The Last Shot

Chapter 35: Game over

I don't always have to understand the people I love.

I guess this could be the best excuse I could give to myself for my messed up life. What would I get if I continue questioning my parents about their past – about our family? Baka mas maraming tanong pa nga siguro ang makukuha ko kaysa sa sagot. Mas mabuti na sigurong ganito. Mas mabuti na siguro na hindi na ungkatin ang nakaraan.

I heaved out a sigh and got off my car.

Isang araw lang ang parents ko dito sa bahay. Kakahatid ko nga lang sa kanila sa airport eh. They just went here to explain, yun lang. Pero kulang pa ang oras na yun for them to explain everything. Until now, nothing seems to make any sense. Dad and tita Jane equals Eliza... how could that happen? Ang hirap intindihin. That's why I'd rather not understand them. The least I could do now is to accept the truth, though it hurts.

Napalingon ako when I heard Mang Boy say, "Oh Alvin hijo, anong ginagawa mo dito? Di ba may laro ka pa mamaya?"

I eyed on him, on Jeron. What is he doing here?

"Kailangan ko po ang cheerleader ko." He said and smiled.

Tumabi si Mang Boy. "Basta, i-uwi mo lang yan bago mag 10. Alam mo naman yan, parang tigre kung inaatok."

He smiled and nodded. He looked at me, still with that grin on his face.

Ano na nama ang kailangan niya?

I crossed my arms as he made his way to me. Ang aga-aga nambu-bwisit na naman siya.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, still glaring at him.

He smiled. "Sinusundo ka."

Kailan pa ako nagpasundo sa kanya?

He offered his hand. "Tara?"

"Anong tara?" I snorted. "I'm not going anywhere with you, Jeron."

"Aren't you going to support me?" he asked.

Support? Hell no.

I turned her back from him and walked towards my house, kaso naharangan niya ako.

"Look, it's our last game." he said. "And we're fighting for the championship title. Kahit ngayon lang, please support me."

I looked at him intently. His eyes were like pleading. And I felt like a thousand daggers hit me.

Naalala ko pa nung time na he pleaded para lang sumama ako sa kanya sa tryouts for the under-18 Philippine team. I was torn between our family gathering and Jeron. I knew how important it was for him to be part of that team. Pangarap niya yun eh, and all he asked for me is to be with him as he makes his dream come true. But then I ended up choosing my family instead of him. He was accepted in the team, but I was never really there to cheer for him. Kahit sinabi niya na okay lang na mas pinili ko ang family ko kaysa sa kanya, I know na nasaktan siya sa ginawa ko. I know he tried to understand my choice. I know he tried to understand me. But it was the only thing he asked from me, at hindi ko pa nabigay.