I found myself lying down on the cold floor of the gym; panting and feeling the beads of sweat falling down from my forehead. Vic decided to lie down beside me and we gave each other knowing looks. This is going to be our last year, this is going to be our last game and despite the differences and bumps along the way... We're going to make it together.
"I'm sorry." She broke the silence that had enveloped between us.
"I didn't mean to kiss Den and confuse her feelings." She added and I just closed my eyes and took a long and deep breath. "I already knew from the very begininng that she liked you, Vic. If anything at all, dapat ako nga 'yung mag-sorry eh. Because I think I'm the one who's been keeping you guys apart." I laughed bitterly. Even though it hurts, I know that letting go of my feelings for Dennise would be for the best.
"Ly, 'wag ka ngang ganyan!" She reprimanded me but I kept quiet and listened on. "We both made our mistakes. And despite of what you think about yourself, Ly.. You're still my best friend. And I don't want a girl to come in between us just like that." She offered me her hand as she got up and I gladly took it. In her shock, I pulled her in and gave her a tight hug.
"Salamat, Vic. I could never ask anybody else to be my best friend. At kahit ano man ang mangyari bukas, you have me at your back like how you always got mine. Okay?" And I felt Vic squeeze me tighter and her head nodding.
"Okay, bud." At that, I couldn't help but smile to myself.
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"Good morning, Captain!" It was Ria. She rarely goes to our games early but this one's an exception. "Chief! Good morning din!" She spoke again and looked to my left, Vic has finally arrived. The three of us decided to freshen up and do a little bit of stretching as we waited for the others to come in.
Kim arrived, all smiles and gave us both a high five then nudged Ria at the side.
"So.. I'm guessing nagkaayos na kayong dalawa?" Kim looked at me and Vic and we both nodded.
"AYOS!" Kim and Ria both exclaimed and exchanged high fives. All four of us just laughed and talked for a bit more until all of our team mates had finally arrived.
People started flocking inside the gym. It was our do or die game against the Ravens from Ramon Avanceña High School. They're undefeated with a 3-peat stellar performance from the past few years and we have yet to prove our prowess. But Vic and I know that if it all comes down to a gruelling battle, we are not going to back down.
Our coaches, sir Ramil and sir Roger came closer and asked us all to huddle before our pre-game warm up session.
"Wala akong ibang sasabihin kundi mag-enjoy kayo." It was coach Roger who spoke first. "At 'wag kayong magpapa-apekto sa fans. Maglaro lang kayo pero 'wag kalimutang hindi niyo 'to ginagawa para sa mga sarili niyo lang kundi it's for the team." Coach Ramil added.
"Seniors.. This is your year, your game. This is the finals and we expect na ibibigay niyo lahat ng makakaya niyo. You guys got this. Warm up na." Coach Roger said with a tone of finality and we all headed to the other side of the court to do our warm up drills.
Vic and I worked together to instruct our team mates and lead them with the stretching . We were laughing and enjoying every moment.
"Alyssa! Ara!" A familiar voice called out from the crowd.
Both of us turned to look and gave each other knowing glances when we saw who it was. We excused ourselves for the moment and jogged up to where Dennise was standing. She had two bottles of Gatorade at hand.
