New found Celebrity
Penelope's POV
Lumipas ang mga araw ay mas lalong naging busy si Maddox sa kanilang practice games while I focus in my studies and flower shop at the same time. Bukas na ang laro nila kaya naman puspusan na ang pag-iensayo ng team nila.
Kakalabas ko lang galing sa last subject ko nang lapitan ako ni Sean. I didn't know what to do as I remembered our first and last encounter. He was the guy I slapped from the victory party for calling me a hooker.
"Penelope." Tawag nito sa akin.
"Yes?"
"I—" Sean closed his eyes and released a loud sigh before opening them again. He's in his uniform indicating that their practice just finished.
"Look, hindi maganda ang naging pagkikita natin sa victory party. I probably left a bad impression on you and I'd really like to apologize for the names I called you that night. I was such a jerk. I'm really sorry, Penelope." He apologized and looked really guilty. He should be. He called me a hooker after all.
"I'm sorry for slapping you." I said as he was the first guy I've ever slapped.
"Don't apologize, I deserve that."
"Still. I'm really sorry. I'm not a violent person but anger got the best of me that night."
"So, am I forgiven?" He asked with a half smile.
"Yeah. Everything's forgotten." I replied. Hindi naman kasi ako ang klase ng taong nagtatanim ng galit. As long as the person admits he is wrong and sincerely apologized for it, why not forgive, right?
"Thank you. You're such a sweet girl, El." He said and I didn't know what to say. "How about we hang out some time?"
I smiled apologetically and shook my head. "I'm sorry, I don't think Maddox will like that idea."
"Kung ganon' talagang seryoso kayo sa isat-isa. Don't worry, hindi naman kita pipilitin. I'm just surprised to see Maddox be serious with a girl. Don't get me wrong, I'm just trying to say that I personally think he's being sincere with his feelings towards you."
"Thank you."
"Sayang nga lang at naunahan niya ako."
"What—"
"Just kidding. Bye, Penelope!" He didn't let me finish my sentence and bid his goodbye.
I was watching Sean's retreating form when an arm draped over my shoulder.
"Did I just saw you talk to Sean?"
"Luke, the heck? Nakakagulat ka naman!" Sita ko dito dahil bigla-bigla nalang itong sumusulpot sa kung saan.
Naningkit ang mga mata nito na tinignan ako. "Ano naman pinag-usapan ninyong dalawa?
"Nag sorry lang siya sa nangyari sa victory party last time." Paliwanag ko.
"Maybe I should go tell captain about it."
"Tell Maddox what exactly?" Tanong ko na tumingala kay Luke.
"Maddox warned Sean last time that if he come closer to you than five meteres, he's dead."
"Did Maddox really told him that?!" I exclaimed.
"Yes, in front of the whole team. I personally don't like Sean so I'm kind of thinking about telling Maddox about it." Sambit nito na nag-isip pa.
"Luke naman eh. Ayoko na ng gulo. Nagsorry na nga iyong tao eh. I know Maddox. He'll get angry for sure so don't tell him about it. Please, Luke?" I plead, pouting and giving him the best puppy eyes I can manage.
"Hmmm." He hummed. "Okay, I won't tell him."
"Tell me what?"
Nagulat kami ni Luke nang mula sa likuran namin ay nagsalita si Maddox na matalim ang tingin kay Luke.
"Hey, Captain!" Masiglang bati ni Luke dito.
"What is it that you don't want to tell me?" Asked Maddox with a stern look as his eyes focused on Luke's arm over my shoulder. "Get your hands off her."
I was glad when Luke did what Maddox told him.
Naglakad palapit sa akin si Maddox at hinawakan ang kamay ko at saka ako hinila palayo.
"Let's go."
"Bye, redcheeks!" Sigaw ni Luke at nginitian ko lang ito.
Tahimik lang si Maddox habang hinihila ako papuntang parking lot. Mahigpit ang hawak nito sa kamay ko kaya alam kong galit ito.
