Lagot Ka Kay Coach

Chapter 50: [Let the Game Begin]

Cheska’s POV

                As soon as the buzzer sounds, I am on my feet heading staright towards Captain. He's sitting on the floor, his hands on his knees. His head bowed down. Sila Teng isa-isang kinawayan sila Nico. Juami kneels in front of Captain. Jeric looks up and shakes Juami’s hand. Juami stands up and leaves him there.

                “Jeric,” I call. His head snaps up at the sound of his name. He smiles sadly at me. Lalong naningkit ang mga mata niya.

                “I’m sorry.” He says. Hindi siya makatingin sa akin.

                Nakaluhod ako sa harap niya. I held his face in my hands. “Anong sorry? Wala ka namang kasalanan.”

                He shakes his head. “We lost. I failed you.”

                Ako naman ang umiling. “You didn’t. I’m proud of you. You did your best.”

                Pero tahimik pa rin siya.

                I place my fingers under his chin and force him to look at me. “Look at me.”

                He stares at my face. Naka-simangot pa rin siya.

                “Do I look disappointed to you?” Tanong ko.

                Hindi siya sumagot.

                “Natatandaan mo pa kung ano yung sinabi ko sa’yo kanina? Win or lose, you have my heart. It’s yours.” Sabi ko. "I’m yours."

                He sighs saka niya tinanggal ang mga kamay ko na nakahawak sa kaniya. Akala ko tatayo na siya para mag-walk out. Instead he held my forearm and pulled me in for a hug. Na-out of balance ako. Buti na lang nasalo niya ako.

                I wrapped my arms tightly around him. “You may not have won but you have me.”

                His arms tighten around my body. “I’m so sorry, Angel.”

                I press my lips to his chest. “No. I don’t want to hear your apology. Magagalit ako sa’yo kapag nag-sorry ka pa.”

                Hindi na siya nagsalita. Nanatili kaming nakaupo dun habang magkayakap until Captain’s breathing slowed down.

                He pulled away from me and held me at arm’s length. “Naligo ka tuloy sa pawis ko.” Sabi niya.

                I smile. “Okay lang noh. Ang bango kaya.”

                Natawa siya. “’Di nga?”

                “Oo nga.” Sagot ko before standing up and reaching my hand out for him. Tumayo na din siya.

                Papunta na ang lahat ng players sa locker room para mag-shower.

                Kinuha muna ni Captain ang bag niya na nasa may upuan bago bumalik sa tabi ko. Lumapit sa amin si Karla.

                “Congratulations,” I tell her as I smile. “Juami won the bet.”

                Jeric smiles at her then leans down and kisses my temple. “Wait for me. Sabay na tayong umuwi.” He squeezes my hand and stares at me for what seemed longer than just a second. That look said all that he wanted to say. Thank you for being here. Thank you for understanding. I love you.