*Enkkkkk* (Buzzer)
“End of 3rd quarter and it’s in favor with growling tigers! Yehey!” Alex happily screamed.
“Nagiging mapaglaban ng husto ang Archers in this quarter but I think it’s not enough to stop the growling tigers specially the captain, Jeric Teng. He contributed a lot of three points. You really can see it, Alex, diba?” Sam tensely said.
“Agree. But there’s still a 4th quarter at hindi naman ganun kalayo ang sampung lamang ng Tigers. And based on Archers play, they will give a good fight in this game 1. Kaya, GO USTe!!” Napatakip naman ako ng tenga dahil sa sigaw ni Alex.
“ANIMO LA SALLE!!”
“Go USTE! Go USTE!! GO GO GO!”
“Pustahan tayo Von kung sino mananalo ngayong first game? Basta ako dun sa team ni Teng.” We all stared Kiefer as he giving us his playfully smirked.
“Kalahating siraulo ka din talaga, Ravena. Ano? Dalawa ang Teng dyan at tig isa pa ang mag kalabang team!” Von yelled answered while throwing popcorns on Kiefer.
Halos hindi na kami magkarinigan dito sa Arena dahil sa malakas na pagccheer ng mga fans samahan pa ng pagda-drums.
“Naku Kief, manood ka na lang nga.” Pailing namang sabi ni Sam habang kabadong nakatingin lang sa bench ng mga player.
“Ano papanoorin? Hindi pa kaya nagsstart ang game. Tsk. Tsk! Uta---“
Napatigil naman si Kiefer ng makita sa monitor ng Arena ang mukha ni Mika Reyes at nakangiti ng malapad sa camera. Lalong nag sigawan ang fans.
“Yeye.” Mahinang sabi na lang ni Kiefer habang nakasmile.
“Patay na patay talaga.” Von stated.
The 4th quarter started and the fans are being wild again, they were just kept on cheering the both team. The crowd was full of people who are wearing yellow and green shirts. Of course, we are wearing a thomasian shirt except for these two boys besides us that wearing a white printed shirt saying “Go Teng!”.
“Wohooo!”
“Foul! Booo!”
“Jeric! OMG!” I nervously stood up when Jeric fall into the midcourt as he attempted to shoot in three point arc but Perkins attack him.
“That’s a Flagrant foul but I don’t think Jeric can do the free throws.” Kiefer seriously stated.
“Jason always played like that! As if he’s a monster craving for a ball. Well the truth is he has a ball, two balls to be exact haha!” Alex irritated said.
“Ang baboy mo talagang bruha ka!” for green minded person makukuha’t makukuha ang sinabi ni Alex that’s why Sam get it. I just shook my head.
Coach Pido let Sheak Jamil in as Jeric’s sub. Perkins was just smirking while his staring Jeric that now sitted on the bench. From his looks I can say that Perkins intentionally do it, Jeron whispered on him maybe he’s concern about his Ahia. The archers are talking by coach Sauler and I think his scolding Perkins.
“Is he seriously injured?”
I asked without looking to my friends, I am just staring to Jeric who’s now checking by their med. He must badly hurt. His eyes were closed while the med stretching his legs. Kawawa naman sya.
“Psst. Try mo din tumingin dun sa kabilang side, Madds.”
Sabay hawak ni Sam sa mukha ko at iniginiya sa kabila. My eyes widened, Jeron is seriously looking towards our direction. Napailing na lang ito when he found out that I was looking at him back. He smiled but hindi ito umabot hanggang tenga niya.
“You’re being bias, Madds. Nasasaktan na din siya.” Sam murmured and taps my shoulder then focused on the game.
We’re okay, Jeron and I, we already talked. Ang dami naman kasing nangyari katulad na lang ng ikwento ni Alex sa akin ang pinaggagawa ko kay Jeric nung hinatid kami sa dorm pati na rin ung sa bahay nila Sam. I should just never think about it, why I’m a bothered, anyway? There’s no issue between us.
Erase. Erase.
“Tindi rin ni Abdul mag three points kahit na bantay sarado ni Torres.” Von complimented as Karim shoots for three.
“Shhss. Mas magaling ako dyan ‘no!” Kiefer protested.
“Really? Kaya pala wala tayo sa championship and worse kahit sa final four hindi tayo nakasama.” Von teased.
“Hay kong maibabalik ko lang ang dati, dapat talaga hindi ko na pinagbigyan ang ibang team noon.” Von impishly said.
“Yabang mo! Manonood ka na nga lang.” Kiefer playfully punch Von. Nanahimik na lang ang dalawa at nanood ng tahimik.