Tumigil ito sa tapat ng sasakyan ko at saka ako binitiwan.
"What's wrong with you?" Tanong ko dito na nakakunot noo. He can't just drag me anywhere he wanted to take me.
"So you're keeping secrets with goal keeper now?" He accused like it was the biggest crime a person could ever commit.
"We ain't keeping any secrets." I defended.
"I'm not stupid, El. I know what I heard."
I sighed, "It's about Sean."
His muscles tensed and he become alerted at the mention of Sean's name. "What about him?"
"He apologized about the victory party." I explained leaving the other details.
"I warned him not to go near you. Nasan siya?"
"I don't know. He left."
"I'm going to kill him." He said with a clenched jaw and fisted hand and goes back to the campus but I stopped him.
"Maddox, calm down. Buti nga nag sorry pa siya eh. If anyone have the right to get mad, it's me. Maddox I love you, but you have no right to stop anyone from approaching me." I know Maddox is a jealous guy and is really possessive but telling someone to stay away from me is totally absurd!
There was a few seconds of silence between the two of us and I can see that he's trying to calm himself.
Nilapitan ko siya at hinawakan ang pisngi nito upang pakalmahin ito. "Maddox, look at me."
The moment our eyes met, I felt him soften and relax under my touch. I gave him a reassuring smile before speaking. "I understand that you're possessive but I want you to understand that I still get to choose who I be friends with and who I talk to."
"I know that, but it's different with Sean. He likes you. I heard him telling everyone he likes you at the locker that day. He even provoked me."
"You say that with every single guy I talk to."
"It's true. Don't you see yourself, El? You are gorgeous and a wonderful woman. You probably don't realize it pero alam kong marami ang nagkakagusto sayo. Kaya natatakot ako na baka mawala ka at maagaw ka nila sa akin. I might just go mad if that happens."
"It won't happen, Maddox." I promised just to make him feel better.
"I love you so f*cking much." He said cupping both my cheeks and connecting our lips.
We shared a passionate kiss, not caring if other students can see this.
"Good luck on your game tomorrow." I said giving him another peck in the lips.
"I will win for you, babe." He promised, giving me a playful wink.
"No, I want you to play for yourself and for your team while I'll be in the background, cheering on all of you ."
↭↭↭↭↭↭
Malapit nang mapuno ang buong stadium nang dumating kami nila Cara at Marco. Maddox reserved front seats for us and the two was ecstatic upon learning about it.
Below us were some of Maddox's team and coaches preparing for the game. Nang lumabas ang buong team nila Maddox ay naghiyawan ang mga tao. Cara also screamed beside me.
"Gurl, makahiyaw ka naman!" Sita ni Marco dito.
"Shocks! Iba talaga ang soccer team ng school niyo, insan! Magta-trasfer na yata ako next sem."
"Buti pa nga. Sawang-sawa na ako sa pagmumukha mo sa campus eh."
Cara glared at Marco and grabbed her phone from her bag with a sly smile. Marco knew exactly who Cara was texting so within a second, he has Cara's phone in his hand. He turned it off and took the battery and put it in his pocket.
"You're not texting that higad." Sambit ni Marco na ang tinutukoy ay si Olivia.
"Give it back!!" Sigaw ni Cara.
"You can have this after the game."
"Ugh!!!"
Ayan nanaman sila. Mag-uumpisa nanaman silang mag-away. Kaya sinadya kong umupo sa pagitan nilang dalawa upang mabawasan ang pagbabangayan nila.
Maddox found me and his lips formed into a wide smile. I stood from my seat and leaned against the railings while he approached me.
"You look really good in your uniform." I teased as he stood in front of me, with the railings separating us.
"You came."
"Of course. It's your game!" I exclaimed as a matter of fact. "Ano ba namang klaseng girlfriend ako kung hindi ko so-suportahan ang boyfriend ko sa game niya."
"I'm just overwhelmed, I guess. It's the first time a girl will be supporting me."
