Over & Back

Prologue

Another successful game this year, we won a provincial championship as expected. 

"Congratulations team!, especially to you Corin. You are the MVP this year, for the first time." Our coach announced with a smile.

This is our fifth game before winning and every time Corin is always in the second spot to be MVP.

My best friend doesn't fail me, he's my ultimate idol. He's the reason why I always working hard, I can't live and survive highschool without him by my side. This time, the spotlight is on him.

"Aid, how's your sprain?" Corin, he was looking at my veiled ankle. 

Fuck, why did I run over him earlier? That gag really meant it. It's only the last quarter, it's still interfering.

"I'm fine, congratulations. Finally, your dream has come true." 

"Thanks, Aid. By the way, I can't go with you later, huh. I'll have something to do, I'll just let Ben take you with them." 

"Are you keeping something secret that you're not telling me? Is your girlfriend the one you're going with tonight? I understand that I'm just going to get in your way, but I hope you don't keep it a secret anymore." 

"I don't have a girlfriend, Aid. Just hanging out with my parents, privately." 

Corin seems to be drying up, these past weeks he's just not in the mood. I know he's sad, I'm not used to seeing him always serious.

I stood up on the chair. "You said so." I adjusted the cane to the armpit. "I hate this thing." I complain.

"Coach said that it will last in less than a week, that's fast." He pulled out a towel from the bag and wiped the sweat on his nape.

"Anyway, are you ready for your speech later? Make sure you include us there, because at first you only mentioned the coach." I purposely raised my voice to hear him.

"I heard that, Aiden. Is it my fault that I'm his favorite over his crazy best friend?" He responded jokingly.

"That's unfair, coach!" 

"Yes, it is. It's unfair." Another words one after the other.

"Hayst, shut up. So there's no trouble, Yes. I'll include you all." Corin said, they screamed next.

"You are ready, especially you, Corin. Everyone will be watching nationwide, make sure to settle your speech right. I heard there are other PBA people here watching, maybe they are choosing a new player. You have a great chance to get especially and you were great earlier." 

The coach came in front of him and patted his shoulder. "As your proud coach, good luck. Looks like my team will lose a great player." He seemed to say it emotionally.

I can't be more proud of my friend. I saw and felt how hardworking he is to just achieve this moment. He always made me promise that one day he would step on that stage.

I accompanied him by patting my friend's other shoulder. "Oh coach, it looks like I won't agree to that. We got the best player, are you just going to let him go?" 

"Aiden, good player needs to step up. You should be proud that he will finally advance for PBA, not just with this cheap award." 

He is right, Corin is a great player. He needs to make it to PBA, this is his ultimate dream after all. Who am I to stop him from dreaming, I should be happy. 

"Anyway, just let us know when you're already there." 

"You advance too much, maybe that won't happen, you can only hope." 

"It will happen, be positive." The coach said the last thing before leaving the locker room first after he told us to come out after ten minutes.

We went back to preparing ourselves for the award night and then after that we won't rest because our coach still has a victory party.

"Okay, guys, let's go!" Suddenly, Corin yelled causing us to quickly stand up and follow him out of the room.

I went along with his walk and put my arm around his shoulder until we reached the outside of the building where there were waiting spectators and cameras.

The moment of taking a photo is what I worked on.

Screams and applause will be heard next.

"Let's welcome our champion for this year, the St. Fernan Falcon!" Loud announcement from the announcer.

The shouts and applause grew louder until we landed on the stage where the first placer was also positioned on the other side. 

We were standing in rows with smiling lips.

One by one we were given a medallions and a trophy which was held by our captain who now seemed to have nothing else to do except pf looking around. He seems to be looking for someone.

"Corin, smile at the camera. You're on TV, what are you looking for?" I whispered softly with a smile still on my lips.

He didn't answer me but followed what I said, he smiled and raised the big trophy he was holding.

"And now for the MVP, none other than our favorite CORIN SALAZAR! Lets give him a round of a plause." Everyone's screams got even louder, it seemed like music I couldn't get enough of.

Corin smiled happily at them and let me hold the trophy before stepping to the front where there were three people waiting for him.

He was given an envelope, certificate and a gold plaque. The camera was so bright that I couldn't even look at Corin ahead.

"Any word of wisdom from our MVP?" Corin nodded at the speaker and headed for the microphone.

Everyone fell silent when he started to say something.

"Uhmmm... First of all, I would like to thanks my coach, teammates, family, friends and St. Fernan Highschool for molding me to be here today. Because of you I earn this award that proved your all out supports. For years I dream to be here and now here I am, standing in front of you with the MVP title." He paused.

"But, there is someone who didn't just mold me for who I am. He shows me and makes me realize that I will be happier than I am now. I thought I was happy with what I have, but I'm not. He makes me the happiest man on earth." He took a deep breath before continuing.

It seems like the breeze is different at this point, it seems like he can't tell me something. 

This could be the reason for his sudden change in his mood.

"What is he saying?"

"Do you know who he's talking about?"

My two teammates next to me asked.

I shook my head and focused on my friend instead.

"For months he hide just for understanding me, but today I will prove to him that I love him and I'm willing to take a risk." 

The screaming was replaced by questioning and wondering.

I was even more confused by what he was saying, even my friends couldn't be bothered just listening.

Incapable...

"I'm gay and I was Abad's secret boyfriend."