Loving Her Ways

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 | Absurd

Ma'am Rañez wasn't impressed with our performance, so naturally, she punished us by not letting us take even a single break. By the end, I felt like my legs had disowned me, and my stomach was crying for food. I couldn't even sneak over to Eros' basketball practice to ask him when they'd be wrapping up. Not that messaging him was an option anyway—he always kept his phone stashed away in his locker during practice. Super convenient.

Even though this wasn't me at all, I couldn't shake the idea of doing something nice for Eros. This was a little thank-you gesture to show how much I appreciated him saving my life earlier with that breakfast delivery. Honestly, if it weren't for him, I probably would've collapsed halfway through the torture Ma'am Rañez called practice.

We finally ended at the exact time we were supposed to-no early release. Everyone was drenched in sweat, gasping for air like we'd just run a marathon. I couldn't even comprehend how we were expected to attend classes in the afternoon after this. A nap sounded far more educational at that moment.

Vivien was waiting for me outside the AVR, patiently scrolling on her phone since I was, as usual, the last one to leave. We trudged together to the girls' shower room, which was guarded, as always, by that strict woman in uniform who seemed to take her job way too seriously.

The shower was a brief mercy—I let the hot water loosen my aching muscles for about ten minutes before dragging myself out. My body felt like it had aged a decade in hours. After changing into our school uniform, I quickly dabbed on my usual light makeup, hoping it would mask how dead I felt inside.

Sa usual mini cafeteria kami pumunta ni Vivien. Pinili naming hindi muna sumama sa maiingay naming mga kaibigan dahil sa pagod, at hindi rin naman namin alam kung nasaan sila. Tahimik sa cafeteria at halos lahat ng nandito ay may pinagkakaabalahan. Nilapag muna namin ni Vivien ang mga bag sa lagi naming table saka pumunta sa counter para bumili.

Vivien remained silent throughout lunch, her focus seemingly elsewhere. Her quietness gave me the space to gather my thoughts without interruption. The clinking of utensils and the soft hum of conversations around us filled the void, but we stayed subdued.

I savoured the last few bites of my adobo, the comforting mix of flavours grounding me in the present, but my thoughts betrayed me, drifting to Eros. His kindness from earlier lingered in my mind, stirring a resolve to repay him somehow.

By this time, their team usually grabbed lunch. With that in mind, I decided to give him a quick call. I dialled his number as I finished my meal, only to hear nothing, not even a ring. The silence hinted that his phone was turned off—typical of him during basketball practices. Maybe their training was extended? The thought left me curious but unsure.

I glanced at Vivien beside me. She was absorbed in her reviewer. The steady hum of activity around us faded as my gaze shifted to my phone's lock screen. The clock showed I still had an hour before classes began—a small window, just enough time to figure out what to do.

"Vivien, pupunta lang ako kay Eros," pagpapaalam ko.

Saglit niya akong sinulyapan. "Go lang, girl."

"Hintayin mo ako rito. Sasabay ako sa 'yo sa pagpasok."

Vivien gave me a quick nod, her silent way of saying, "Go ahead." Taking it as my cue, I made my way toward the school's gym. On the way, a few players from other sports teams greeted me in passing, their voices cheerful, but I barely acknowledged them. I wasn't in the mood to exchange pleasantries, not today.

As I approached the gym doors, the familiar echo of sneakers squeaking against the hardwood floors and the rhythmic bounce of basketballs reached my ears. I pushed the heavy doors open, and my hunch was correct. Their practice was still in full swing.