Play of Fate [COMPLETED]

Chapter 17

The final buzzer sounded, and gleeful exclaims erupted from the girls wearing blue and white. The girls on jumped at the middle of the playing court, expressing their happiness on their win. James approached them after shaking the hands of Stephen, clapping for his girls, a wide smile on his face. "Good job, weirdos!" He said, arms wide open as he walked towards them. The girls broke their huddle and smiled at their coach happily. James was planning to envelope them in a group hug but his naughty team thought of something else. As he got near them and was to hug them, the girls took some steps backwards and one of them pushed the unsuspecting teammate towards him. James, although aware of what was to happen, didn't even try to stop them and instead welcomed the shocked player in his arms. Yes. James hugged Maine. Just Maine.

A big grin stretched in his face while the other girls started hitting each other, squealing like five years olds playing tag.  To say that Maine is surprised is a bit of an understatement. She was so taken aback that she wasn't able to react immediately and stayed in her coach's arms for three good minutes. When she recovered, she slightly pushed his body away from her and tried her best to hide the redness she's feeling in her cheeks before turning to her teammates with something like a scowl on her face. Instead of feeling guilt, her teammates only laughed at her and pulled her back to them to give her a hug. "Gago, Maine, ang pula mo." Ynna said, giddiness traceable in her voice. "Mga pakyu kayo." Maine answered, face still hidden in the shoulder of her friend. She didn't want to look up because she knows her face is going to betray her. Her teammates just laughed at her and dragged her back to their cabin to freshen up and rest.

James, still amused, shook his head as he watched his girls retreat to their room, smiling. Jason clasped his shoulder, an eyebrow raised, eyes filled with unspoken accusation. "What?" James asked, trying to sound innocent. "Gago. Iba ka. Bilis mo talaga." Jason said, chuckling. "Hindi ko alam pinagsasabi mo." He said to his brother, but a happy smile is proudly plastered on his lips. "Dalhin mo sa clinic kapatid mo, Jay, mukhang may tama." Mark, who he didn't notice is beside them already, said before smacking his head.

Night fell and the rest of the camp gathered around a big bonfire, enjoying some grilled meats and cans of beer. The girls were seated by their groups on the longs logs transferred from the courts. The coaches were in one area, noisily chatting and eating. The groups have their own topics, occasionally talking to those from the other groups. Maine's team, who are still ecstatic with their win, talked about their whole experience, laughing at some of their funniest and embarrassing moments during the last five days.

"Uy, bawal ang snob ha. Dapat magkita pa din tayo after this." Ally Gonzales said. The other girls agreed, with Ynna suggesting they plan their date now.

"Movie? Coffee?" Ruzzel Sarmiento asked.

"Pwede din. Or theme parks. Extreme adventure, ganoin." Ynna Paras suggested.

"Ay bet! Mukhang masaya." Bea Navarro said. They gave other suggestions but have not decided on what they should really do.

"Alam ko na." Maine said. The other heads turned to her, waiting for her to continue. "Basketball na lang tayo." She said, smirking, before shoving in her mouth a stick of chicken intestine. "Leche ka, iba naman." Ally said, playfully pulling her hair.

"Uy ano 'yan." James asked, making the girls jump from his sudden appearance. "Me sa multo ka ba, Coach?" Ynna asked, rubbing her chest. James only laughed at her and sat on the empty space beside Bea. "Whatcha talk in' about?" He asked again. He offered an unopened cans to them but they all refused because they've not finished with theirs.