As the game continues, the growling tigers’ played in chaos they’re having trouble passing and always missed shooting the ball. Hindi na mapalagay ang mga fans at lahat ay kinakabahan simula kasi ng tumawag si Coach Pido ng time-out ay parang lalong nawala ang team sa focus and that’s the reason why archers is now leading with 5 points and the remaining time is one minute.
“Ipasok niyo naman si Thomas!” sigaw ni Sam na parang malabong mangyari kasi malapit na matapos.
“Why I am feel that Van Osptal is becoming more appealing and hotter in this game.” Kinikilig na sabi ni Alex. Tss. Ito ang numero uno lamang ng archers sa team namin, their team mostly have a charmer and hot players. Si Jeron pa lang aba’y counted as their hottie one.
*Ennk* (Buzzer)
“ANIMO!!”
The game ended in favor to Green Archers with 98 scores while 89 to Growling Tigers that now lose the first game. As the twice to beat defender meron pang chance ang growling tigers and that’s on next game, the do or die game for both championship challenger.
“Alam ko yung ganitong tactic. Sadyang patalo lang ang Growling Tigers para madaming manood na artista sa mismong championship.”
“So, you mean. Lutong laro yun? Duh! Na-injured na lahat-lahat si Jeric tapos scripted pa rin?”
“Oo nga naman Alex. At tska ganda kaya ng play.” Pagsang-ayon ko kay Sam. Napaka nega kasi ni Alex hindi naman obvious na ini-enjoyed niya si Van Osptal kanina.
Palabas na kaming tatlo ng big dome, nagpaalam sina Kiefer na sa likod sila dadaan at baka may magkagulo na naman daw ang fans. I texted Jeric just to ask him if how is he and he replied that his fine kunting pahinga lang daw ng right ankle niya. Of course Jeron, I congratulated him but I did not receive response from him, maybe his busy and have a little celebration with the archers.
“Andito na tayo bruha!”
“Salamat sa paghatid.” Lumabas naman na ako ng kotse at nagpaalam sa mga kaibigan ko nagpahatid lang naman ako sa trabaho ko.
I hurriedly enter the building, I’m always late. Kung pagpapatuloy ko siguro ang late ko mawawalan na ako ng trabaho.
“Hi Mag, good evening. I’m late again hehe!” I greeted my co-worker while taking seat in my cubicle. I opened the computer.
“Haha! There’s nothing new. So, how’s the game?”
Maggie was a supporter of basketball as well but she prepared PBA than UAAP. She always watch it live lalo na pag ang team San Mig ni Pingris ang maglalaro. Sometimes when there are no costumer calls we always talk about basketball.
“DLSU won the first game.” I answered her. Inaayos ko kasi ang gamit ko dito sa pwesto ko. Ako lang ata ang makalat ang cubicle.
“That’s good. You must be a proud girlfriend, I guess Jeron played well on that game.” Napabitaw naman ako sa lapis na hawak ko sa sinabi niya at dahan-dahang lumingon sa kanya.
“He—“
*Ring*
“Wait a minute. Telephone first.” She said smiling to me and answered the phone.
Boyfriend? At si Jeron? Kelan pa? I smiled bitterly while I faced my table and lean. Hindi nga siya nagreply kanina sa text ko eh. I wanted to check my phone but I’m afraid baka mahuli ako ng supervisor namin, cellphone is not allowed so nakaoff lang siya.
Nawala naman na ang inisip ko at itinuon na lang sa mga callers. Sunod-sunod naman akong nakatanggap ng calls at nabura na lang ang mga iniisip ko these past few days. This is the reason I love my job it helps me to lighten up and just be myself every time I’m here. Ikaw ba namang sumagot ng paulit-ulit ng mga tawag edi makakalimutan mo nga.
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“Pssst! Ate mo nasa baba na.” naramdaman ko namang may tumanggal ng kumot na gamit ko.
“Hmm. Tell her 15 minutes more.”
“Gaga! Tanghali na kaya. Kanina pa yang 15 minutes mo ah! Mabubulok na ung kapatid mo dun!” Alex shouted in my ears kaya naman napabangon ako ng mabilis.
She threw to me the towel and pushes me to the bathroom even though my eyes are still close. Why is Jade excited to go there? Arrggg. I took a bath in a ten minutes and I did not bother to do the girls rituals after a bath. I just brushed my hair and wear a simple above the knee gray dress and flats for my shoe, the bag also.
“Gandara lang, Madds. Some other day pahiram ako nyang dress na yan.”
I just nodded to Alex as she looked amazed in this dress I am wearing. Well to me, nothing is special on this dress it just a little revealing of my chest and back because of the spaghetti strap. My mom bought this.
