How This Love Grew

Chapter 4

I rushed into the gym. I am already 20 minutes late and I know very well what’s going to happen with me if I have gotten much later than that. I’m sure Coach John might as well give me a hundred duck walks. Or if everything has got so worse, I might take the alligator walk – though I am not really aware what I’m talking about.

I ran so fast like I did the 2 rounds around the court in just few breathes. My eyes, if it’s able to run faster than I am, it would just to check whether Coach John’s eyes are waiting for my grandiose entrance and then stab me with his stares.

I am not late like this. And if ever I am, it will be just only 5 minutes or less than that. It’s just that I finished first my undone works. Everything seemed so complicated when that fuss happened lately. I had to go over my classmates and see what they’ve done when I and Niall were chilling sarcastically outside the room and even the building. Apparently, I haven't done with that yet. I don’t want to be up late at night just to catch up what I’d missed during the lesson proper. That will be awfully bad for my weak guard for sluggish attack during morning classes.

I tried my best to slow down my walk and cross the smaller court for badminton. I breathed heavily as I approached Coach John. I know it’s going to be bad.

“What’s the time?”

He asked casually yet irritated at some point. I foresee I won’t do the ‘alligator’ thing.

“It’s 5:25 PM. I’m so sorry Coach. I’d have to catch up my lessons earlier.”

“What’s up with the catching this early in the quarter?”

“It’s a long story, Coach.”

Coach John snickered in front of me. I don’t know what’s that for – whether I looked so funny for an unbelievable early catch up for subjects or he didn’t believe what I said.

“It’s true, Coach.”

“Whatever. You’re just ruining my mood. Look –“

He stopped and pointed his finger to the bunch of guys running around the bleachers for the warm up.

“You are really. .really ruining my mood.”

He said flirtatiously transitioning from a strict pitch.

I grinned with a relief. Thanks to the boys who built up so much of their body to attract this guy.

In the middle of our confrontation thingy, Coach Rick entered the scene. He really likes that.

“What’s happening?”

He asked turning to me.

“I’m just late, Coach Rick. I’m gonna get changed.”

“And why are you late?”

I thought everything’s over.

“As you see, Sir, I’d have to ask my classmates what they have discussed earlier because. .”

I ran out of words but I’m trying to recover.

“Because?”

“I. .Uh. . I. . I had stomach cramps earlier. I needed to go to clinic . . .to survive.”

I reached for my tummy to add up the emotion.

“Then go.”

“Thanks. You might want to watch them, too.”