I laughed at his statement. "Seryoso ka ba diyan? Look around you. Almost all these girls are rooting for you and your team."
"Nah, you're different. Only yours matters."
My heart melted and I couldn't speak for a moment until I heard a giggle behind me.
"Awww!!! That's so sweet." Cara said as she watched us in awe.
I didn't realize that they can hear our conversation until now.
"Captain, magsisimula na ang laro. Tinatawag na tayo ni Coah." Maya-maya ay lumapit ang isa sa mga teammates nito.
"Sige. Susunod na ako."
Humarap muli sa akin si Maddox at hinalikan ang noo ko.
"I'll be right back." Paalam nito at tumalikod na sa akin
"I love you, Maddox." I said softly not sure if he heard me but he stopped and went back to me, planting a kiss on my lips.
"I love you, mi amore."
The crowd erupted in cheers as the game started while I can't help but feel nervous. I trust Maddox and his team but I can't help it. I've seen different soccer games on tv and some players ends up getting hurt. I'm just hoping nothing like that will happen.
Shaking my head from negativity, I tried to focus on the game.
It's the last quarter of the game and the score is two against zero. Two, for Maddox' team and zero for their opponent.
"Yes!!!" Marco screamed from his seat when Maddox managed to steal the ball while I had my hands clasp together when the ball was passed to Maddox. He was running to the goal but players started to get close to him to try to steal the ball from him. They only needed another goal to be declared the winner.
"Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god." Cara had been whispering the same words beside me over and over again. It seems like a mantra to her.
Everyone screamed, including me when he made a goal. Out of three goals, two were his. Their coach and team members stood from their seats and screamed from their victory.
Maddox thrust his hand in the air as his teammates approcahed him, giving him hugs and pat on the back. The crowd continues to scream from their victory and I personally felt proud for Maddox.
Soccer is the only thing I know he's passionate about and I'm glad that all his hardwork will not be put in vain.
The event continued as they accepted their award. People continued to approach him to congratulate him for their win and as much as I wanted to approached him myself, a hoard of people is surrounding him. Some were from the media who were trying to get an interview.
Our eyes met and I know from his look that he wanted to approach me but he needed to answer the questions of the media. I mentioned for him that it's okay and I'll be waiting.
"Ang swerte mo talaga kay Maddox, insan." Sambit ni Cara sa tabi ko. "Kelan kaya ako makakahnap ng gaya ni Maddox?"
"Sus! Asa ka pa!" Litansiya naman ni Marco sa kanan ko.
"Wag ka ngang panirang bakla ka!"
Marco and Cara continued to fight beside me while I watched Maddox as he was being surrounded by media representatives. Proud girlfriend right here.
Pagkatapos umalis ng media sa harapan niya ay tatakbo na sana ito palapit sa akin ngunit maraming mga tao ang lumapit sa kanya at nagpapicture. Most of them were girls. Maddox couldn't say no and I patiently waited for him in the bleachers which is almost empty now.
"Wow, I think we have a new celebrity in here." Komento ni Cara na nakataas ang kilay.
"Your boyfriend is famous now." Dagdag naman ni Marco.
"Hindi ka ba nagseselos sa dami ng babaeng nakapalibot sa kanya ngayon? Kasi naiirita na ako eh. Makayakap naman sa boyfriend mo girl. Sus! Gandang manabunot eh!" Singhal ni Cara sa tabi ko.
I didn't want to admit it to myself, but Cara is like my subconscious, telling me to hate the girls surrounding him.
"Ano ba kayo, humahanga lang naman sila kay Maddox eh. No need to get jealous." I told them, mostly to make myself feel better.
"Asus! That's the biggest lie I've heard today." Marco replied, rolling his eyes and I only sighed because I know I've lost this argument and I am indeed, well... jealous.
I decided, I should go approach him but then Luke came out of nowhere with a big smile in his face.
"Red cheeks! You're here!" Sigaw nito at niyakap ako.
