So Into You (A JeDean / GaWong Story)

Level Up

***
(Deanna said)

Jema Galanza: Let's take this to the next level.

Deanna Wong: Are you serious? Sabi ko naman sa'yo hindi ako nagmamadali. We have all the time in the world to get to know each other more.

Jema Galanza: Oo naman! Bakit hindi? We click so there won't be any dull moment.

Deanna Wong: But are you ready?

Jema Galanza: I think so.

Deanna Wong: Okay. Let's do this.

*Ring*

My phone rang--Jema was calling me.

"Hello?" she said and I instantly felt the butterflies. It was the first time we talked on the phone. I wish I have recorded her voice so I could listen to it whenever I want.

"Hi..." I answered. "So...what were you saying about taking this to the next level?"

"Ito na yun."

"Huh?"

"We've been exchanging messages for the past week so I thought it's time for us talk on the phone."

"Pambihira! Na-hopia ako dun ah."

"Haha. What were you thinking?"

"Secret!"

Then there was awkward silence.

"Kailan balik mo sa Manila?" We asked at the same time then laughed about it.

"At least we shook off the awkwardness," I said. "Sa Sturday night ako. Ikaw ba?"

"Ahhh. Sa Sunday pa kami," Jema answered. "Busy nga kaagad kasi finals week na tapos may crucial game pa."

"Kayang kaya mo yan. Ikaw pa, Queen Falcon. Idol!"

"Hmmmp. Kung hindi mo sana kami tinalo last time eh di sana mas maganda chances namin for Final Four! Haha. May games din kayo next week di ba?"

"Yup. Sana manalo para masecure namin ang twice-to-beat. Grabe nararamdaman ko na naman yung pressure to perform. Marami kasing nakatingin."

"Relax lang. Basta alam mo sa sarili na ginawa mo yung best, kahit ano pa outcome niyan, those who truly believe in you will be proud of you. Isa na ako dun."

We talked for hours that night until we're both sleepy-eyed.

"I like this level," she blurted.

"Same here," I answered in a yawn.

"But will it make me greedy if I ask for another level up when we get back to Manila?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"Let's go out on a date."

My senses were suddenly awake.

"I would love that."

"O siya. Matulog na tayo. Good night, Deanna!"

"Good night, Jema!"

***
(Jema said)

Deanna and I were both back in Manila and back to our commitments as student athletes.

I was swamped with studying and practices and she was busy with hers too. We managed to send greetings and call from time to time but we haven't had long conversations for almost a week.

"After our respective games tomorrow, date na tayo?" I asked when I called.

"Yes please!" Deanna answered. "Ako bahala kung san tayo pupunta."

Both our teams ended up losing on game day.

"Sign ba 'to na bad luck?" I asked her over the phone. We planned to meet in the carpark. "Baka hindi meant na magkita tayo."

"Hala hindi! Let's give this a chance and see. Tsaka ka magdecide kung meant," she said defensively. "Nandito lang ako sa baba. I'll be waiting for you here."

I walked faster to where she told me she would be. I let the cars pass by as I was catching my breath. And there she was on the other side, carrying a bouquet of sunflowers.

We've probably crossed paths hundreds of times by now but this was the first time we paused at the same moment. Everything seemed to be in slow motion.

When she saw me, she waved her hand and gave me a big smile.

I was afraid that I would freeze and hesitate but I came to her, running.

"Hi," I said. "I'm Jema Galanza."

I extended my hand and she took it.

"Hi Jema, I'm Deanna Wong," she answered. "It's nice to finally meet you."

We went to a diner and talked like we've known each other for long. It felt comfortable.

She insisted on driving me to my place even if that meant she would be farther away from her dorm.

"That's my stop," I said. "As if di mo pa alam. Haha."

"Thanks for the company! Nag-enjoy ako sa Team Sawi dinner natin," Deanna said.

"Ako rin. Pero hindi ako member ng Team Sawi noh. Panalong panalo kaya ako kasi kasama kita!"

"Jema... I know actions speak louder than words but I need to get this off my chest... Not that once it's been said hindi na ako mag-effort. I'll prove it to you even more in every chance I get." Deanna stopped to breathe. "I like you."

"I like you too, Deanna."

It was an easy response as I rested my head on her shoulder.