“I’m off now, Alex. See you tomorrow.” I kissed her cheeks.
“Wait! Umupo ka nga dyan! Pupunta ka ng party ng walang ka amok-amok yang mukha mo.” She scolded and gets her make-up kit on her bag.
“Lipstick and powder will do, Alex. No need for that rest.” I stop her when she was about to put blushed on. She rolled her eyes and just put a pink lipstick slowly on me.
“There you go. You look great! OMG!” Alex happily said and frees me. “Ilagay mo na ‘tong powder and lipstick dyan sa bag mo for retouch purposed only.” She handed me and I mouthed a thanks to her. I gazed myself in the mirror.
“Nothings new, typical me because I’m pretty.” I thought and I smiled secretly. Kaya madami nagkakagusto eh. Aw.. I’m being arrogant.
“Finally. Let’s go!” She enters her car as she see me approaching her direction.
“You’re wearing that one too?” I sat down on the front seat and stared for the dress she’s wearing. I pick that one for her. She just nodded and started the engine.
“Did you buy gifts?”
“Hindi. Akala ko ikaw na bibili.”
“Gosh Jane! I leave you a message telling that I can’t. I have pictorial yesterday.” She said in a irritated voice.
“That’s not a problem. Dumaan na lang tayo ng mall.” I said calmly. Sht! Why did I forgot about today ?
“Nakalimutan bumili ng pangregalo kasi nanalo sila Jeron kahapon. Tss.” I heard her muttered.
“Excuse me, may sinasabi ka?”
“Wala. I said that malayo ang tagaytay at baka matraffic tayo. Baka nga mauna pa sina Mama at Papa sa atin dun.” She said.
“Ahhh. Then you should drive fast.” I told her smiling and she just rolled her eyes.
Jade drove faster than awhile ago. Sineryoso nga. Nakarating naman kami sa isang mall dito sa Dasma and decided to bought a gold necklace and wrist watch as our gift. Syempre hati kami ng bayad. After into the jewelry shop Jade take me to a shoe department.
“What are we doing here?” I asked.
“Ms. can I have a size seven of that stiletto.” Sabay kuha naman ng babae sa sinabi ni Jade. Kailangan bumili ng bago? E, bagay naman sa suot niya ung sandals niya. Late na nga kami nakuha pang magshopping.
“Ito po.” The sales lady handed to Jade the pair of shoes.
“Come closer, Jane and wear this.” Jade call me. My eyes widened. For me?
“You’re wearing a fitted dress and match it a flats. It doesn’t suits.” She told me. Napaamang naman ako ng isuot niya dahan-dahan sa akin.
“Ang ganda nilang dalawa no? Magkapatid ata sila.”
“Model yang isa yung naka-blue na dress.” I heard some sales lady muttered. Nagpasalamat naman ako kay Jade ng bayaran niya ang sandals. She said that it’s her treat. Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti sa ginawa niya na may halong inis, pakialamanan ba ang suot ko.
“Shh. Ikaw na nga inayusan eh.”I thought.
We swiftly went to the parking lot and entered the car. I said again my thanks to Jade and she just rolled her eyes. It’s already 8pm and we’re totally late. I rested my back on the seat and tried to close my eyes but my phone vibrated. Mom was just checking if where are we and nagreply na lang ako na malapit na kahit hindi ko naman alam kung malapit na nga.
“Malapit na ba tayo?” Jade look at me and nodded.
While I’m holding my phone I remember Jeron, until now he did not replied on my message yesterday even simple thanks, wala. Buti pa si Jeric kinumusta ako kanina at ayos na pala siya, back to normal. Galit ba si Jeron sa akin?
“Move faster, Jane. Let’s go! We’re here!” Jade gave her key to the staff of hotel. We went out to the car and let the staff park it.
“Dito ba ung party?” tanong ko habang naglalakad kami ni Jade papasok ng hotel. Sinasamahan kami ng isang crew.
“Yeah.” She answered as she tries fixing her dress. She’s fixing her hair while walking. Napaka-conscious talaga nito sa sarili, dapat laging maganda . Model eh.
“Let me.” I said while I fixed her dress when we enter in elevator. She looked at me and smiled.
“Thanks.” Wait! She what? Smile?
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“Ninang Dulce sorry were late. Where’s ninong?” Jade happily approach Tita Dulce, ninang para kay Jade kasi she’s her godparent in christening.
We’re invited to their 25th wedding anniversary. Their family is a close friend of ours. Inikot ko naman ang tingin ko sa buong hall and I thank Jade for changing my flats baka ako lang naiba kung sakali. Everyone is look elegant even the place.
