MISSING PIECE (rastro fanfic)

11: Don't Let Me Down

"Hey, Rhi. Salamat sa pagsama mo sa 'kin sa practice namin today," Ann said while we're on our way to the gymnasium. We're just walking 'cause we're from the locker room. We get some of her stuff.

"Don't mention it. Actually aayain din sana kitang uminom tonight. Tutal Saturday naman bukas," She didn't answer me in return but side-eyed me. "What's with that look? Konti lang iinumin natin. Saka 'di tayo magtatagal."

"Ayoko. Last time na inaya mo 'ko, gan'yan din sinabi mo, eh," Ibinaba niya ang gamit niya sa bench. Umupo ako sa tabi ng bag niya. "Saka maligalig ka 'pag nakakainom. Tapos baka gawin mo na naman akong driver."

"No, I promise, hindi ako masyadong magpapakalasing. As in konti lang. Siguro tatlong bottles lang. Sige na, pumayag ka na," She looked at me as if she's thinking if she'll say yes. Please say yes, Ann!

"Sige na, sige na," I balled my fists and pulled it in the air as if I achieved something very important. Mukha siyang napipilitan pero okay na rin kaysa hindi siya pumayag at all. At least may makakasama ako. "Teka lang, ha. Magwa-warm up lang kami."

"Good luck!" She left me sa bench. She called her teammates, and they started warming up.

I am just looking at them for almost ten minutes. They're starting to do their drills. I even asked myself why didn't I join the volleyball team. I think I also got the skills, but I suddenly remembered, I hate bruises and body pain.

I'm laughing at them because one of Ann's teammates hit her on the head. Tinignan ako nang masama ni Ann, but I just stuck out my tongue to tease her.

Mom calling...

"Hello, mom? What is it?" Tumayo ako sa kinauupuan ko at lumayo sa volleyball court.

[Where are you? Don't forget that we have our family dinner at 8 pm later, okay?]

"Sure, mom. But I'm planning to go out later after our dinner, can I?"

[You can, honey, but make sure you'll behave. Don't drink too much.]

"Yes, mom. I promise."

[See you later. Bye.]

"Bye." Kabababa ko lang ng phone ko ng may narinig akong nagsisigawan.

"Hoy, babae! Bakit mo tinamaan ng bola si Kendall!? Hindi mo ba siya kilala, ha!?" Is that Sarah? Bakit niya kasama si Kendall? Hindi naman dito nag-aaral 'tong higad na 'to. Saka bakit parang inaaway niya si Ann? Lumapit ako sa kanila para masagot lahat ng tanong ko.

"Hindi ko sinasadya at hindi ko kasalanan kung bakit siya tinamaan. As you can see, nagdi-drills kami dito so expected na lilipad 'yung mga bolang somewhere," Medyo kalmadong sagot ni Ann. "At saka wala akong pakialam kung sino man siya."

"Anong meron dito? Teka, Sarah? Kendall? Why are you here?" I crossed my arm and raised an eyebrow to them especially kay Kendall. "At bakit niyo inaaway ang best friend ko?"

"Rhian, pagsabihan mo 'yang best friend mong 'yan, ha!" Sarah answered while pointing her index finger on me. I shove it immediately. "Nahahawa na ata sa pagiging sadista mo, eh."

"Oh, bakit pati ako nadadamay? Bakit pati ako sinisisi mo? Sisihin mo 'yang si Kendall," I looked at Kendall at mukha siyang naiiyak or what. Pssh. Ang arte. "Siguro pakalat-kalat siya kaya siya natamaan ng bola."

"For your information lang, ha! Walang kasalanan si Kendall, babaeng cactus! Tahimik siyang naglalakad tapos 'yang best friend mo..." She points her finger to Ann, too, but I shove it again. Isa pang duro nito sa 'min sasabunutan ko na 'to. "...binato ng bola si Kendall!"