Auburn High

Chapter 9: Existence

JODETTE ANAIS VILLAVERDE

It's the day before my debut, but instead of getting a beauty rest, I decided to watch Auburn High's football game against another school. I was excited because it's my first time to watch a live game! My parents allowed me to watch even though they're kinda hesitant at first, 'cause my mom said "You need beauty rest!"

I'm already beautiful (snorts), and I don't think I'll get any rest because I'm too excited about so many things right now! I can feel butterflies in my stomach, I'm really happy! I hugged Gaby from behind and she growled at me, that's her usual self but she can't complain when it's me.

"Anong oras yung game?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"5:30 pm, sigurado ka bang sasama ka? Hindi ba kailangan mong mag beauty rest?" tanong niya habang tinatanggal yung pagkayakap ko.

"Hindi ako mapapakali sa bahay, promise" I raised my right arm to show my sincerity.

Gaby sighed deeply, "Okay"

"Girls! Bibili lang muna kami ng snacks, sasama ba kayo?" Yachi asked me & Gaby. Everyone was here except Ian, Miko and Jet because they're part of the football team.

"Ang dami niyo na, diretso na lang kami sa stadium mamaya" Gaby declined.

"Saan tayo tatambay?" pagtataka ko. Everyone left, they promised to reserve seats for us later, since they assumed that many fans would definitely come.

"Sa towers, sa room ko?" Gaby teased me with a smile. She knew I've always wanted to visit her room. I hugged her tight and screamed, "FINALLY!" hinaharot ko na naman si Gaby. Natutuwa ako kapag naiinis siya e.

"UGH! Umayos ka Jodette Anais, baka magbago isip ko!" Gaby complained. Humiwalay naman ako sa kanya at dinala niya nga ako sa unit niya.

I was so jealous of Gaby when I saw her condo unit! She has kitchen, a small living room, a bathroom and a bedroom. It was so cozy in her room.

"I wanna live here" I jumped on her bed.

"I... I actually don't mind" she thought for a second. "It's kinda lonely living alone" she shrugged.

"I wonder..." I mumbled.

"You're turning 18 tomorrow" she sat on the bed. "Ever wonder what your parents are going to give you?" she asked.

"They already threw a party for me. To be honest, it's enough for me. I can't ask for more, right?"

"Such a good kid, no wonder your parents call you an angel"

I just smiled. My parents stopped treating me like a child, and that's more than enough for me. I actually think that being the good girl that I am right now, is what I can give in return for giving me such freedom. I don't mind being their good girl.

But looking around Gaby's condo unit, I can't help but wish I had one too. It'd be selfish and I'd be such a brat if I asked for this too.

I fell asleep, and Gaby woke me up because it's only 15 minutes before the game. Nakatulog din si Gaby kaya parehas kaming nagmamadaling tumakbo papuntang stadium.

A big roar welcomed us as we entered, the crowd was cheering as loud as they can as the Auburn High's players were called out one by one, my chest was beating loudly and was in sync with the beat of the drums.

"Anais!" Ruby waved her hand and gave me a jersey shirt. It was almost the same one as the team's uniform.

"Wow, thanks. A Souvenir?" I asked.

"Yes! And you should wear it! We're all wearing something, look!" Ruby pointed to each one of us.

I was surprised to see Gaby wearing a cap, Ruby was wearing a varsity jacket, Migs, Fredo, Yachi, Basty and Steph got themselves some auburn facepaint and caps, Kitty was wearing a cap and she was wearing a jersey with Miko's number in it. I stared at Ruby's jacket and I noticed it had Jet's number in it.