Game Plan (COMPLETE)

25

TW: Mentions of physical and emotional abuse.

***

I will still try.

That's the only sentence in my head as I went to pick up the flowers I'll give Arrie. I even picked her up in front of her house, not a block away.

Nag-bless ako kay Coach, just like how all players in the team do, and asked if I can take Arrie out on a date.

She was really happy when she saw the flowers. Her smile almost fooled me that we're still the same—we're still like how we started. And even though I wanted to stay and watch her train, I was told by Lola to go with Lolo to Alabang.

I dropped the car back at the house and rode with Lolo in his van. I hated being stuck in enclosed spaces with him—especially in this van where a huge flatscreen TV blocked off the window to the driver's seat. No way to see out. No way to breathe right.

I sat stiffly across from him, pretending to check my phone the entire ride to LRI's headquarters in Alabang.

The name was mounted outside the building in clean, modern lettering: Lansberg Roadway Innovations.

"Lolo, I'll go to the restroom first." I said as we got to the floor of the conference rooms.

His eyes were glaring at me, as if it was the default. "Make it quick."

I nodded my head and rushed to the nearest restroom. I just needed a few seconds to myself... a few seconds without Lolo. I just have to breathe for a while.

I stared at myself in the mirror as well. Just as I was about to take a step, someone came out from a cubicle. It was a guy, around my age as well. A bit tan.

To avoid awkwardness, I turned and walked away. Every step I took nearing the conference room felt like it was gradually getting heavier.

They were still outside. I could see Lolo and his facade, welcoming two other middle-aged men.

"Ah, there he is," Lolo said, a sharp smile slicing across his face. "Ven, meet Mr. Valerio of Valerio Holdings and Mr. Gutierrez of Southbend Estates."

I adjusted the sleeves of my pale grey shirt and stepped forward, offering a hand.

"Good afternoon," I said, bowing my head slightly like Lolo taught me, and shook both of their hands.

I could feel Lolo's stare digging into my side as everyone settled into their seats inside the conference room. Lolo sat, of course, at the head of the table. The two businessmen were seated to his left, and I was on his right."

They launched straight into talks—supply chain expansions, fleet partnerships, land investments for new terminals... I tried to follow, but half of it flew over my head.

Then, halfway through a discussion about new shipping lanes, the door swung open. It revealed the guy from the restroom earlier.

"Sorry for being late," he said easily, flashing a grin at the room. A grin like it was pasted on his face since birth.

Mr. Valerio chuckled and gestured for him to come closer. "This is my son, Santino. He'll be sitting in for the rest of the meeting."

The meeting resumed with Santino seated beside me. I kept on nodding along, even if half the jargon floated over my head.

I kept my posture straight.

I kept my face blank.

I kept breathing through the stiffness in my chest.