So Into You (A JeDean / GaWong Story)

I'll Fight with You

***
(Deanna said)

I tried keeping my relationship with Jema under the radar. We would hang out most of the time at her apartment which she didn't mind. If we ever go out, I would invite others to be with us.

It pisses her off that I won't hold her hand in public but she'll be fine with it eventually. I let her think that I'm still uncomfortable with public display of affection. But the reality is we couldn't afford doing something that would trigger my Dad's rage. The past weeks were quiet but I've been paranoid since.

My Dad did stop sending me allowance so I started working part-time as an assistant coach to a high school team. The pay gets me through my daily expenses but my schedule is too swamped. I still make it a point to spend time with Jema.

"Tara date naman tayong dalawa lang please?" Jema suggested when I picked her up after their game. She looked bothered and sad.

"Okay ka lang, Love?" I asked. I took her bag and carried it for her. "Sige... Date tayo ngayon."

"Hindi ako okay." She pouted, which I still found cute.

"What happened?"

"Hindi na ako irerenew ng team."

"What?!" I was stunned by the news. "You just had your breakthrough game last time. Bakit daw?"

"Naghahanap sila ng mas matatangkad na players ngayon. They needed to free up some slots kasi may gusto sila irecruit."

"Sino pa raw hindi irerenew?"

"Wala pa akong nabalitaan. Confidential pa rin kasi. Pero sinabihan na nila ako para makahanap na 'ko ng lilipatan at hindi ako mabakante after this conference."

"Gosh, si Dad na kaya yan..."

"Ano yun?"

"Sabi ko okay lang yan. It's their loss. Hanap na tayo ng tryouts for other clubs. For sure maraming mag-aagawan para makuha ka."

"Pero bakit mas mukhang malungkot ka pa kesa sa'kin bigla?"

"Nag-aalala lang ako sa'yo. Ayokong makita kang nahihirapan."

"Okay pa ko, Baby. May mas magandang opportunity na darating. Tiwala lang."

As we continued walking towards the parking lot, I held her hand to her surprise. She held mine tighter. Her jolliness was revived in an instant that it made me less worried about the situation.

"Ngayon sobrang nakangiti ka naman. You're such a crazy woman," I said.

"Naman!" She answered. "I'm a crazy woman for you!"

"Ayon o!"

"Masaya na ako sa ganito... Kahit may problema basta hawak ko ang kamay mo, okay na ko."

***
(Jema said)

I have a few remaining games before I leave the team for good. I wanted to spend more time with my teammates so I stay with them after training.

We were watching the most recent game of our next opponent when a very familiar looking woman entered the gym.

"Parang Mommy yun ni Deanna ha," I told Ate Alex.