How Long Will I Love You? | Book 1

Chapter VI: Soulmate

"Souls that resemble attract inevitably.."

Dumating ang Sabado.

The basketball event held in MOA Arena that day is for charity. Kalaban nila ang Alaska Aces for that said event. Punong puno ang Arena, you could hear the crowd's great anticipation sa match. It looked like it will be a great game after all.

An hour before the game starts, kompleto na sila sa locker room. Everybody was excited and in the mood for that day but Dj was sulking with his phone in his hand.

It has been two days since he was waiting for a call or text from Kath. Wala siyang natanggap na text or call since that day na nagpadala siya ng gift sa kanya with the ticket. His cousin Thery is not also picking up kaya medyo disappointed siya.

He might just have to put his self together for this game. He will give his best para sa mga fans na manonood. But deep inside him,he felt that it would be better if she came.

Inisip ni Dj na kahit idecline ni Kath ang invitation niya at least she replied than nothing at all. Masyado ata siya umasa doon sa post niya sa Instagram. Hopia tuloy.

Nagstart na ang game and Daniel tried his best to keep his mind on the match. He had been doing basketball for over 7 years now,for him this is his passion. Whenever he is inside the court and with a ball in his hand,he feels like he can conquer the world. The scent of sweat, crowd and heat inside the court makes him feel so alive.

Ganoon niya kamahal ang paglalaro. Although, nag iinvest na rin siya sa ibang mga bagay,he still couldn't leave basketball. Naisip nga niya na kapag mag retire siya,he will open a basketball clinic at magtuturo na lang siya.

As always,Dj showcased his skills in the field. Nagiimagine na lang siya na nakita niya si Kath para ganahan siya lalo. Pero sa pakiramdam niya, malungkot siya kasi hindi siya dumating.

Last few minutes of the game and Dj's team is leading with a close fight the score was 82-79. The seconds were ticking like heartbeats. The ball was passed to Daniel and he prepares for a 3 point shot, he dribbles one time and aims.

And the crowd went wild. Daniel John Ford for three. Confetti immediately popped and rained over them.

Alaska Aces were hammered with a whooping 85-79 score,last 3 points courtesy of Dj. The crowd cheering for their team were celebrating in their seats and the team is jumping with thankfulness for a good game. Almost all giving Dj a hug and high fives with his best score.

Ang ingay sa loob ng locker room. Everyone was happy about the game,and they were planning for a little celebration after.

"Coach,saan tayo?" kinulit ni Kirlos ang coach nila.

"Kantahan tayo.." sabi naman ni De Guzman,isa pa niyang ka team mate.

And everyone seemed to have agreed to their plan of Karaoke. Ang hilig nilang kumanta kahit halos lahat sintunado.

Halos lahat nasa mood mag good time except for one. With a towel on his neck,still dripping with sweat and still on his jersey. He took his gym bag and took out his phone and checked for a certain message that he hoped for since Thursday.

Parang tumigil ng isang segundo ang puso ni Dj ng may nakita siyang notification ng isang message sa Whatsapp application niya from an unregistered contact.

Dali dali niya itong binuksan and the message that he saw was enough to make his stomach fill with not only butterflies but with every animal in the kingdom.

The unregistered contact sent a picture of him while doing the last three point shot earlier. Then a message that says "Congratulations!Great game,I guess I was lucky after all."

With that he hurried outside going back to the court,hoping he'd still find her there. Halos takbuhin niya ang daan papunta doon. Halos lahat ng makasalubong niya ay kinocongratulate siya at ang team.

Madami pang nagpapapicture sa kanya kaya hindi siya agad nakarating sa court.

                                                                      

Halos wala ang mga tao sa bleachers and there were few na naglilinis na ng confetti sa court and she took a glance on her phone to see if the message was read. Oo nabasa na niya pero bakit walang reply. Kath was sitting there,as if waiting for him to come. Pero ilang minuto,lima,sampu wala pa din. Kaya tumayo na rin siya and headed to the exit.

She even finds her self wondering why she is even waiting. Sabi kasi niya sa sarili niya na pagbibigyan niya lang ang request ni Dj dahil thankful siya sa ginawa nito sa kanya. Ang pagligtas nito sa kanya nung nakaraan.

She stands up, and walks to the exit. Lumingon pa siya isang beses at tumingin sa phone niya pero walang reply.

Nasa gitna ng pagpapapicture si Dj at nahihiya siyang tanggihan ang mga ito pero kelangan na kelangan na talaga niyang umalis.

"Shit, di ko nga pala nireplyan.." bulong niya sa sarili niya habang naglalakad na ulit papuntang court. He swiped his phone but on his luck the battery seemed to have died already.

Di niya pala ito na charge kagabi. Inis niya sa sarili niya. Halos takbuhin na niya palabas. Finally nakarating na siya doon at dali dali niyang nilibot ang mga upuan sa paningin niya hoping to see her there.

Pero wala,the seats were all empty and he cannot find a lady in blue jacket with his surname on.

He was about to turn to the locker room when he saw what his eyes have been looking for.

"FORD" and there she was.

They were standing from end to end. Kath was about to leave and he hurried to her. Before the door before her closed he shouted "Kath!" pero parang nagkulang yata ng hangin ang lalamunan niya at mahina ang sigaw niya.

Palabas na siya ng pinto kaya with all his might he shouted again.

"Kath!....FORD!"

Bingo! Lumingon siya. ♥️