A Change of Heart

VII

“Hello Al? Saan ka na? Jane excused herself from their technical practice para tawagan si Alvin. It’s their final practice bago sila magperform on stage mamayang gabi for the school’s 75th foundation day.

 “Jane, I’m sorry andito ako sa MOA arena. Kamusta diyan?”

“Everyone’s going crazy here. Sila Liz kailangan pa mag last minute repair ng costumes and the technical staff are quite busy sa lights and sounds. But for us actors, we just have to run through our lines and we can rest. Direk said i-condition nalang daw namin ang sarili naming for the play later.”

“Yeah. Relax ka lang diyan. I know you’ll be great later,” Alvin answered her.

“Thanks… Pero… sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. Ngayon palang sobrang kinakabahan na ako,” she confided.

“Ano ba worries mo?” he asked her warmly.

“I’m scared that I might forget the lines. I’m scared baka matisod ako or mabulol. I’m really really scared that I might screw up and fail my team,” she was almost teary-eyed by the time she finished talking.

“Hush…” Alvin told her affectionately. “ Sayo na din nanggaling, ‘you might’ but that doesn’t necessarily mean na you will. And I’m 100% sure that you will deliver well.”

“How did you know?” her voice almost a whisper.

“Because you are amazing Jane,” he told her seriously.

“Thanks Al,” then she exhaled audibly. “I just wish na andito ka na. I think I’m having the jitters.”

“Don’t worry I’ll be there soon. How about I’ll win this game first against State U tapos lillipad na ako diyan,” she can hear a hint of humor in his voice.

Jane smiled, “Really? Makakasunod ka?”

“Of course! I wouldn’t even dare to miss it,” he said as if he’s stating a fact.

“Promise?” by this time sobrang laki na ng smile ni Jane pero she’s not ready to give in.

“Promise. When you do your final bow. I’ll be the first one to clap and cheer for you.”

Tuluyan nang nawala ang kaba ni Jane at hindi na niya mapigilan kundi mapatawa, “Thanks Al. Antayin kita mamaya.”

“Yes, I’ll be there I promise.”

“Okay. Win this game for me please? I’ll be watching you in livestream.”

“Syempre, for you. I’ll see you later.” Then they both ended the call.

True to her word, Jane was able to watch the first 2 quarters of the game, but she had to give her phone to her mom because it’s almost show time. 20 minutes before the show, sumilip si Jane sa audience. Unti- unti na napupuno ang mga upuan. She saw her family there and some of her friends. She started to feel nervous again, pero inulit ulit lang niya sa isipin niya yung pinag-usapan nila ni Alvin kanina.

Meanwhile at the MOA arena, Alvin Teng is on fire.

“And that’s another 3 from Jeron Teng!” sigaw ng commentator.

“Boom, ano masasabi mo sa performance ni Jeron ngayon?” Allan asked, one of the commentators in today’s game.

“Maganda ata ang gising ni Jeron ngayon. It’s my first time to see him move like this fast and with this passion,” Boom answered amazed.