Till the Last Game Do Us Part

Chapter 19

Atherelle's POV

Preparation

Umagang-umaga ay wala akong gana. I changed position to stare at the ceiling. I don't have plans on going to school today sa takot na makaharap ulit si Gaviel.

It was nine games and he watched all of it. Isang taon kaming naglalaro noon palagi, of course he knew my way of playing very well. He knows my techniques and my mindset when it comes to a game. Hindi ko rin naman naisip na pati pala ang paraan ng paglalaro ko ay masasaulo at maaalala niya. I was just so dumb to think that he won't mind my way of playing.

I stared at the ceiling as I remember how he confronted me yesterday.

"What are you saying? W-what girl are you saying?" maang-maangan ko.

Pilit kong hinahawi ang kamay niya sa baywang ko pero hindi man lang siya natinag.

"Tell me the truth, Atherelle. Was it you?"

I didn't talk. I did my best to escape but it gives him more reason to hold me tighter.

"Was it you?" he stopped me.

His voice is firmer than usual. I know from that tone that he's now desperate to get an answer.

"Hindi ko alam ang sinasabi mo."

"Liar," he spat.

I was stunned by his accusation. Well, he's right. I am a liar.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang tumunog ang cellphone sa loob ng aking clutch. Mabilis ko itong kinuha para tiningnan ang caller. It was Emerson's.

"I'll answer the call. Bitawan mo ako."

Slowly, he let his hands off my waist. I took the opportunity to get away from him. He is looking at my phone with still those aggressive eyes. Napatingin na rin ako doon at nakitang namatay na ang tawag. Emerson called again, but I was scared to answer him when Gaviel's stare is like this. He was judging me based on his rage stare.

"Go on," he said "But I will talk to you later."

I walk away immediately. Hindi ko pinansin ang huli niyang sinabi at umuwi na ng deritso matapos ang pag-uusap namin ni Emerson.

A knock on my door went back to my senses. Umupo ako sa kama at sinagot si Clea sa labas.

"You don't want to watch the game?" she yelled outside.

"Pupunta mamaya!" I replied.

"Una na ako."

"Ingat!"

I changed position. I am not sure if I'll go to school today. Laro na nila Gaviel ngayon at hindi pa buo ang desisyon kong manood. I know I can't hide from him forever even how I wanted so bad to. And I also want to watch him play, but then again, I'm afraid to face him. Sa dalawang buwan ko rito ay hindi ko pa siya nakikitang naglaro at pwede namang pagkatapos ng laro ay uuwi ako.

I took a heavy sigh before finally deciding to watch. Mabilis akong naghanda sa sarili at pumunta sa school. I saw Lyle, Gasper, Vince, Mia, Kaye, and Alessia sitting on the bench.

"Ang tagal mo naman, Atherelle." Lyle pouted like a kid "Miss agad kita, e."

Kita ko ang pag-ismid ni Kaye sa tabi ni Alessia na walang emosyong ipinapakita. I took a sit beside Gasper. Gaviel was on the stage with the other players. He was sitting comfortably, looking so chill while killing the enemies.

'Savage!'

Naghiyawan ang mga tao roon while my mouth gapes open in amazement. I just got arrived and that savage from Gaviel welcomed me.