BEHIND THE CROWD

CHAPTER 1

The loud noise from different people, the cheers and yells, or simply being in the crowd. This is not new to me but I will never be used to it. This is an overwhelming place to be, where everyone will put their eyes on you and somewhat privacy is never been in their vocabulary. 

To tell you honestly I've been tired being here but I  have no choice but to be here, as it was the only thing why I am still continuously loving this life. This maybe not the plan but I am loving this as time goes by.

Pagod na pagod akong umupo sa bench namin, I've been digging and setting at the same time which is exhausting. We are at the opening game for the volleyball tournament for this years UNIV CLASH, an sports tournament for every university in Manila. I was playing volleyball for BENTLY NATIONAL UNIVERSITY and we are against HELBORN UNIVERSITY, they rank third last year so we are serious in this game and never think to chill.

 Last year, my team came short and ended the season with a bronze and now they were aiming to ace this year's competition. I was new to the team because I came from the States, I just came back last three months and continues my studies here at my parents hometown. Something happen which made me go home, I'm currently at my last year as an Architect student and obviously I'll finished my studies here.

I'm also an athlete at my previous school and a little bit known there which made it easier to find a new one as those universities were lined-up at my door when I was choosing one. But even though I have too many choices I've never been the one to decide, my mom. She chose this for I don't know reason which I don't really care, all I want is to finished my studies and to reach my goal.

"Shanella!" I was drinking my energy drink when our coach called me. Agad akong tumayo at pumunta sa sa kung nasaan siya, nagtititpon-tipon na pala ulit sila upang mag-strategize at ako nalang ang wala. 

Nang makarating ako sa kinaroroonan nila ay agad itong nagsimula. Everyone were listening to every thing that Coach Harry are saying, they were indeed thirsty for the championship. Maya-maya pa ay tumingin si coach sa akin.

"Shanella, ikaw na ang bahala diyan." buong pagtitiwala nitong saad sa akin na para bang kay tagal na naming nagsama sa laban kahit unang laro ko pa lang naman ito at tanging trainings lang niya ako na handle. "Keep doing what you are doing, isang set nalang ang kailangan natin." dagdag pa nito. Alam ko namang pinapatibay lang niya ang loob ko marahil unang laban ko nga ito, I nodded to him which he returns with another nod.

"We are ready any time!" one of my team mate said smilling ear to ear, Nara. She was one of our open spiker. Napabaling ako dito at ako nga ang kinakausap niya.

"Nasa likod niyo ako, ako bahala sa short balls and checked balls!" gatong ng isa ko pang kasama habang tinapik ako sa likod, Lara. I don't know what to say so I also nodded my head to them which made them smile. 

We heard the buzzer indicating that another set will start. The game tally's 2-1, in favor of our team. We won the first two set and lost the third one. It maybe because of the adrenaline in the third set which my team were eager to won that third set na naging gigil na yung laro kanina. Most of the points of the other team in the third set came from us. There are too many balls went out when my team mates spikes the ball and most of their serves also sails out which automatically an error. One of the things that I've learned through the years that I master, I remain focus and chill.

Nang makarating kami sa gitna ay pumorma pa muna kami ng bilog. "We need to put in our minds that we need to focus, do not overly pressure your minds. We need to enjoy!" our team captain reminded us, Zendaya. We all nodded and as I roamed my eyes in every eyes of my team mates. They wear their determined eyes and full of motivation, it feels light. "BENTLY!" Zendaya shouted.