Everything became hectic to the both of us after that competition. I did make it to the national team, so, I really have to double my effort. It was summer. Grade 11 already passed as if it wasn't that hard. Well yeah, hard or not, I had to deal with it anyway. Luckily, after a lot of efforts, I made it to the honor roll. Having a general average of 99, I was the top student our grade. Paulo on the other hand made it to a dance group. He's been very busy since he has to keep up with those guys who were already group before he got in. Kuya Dave invited him to his graduation party but he's way too busy. He also missed a lot of parties with our friends, but he doesn't seem to care about it. He must really like performing more than anything.
"Hindi ka magagalit?" Tanong ko kay Paulo at saka sinilip ang mukha niya. We are sitting on the swing in a park. We decided to take this day for the both of us so here we are. Unfortunately, my teammates called me for a night out on Shana's house. I asked Paulo's permission and he said yes. Now, I am not that sure if he means it. "Adi's there." I reminded. Tumango siya bilang sagot. I laughed a bit kaya napalingon siya sa akin. Nagtatanong.
"I won't go if you don't want me to." I said and smiled before standing up. Pumunta ako sa likuran niya at saka siya niyakap sa leeg. Ipinatong ko ang baba ko sa ulo niya at saka tumitig sa araw na unti-unti nang lumulubog. Pau sighed and held my right hand and played with it. Little things like this means a lot to the both of us. If others look onto it, it was nothing special but for us, time is the greatest thing that we could offer. Funny that we are still on high school, technically, but we already have to deal with things like this as if we are both grown up. Well, it's all good to me. At least we both know where are heading to. Together.
"I don't want to deprive your freedom." He whispered while gently caressing my hand. It was so soft and warm. I don't mind staying every day like this. "Kaibigan mo 'yun. May tiwala ako sa'yo. Ako lang ang pipillin mo araw-araw di'ba?" Tanong niya at saka tumingala sa akin. I smiled and nodded my head before giving him a peck on his cheeks.
Days really fly fast because I've been become busier. I had to train every day. After winning the university swimming competitions, I have to move to another one. Bagong adjustment, bagong rules. We are sent on the national training center of the Philippines. Lahat nang nananalo sa finals ng competition ay ipinapadala dito para lumaban dala ang pangalan ng Pilipinas. It's all good, aside from the fact na pinagbawalan kaming lumabas ng training center during the whole month of April. Doon, bantay na bantay ang pagkain namin. We were working out in the morning then training the whole day. At night, they are making sure that we are going to bed early. It was fun if I didn't meet Paulo before this. At least, I am away from home. I don't need to force myself and such.
"Boyfriend mo!" Siko nang kasama ko sa akin at saka inginuso si Adi na naglalakad palapit sa amin. Unfortunately, Shana didn't make it to National team. That's because she was eliminated on semis. She was crying hard that day but she later on realize that it wasn't the end yet. She was really sure to give it a shot until her last year. Ako naman, after this, manalo o matalo, magfo-focus na ako sa studies ko. I don't want any attention anymore. I don't want anyone's eyes on me too. Well, I admit that this competition consumes the time that I was supposedly spending with Pau.
It was almost night when my roommate and I went out of the room. I am just wearing a short and plain hanging blouse. Naka-tsinelas lang din ako dahil wala naman kaming ginagawa dito. We are practically thinking that this place is or home so we can be comfortable while we are staying here. This training center feels like home. Aside from the fact that we had to endure every pain in the body.
