I always believe that my life is all fucked up, I guess it really is. After the series of basketball match against other collegiate teams, my team, the Green Archers is on the lead. And just awhile ago, I sat on the bench with my family, in the sea of Growling Tigers to cheer for my brother Jeric. I didn’t realize how things would be so difficult for me this time, not until I heard the buzzer beat along with the cheers with the Tomasians around us.
“Paano ba yan Shoti? It’s the Archers vs. Tigers for the finals.” Almira commented.
Masaya akong nanalo ang team ng kapatid ko, I swear. Pero ngayon ko lang narealize, this would be a tough game for us – lalo na sa akin. Jeric is my brother, at last year na niya sa UAAP ngayon. He always dreamed of getting that championship title. Kahit nga injured yun nung first round ng competition, bumawi naman siya agad, and yes, he led his team to the finals. I on the other hand, is pressured with the title tagged along with my name. I am the King Archer. And after the long years na hindi nakuha ng La Salle ang championship title, may chance na ulit ang team – and its basically all in the team’s hand, especially mine.
“May the best man win nalang.” I said as I looked straight at my brother who is enjoying their win against NU.
Ang laking hirap ang ginawa ng team ng brother ko para lang makapasok sa top 4. From the bottom, natalo nila ang FEU na isa lang yung talo, and now, ang NU na walang talo. That was a great game for them. And I guess, I just hate it now.
“Looks like sa kabilang court side ka uupo next game hon.” I heard my dad say to my mom.
My mom will always sit on Jeric’s side with Almira, and my dad and Alyssa on my side. Ganyan lagi ang set up everytime magkakalaban ang team ko at team ni Jeric. Pero siguro naman lamang ako ng isang supporter kaysa sa kapatid ko.
I shifted my gaze at Eliza who has been quiet the entire game. “Are you okay?”
She looked at me and smiled awkwardly. “Yeah.”
Kanina ko pa nahahalata yung mga titig niya sa kapatid ko while he is playing. I don’t know why but it felt so strange to see my girlfriend looking at my brother with… desire.
“Don’t worry, I’ll win the championships for you.” I said.
Kumunot ang noo niya. “How sure are you na kayo ang mananalo?”
“Don’t you trust me?” I asked her.
“I do.” She said as she shifted her gaze to my brother. “Pero you can’t be too calm now Je. You see, your brother’s playing 101%.”
“Seems like your supporting my brother more than me.” I said and walked out.
“Hoy Jeron saan ka pupunta?” tanong ni mommy.
“I need some fresh air.” I said.
“Babe!” I heard Eliza calling me, pero hindi ko na siya pinansin.
BINABASA MO ANG
The Last Shot
Fiksi PenggemarWe all have choices to make, chances to take. But what if you made a mistake? And you only have one last chance at stake? Will you choose to quit? Or will you hold on to that last chance and take The Last Shot?
