo siya sa sariling pawis. This guy is making me angry.
"Kate, what are you doing here?" tanong ni Jayzee pero hindi ko siya pinansin. I was just glaring this conceited guy infront of me.
He just stared at me. Hindi siya sumagot o nagsalita. Nanatili lang ang tingin niya sa akin habang nanlilisik ang mga mata. I don't care if he's gonna punch me or kick me. This arrogant jerk needs to learn a lesson or two.
"Salvador, are you alright?" tanong ng coach nila.
Tumango si Jayzee kahit halatang nahihirapan sa di malamang dahilan. "Okay lang po."
"If so then we'll resume the game." The coach continued. "Foul by Salvador. 3 free throws for Villegas."
"Wh—" tutol ni Jayzee pero bigla siyang natigilan at umungol sa sakit.
"Coach, he was tripped!" laban ni kuya Mico sa kaibigan habang inalalayan itong tumayo ng maayos ngunit hindi niya ito magawa.
"Mico, tinulak niya si Macky. It was a foul." Sagot ni Neil na nakatayo lang habang nanonood at nakikinig sa amin. I frowned.
"Kitang kita ko ang pagsangga ng lalaking yan, Neil." I opposed and pointed the hunk guy. "Witness ako—"
"What do you even know about basketball, Kate?" he said coldly kaya napaatras ako. Hindi kaagad ako nakasagot kaya pumagitna si Jayzee.
"From my view, Macky tried to shoot pero hindi niya naggawa dahil sumulpot si Jayzee. He definitely—"
"Kung sinabi mo sana ng mas maaga edi sana ikaw nalang ang nagmonitor ng game." Pagputol ni Neil kay kuya at sinamaan ito ng tingin. Nabigla si kuya sa sinabi niya kaya napaawang ang kanyang labi.
Wow, that was really rude. Why does he have to be ill-mannered? May problema ba sila? Okay naman ang pagkakaibigan nila nung nakaraang linggo ah. May nangyari ba?
"Mics, pa-sub nalang muna." Sabi niya kay kuya kaya wala siyang naggawa kundi ang tumang. Lumingon siya sa akin at hinawakan ako sa braso para hilahin. "Umupo na lang muna tayo." He calmly said and smiled. Inirapan ko siya at pinasadahan ng tingin si Villegas bago naunang maglakad.
Paika-ikang naglalakad si Jayzee kaya hinawakan ko siya sa bewang para alalayan ang paglalakad niya. Hindi naman siya nagreklamo, instead, he patted my head and smiled. "You're so sweet babe."
"Hindi ito ang oras para magbiro, Jayzee." I scowled. "You just twisted your ankle and it looks bad. Hindi mo dapat tiisin to. You should go to the nurse so it won't get worse."
Pinaupo ko siya sa bench kung nasaan ang mga gamit nila. Kinuha ko ang towel at tinapon sa kanya para punasan ang pawis niya.
"There's no need." Aniya at timing na may dumating na babaeng naka-labgown. "She's already here."
Tinignan ko ang bagong dating na babae. "Nurse ka miss?" Tumango siya. "Namamaga ang paa niya, gamutin niyo po siya."
She checked his foot, and while doing so, narinig kong sinabi ng coach nila na magkaka-free throw si Villegas dahil foul daw yung ginawa ni Jayzee. Nairita naman ako. This guy got injured for nothing! He was cheated, that is so unfair. "He—" I was about to rebuke when Jayzee held my hand.
"It's okay. It's only a try out." He said.
Gusto kong tumutol sa desisyon niya pero nang ngumiti siya ay wala na akong naggawa kundi ang huminga ng malalim para pigilan ang sarili ko. Ilang segundo ang lumipas ay nagpatuloy ang game at nakakuha si Villegas ng two point mula sa free throws niya. Lumapit rin and coach at ang iba para kamustahin ang kalagayan ni Jayzee.
"His ankle is dislocated." The nurse announced. "It's not severe but we need to fix it immediately. Fuertes, please go fetch me some ice. Pelaez, cover his mouth so he won't scream." Kaagad silang kumilos sa utos ng babae. Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Jayzee nang malaman kung ano ang plano ng nurse at hinigpitan ang hawak sa kamay ko. "This might hurt a lot, but bear it. Or else hindi ka na makakalaro ulit."
Hindi pa man makasagot si Jayzee ay bigla siyang sumigaw dala ng sakit nang pinilipit ng nurse ang paa niya. I immediately closed my eyes and diverted my head elsewhere to avoid the painful view. Hindi man ako ang nasaktan, feeling ko ay sobrang sakit nun.
When satisfied, pinatungan niya ng ice na dala ni Jeff ang paa ni Jayzee at binalot ito ng tela. Tumahan na si Jayzee pero mabibigat pa rin ang hininga niya. He looked at the nurse with a pained reaction kaya naawa ako. That must really hurt. He looks like an injured puppy. Gusto ko siyang yakapin para maibsan ang sakit na nararamdaman niya cause as a friend, I want to comfort his uneasiness. But I know better than to make a public display of affection.
"Take a rest, don't stress your feet too. Wag kang masyadong maglakad para mare-relax ang paa mo." The nurse reminded him and then turned to the young coach. "Wag mo siyang isali sa team para makakapaghinga siya."
