The Space Between

Chapter 9: She

The game is about to start... And I do not see her anywhere.

I get a bit jittery, as if I'm not myself. But I have faith she'll be here. I know she'll be here. I could sense her presence.

The game has started, and I'm not exactly sure if she is here. I really wanted to believe she's here. She has never failed me before.

That really got me in a sour mood. It's like I'm playing physically and mentally, but I left my heart somewhere.

My heart...

Out of nowhere, I saw someone in the bleachers...

Yes, it's her.

I could feel a rush of blood over me, like I have been awakened from a deep slumber. My feet feels lighter, my heart beating a little faster. I'm not exactly sure if it's really her, but I could feel it was her.

And when I drove that ball home, I looked at where she is just to be sure.

And it was really her.

Now, I feel more alive.

* * * * * * * * *

And we won!

Yes, we won the gold for the country and we could not be any prouder! We have worked so hard for this, and it feels so good that we finally made it!

I was still sweaty, but I couldn't help but run to meet all our supporters, family and friends who have supported us! THANK YOU!

And my feet led me to where they were seated, and I could see so much joy and pride in her eyes. I would have really wanted to hug her and laugh and share the joy that has been overflowing, but I was content just to be near her, just to be there with her.

Thank you, Ly! This makes it more special, because you are here, at this very moment, to share it with me.

"Congrats!!!" Aly and the gang shouted.

I was so excited to be near her, I didn't even notice that Mom was there and excited to have a picture with me. But all I really wanted was to be with Alyssa, this very minute. And as I was near enough, we just looked at each other.

And I wish I could say more than I would like to admit.

I held out my hand to her, she took it and she pulled me closer. For a few seconds, we just stood there smiling, until everyone was pulling me for a "groufie". She also has her cellphone ready, and I couldn't be any happier every time she would put her face near mine, or get a little closer to me.

And I couldn't contain the joy, I just couldn't hide my smile.

* * * * * * * * *

I hurriedly took a quick shower, and everyone was jeering at me, telling me that I seem too excited to get out of the dugout and meet someone. Yes, I really am. I wanted to see my best friend.

My best friend. My girl best friend. My best girl. My girl friend...

And I remembered a few nights ago, of how I savored her company...

* * * * * * * * *

"Ly, antok na a..." I caught her attention as I could see her eyes drooping, after the game and some scrimmages after that. She smiled a little smile, and I could sense something is bothering her. She was seated on the floor, leaning on the wall, yet she is slumped as she is busy on her cellphone.

I sat beside her. She didn't budge. I shook her knee using mine, and she looked at me with a sad smile.

"How could people hate so much?"