Glasses

Chapter 4: Madaya!

I always trip and fall.

I always fail but well, failing is a ground where you can put, cultivate and build success. So it's okay to fail sometimes.

I really am a gamer. Back in the Gameboy days and XBOX, no one ever came close to my achievements and I would like to keep that to myself.

Until one day I've met Riley and our other friends in a gaming competition. I was really dragged into this world. World of gaming.

Back then I used to read books a lot. I'm still reading some of them but unlike before, I am consuming most of my time reading books than hitting the keys. But I don't like it anymore.

That gaming competition in our school is the first stepping stone of our friendship.

We became friends and for a semester we've challenged each other's trust not knowing we find ourselves into the heart of the other. 

We may stumble and fall but we are looking forward to success more than failure.

Knowing that I always fail in everything I do, EXCEPT from gaming, (give me that credit already), I know how it feels to be a loser. 

But when Riley and the others came, they made me an invincible character, like a Marvel character which can stand any kinds of barrier.

We can't last a day without gaming.

We get fever when we don't.

Eff our courses. Eff our schools. As long as we do what we love, nothing can stop us. And I hope the world will understand us someday.

I can't put my feelings into words for thanking them especially Riley for transforming me into a better one.

Looking at him when he's sitting, enjoying himself while beating his WEAK opponents, I always get these chills and it makes me happy.

But why can't he just tell me one thing.

The reason why he left home.

I just can't ignore the fact that his family is worrying about him.

And I, too, am worried about him and his family.

I don't usually bond with my family, and I can see that frustration into Riley's eyes. I don't want to see him do the very thing I did to my family before that's why we are now in a not-so-well state.

His answers are so lousy. I can't accept those excuses.

There's more to that. I know, there's more to that.

A reason which he can't say directly to me.

As I go back to the message of his mother a few days ago, which says, "Do not make him overexert himself. And please take care of him.", I can't sleep thinking about it.

Maybe tomorrow I will make him spill the beans right here without any excuses.

---

And so the next day came...

He wasn't on my side. I've gone to every corner of the unit but he's nowhere to be seen.

I rushed to my bedroom again. Thank God his things are still there.

Where could he have gone to?

School? Without waking me up? That jerk, really.

Breakfast? No. But my card is here. Oh no. I must've left my wallet somewhere. 

It's only 6:30 so I can still shower.

Just wait there Riley.

And so I went to school, bringing my things and this anxiety of Riley.

I get inside our classroom. And yep, he's there.

Before going to my place, I gazed at him for a minute.

Nothing's changed. Same old Riley. 

I guess I don't have to worry much.

I left my things on my arm chair and approached him.

"O nandyan ka na pala."(Oh it's you.) He greeted.

"Bakit di mo ko ginising?" (Why didn't you wake me up?) I asked with a slow and calmed voice.

"Sarap ng tulog mo eh." (You're slept  so soundly.) He answered.

I didn't answer, the class will start soon so I get back to my place.

---

At lunch time. We are at our favorite eating place.

"Hindi sila sasabay?" (They won't go with us?). I asked Riley.

"Hindi daw. Maglalaro muna sila." (Nope. They'll play first.) He said.

"Ah, mabuti." (Good.) I said.

"So that we can have a 'me-time'?" and a wicked smile followed.

"Shut up. So that you can tell me everything." I said.

"Ih, yun na namang kagabi? Tsk." (Geez, that thing last night again? Tsk.) He complained.

"Oo. Ano ba kasi talaga?" (Yes. Tell me everything now.) I insisted.

He didn't respond.

He's just looking at my face like there's something wrong.

No Jordan, don't fall to his trap.

It's just his intimidation technique that will divert your attention and will change the topic.

"Riley---", I called but...

"Pahiram muna ng salamin mo ah." (Lend me your glasses first okay?) He stood up and the next thing I know is he already switched our glasses.

"Ano na namang trip mo?" (What is it that you're up to now?) "Akin na yan!" (Give it back.)

"Asa." (Nope.) The he ran away. And of course I chased him.

"Akin na sabi!" (Let me have it I said!)

Here we go again. Acting like children. Running in the school grounds like some kind of elementary students. 

There he is smiling like an idiot. 

And there was I...

All of a sudden an image of his mother crossed my mind. I remembered what she said,

 "Do not make him overexert himself."

And so I stopped.

I think he's not worn out though, but I am.

Fudge this body.

He also stopped. Thank goodness.

"Oh bat tumigil ka?" (Why did you stop?) He asked. No trace of sweat so far.

"Wala pagod na 'ko." (Nothing. I'm exhausted.). "May klase pa tayo." (We still have classes.) I said.

He then move towards me, and the moment he's close enough I instantly grab my glasses.

"Wha? Madaya! Sabi ko na may binabalak ka eh." (Woah. Cheater! You have this plan after all.) He said.

Then I bursted into laughter.

The one that he's not seeing often.

"Bahala ka diyan. Akin muna tong salamin mo ah?" (Whatever. Lend me your glasses first okay?) I said and then a laugh.

"Oy Jordan! Salamin ko!" (Hey Jordan! My glasses!),  he yelled.