"Congratulations! You did great, Luke!" Masayang bati ko dito. Luke is a good goal keeper and I admit their team is nothing without him.
"Of course." Mayabang nitong sambit na nakangisi.
"Hi, Cara and Marco. Where's your girlfriend?" Baling ni Luke sa kanila.
"Girlfriend?!" Exclaimed Marco.
"Yeah, Olivia. Diba girlfriend mo siya? Ang sweet niyo nga last time eh." Sagot ni Luke.
"She's not my girlfriend, bro." Marco said shaking his head.
"You look good together though. Ang mga ganong babae hindi na dapat pinapalagpas yan." Nakangising bulong ni Luke dito na narinig naman namin ni Cara.
"Iba kasi ang type nitong si Marco eh." Natatawang sambit ni Cara.
"Ganon' ba."
"Hey Luke! You ready for the party tonight?" Vin, one of his teammate approached us and put his arm over Luke's shoulder.
"Of course, kahapon pa." Sagot ni Luke dito.
"Hey Penelope, didn't know you are here. Kung alam ko lang di sana ginalingan ko pa." Pagbibiro ni Vin.
"Ano ka ba. All of you did great." Nakangiting sambit ko dito. "Siya nga pala. This is Marco and Cara."
"Hi." Pabebe-ng bati ni Cara.
"Nice to meet you guys." Bati ni Vin. "So... you guys coming to the victory party?"
"I—"
"No." Maddox announced from beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist possessively and kissed my cheek.
"Why not?" Nakakunot-noong tanong ni Luke.
"Because I said so." Maikling sagot ni Maddox. Hindi na ako kumontra dahil nararamdaman kong hindi maganda ang mood nito.
Nagpa-alam na sila Cara at Marco hanggang sa kaming dalawa nalang ni Maddox ang naiwan. I saw Sean from afar and looked like he was hesitant about something when he saw Maddox beside me.
"Congratulations on your game, Maddox. I'm so proud of you." I said, smiling, facing him and wrapping my arms around his waist.
"Thanks babe."
"I knew from start that you'd win."
"Are you that confident about me?" He asked with a wide smile.
"Of course. You are Maddox Preston, the one and only." I said looking up at him.
"That sounded great in my ears but I didn't appreciate when I didn't found you in the bleachers and instead you were talking to Luke and Vin. I bet you congratulated them first before me."
"Maybe because you were busy taking pictures with other girls?" I asked raising a brow.
"What?"
"What do you mean, what? You were surrounded by a bunch of females. Some were touching you, their hands everywhere. I even heard a girl say, 'Hi Maddy, can I take a selfie with you? You're so cool. I like you!', And all you did was say yes in their requests. And Maddy? Where did that nickname came from—"
My monologue was cut off when Maddox cupped my face and kissed me to stop my blubbering which I didn't even noticed I was doing.
"You're so hot when you're mad, baby."
I felt my cheeks burn from embarrassment when I realized I've been spurting nonsense. "I'm not mad."
"Your cheeks and neck gets red whenever you are angry. They are red right right now." Maddox smirked, his hand settled in my neck, his thumb was playing circles with my skin.
"Okay, fine. I'm jealous." I admitted and his smirk grew even wider. His head dipped in the crook of my neck giving it small kisses.
"Maddox, hindi ka ba pupunta sa victory party ninyo?" I asked, trying to divert his attention while I fought back a moan.
"No." He replied still busy in my neck. Good thing, there were only a few people left in the stadium.
"Why not?"
"Ayoko nang maulit ang nangyari noong nakaraan." Sagot nito na ang tinutukoy ay ang naging away nila ni Sean.
"It won't happen again. Ikaw ang nagpanalo ng laro kaya dapat nandun ka. Besides, I don't have to go." Pamimilit ko dito.
"I'd rather spend my time with you than go." He answered raising his head.
"Maddox, go. Enjoy your victory." I insisted hoping that it would change his mind. I don't want him to miss their party. I want him to spend some time with his team mates.
"I'm not going and that's final."