Game Plan (COMPLETE)

22

arviste
He thinks that there is something between us

ferrera08
Oh.

I almost laughed. Nauna pang makahalata si Coach Quinn kaysa kay Arrie.

ferrera08
I don't have any intentions like that.

Umismid ako. Really, Ven? No intentions like that? Sus.

arviste
That's good.

Oh, no, what do you mean 'That's good'? I buried my face in my pillow and sighed. Maybe I should throw in more hints?

The plan didn't take action because he declined Mae's offer on eating at Lotus with us after our training the next day. Si Coach Quinn nga kasama eh, bakit siya ay hindi?

But I'm more worried about how she will get home safely. "Coach, is it okay if ihatid ko si Arrie sa inyo?" I asked.

Coach glanced at me, a slight warning in his gaze. "Sige. Pero kung ayaw niya, hayaan mo muna. Mukhang may iniisip."

When I got the approval, instead of heading to Vega—where Lotus is—hinayaan ko na mauna sina Mae and Coach Quinn.

I slowed my car down even more when I saw her walking on the sidewalk. I rolled my window down. If she doesn't want to talk, that's fine. As long as I can ensure that she gets home safely.

But she declined my offer. She has plans.

With whom? At this hour?

Pagabi na ah.

I sighed. It's her life. Wala akong karapatan magtanong at mangialam.

So I simply said, "Stay safe, Arrie, and probably message me when you get home safely."

The tournament at Aboitiz Pitch was tomorrow. Coach announced that we are to wear maroon, and the girls' team will wear the white version. This is my chance.

Then I saw Arrie talking to Ian, nanghihiram ng jersey. Nothing is wrong with Ian, yes, but why him? Ngayon niya pa nga lang yata nakausap 'yung tao eh.

So when Ian was heading home and I was walking towards where my car was parked, I subtly walked beside him.

"Ian," I called. "What do you say you forget to bring your white jersey for Arrie tomorrow, then I just so happened to bring mine. Sounds good?"

"Uh..." Nag-isip pa siya. "Sige."

I tapped his back once to say thanks and goodbye because we were already near my car.

I was just a few feet from Ian and Arrie when Arrie asked for the jersey.

"Arrie, sorry, nakalimutan ko. Nilabhan ko pa kasi iyon kagabi para nga sana madala ko ngayon. Kaso naiwan kong nakasampay kanina." Ian was explaining. I was trying my best to keep my lips pressed together to not smile.

Now, I owe Ian one also.

Hay, ang dami kong nagiging utang para lang magpapansin kay Arrie.

When Arrie turned her back on Ian—probably about to head towards Coach Quinn—ay sinabit ko sa right shoulder niya 'yung jersey ko.

Then I said, as if I did not orchestrate this whole thing, "You can use mine."

"Iba ka na talaga, pre." Bulong sa akin ni Marcus, shaking his head, nang pumunta kami sa restroom para magpalit.

Max also added his remark. "Ilagay ko dapat ito sa calendar. Ven nagpahiram ng jersey." He was pretending to write something in the air.

When she and the rest of the girls went out of the restroom, I couldn't help but keep my eyes on her wearing my jersey on top of her black long sleeves. She also has her hair up, with yellow-colored clips on each side of her head.