Bruised (A Thomas Torres Fanfiction)

Four

The moment I couldn't bear my weight anymore, I just wanted to scream in frustration. The jolts of pain that shot through my system every time I placed too much weight on my right foot were enough to send me to the flooring of the court. The only thing I could ask was, "Why now?" Why now when the team needs me the most? No one was prepared to take my place as the point guard. Why now during one of the big games our university has? Why me?

I frowned as I stared at my right foot that was in a walking brace. I can't even clearly remember how I managed to fracture my ankle but I did. They said that I'd be out for at least 4 weeks and 8 weeks at most. That's two months, if I'm being pessimistic. The season would end then and I really want to help out my team. I know I can do something but this stupid fracture is making me incapable of doing so. Not only have I failed my team but also our supporters. I was so confident that we'll get things right this time around but that's not happening as we're on a two-game losing streak.

"Hey!"

I looked up and was caught by surprise when I saw Von and Kiefer with Jeron. I knew that Jeron was supposed to drop by my parents' house to visit and bring my clothes that I left in the dorm. My parents were worried that I'd strain myself so here I am, under their care once again.

"Uy," I responded. "Napadaan kayo,"

"I was walking out of Starbucks kanina sa may SM Aura when I bumped into these two. Ayun, nasabi ko na dadalaw ako and they wanted to check up on you,"

"Sweet," I joked. "Congrats nga pala. Sorry hindi ko na kayo nabati,"

"Sus, para dun lang," Kiefer grinned as he sat on the edge of my bed. Von made himself comfortable on my computer chair while Jeron settled himself on a beanbag (which was kind of funny to look at but don't tell him I said that.)

"How's your injury? Anong balita?" Von asked.

"Fractured ankle," I scrunched up my nose, annoyed at my own injury. He and Kiefer grimaced. "I'll be out for 8 weeks, maximum,"

"Ang tagal rin," Kief commented. "Wag ka naman sanang abutin ng end ng season bago makalaro ulit,"

"Sana," I sighed. "Wala pa ngang isang linggo at naiinis na ako kasi hindi ako nakakapag-training. Hindi rin ako nakakanood. It's just so frustrating to not be able to do anything for my team,"

Kiefer and Von shared a look. It was as if they both thought of something or someone based on their expression.

"Kaya yan, bro," Von encouraged. "Aabangan ka namin makabalik,"

"Oo! May rematch pa tayo," Kiefer grinned.

"We have to show these Blue Eagles that they shouldn't mess with us," Jeron chuckled. "Babawian namin kayo sa second round, bro,"

"Aabangan namin iyan," Von smirked. "Kaya bilisan mo gumaling. Ang daming naghihintay sa iyo na bumalik sa court,"

Jeron and Von went down to order pizza for us. The two Blue Eagles have been here for a while and it was fun to catch up with a few friends from the other university. Wala lang naman iyang rivalry na iyan e. Outside the court, we are just normal people living normal lives.

"Balita ko," Kiefer started. "Sobrang nag-alala si Tina nung dinala ka sa dugout nung game,"

"Issue," I chuckled as I shook my head. "Speaking of Tina, how is she? Last time I saw her, may bago siyang bruise. Parang every time I see her may bago. Accident prone ba talaga siya? Yung una kasi tumama raw siya sa pintuan tapos yung pangalawa dun sa metal pole habang training,"

Kiefer heavily sighed as he rolled his eyes. "Accident prone?" He flatly said. "Siguro nga," he mumbled, as if not wanting to talk about it. "Pero she's fine naman,"