Spotlight on Me

Chapter 6

"So how long have you been playing?" Kaye asked, one of my teammates.

"Hmmm, 7 years?" I said uncertainly.

"Ohh, so you have been playing since you were still in highschool? Interesting, huh," she said with a smirk on her face.

"Not at all. How about you?"

"4 years," she said.

I honestly don't know what to say anymore. It's like I just talk when someone talk to me. I don't make first moves. That's it.

"You know what? There was this one time in my life where I thought of quitting volleyball. I don't know. Naisip ko lang na parang wala namang patutunguhan ang paglalaro kong 'to, but I also thought that it would be so sad and boring if I would not continue this passion of mine. Like from the very beginning, my life was already useless. Volleyball is what's keeping me alive, I guess."

There was a glint of sadness in her eyes as she said those words. I couldn't help but sigh because I could also relate to her; where I lost motivation and felt the need to quit from playing volleyball.

Our first training has ended and I'm about to go home now. My training just started earlier but I already felt like giving up. It's so exhausting! But I need to remind myself that I chose this.

"Bye, Alodia!" Some of my teammates bid their goodbyes.

I got out of our school and immediately went to a coffee shop. Coffee is the one I need when I'm sad, happy, and overwhelmed. Even when the weather is hot, I still drink it than I do with water.

"Can I have one Iced Americano, please?" I ordered. I looked for a seat and immediately saw one.

I really need coffee right now to help me function well because I still have to review for our quiz tomorrow when I get home.

I got my book from my bag to start reviewing. I put my headphones on to avoid distractions.

Minutes had passed and I'm still reading but it seems that my brain isn't absorbing a thing. I looked around to forget what I'm doing for a while and saw someone familiar.

The PolSci student guy who's also friends with Dmitri came to the coffee shop wearing black cap, black long sleeve, and black pants. He's also wearing his reading glasses Iguess, which makes him more attractive.

I came back to reality when the barista called my attention. He gave me my coffee. I suddenly felt the urge to drink it in one gulp.

I looked around again just to see him on the corner, reading a book.

I put my headphones on again and hold the book I'm reading. Gosh! Why am I observing him?!

Naubos ko na ang kape na iniinom ko. Kailangan ko nang umuwi dahil may tatapusin pa ako sa isang subject na hindi ko mabalance-balance! I stood up from my seat before getting my bag.

I took a one last glance at the same guy again who was reading his book while drinking his coffee.

I smirked and immediately went out of the coffee shop to go home. My plans were crystal clear and I must stick to those plans.

It wouldn't be so difficult to adjust in this kind of situation since I already experienced this in my highschool years where in I was able to manage my time with my trainings and academics.

But I guess, this would be more challenging since college life really suck.

Pagkalabas pa lang galing sa coffee shop ay sobrang tirik na ng araw. Grabe, hindi ko kinakaya ang init sa Pinas! Sa ganitong panahon, masarap talagang mag-ibang bansa, e. Oras at pera lang ang problema!