It’s finally game time for me. Today is the opening day of the All Filipino Conference of PSL. Our team will play on the featured match today. Our San Miguel Lady Spikers will go against Foton Tornadoes.
We just arrived here in the MOA Arena and the first game hasn’t started yet. Our game is scheduled at 4PM and it’s just 1. I am walking with my teammates when I heard my phone rang.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Nasan ka?” I heard the voice asked from the other line. It was Thomas.
We’ve agreed that he will bring Tyrone with to the venue since I will be joining my teammates in the company bus. He and Ty will watch together.
“Papunta na kaming dugout,” I said. “Nakapark na ba kayo? Punta na kayo dito. I need Tyrone.”
“Relax, Ara. Papunta na kami diyan,” Thomas said.
“Okay pakibilis,” I said.
I feel like my body’s shaking because of anticipation, excitement and nerves at the same time. First time to play in a real game again, after all these years. I absentmindedly knot my fingers together.
“Baby, okay ka lang? Kinakabahan?” It was Ate Abi. We already reached our dugout.
I placed my things on my corner and Ate Abi sat beside me.
“Medyo Ate eh, pero excited din,” I said.
“Okay lang yan. Ikaw pa, kaya mo yan,” she patted my shoulder.
I blow out all the tension inside me. I saw Ate Abi smile at me.
“Halika ka nga, give motherF a big hug,” she said and engulf me in her arms. That kind of calmed me down.
When we broke up, “Oh Kianna! Kinakabahan na ang DaughterF ko. Take it away.”
Kianna winked at me and drag a chair in the center. She stood in that chair, “Lady Spikers hands up!!!” And everybody followed. Nakigaya na rin ako.
“Ate Kimmy! Turn the music up,” Kianna instructed as Kim does so.
It was a party music I can’t understand the words only the beat.
“Let’s paaaarrrtttyyyy!” Kianna lead.
And my teammates went wild, dancing like babbling baboons. I laughed at them. They all look silly but Ate Abi gave me a look so I joined in.
Wala ng step step, go lang ng go. Hahaha. Some things never change. Kianna, still the leader. And we danced the tense energy away.
“Kiaaaannnaaa!” We all stopped when we heard Coach Ramil.
We all turned to the door and saw the coaching staff. Behind them are Thomas and my son with smiles as wide as their faces.
“Hehehe Peace coach!” Kianna said with a naughty smile.
“Ikaw na naman ang pasimuno, walang problema kung ilalabas niyo yang kaba niyo. Okay nga eh,” Coach said and we all breathe out relief. Akala ko papagalitan na kami.
“Huwag lang umakyat sa kung saan saan at baka mahulog at ma-injure,” Coach reprimanded, mostly directed to Kianna who’s on top of a chair.
“Sorry po Coach,” Kianna answered. Pero bungisngis pa rin eh.
“Hindi pa naman nagsa-start yung first game, magpahinga muna kayo ng kaunti,” Coach instructed and the team went on their ways muna.
I waved Tyrone to come to me which he gladly followed.
