"What's up?" Maddie stopped glaring at her phone then lifted her head to look at her best friend. She accepted the iced coffee Bea handed.
"I saw a post where assholes are talking about Ponggay like she's some piece of meat. Why do boys look at us as if we're sexual objects?" She ranted, her frustration getting the best of her.
"Ewan ko rin, Mads, it seems like they use their dicks more than they use their brains. Do they honestly think that we're flattered whenever they talk like that about us?"
The iced coffee they are drinking is not enough to cool their anger down. Women are always expected to do this and that in order for them to be respected by men. But why can't men learn the art of respecting women and everyone in general? Why can't they see that there are way more important matters to deal with?
"You and I know my girlfriend does not deserve this shit, no one does."
"Send me the screenshots so we can track them down then we'll file a case. I'll ask for dad's help."
Maddie immediately gave Bea the needed information, both of them determined to not let this one go and teach those bunch of assholes a lesson.
"Thanks, Bei, it means a lot. Let's go sa dorm na Ponggay would be there na rin."
Her girlfriend probably saw it na and she wants to make sure how she's doing. That's all she can do for now.
It's normal to see Maddie and Bea together in Ateneo, they're best friends, partners in crime and almost inseperable. But some of the students are still in awe whenever they see them, both ladies are charming and very kind. They excel in their academics and also in the sport they love. Complete package as others would like to say it.
They hopped in Bea's car once they reached the parking lot, both sighed in relief when they go inside. It is incredibly hot today.
"Mads, Jhow asked me when will I watch their game raw." Bea started a conversation, Maddie knew that her best friend is bothered.
"Oh anong sabi mo?"
"Busy pa tayo sa season."
"Tayo? Wag mo sabihing isasama mo ako?"
"Is superman a superhero? Of course you'll watch with me!" Bea exclaimed exasperated.
"Bea, you can't keep doing this forever. I am not getting tired of helping you, Bei, but you have to face this fear named Jhoana all by yourself sooner or later."
"Being with Jhoana when I'm with you is already hard for me to deal with what more if I'll face her alone. I am still madly in love with her, Maddie. You can call me unfair but I really don't know what to do anymore. Akala ko this feeling will fade kapag hindi ko na siya masyadong nakakasama pero hindi eh, it grows deeper and stronger. What sucks is I can't even show how much I love her." Heaving sigh she stepped on the brake when they are in front of the dorm.
"Alright, for now I'll keep helping you. Promise me one thing though, you'll do something about sooner rather than later. Okay?" Maddie stared at Bea seriously and the latter nodded letting out a weak smile.
Maddie's the first one to get off the car, she went inside. Most of her teammates are gathered in the living room, staring at a particular person worriedly, that person is the love of her. Who's trying to mask any negative emotions that she has with a smile.
Maddie knowing Ponggay so well knows better, those eyes could never lie. They can never deceive Maddie.
"Hey." She softly called their attention, well mostly her attention.She took a stride to reach her girlfriend who's looking intently at her.
The moment Ponggay felt Maddie's embrace, all of the pent up emotions she's been trying so hard to keep inside her since she saw those malicious comments, came out. Tears stream down her face as she buries her head at the crook of her girlfriend's neck.
Their teammates decided to give the couple some privacy, the each gave Ponggay a pat before leaving them to go to their respective rooms.
"Let it out, love. I got you." She said tracing circles on her back to sooth her.
Maddie carefully led them to the couch and sat before pulling Ponggay to sit on her lap. She kept crying on her like a child, her arms wrapped around Maddie tightly. As the latter continue to hold her close to her body.
"Do you want to talk about it?" She asks softly.
She felt her girlfriend shake her head and she knows Ponggay simply needs her to be there. Maddie respected that, she started to rock them and hummed a song. Her girlfriend's breathing steadied, indicating that she has fallen asleep. Ponggay really looks like an angel. She gave her a soft peck on the forehead.
Sometimes words aren't needed, you only need someone to join you in silence.
*****
The couple are snuggled closer in Maddie's bed, they just finished watching a movie. Earlier this day they bagged their 10th win for this season, everyone is hoping that things will keep going their way in all of their matches.
Ponggay's head is resting on top of Maddie's chest, the steady beating of her heart calming the almost sleeping girl on top of her.
Her hand is stroking her hair and she can feel her girlfriend getting more relaxed under her touch.
"Love, what are your plans after college?" Ponggay sleepily asked.
"I'll probably go home to Davao muna, spend some time with my family and friends there. Tapos I'll help my parents run our business here in Manila, hopefully a club team would want me to play for them so I can keep playing volleyball." Maddie spoke before looking at Ponggay.
"How about you? Are you going to use your last playing year?"
They haven't actually talked about it, given that they are focusing with what's happening in their lives now.
"I haven't thought about that yet. I want to focus muna to this season. Pero one thing's for sure, it would be so strange to not have you in court with me."
"I know, few weeks from now a lot of changes will happen sa buhay natin. It's sort of scary but knowing I'll have you with me, I know I can do it. We both can."
"Hmm, when do you want to get married?"
"I can marry you now na nga eh," Maddie chuckled but she meant what she said "but I want us to explore the world muna. Tapos dapat financially stable na ako para hindi naman ako mahiya kina tito at tita. Basta kapag ready na tayong dalawa, I will marry you."
"You really want to get married saakin?"
"Is that even a question? Of course, love. You are not just simply part of my dream, you are the dream."
"I love you, Madeleine. Thank you for loving me the way you do." Ponggay said before drifting off to sleep.
Maddie sighed in contentment and kissed her girlfriend mumbling a sincere "I love you most".
But would their love be strong enough to conquer all? How far will they make it? No one knows. Just like how no one knows that both of them are about to face the strongest storm in their lives and relationship.
A/N: Thank you so much for reading!
