Dying Embers

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Two: Calm

The awarding ceremony finally wrapped up, and the whole gym buzzed with laughter and cheers. Chance's baseball team bagged the first-place trophy, while Tunnel's basketball team claimed the championship. Both the men's and women's volleyball teams placed second.

After that, I barely caught the rest of the announcements. I was too busy congratulating everyone, especially my boyfriend, Chance. My heart felt full seeing how proud they all looked. They told me it was their first win at the City Meet, and honestly, I couldn't be happier. It showed how much they'd grown, how far they'd come since those late-night practices and exhausting drills.

"Shot na!" Henry shouted, grinning ear to ear as he lifted the golden trophy high like it was a crown. The golden light from the gym's ceiling lamps hit the surface just right, making it gleam like a badge of hard-earned victory.

Henry had also received an individual award, Best Gold Glove, while Chance was recognized as Best Slugger.

"Absolutely! You two are buying the drinks!" biro ni Nimbus, earning a chorus of laughter.

"Hey, Martinez," Henry started again, turning to Chance with a grin. "How about sa bahay niyo? Ano sa tingin mo? Let's invite the basketball boys, pati mga kaklase natin."

Chance chuckled, his arm slipping casually around my shoulders. I was wearing his cap and the jacket from his jersey, both a little oversized, both smelling faintly like him.

"Sige," sabi niya, "pero tanungin ko muna si Lala."

"Alright, bro. Saturday ha? I'll tell Tun," Henry said, already backing away, looking at the rest of the group. "Oh, mga gago, 'yong may mga date diyan sa Sabado, cancel niyo na!"

Nagtawanan ang lahat sa sinabi ni Henry, at may mga kaunting biruan pa. People were still taking pictures, holding their medals, basking in the glow of achievement. The air was thick with excitement, and maybe a little bit of sweat and confetti dust.

"Makakapunta ka ba, sakali? Sabado?" tanong ni Chance, his voice softer now, almost drowned out by the noise around us.

"Oo naman," I said, smiling. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

"You sure?" he asked again, his brows drawing slightly. "Won't your Dad mind? I can ask for permission if you want."

"Chance," I said, playfully nudging his side, "'wag kang mag-alala. Mapapayagan naman ako. Besides, ikaw favorite nun, remember? Baka nga nagtatampo pa 'yon kasi hindi siya nakapanood ng laro niyo."

He laughed, the corners of his lips curling into that familiar grin that always made my chest tighten just a little. "True," he said, giving me a teasing wink. "Sayang, busy siya."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't fight the smile tugging at my lips.

Nagkaniya-kaniya na kami pagkatapos ng awarding. The cheers had faded, replaced by the hum of engines starting and the low buzz of post-event chatter. I pulled out my phone and quickly texted Heather.

To Heather:

'Heather, 'di na ako sasabay sa inyo, may sundo na ako.'

"Martinez, update mo kami, ha!" sigaw ni Henry habang papasok na sa kotse niya. His voice carried that usual teasing warmth that always made their goodbyes sound more like inside jokes than farewells.

Nimbus, already straddling his motorcycle, tightened his grip on the handles before snapping his helmet into place with a crisp click.

"Got it! Mag-ingat kayo, with a kiss, mga kupal!" sigaw ni Chance, his tone playful, eyes glinting with mischief.