Tumalikod na ang nurse iwan kami. Nang mawala siya sa paningin ay bumaling ang coach kay Jayzee. "It's a pity, Salvador, since you're a great player. But you heard what the hot babe said." He said with a hint of disappointment. "Get well soon."
"Thank you po, sir." Ngumiti si Jayzee. Tumango ulit ang coach tsaka kami iniwan.
Nag-aalalang tumingin ako sa kanya. "Okay ka lang?"
He nodded. "No regrets. "Besides, ayokong sumali sa team. Ang hassle kasi araw-araw ang training. I only joined the try out since Mico invited me."
Napangiti ako sa sinabi niya. I never knew he has this mature side of him. That's a good decision.
"Kamusta?" tanong ng bagong dating na si Kelly, nakasunod sa kanya si Jazz na nilapitan ang paa ni Jayz.
"Okay lang naman, minor fracture." Sagot ko.
"A-Aray!" daing ni Jayzee kaya lumingon kaming lahat sa kanya. "Why did you punched my f—"
"Minor lang daw kaya wag kang OA." Sagot ni Jazzella at lumayo sa kanya pagkatapos niyang suntukin ng mahina ang paa ni Jayzee.
"It's still sore!" iyak niya na parang bata.
--
Kuya Mico stayed by Jayzee's side, aniya ay nagi-guilty daw siya kasi pinilit niya ito. Jeff and the coach is just standing near us, calculating the rookies' performance. The others, Markhel, Aljo, Grethel, Rhea, Suzy, etcetera, are with us. Sabay-sabay na lang daw kaming lahat papunta sa club room namin.
The game is done and thankfully, Jayzee's team won. Kelly, Jazz, and the others cheered for their success pero hindi ko magawang magsaya. Nayayabangan talaga ako sa Villegas na yun.
Speaking of...
He sat near us habang pinupunasan ang pawis niya. Hindi niya man makita ang mukha ko pero sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
When I think he felt my glare, tumingin siya sa akin. He smirked when he saw Jayzee's condition. "Kamusta bro? Ayos ka lang?" he mocked kaya mas tumalim ang tingin ko sa kanya. Hinigpitan ni Jayzee ang hawak niya.
"Better than ever, Macky, since nandito ang girlfriend ko." He answered and turned away to avoid that jerk's irritating smile. "Thanks for the concern, by the way."
Tinaasan niya lang kami ng kilay habang nakangisi pa rin. "Balita ko, magaganda daw ang mga girlfriends mo bro."
Nag-igting ang mga bagang ni Jayzee nang marinig yun pero hindi niya parin ito nililingon.
"Maganda rin naman pala ang girlfriend mo ngayon." He continued and eyed me from head to toe. Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata kasi feeling ko ay hinuhubaran na niya ako sa isip niya. Gwapo nga, manyakis naman. "Ang swerte mo talaga.
You're btch's a true babe. Beautiful, hot, and sexy. Every guy's dream girl, hell yeah." He smirked. "Pero hindi ko inaasahang nagde-date ka na pala ng mga talunan."
Naikuyom ko ang kamay ko nang marinig ko ang insulto niya. Maging si kuya na siyang mas malapit kay Villegas ay nanginginig na rin ang mga kamay.
"I didn't expect you'd date a, once, fat girl. I never thought you'd stoop so low just to save your popularity. That was a bad choice. Bakit mo naman jinowa ang pig of the campus natin, brad? Dahil ba nung pustahan natin noon? Jayz, that was a year ago. Tapos na ang bet! Walang gustong pumusta dahil sino ba ang gustong magkakagirlfriend ng ganun? Mataba at tanga."
Naiiyak na ako dahil sa mga insulto niya. It hurts so much but I stopped myself. Kahit na gustong-gusto ko siyang bugbugin, ayokong pumatol sa kanya. Kahit na sobrang sakit, pinipigilan ko pa rin ang sarili ko. He's just provoking us.
Galit na lumingon si Jayzee kay Mico. "I won't forgive you if you're going to let that pass." Bulong niya kay kuya.
"You're willing to date yourself a pig?" patuloy nung Macky Villegas. "What he fvck, Jayzee? Hindi ka na sumasama sa amin kasi nakahanap ka na naman ng girlfriend? Tapos yung baboy pa? You forgot us for that changed btch—"
Hindi niya natuloy ang sasabihin niya nang nilapitan siya ni kuya pero bago niya paman ito mahawakan ay may naunang humila sa balikat ni Macky at sinuntok sa mukha bago bumulagta sa sahig at dumudugo ang ilong. Napatayo kaming lahat, pwera kay Jayzee na nanatiling nakaupo, nang makita si Jeff.
"What th—" he started but ended up groaning when Jeff kicked him. He was crying in pain when Jeff placed his foot at his arms at diniin iyon.
"What your words, dckhead." He warned bago niya ito tinadyakan at umalis ng walang pasabi.
Nilapitan ako ni kuya para kamustahan ang kalagayan ko. He sighed when he confirmed my mentally.
"Bakit ba kayo lapitan ng gulo?" he said in frustration. Nagkibit lang ako ng balikat. It's not like it's our fault.