Path Of Love (KenTell)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Stell sat alone in the dimly lit gymnasium, his body drenched in sweat from the intense practice session. The sound of sneakers squeaking on the polished floor echoed through the empty space as some of the audience began to trickle out, their applause fading into the distance. The coach had called it a day, signaling the end of their grueling training.

But something was amiss. Stell hadn't seen Justin since he had gone to grab a quick bite to eat. The coach, a stern and no-nonsense figure, was already on edge, frustrated by the absence of one of his star players, especially considering another teammate was already injured. Stell couldn't help but worry about Justin's whereabouts.

Feeling the sweat on his brow, Stell reached into his bag, hoping to find a towel to wipe away the perspiration. To his surprise, there was no towel to be found. Instead, his hand brushed against a soft fabric. He pulled it out, and his heart skipped a beat.

It was the handkerchief. The one that had been given to him on that fateful day when he found solace in tears behind the building. A random girl had approached him, her eyes filled with compassion, and handed him the handkerchief, claiming that someone had asked her to give it to him. Stell had been touched by the gesture, but he never found out who the mysterious person was.

As he held the handkerchief in his hands, Stell couldn't help but be captivated by its uniqueness. The fabric was delicate, and the embroidery caught his attention. Two moons intertwined together, symbolizing a connection that seemed both ethereal and profound. And there, in the corner, were the initials FJS.

Lost in his thoughts, Stell wondered about the significance of this handkerchief. Why had someone gone through the trouble of delivering it to him? And what did the symbols and initials represent? Questions swirled in his mind, but he had no answers.

And the initials of FJS, as Stell stared at the handkerchief, his mind went back to Felip. Is it possible? Stell thought, but shook his head as there were many people with names starting with F. But if it was him, Stell felt like someone had been watching him then.

"Stell, we're going to eat. You want to come?" Andre, one of the team players, said as they walked in front of Stell.

"We're planning on eating at the steakhouse," another teammate chimed in. Stell smiled and replied, "Nah, I'll pass, but thanks. You guys go and have fun."

The team nodded their heads and waved at Stell, bidding him goodbye. As they left, Stell's mind returned to the handkerchief. He couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to it, something that held a deeper meaning. Determined to uncover the truth, he decided to embark on a journey of discovery, one that would lead him to unexpected places and reveal hidden secrets, with the handkerchief carefully tucked away in his pocket.

Stell was packing his bag, when he heard his name being called out. He turned around to see their second coach, who was relatively new to the team, walking towards him.

"Stell, good that you haven't left. Just want to make sure that you are playing. I heard that you are the representative for the pageant for Freshy Day for our faculty," the coach said, his tone serious.

Stell's heart skipped a beat. He had completely forgotten about the pageant, and the fact that he was representing their faculty made him feel both proud and nervous.

"Of course coach, I'm still in. Don't worry coach," Stell said, trying to sound confident.

"Good, you are one of the good players. We can't waste that," the coach complimented Stell, making him smile.

"Coach, I know I am. Nah, just kidding, but thanks coach," Stell said mischievously, making the coach chuckle.

"Oh well, good luck, and make sure you take a rest, okay?" the coach said before leaving Stell.