The Space Between

Chapter 8: A Piece of the Puzzle

I woke up early for our practices. I could not be complacent. We need to be in tip top shape. The SEA GAME fever is on!

"Bae, it's time. Need to start early..."

"Ja, gising na. Practice starts in 30 minutes."

I was preparing all the things I need for our practice, when I heard my phone ring. It was a text message. This early?

I checked my phone to see who it was from.

Besh Phenom?

Kiefer!!!

Argh! He likes to mess around with my phone! He keeps on changing his name on my contact list! Grrrrr!

______________________

From: Besh Phenom

Good morning! Just checking if you're awake na. I might drop by later during your practice. So yeah, maybe I will.

______________________

Whatever, Kief.

To: Besh Phenom

This is the last time you are touching my phone! Pakialamero! Grrr!

______________________

From: Besh Phenom

You're definitely one of a kind. Wala man lang good morning, or anything? :D

______________________

To: Besh Phenom

Whatever, Kief.

_______________________

I hurriedly put away my phone as Bea and Jaja were both ready to go.

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They haven't started practicing yet, and I could see Aly and Jaja talking on the bench. They were putting on their shoes and kneepads. I could not help but smile every time I see Aly talking animatedly. I could just imagine all her quirky humor and sweet singsong voice. For a lady who is 5'8" tall, her voice sounds so small and fragile.

I quietly walked towards her. Jaja saw me and smiled, and I hushed her into spoiling my surprise.

Aly must have picked up something from Jaja that she looked at Jaja questioningly, and was just about to turn around when I gently shoved her back. She jumped a bit on her chair and looked at me, and broke into a huge grin.

"Kiefer!"

I hugged her briefly, even if I wanted to stay in that moment forever. I saw Jaja giggling, and well, I guess I got infected with the good vibes around here.

"Practice na kayo?"

"In a bit. Antay lang namin sina Coach. Pero they are on their way na," she replied while adjusting her kneepads. She stood up and started to stretch her legs, trying to feel and adjust the kneepads.

"Ate, parang may mali sa kneepads mo," Jaja said, pointing at her knees.

Aly tried to sit down and adjust it again, but maybe she does not think it feels right. She removed it again, and tried to put it back.

"Ate, tulungan kita," Jaja offered. But before Jaja could stand up, I already helped Aly in adjusting her kneepads. Jaja just went to sit back and her eyes were still on Aly's kneepad.

And as I helped adjust her kneepads, I could not help but touch her skin. And something is stirring inside me, and I feel warm all over. Like I was blushing. I just pushed it aside, but I could not help be conscious if ever I am to touch her skin again. I tried avoiding it, but it does not seem to help her.