Back To The Night We Met

Chapter 15 : Inner thoughts

Rafael

After the midterms, basketball training has been intensive. Halos araw araw na kaming nagt-training for the next match.

I must say, it's a good exercise for me, but I don't think it's something that I would continue doing after I graduate, unlike my teammates who are training to make a career out of it. Hindi nga alam ng tatay ko na kasali ako dito dahil gusto niya, naka focus lang ako sa pag-aaral ko para matulungan siya sa mga business ventures niya.

"Balita ko, may boyfriend na raw 'yung nililigawan mo, Herrera ah." I overheard the topic from behind me.

We're currently taking a five minute break, and I decided to spend it resting on the benches to regain my energy.

"Don't be ridiculous. Walang boyfriend 'yon," Our team captain, Hugo Herrera, replied to his friend.

"Talaga bang tuloy pa rin panliligaw mo do'n? Eh sobrang busy mo na nga sa games."

"Oo! Tuloy na tuloy. Hinahanapan ko lang ng tyempo, pero itutuloy ko 'yon. Ang hirap lang kasing diskartehan ng babaeng 'yon, masyadong pakipot."

Naiirita ako sa kayabangan ng team captain namin. Ganyan 'yan magsalita eh, masyadong hambog pakinggan.

"Kaunting pilit lang 'yan, imposibleng hindi bibigay 'yan sa'yo. Siya na nga itong hinahabol ng team captain ng basketball team."

"Eh naririnig ko nga, may gusto na rin sa kaniya 'yung isang member ng frat ng university. Dami mong kaagaw kay Fuego!"

Damn it! How could I forget na si Auria pala ang tinatarget nitong ligawan?!

Now, I'm even more furious. Saan ka nakakita ng manliligaw na puro kuda?

I rolled my eyes in annoyance as I got up, walking as far away as possible from them.

On the far end of the court, my eyes landed on the beautiful sight of a wonderful lady who managed to make me smile despite my exhaustion.

She was waving her hands, smiling from ear to ear.

I jogged quickly to get to where she's standing, while she patiently waited.

She was giggling adorably as I stopped in front of her. "What are you doing here?" I wondered, surprised with her sudden visit.

"Wala 'yung prof namin, so classes are cancelled. I figured, since you told me na may practice ka, hintayin na kita then we can eat tapsi later after this," she energetically said.

Her presence alone is enough for me to regain my used up energy.

"Oh! Dinalhan rin pala kita ng food and drinks, baka kasi mabilisan lang ang break niyo and hindi ka makakalabas ng gym to buy some food." She then handed me a bag with ice cold water and sandwiches.

I was overjoyed with her thoughtful gesture, and even though I wanted to hug her at this very second, I have to hold myself back as to not draw attention to the others.

"Thank you for this. I appreciate it. Mamaya, treat ko sa tapsi ha," bawi ko.

"Up to you! Susunod rin si Amelie, may ginagawa lang na group work," sabi niya. "Nga pala, can I watch practice? Medyo nabobored ako sa labas, wala akong kasama."

I immediately nodded. "Of course! You can sit at the bleachers, and I prefer you sit on the rows far from the court para hindi ka matamaan ng bola."

"Got it! Sige, balik ka na doon--"

She was abruptly cut when someone yelled her name from a good distance behind me. "Auria!"

We both looked at the person, and it turned out to be the captain. Badtrip.