Is Ihstan Alone?

XXV

CHAPTER 25

I was occupied in the first week of April. First, I need to study and accomplished all the tasks that I missed during City Meet. Second, I need to train again for the upcoming Regionals that will be held this month. I told to my coach that I don't want him to pressure me in Regionals because I was running in number one spot in our year's batch. I don't want to waste that. I wanted to obtain that. I was glad that my coach understood me.

Well, second semester was really killing me but because I like studying a lot. I was just enjoying it because in the record as I've said I was running as the top one in our year's batch. I've been through a lot. I hope that I will be their Class Valedictorian when we graduate Senior High.

"One month to go and it's our Recognition day. And then, we will be proceeding to grade 12 and graduate." Said Rizieh. "I will miss a lot."

I looked at Ritzieh who was sitting in front of me. She was eating a lot of mango today. I smiled at her without any reason.

Kaldhi and I were still cheating at her back and we can't do anything about that. Our temptation and obsession became inseparable. I have always wanted to prevent our shit but I don't know how. Every single day, there was a guilt and that was bothering me sometimes.

"I thought you hate mangoes. You almost finished four cups." I informed her and she was shocked. "You are aware, are not you?"

"Did I just eat this three cups?" She pointed the cups besides her. "Gosh, bitch! I was not aware." Then, she laughed and continue eating.

On Sunday after attending a mass for the first time in this year, mom taught me how to bake a cake. I did not know that baking was difficult and you need a lot of effort to make a perfect one. It was a cookies and cream cake that mom used to make when we have celebrations like birthdays or Christmas.

While eating a cake, I offered dad some. And I was glad that he liked it. My parents and I had some casual conversations and they even asked me about the Regionals. It's been a week since I last played table tennis. I have not been exercising too or doing some stretching's until unexpectedly coach Tilan called me to play table tennis.

"I'll pick you up." He said on the phone and then I got prepared.

I sliced a piece of cake that I baked then gave to coach Tilan when he picked me. He also said hi to my parents. While coach Tilan was driving, he gave me new advices and techniques in table tennis. I was keeping that on my mind until he parked his car in front of the gymnasium wherein I immediately heard the players inside playing table tennis. I was a bit excited.

"I want you to go in Nationals, Ihstan. I know you can because you have a determination and potential." Coach Tilan said and tapped my shoulders. "I will introduce you to my former teammate, Regie, and you will be having a friendly match."

When I met Regie, I was not aware that he was also a coach like coach Tilan and he owns this gymnasium. Why coach Tilan did not bring our team here when we were practicing for City Meet?

When coach Regie and I began our match, obviously I lose because I have not been playing this game for a week. Perhaps I already forgot the techniques that I trained and practiced? I was too fvcking busy on my academics.

"Good game, Ihstan. When you compete in Regionals, the only thing you should remember is focus and discipline. If you got a point, celebrate it and do not brag because bragging can cause karma." Coach Regie advised me.

I smiled at him and remember what he said until I got home, I thanked again coach Tilan through chat for trusting my capabilities. Now, I realized that a lot of people was believing in me that is why I wanted a disparity.

I will swallow what I have stated that I just only wanted to go in Regionals to represent my school and city, now my perspective changed I was now aiming to win Regionals and proceed to Nationals.