Super Skilled Me

(9)

          I stroll into the local Pizza Hut, smelling the fresh scent of dough and cheese melting. It's been a while since I've had pizza, and I know that I'm going to love this experience. Where I'm from, the local Pizza Hut has a deal called the "walk-in special," where you can purchase a large pizza for half price if you buy in person, opposed to calling in by phone and placing your order. And for just an extra two dollars, you can get your crust stuffed with warm, oozing cheese, along with the provided dipping sauces—barbecue, marinara, and ranch dressing.

          On a side note, I've been thinking about how the team and myself are performing. Individually, I know things have to step up. Starting off the season with zero wins and two losses is definitely not what we, or the fans, expected. After our home loss to Pamberton, Coach Meldrum sent us a long message in the group chat, about how we need to get back to playing like last year. This simply cannot continue.

          I step to the counter and order a pepperoni with stuffed crust. I reach into the fridge beside the cashier and pull out a bottle of Pepsi. After explaining it will be an approximate fifteen to twenty-minute wait, I sit and open up my notifications from my phone. I have three texts—one from Dian expressing she needs extra time for homework, another by Coach Meldrum reminding us about our workout plan at the beach tomorrow, along with my parents requesting I FaceTime them tonight.

          Once the wait is over, I happily pay and receive my pizza, before exiting the store. Just like the local Subway sandwich shop, I start making my way home, smelling the incredible scent. I feel the warmth of the pizza from inside the box. Man, I cannot wait to eat. I love Pizza Hut. It's so greasy and downright delicious...ugh.

          Upon returning to my house, I unlock the garage door with the spare key and instantly head upstairs to the kitchen. I was supposed to do a quick clean around the house this morning, but I've procrastinated again because of food. Regardless, I sit down at the table and open the box. 

          Instead of the typical triangular slices, the pizza is cut in rectangular shapes to make it easier for the dipping sauce. I unpackage them and begin my feast. I dip my slice into the ranch dressing and feel an exquisite relief of satisfaction flow throughout me. Wow...what a combination. The melted cheese pepperoni and tomato sauce are simply lovely, as I continue to pile more and more calories into my body.

          Now reaching the stuffed crust of my first slice, I dip it inside the barbecue sauce and feel the oozing cheese exploding in my mouth. Good lord. As corny as it sounds, it reminds me of when Dian and I make passionate love in bed, exploring one anothers' mouths with lust. I can practically feel the heat of her body grazing upon me. Oh, baby...don't stop, I joke internally, now moving on to the marinara sauce.

          In a world of pleasure like always, my original intention was to save some pizza for dinner later. But before I know it, the only thing remaining in the box is a half slice of pepperoni, which I instantly chomp down with one final, mesmerizing bite. Wow...I really need to start cutting back. Could my sloppy play the last two games be related to how much food I've been eating? Part of me wants to admit the truth, but then there's another part in denial that doesn't care, and desperately wants to keep consuming more.

          Although, I'm still not too worried about it. Today is Sunday, so starting this week I'm going to really cut back, no matter what happens. I know I've mentioned it earlier, but this time I'm serious. I'm getting bigger and bigger each day, so I need to put more energy into playing ball than eating food. Still, that pizza was worth it. Even though I'm stuffed like a turkey on Thanksgiving dinner, I can't put into words how good those sauces were to dip. What an amazing experience.

          Now, here comes the shitty part of having to clean the house. Considering I'm so full, I really wish I'd gotten this done before I ate, because now I just want to sit on the couch and watch Breaking Bad. But I know I've got to push through and do a quick makeover of the house. I made a commitment to my parents that I'd keep the place in good condition while they're away in England.

          After disposing of the pizza box, crumpling and shoving it into the garbage, I make my way downstairs to the rec room, where all the cleaning supplies are. One at a time, I bring out the duster, vacuum, and mop. I'll start off by dusting the living room and cleaning the carpet. Individually, I take the pictures mantled on the table and give them a swift, making sure they are nice and clean. I feel a sense of happiness as I take the picture of my mother and father and I. We're at the airport in Mexico, back in the winter school break of 2013, where we travelled down the coast of Puerto Vallarta. 

          Once completed, I take the electrical vacuum and collect any crumbs on the carpet. After, I take the mop and make sure everything is spotless on the floor. But once again, just like in the game against Pamberton, I'm feeling...lazy. I usually take pride in keeping the house tidy, but I just want to sit down on the couch and watch TV with all that pizza sitting in my stomach.

          Like my recent attitude on the court, I guess I'll have to push through and get it done.