That Volleyball Player

24

RA 10174 amends RA 9729 (Climate Change Act) to establish The People's Survival Fund, a long-term finance stream to enable the government to effectively address climate change. It creates the nine-member People's Survival Fund board tasked to oversee policy and strategy on how the funds will be used. The board will be chaired by the finance secretary. The budget will be funded under the General Appropriations Act and may be augmented by don—

"Drink." I was startled when something cold was placed on my face. I heard a chuckled due to my reaction. "Ang tamad mong uminom ng tubig, athlete ka ba talaga? Kape na yata ang dumadaloy sa katawan mo."

"Thanks." I muttered to Evie, one of my blockmates. "I thought umuwi ka na? Why are you still here?" I asked while taking a sip.

She shrugged at naupo sa tabi ko. "Same reason why you're still here at the library, to finish these readings." Evie opened her own materials. "Tinitingnan ko pa lang, napapagod na ako."

I hissed. "You're ranting, but you're always good when it comes to recits." Evie was a brilliant law student, as one who commands the room with confident, precise, and well-structured answers, reflecting thorough preparation beyond just reading digests.

Evie groaned beside me and playfully poked my arm using her pen. "Stop flattering me, Attorney Zabel. Ano bang laban ko sa'yo? The way you display a mastery of legal principles by connecting facts, issues, and doctrine seamlessly, often showcasing the ability to "think like a lawyer" under pressure." iiling-iling nitong tugon. "Hands up."

Sasagot pa sana ako when I noticed my phone in front of me. "Are you done?" I asked Axeia when I saw her on the screen. "You look tired, baby."

We're currently on video call, nagpa-practice siya with the team while I'm reading. Halos araw-araw ganito ang set-up naming dalawa and since Philippines is 11 hours ahead of Brazil, kailangan talaga mag-adjust.

Mabilis itong umiwas ng tingin then muttered. "Water break." She drank from her tumbler then glanced back at me. "You're not alone."

Napasulyap tuloy ako kay Evie na abala na ngayon sa pagbabasa while playing her pen with her fingers, probably giving us some privacy. "Yeah, she's Evie, blockmate namin ni Amber."

"She knew that you have a girlfriend right?" Axeia asked while still staring at Evie. "She couldn't hear me?"

"I think so, isn't it obvious that I'm taken?" kunot-noo kong wika. "I'm wearing earpods. Do you want to talk to her?"

Axeia sighed, while Evie chuckled beside me kaya napalingon tuloy ako sa kanya. Nilingon din ako nito at tinaasan ng kilay.

"You're so slow Attorney." nakasimangot nitong turan. "I'm sorry for eavesdropping, I really can't help it. The thing is your girlfriend was probably jealous of me." She smiled bago tumayo. "I'll go get some fresh air."