“Hey Maddison Jane! I missed you, honey. How are you?” Tita Dulce kissed my cheeks and hugged me.
“Fine, Tita.” I smiled awkwardly smiled. Tumabi naman si Jade sa akin.
“Here’s our gift, ninang.”
“You don’t have to, sweetie. But thanks anyway.” Inilagay niya naman sa lagayan ng gifts iyon at humarap ulit sa amin. Tita Dulce is now giving as an amusing look.
“Both of you grew really beautiful. How I wish I have a daughter.” She said mischievously.
“Agree, sweetheart.” Tito Ramon hug Tita Dulce from the back. Ngumiti lang kami ni Jade sa kanilang dalawa. At nawala lang ang ngiting iyon ni Jade ng lumabas sa likod niya ang…
“Sweetheart we have the Teng Family here.” Tito Ramon happily said.
“Hi Dulce. Happy 25th wedding Anniversary for the both of you.”
Tita Susan sweetly said and kissed Tita Dulce. Sumunod naman si Tito Alvin and ang magkakapatid. They were all shocked when they saw us, I just smiled to them. I look at them one by one well except Jeron. Jeric is now widely smiling on us.
“Hi Maddison and Mayerie.” Almira greeted us and kissed us in the cheeks.
Tita Susan and Tito Alvin smiled to us. Tumingin naman ako kay Jeron at nahuli ko siyang nakatitig sa akin. My heart celebrated as I meet his eyes. His eyes were saying that his mad.
“You still know them, Almira?” Tita Dulce asked.
“Of course Tita. We used to be neighbor-“
“MJ!!” someone hurriedly hugged me tight and my eyes grew wider as I was stunned. “I miss you so much, MJ!” he hugged me tighter as if I’m his life.
Everyone was shocked, they were just staring at us and I can receive a deadly look from Jeron. His angry. I slowly push him to free from hugs and smiled awkwardly.
“L-ance. Hey Buddy. Kelan ka pa nakauwi?” I ask using my deepest voice.
Tristan Lance Chua. Only boy of Tita Dulce and Tito Ramon. He’s my former boyfriend. My ex. Sht! Nakauwi na pala ito ng Pilipinas. Eat me now ground.
“I just arrived yesterday here in Philippines. My MJ!” MJ stands for Maddison Jane. He was about to hug me but I walk away. Doon pa lang niya nalaman na marami pa lang tao nakatitig sa amin.
“Hahaha! I think my son misses you so much, Maddison.” Tito Ramon stated while smiling.
“No doubt on that, Tito. I think they both miss each other.” Jade agreed.
I look at her and rolled my eyes. I know what she’s into, she’s trying to make Jeron jealous. Everyone’s laughing as well as the awkwardly laughs of Teng Family. They knew that Jeron is courting me pero… kingina! Nakakahiya tuloy. Nakramdam naman ako ng akbay at alam ko na kung kanino galing. Nag-uusap naman na ang matatanda.
“Take your hand off my shoulder, Lance.” I whispered to him. I wiggle my body but he tighter held me.
“I won’t. Maybe later I really miss you.” He said while pouting his lips.
“I’ll excuse myself for a moment.” Jeron walks away. Ito na nga ba ang sinasabi ko eh. Tumingin naman ako kay Jeric na ngayon ay nakatingin sa kamay ni Lance na nakalagay sa balikat ko. He looks serious. If looks could just kill maybe Lance is now a cold corpse.
“I think they’re jealous, MJ. They both like you.” I heard Lance muttered.
“Ay naku! Sino naman yan?” napatingin ako kay Jeric na umalis din kasama si Almira.
“Jeric and Jeron. I can see it ih their eyes and I know it from the start that’s why I hugged you.” He said smirking and frees me from his hand. Binigyan naman ako ng nakakalokong ngiti ni Lance. Binatukan ko naman siya ng mahina.
“Sabi na nga ba eh! Loko ka talaga.” I punch him playfully and he acted he was hurt and hugged me again.
“I’m just giving them a test. The one who left first, he jealous most and the winner is Jeron haha!”
“Siraulo!”
“Is there a free space on your list, MJ? Please write my name also on your suitors list.” He coolly stated.
“Okay, I’ll add you.” I told him and turn my back. Si Jade naman ang niloloko ni Lance ngayon. Wala na kami ni Lance. Tumagal din ata kami ng six month ng lokong yun noong 4th year high school kami. Pero magkaibigan na lang kami ngayon.
