Meant for Us (Five Hearts, #01)

C02 ‐ Savior

Chapter 02: Savior

ALDRICH

The quick tryout was hectic and they still wanted to see me play so I did what they wanted. Buti na lang at hindi tumagal nang ilang oras dahil baka mauna pang makauwi ang kapatid ko sa akin.

I'm currently eating in a restaurant near Diliman with Primo and other two who are JP and Ez. They are our friends and currently in Grade 12. Diliman din daw sila sa college para makasama kami.

They are not just hoopers but also smart students in their school. Recently, Ez ranked one in his section and JP won the Most Athletic award in their recognition. Gotta say, they have an obvious chance in Diliman. Mamba mentality pa naman 'tong dalawa.

"Tapos tol, 'di ba nga nafoul ako? Binigay ko 'yung bola sa referee, e' hindi niya nasalo, pucha pre ang hina na tapos natechnical pa ako!" Ezriel's currently ranting about the cook fest that happened during the first game of their finals against another group in their barangay.

"Pre, kahit ako kapag tumingin ako sayo i-te-technical din kita," JP laughed at him. "'De biro lang. Kita ko nga rin, nanonood ako kanina 'di ba, mga tol? Tapos ang malala pa, naaalala niyo si Araya? 'Yung kinikwento namin nakaraan?"

I was trying to remember who it was when Primo spoke. "Oo naman, oy! I will never forget him. Natapilok ako dahil sa hayop na 'yan."

Ah, si Araya. He was the one who likes to play dirty. Primo got injured in our senior's game last year because Araya placed his foot on Primo's landing zone on purpose.

Muntikan pa nga siyang sapakin ni Ezriel noon kung hindi lang crucial minutes.

"Oh, anong ginawa ba?" asked Primo.

"Kanina, pare. Sila kasi kalaban, 'di ba? Tapos, anak ng. Nakakailang siko kada low post, walang tawag?!"

Primo nudged me. "Lutong-luto sila."

"Well, that's the cons of playing against a stranger barangay. Biased officials will never fade," speaking truthfully, it can happen but the greed? I doubt.

"We told you guys already. Bakit ba kasi sumali kayo sa ligang kasama si Araya?" Primo shook his head. "Alam niyo namang mapera 'yang tarantado na 'yan."

That's another one. Araya is from a wealthy and influential political family so it's not something that can still surprised us. Wherever he goes, he tend to erase the values in basketball.

"Engot. Baka nakakalimutan mo, kasama kayong dalawa," JP pointed at us. "May pasok lang kayo kaya hindi kayo lumalaro."

"Pwede ka bang lumaro, Tris?" Ez asked while munching his food. "Para naman may match kay Araya."

"No matter how we deny it, Araya's really good," Primo added. "Madumi nga lang lumaro. Lagot 'yan kay Tristan kapag naglaro nang madumi 'yan."

"Ano? You guys are considering?" napatingin ako sa kanila. "My classes just started."

"May pasok ka ba tuwing Linggo?"

"None," I looked at them pokerfaced. "You want me to play, don't you?"

"Please?"

Wala na akong choice. I think it's about time to make Araya realize that his bad and dirty tactics will never give and bring him to any championships.

I'm busy eating while the three of them are talking when I heard something.

"So ano ba talaga, how was the talk with Tristan daw?"

The way I swallow became slower after hearing my name. She's familiar as well. Inaalala ko kung saan ko marinig.

"We'll wait you there! Pakatagal!"