Is Ihstan Alone?

XXVII

CHAPTER 27

Ritzieh has been 2 months and 2 weeks pregnant. Her baby was not yet visible. We were still hiding it to everyone. Both of Kaldhi and Ritzieh's parents already knew about this, and me.

During the standings of academic honorols in our classroom last quarter. Ritzieh became in the 3rd spot, and Micah stole her spot. In other words, Ritzieh lost focus to her academics because of her unaware pregnancy.

"What do you want to eat?" I asked her during our lunch time. "Kaldhi can't accompany us today. As usual, he is busy."

"Yeah, I understand." She paused and looked at the menu. "I want some pizza and tacos."

"And your drinks?"

"Lemonade."

I stood and proceeded in the counter. After getting our orders, Ritzieh felt sleepy.

"Do you want to go home? You look like sick."

"No. I am okay. Besides, we have a quiz later."

"Oh, I forgot."

Ritzieh and I did not talk that much during lunch. I always observing her because I was worried that she might collapsed. Last day, she vomited in the comfort room and I panicked. However, I held her hand without any reason and smiled at her. She was perplexed.

I missed three days of class as I spent the next day's getting ready for the Regionals. The players at Mistah Academy, where I trained with my new teammates, nearly won all of the gold medals in table tennis. As a result, all of the winners in table tennis, both boys and girls, will train there because they have more winners than other schools. I always ended up alone because it took me a while to get used to them. I have a new coach as well, but I have always trusted Coach Tilan.

"Are you ready for the Regionals?"

My mom was helping me pack my things for Regionals I would be there for three days. Two hours will be needed to get there from our city. And my new teammates I haven't quite closed. They make me uncomfortable, and I don't give a damn about them. I was only concerned with how I would do during Regionals.

"Yes, Mom. But my friends cannot be able to watch me because Ritzieh will be having a checkup and besides Ranceff City was so far from here."

"Don't worry honey, there would be a live broadcast on Facebook so they can still watch your games."

"Promise me to be there, Mom."

"Ofcourse, Ihstan."

The venue of Regionals would be 14 kilometers away from our City. It was too far. Ritzieh and Kaldhi could not take me to the bus anymore because they have a class. They just called me last night. Micah also sent her good luck to me.

Mom kissed me on my forehead, and Dad hugged me. We took some pictures before I entered on the bus with other athletes. I did not say anything to my new teammates when I found my seat because I was not still comfortable to them. I don't even know their names. They approached me during trainings, but I always ended up distancing myself.

mommy [Ihstan, how are you? Did you already arrive?"]

Mom called me through video call at past 5:30 PM, more than six hours had passed after we arrived in Ranceff City.

[Yeah, Ma'am. Where is dad?"]

mommy [He is taking a bath. When's your game?"]

[My new coach told me that I will be the first game tomorrow. Can you make it?"

mommy [Oh, we will try. Good luck, Ihstan. We love you.]

I smiled at mom before ending up our call. After eating dinner, I took a bath and lay down in our quarters. I was about to call my friends when my new coach approached to us. We talked about the games tomorrow and our opponents. Review their weaknesses because some of them were National winners and qualifiers. I did not listen that much because I don't trust him, my new coach.

I sighed after our long discussions. I felt asleep and wake up at 4:00 AM in the early morning because I need to jog. I always prioritize about winning all my games here in Regionals. I don't care about my teammates, because I just care about myself. It sounds selfish, yeah.

tilan02infuentes [Ihstan, remember what we trained. Advance congratulations."

My phone beeped, and I received a message from coach Tilan, which made me smile. He still has trust in me. Well, I am now here. I'm not going to let him down.

I won my first two games without the presence of any of my relatives. When I viewed my live performance on Facebook, I noticed that many people in my school and in my city were supporting me. That completely overwhelmed me.

"Congrats." Said coach Cassit, my new coach, but I awkwardly smiled.

"Thanks." I just responded.

Our Singles A and Doubles Boys already lose their matches. And our Singles A and B, and our Doubles girls still have a game tomorrow. Hoping for the best for them.

Fast forward to when my parents' arrival gave me a joy of energy. I embraced them right away. Then, I was overjoyed too to see that Kaldhi and Ritzieh had also arrived. Coach Tilan unexpectedly came to guide me as well. They claimed to have missed work only to be by my side today. To watch and support me.

"What's your next game, Ihstan?" Coach Tilan asked me.

"I will proceed immediately to the Championship match, coach. There was something bad happened to my next opponent that is why championship was waiting for me."

That was true. My supposedly next opponent got a stomach ache that is why the management immediately disqualified him and the pressure and expectations from myself rose. I was hungry to win the gold medal today.

While I was waiting I talked to Kaldhi and Ritzieh. We talked about the school and Ritzieh's pregnancy. Gladly, it was still not obvious that she is pregnant.

"Our classmates were very supportive to your match yesterday, Ihstan. They canceled all of our classes just to support you live." Ritzieh stated. "You were superb."

"Really?"

"Yeah, bitch. That is why we were lucky because we have a friend like you. And please don't forget us when you will qualify for International games."

I laughed. "As if I can, bitch."

We talked and laughed more until coach Tilan excused me from Kaldhi and Ritzieh. Coach Tilan was again giving me some techniques and tips that is why I listened to him attentively. He drove here just to support me that is why I should pay attention to him.

I drank my water and remained calm. I was excited about this match because there was a lot of people who were believing in me. My self-esteem increased. I was confident and sure that I will win my championship match today.

And guess what.

I won.