Dahil nagutom ako, kumuha ako ng madaming pagkain at umupo sa walang taong table. I did not mind the stares of others who are looking intently on my plate. I’m really hungry, this foods will serve as my breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“Nagutom ako dahil sa titig ni Jeron kanina.” I thought while taking my food. Isama na din yung kay Jeric grabe lang, Hirap maging maganda. Charr!
“Uhhh.” Why did I hell forgot to get water? Sht! Nabubulunan na ako at naluluha na din. I was about to stand up when someone..
“Water.” I took it from his hand and immediately drank it.
“Oh my! First time I’ve experience of choking without water on my side. Th-“ I look at to the person who sitted beside me.
“Jeric. Thank you.” I told him and he just smiled. That Teng-smile yung tipong kita lahat ng ngipin. Nagselos ba din siya kanina?
“Are you that hungry para sunud-sunurin ang subo mo?” he asked smiling. Nang-aasar lang.
“Super. Ngayon andito ka na hindi na ako kakain.” I said as I wiped my mouth.
“Bakit? Kasi nakita mo na ako kaya busog ka na? That’s bad, Madds. I’m not a food but if you think so.” He joked.
“Hahaha! Nakakatawa Jeric. Nawalan kasi ako nang gana sa totoo lang hindi dahil sayo.” I teased.
“Kaya pala. You said I’m your every-Teng last time nang ihatid kita sa kwar—“ agad kong tinakpan ang bibig niya gamit ang kamay ko. Napakaingay nito, nakakahiya naalala niya pala yung lasing pa ako at hindi lang yun ang sinabi ko noon.
“Jeric please. Stop it.” I think I’m blushing. Bigla naman akong nakaramdam kaba ng hawakan niya ang kamay ko para tangalin sa bibig niya. He was smiling and here I am.. staring at him while my heart’s pounding. Para bang naging slow motion ang lahat.
“You’re blushing, Madds haha! Ang ganda mo lang.” He said while grinning na lalo atang nagpapula ng mukha ko. Sht! Bakit ganun ung functioning ng heart ko. I look away.
“A—aa-“ No words dare came out from my mouth.. I’m speechless, he was just smiling. *Dug dug*
“I’m just playing around, Madds.” He holds my shoulder both side and slowly turn to his. We’re now facing each other while sitted here. His eyes were serious now and that’s why my heart beats fast.
“Maddison can I ask you something?” he sesriously said and I nodded. Bakit ganun umiba ung tugtog sa dance area, naging slow ung kanta kaya lalo akong kinabahan. Jeric is still looking at me with his hands on my shoulders. (A/N: If you want to hear the song. Kindly play Almost Never Enough by Ariana Grande.)
“M-“
“Maddison.. Ahia what are you doing?” Jeric take off his hands on me automatically stood up. We were stunned, Jeron is now giving us questioning eyes.
“No-thing.” Jeric awkwardly said. Nakatingin lang ako sa kanilang dalawa. Nagulat ako ng ilahad ni Jeron ang kamay niya sa harap ko.
“Can I dance you, Madds?” he seriously asked. I hesitantly take his hand and stood up. Why I’m I felt different? Dinaanan lang namin si Jeric. He tried to smile but it was a fake.
Jeron place his both hands on my waist as we get in the dance area and I tried not to be awkward. I clung my arms on his nape and look straight into his eyes. The music played slowly and also my heart is now beating slowly. A while ago it’s pounding and now slowly beating. We danced gently, the song is beautiful.
“I miss you, Maddison.” He sincerely said. I did not speak I just stared at him. My heart is really tired because of not functioning normal.
“Yesterday, I did wrong. Sorry If I did not response on your message.” Go on. Just continue. I miss his voice.
“It’s just.. I got jealous to my brother. How yo-u look at him. It makes me trifling as if that you’re happy to be with him and you cared so much for him.” He shakingly said. I saw sadness in his eyes.
“I’m sorry if I let you feel that way Jeron, I didn’t know. He’s my friend of course I care for him.” I tried to make him understand. He shook his head and pulls me closer to him. We’re now like body-hugging. Sumasayaw kami at parang walang pakialam sa mga taong andito.
“Don’t take his side, please. No.. Let’s just not talk about it.” He nervously said and smiled bitterly. Tumango na lang ako. Nasasaktan na ba kita Jeron?
“I miss you. I lov—“
“This is the only thing I can do for now, Jeron. Please, not now.” I straight look at him and close my eyes.
I did not let him say anything; I smiled softly and wrapped my arms around him. I’m not sure if I have my answer on him if he finishes saying it. I rested my head on his chest while his hands caressing my back as we hugged each other. I can really feel it.. He loves me.
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A/N: Comment and Vote. Thanks :)
I don't do proofreading. Pasensya sa mga error.