FUEL | Completed

Lap 42

THIRD PERSON

"Mabuhay, Pilipinas! I'm Richard Gonzales and welcome to the annual Philippine Racing Cup. The most awaited time of the year! And for today's race, here beside me is one of the best known pilipino writer— Kobe Mamano!

"Hey there, Kobe! Nice to see you in flesh! How are you? Are you excited for today's race... uhm... Kobe?"

The latter woke up upon hearing his name. His eyes were weary as if it had no proper sleep from the last weeks. "H-Ha? A-Ako? Ayos, hehehe!"

The host's forehead creased. "Are you okay—?"

"Nah, I'm fine" — he heaved a loud yawn, almost heard around the Speedway — "Ayos lang kahit 'di medyo halata. Anyways, nasaan ba ako? Bakit ako nandito? Alam ko natutulog lang ako e."

Confusion was visible on the host's eyes. He removed his microphone then speak, "Nandito ka as special guest for today's race... remember?"

Kobe laughed, causing a loud noise inside the place. "Ay, yawa! Hahaha! Boang ka boy! Hahaha, sorry po, nakalimutan ko."

Eeh? He put the microphone back to it's place. "So... ano sa tingin mo ang mangyayari ngayong karera?"

"Ay," Kobe put his hand on his chest, as if shocked. "Hindi ko alam na isang manghuhula role ko rito?" Then he laughed. "Char. Ewan ko lang, hehe! Siguro magiging ayos lang."

"Any message for our dearest readers?" The announcer asked.

"Go lang mga bhie. Isipin n'yo lagi mahuli pangit, hehe! Good luck po!"

&•&
KAIRO ROSALES

"Ayos pa ba 'yong special guest natin?"  Natatawang tanong ni Ellie (one of team's member) habang pinapakinggan namin ang sinasabi ng special guest ngayong araw. Maski ako ay napapangisi na lang sa kanya. Bangag siguro.

We were still inside the garage, collecting energy for the long race later. I've already drunk a special pills that would help me to keep dehydrated at hindi ko kakailanganing uminom ng uminom. This pill also helps us not to feel the urge to pee— that would be a hassle kapag nakaramdam kami ng pag-iihi during race.

Maya-maya pa ay pinapunta na ang mga racer at kanilang mga sasakyan sa field. Magsisimula na.

"G-Galingan mo ha! Ipanalo mo 'yon!" Pagche-cheer up ni  Winston. Oh lord, he's still nervous as fuck. I want to punch him, very hard...

"GO! GO! GO! TEAM RACEWORTH FOR THE WIN!" The pit crew cheered. They somehow resemble my classmates in the Academy. Speaking of them, malamang ay napapanood nila ang live broadcast nitong karera.

They must be cheering me. A smiled unconsciously formed at my lips. I didn't really expect that I will befriended with them— a bunch of weird people.

Not only them, baka sila Tito, Tita at Li'l Josh 'din ay nanonood.

See that? They were believing and supporting me.

"Galingan mo, Kairo," Mr. Raceworth tapped my shoulder then smiled. I gave him— them a nod  and a smile before entering my car.

Let's all work together to win this . . .

Sinara ko ang pinatuan ng sasakyan then wear my helmet. I closed my eyes as I follow my slow breathings. Focus.