C16

4: Belgian Waffle

"Ang aga naman natin." Zoe says as we walk into the coliseum.

I don't answer her, kasi totoo naman. Sobrang aga namin for the 2PM game. Kaka-12:30PM pa lang, and medyo onti pa tao.

"Suportahan mo na lang me," I answer as we take our seats, "Plus, gusto ko sulitin 'tong view na 'to kahit wala pang ganap. Ngayon lang tayo nakaupo sa ganto ka-lapit."

We're currently seated at the first row of patron at the UST side. First time namin makaupo sa section na 'to, since usually nasa upperbox or gen ad kami. Baka hindi na rin kami maka-ulit dito, lalo na pag final four games na.

"Buti na lang tapos ko na deadlines ko tsaka Sunday ngayon," Zoe says, "Sana maaga sila lumabas para sa warm-up."

I settle down on my seat, feeling more and more excited as each second passes. Hindi ako ganito ka-excited kapag nasa upperbox or gen ad kami. Siguro kasi ngayon, alam kong mas close-up kong makikita 'yung action ng game, at syempre, bonus na makikita ko nang malapitan si Cassie.

While waiting, I open the Instagram app and open my inbox with Cassie. I've been doing the same thing since yesterday, takot na baka biglang mawala message niya sakin. 'Di ko mapigilan tignan nang paulit-ulit 'yung reply niya sakin for a dopamine boost.

"Alam mo, ipa-tattoo mo na talaga yan sa braso mo para lagi mo matignan," Zoe says, "Siguro pang fifty na beses mo na 'yan tinignan today."

I just smile as a response, still busy staring at the message. Hay, ginayuma talaga ko nitong babaeng 'to.

"Parang nagugutom ako," I tell Zoe, "Gusto mo ko samahan bumili ng food? Mag-cr na rin ako para 'di na ko tatayo mamaya."

"'Di me gutom eh," Zoe answers, shaking her head side to side, "Tsaka cinoconserve ko energy ko para maka-cheer mamaya. Kaya mo na 'yan, big girl ka na."

"'Kay," I answer simply as I get up from my seat, "Basta wag ka mainggit sa Belgian waffle ko ha."

I make my way towards the exit of the patron section and walk towards the bathroom. Uunahin ko na mag-CR kasi magbibitbit ako ng pagkain mamaya.

Once tapos na ko mag-CR, I make my way to the food concessionaires. Isa pa sa benefits of going early is that wala pang pila sa pagkain. Usually kasi ang haba na ng pila dito sa Belgian waffle kaya 'di kami nakakabili.

"Hi po!" I say, greeting the crew member, "Isa pong french butter maple please."

"Sixty lang po, ma'am," The crew member answers, "Name po?"

"Y/n po." I answer, handing her my payment.

She gives me my change, and I move to the side to arrange the coins in my wallet.

The person behind me starts ordering, and upon hearing her voice, automatic na bumilis tibok ng puso ko. Muntik ko pa mahulog yung mga barya na hawak ko.

Parang nauna pa mag-react 'yung puso ko sa boses niya bago nacomprehend ng utak ko 'yung narinig ko.

Say sike right now.

"Name po?" The crew member asks, and at this point, my heart is beating so hard, feel ko at any moment it can leap out of my chest. Hindi ko pa tinataas ulo ko para tignan kung tama ba 'yung boses na narinig ko.

Pero sa dinami-dami ng edits and interviews na napanuod ko, there's no doubt in my mind that it's her.

"Cassie po."

Hihimatayin ata ako.

I crane my neck slowly towards her, scared that if I make any sudden movements, lalaho siya.