Rule #3: Changing The Rules

[15]

"Gallego!"

I missed the timing, before our coach whistled. Napabagsak ako sa sahig at napahawak nalang doon. My knees felt tired and exhausted that I couldn't move properly anymore. Lumapit si Patty, my batchmate at tinulungan akong tumayo.

"Gallego, what's happening to you!?" sabi ni Coach at lumapit sa akin.

My teammates looked at me. Bakas sa mga mukha nila ang inis dahil kanina pa kami paulit-ulit dito. I didn't mean to prolong the training, but I'm just not in the mood right now.

"Sorry, coach. I will do better next time..." I apologized and looked down.

"Next time?" Coach scoffed. "It's the fifth day, you've been slacking off! Akala ko ba ikaw ang star player ng St. Maria's? You were the MVP for six straight years in the High school division! Pero ano 'tong ginagawa mo ngayon? Is that the MVP, huh?"

Nowadays, I just don't feel like playing Volleyball. My whole life, I played this sport and loved it, but now I can't even find the strength to play it now.

I let him scold me and remind me of my role in the team. Some seniors rolled their eyes and talked bad about me. From the corner of my eye, I saw Prince, Kale and Arrow watching us. Nakasuot rin sila ng training clothes, pero wala pa ang ibang mga kasama.

Ever since that night, hindi na kami nag-usap ni Prince. It's almost as if I was just air to him. Hiyang-hiya na ako noon, at mas lalong ngayon na pang-ilang araw na niya akong napapanood na mapagalitan ni Coach.

After Coach scolded me, I returned to the bleachers and drank water. Inalis ko ang tali ng buhok ko at umupo muna doon. They continued their practice again, while I sat here and watched them. I decided to leave, so I stood up again to fix my things. Tatambay muna ako sa Lunar plaza or somewhere near the school. Just a place where I can take mind off.

"Ems, hey..." Kale approached me and slung his arm over my shoulder. "Okay ka lang?"

I slowly nodded.

"I'm fine," sagot ko habang inaayos ang bag ko. I decided to go around here before I go home. I'm deeply exhausted and I can't take the badmouthing of some of my seniors. Pagkapasok ko palang sa team, ganon na sila sa akin dahil sa title ko. It's not my fault that I was a good player, back then! Am I not allowed to have some bad days?

"Wanna go to the Dairy Place? I'll skip training and buy you an ice cream!" he offered with a smile.

"Ayoko," Inikot ko ang mga mata sa kanya. "You're just being nice to me, kase may kailangan ka. I won't give her number to you."

It's been what? Months of him pestering me for it? I don't get his deal and if he'll hurt her again, mas gugustuhin kong si Prince nalang kaysa siya ulit ang pumorma kay Lia.

He chuckled. "Come on! I talked to her, already. Wala na akong kailangan sayo... ginagawa ko 'to, out of the kindness in my heart."

I narrowed my eyes and glanced at Prince and Arrow. Nasa likod lang sila ni Kale at nag-uusap. Saktong pag-tingin ko naman kay Prince ay nakatingin rin ito sa akin. I cleared my throat and looked away.

"Wala na daw training, Kale! Tara, ice cream na nga lang tayo!" Arrow announced.

"Ayun!" Kale said and looked at me. "Ano, sama ka?"

I looked at Prince before I shook my head.

Kinuha ko ang training bag ko at iniwan na sila doon. I heard Kale, calling my name but I didn't look back. I'm not in the mood for some ice cream, nor am I in the mood to spend time with Prince.