A Royal Espionage (Reale Series #1)

KABANATA V

EMILY’S POINT OF VIEW

THE TENNIS FINAL GAME

“Russia vs. Philippines”

“Italy vs. Spain”

“Japan vs. Korea”

“America vs. China”

Nag-announce na rin sila ng iba’t ibang country para magsimulang maglaro ng tennis, at ibang mga players ay pumwesto na rin sa gitna. Naglakad na rin ako sa gitna at ngayon ko lamang napansin na ang makakalaban ko ay ang kausap ni Leo kanina nung nasa restroom pa lamang ako. The stadium became loud again and showed their banner higher. The cheerleader make their song mix the sound. 

“R.U.S.S.I.A Russia, Russia,Russia, fight fight fight. Ty mozhesh eto sdelat” (You can do it)

“PI-LI-PI-NAS, PILIPINAAAS, Naririnig niyo ba kami, Are you readyyy? Yes, Yes we’re ready. Yes yes we are ready”

Mas naging maingay pa ang stadium dahil sa mga sabay- sabay na hiyawan ng entablado. 

The sun was shining brightly on the tennis court, and the crowd cheered them more, makes the stadium lively. As I was waiting, I took a grip to my tennis racket, feeling the mix of excitement and nervous at the same time. 

As I glanced at my opponent she was also stretching her body as if anytime she was ready to play the game. Matangkad siya, she’s really neat to look at, that make her suit with tied ponytail blonde hair. She keeps smiling that makes the sun shining. 

The umpire already called us to prepared to the center of the court for the customary pre-match handshake. As we approach the net, I’ve notice that she tilt her head like she was really curious to know about me. As we getting closer and closer to each other the blond girl showed a curious expression, her crystallize blue eyes studying my face intently that makes feel awkward.

“You look familiar” she said that makes me feel shock,what? But I have just only seen her today.

I frowned, and was taken aback by the comment. “I do?” I was really confused when I ask her a question. I’ve tried to recall my past but I couldn’t remember that she was the part of my memories. Had we met in tournament? But it’s my first time play in the final competition. The possibilities makes swirled into my mind.

“Yeah, I am sure I have already meet you, I mean no, I guess I have already seen you before. But I couldn’t remember when and where though. Or it seems like my brother mention you before? Nice to meet you by the way”

“I am sorry but I don’t know who’s your brother is, may I ask who is your--?” before I could ask any more question, the announcer boomed across the court.

“Players, please take your positions”

The moment was lost as the urgency of the match took precedence. Tumango na rin kami sa isa’t isa at agad na tumakbo pabalik sa aming baseline. Ilang beses na rin akong umiling na nagbabakasakaling nagkita na kami noon pa, ngunit walang possibilities na lumalabas sa aking isipan na nagkita na kami nito. Sino ka ba talaga? Kahit na alam kong kapatid ka ni Leo ngunit kailangan ko pa ring alamin kung magkapatid nga ba kayo o hindi. 

Iginiya ko na rin ang sarili ko sa baseline at huminga ako ng malalim, habang nakafocus lamang sa aming game. The crowd’s murmur was a distant hum, and I could hear the sound of the tennis ball as my opponent tested its weight. 

“Love all, play”

I tossed the ball into the air and serve with all I might, the familiar sensation of the ball thwack at the tennis racket meeting the ball grounding momentarily. The rally finally began, we both keep moving and practice the grace and intensity, parang bigla na lamang nabalewala ang usapan namin kanina.