The Space Between

Chapter 25: Holding On

A storm is coming...

But life goes on.

I looked outside and saw a picturesque view of the Manila Bay. It's too early but we need time for practice.

I started with a brisk walk around the area, then joined Bea in a rigorous jog. I consider myself fit, but with Bea around, it will always be a question of when. She's a perfectionist, and I have to keep up with her.

Just as we were cooling down, I saw Joanna walk towards us, in her typical girly stride. She seems to be uneasy.

"Jho?"

Jho bit her lower lip and said, "Ate, may naghahanap sa 'yo."

I looked at her, wondering about the mysterious visitor, but most especially wondering about her obvious hesitation. She shifted her weight around, waiting for me to ask.

I looked at the station where she came from, and I could not seem to find a familiar face in the growing crowd.

I looked back at her, and she squinted, "Si Kuya Jovee."

Weird. But he is frequently trying to make himself available. I looked at Bea, excused myself, as Jho took on my place as Bea's partner.

Found him behind the bleacher where we are stationed, and he seemed to be less of the Jovee that I know - he looks rough and raw, like he came out from hell hunting demons. "Hi," I called out to him.

He sniffed and gave me a big smile, the smile that used to melt my heart into a mudpool. But somehow, it looks a bit different now. I tried to look closer at him - he seems disheveled of sorts, like he just got up from bed.

And lost. His eyes lost the sparkle and the determination. His was a ghost of a man that I used to know.

"Ly," he greeted back, and we gave our customary hug.

"'Wag mong sabihin magyayaya ka na naman ng kung anong dinner date -"

He chuckled and placed his hands inside his back pockets, "Praning as usual ka. Hindi no. Namimihasa ka na. Siguro may gusto ka pa ring i-date ako -"

I raised my hand in front of him, "Wait. Stop. Jovs," I closed my eyes for a second, trying to hold on to my emotions, "Eto na naman tayo..."

"Dati, meron tayo. Ngayon... e may Ravena ka. So paano magiging tayo ulit?"

I closed my eyes, and clenched my fist. Started to count to ten so that I could normalize my breathing and be calm with what could lie ahead, "Jovs... please stop."

He grinned and chucked me on the chin, "May game ka pa. Tigilan mo muna ang mga kabaliwan mo. Makakasama 'yan."

I looked at him, trying to search for his soul, trying to reach out... to read through him. But all I could see is just a reflection of myself. As if all doors are closed.

"Yeah," I said, slowly moving away, "Focus. I need to focus."

I turned around in a heartbeat, without even saying goodbye.

**************************************

She's hot. Sexy.

And I want her for myself.

Her bronze tone seems to glitter like molten lava under the bright lights, and her toned body more pronounced with every dig, every move, every breath she makes. Sweat seems to lick her body all over, and I am more drawn to her like a kid in a candy store...

You couldn't blame me. I'm a man, and I'm no saint.

But darn those other guys thinking the same wayward thoughts.