SOLACE

twenty-three

       Mom started going home regularly like before. It was always 7 PM and I would always cook our dinner while Kai annoys me. She was nice to us although, we were still not used to it. It still felt different going back home and it has already been a week.

Deep inside me, I always get anxious that anytime or something, maybe a small mistake I make could just tick off the bomb inside her and return to her old self. I don't know what happened when we left but I just know she's not completely okay.

"What did you put in this pasta? I think it needs a little more salt but it's fine," Mom questioned while we sat on a small table and ate our dinner.

"Uhm, okay. I'll remember that" I replied faintly. I quietly ate my food until I finished it and Kai helped me washing the dishes until Mom was out of the kitchen.

"The pasta was good," Kai mutters while I was patting my hands on the kitchen towel.

"What?" I stuttered as I looked at him in surprise but then he quickly looked away and left the kitchen also.

The next day, It was already Friday, which was the day of Henry's finals game. Everybody was hyped up already because the opposing team today was the champion last year.

It was still half an hour before the game started. So, we waited inside the gym and sat on a good spot on the bleachers.

"Have I told you guys, I sent an application to a school in France. I'm finally achieving my dream to study Fashion Design!" Cali exclaimed.

"Is that for real? I'm happy for you, Cali!" I was practically squealing as I hugged her.

"Does that mean we won't be together for like three to four years?" Franco interrupts.

"Well, I just sent my application. It's not yet sure, but hopefully, it happens?" She giddily answers, I already knew it was what she really wanted to do and I'm glad she's pursuing it.

"How about you, Ady? Do you have any plans?" Cali asks me.

"I haven't decided yet, to be honest. Maybe, I'll work first?" I replied shortly. I suddenly overthinked what my plans will be for the future.

"Well, if you need any help in that, I know some of my relatives are hiring," Cali suggests.

"I'd appreciate that," I gave her a thankful smile.

"I guess, It's just me and Ady left here, huh?" Franco says, resting his arm on my shoulder.

"Oh, for sure, you're also leaving and I'm the only one staying here!" I jokingly rolled my eyes at him.

"Okay, you're making me change my mind. I'll still visit you! If Dacre can do it, so do I!" He bursts into laughter and I lightly hit his arm when he mentioned Dacre.

"We don't mention that name here anymore, Franco," Cali teases.

"Okay, enough of Dacre. Let's just focus on the game," I say when I saw the basketball team was already inside the gym.

I was surprised to see that Eli was also one of the players today and it seemed like he was glaring at Henry, who was busy talking to the other players. What is he so mad about now?

When Henry was browsing the bleachers, I raised my hand and waved at him. He immediately noticed me and smiled. I gave him a thumbs up while I mouthed the words 'good luck' to him.

After just a few warm-ups and opening remarks the game already started. I was starting to notice that Eli would take the ball out of Henry's hands or make the other players pass the ball to him which, didn't make our points good since the opposing team was already ten points ahead of us because of his arrogance.

Henry was the shooting guard yet, Eli always takes the ball and fail miserably when he takes his shot. The coach made him take the bench for the second half and replaced him with another player.

Before we even knew it, we were already leading with twelve points ahead of the opposing team and with one last shot from Henry, the game ended with our team being the champions this year.

The band, the coach, and every single person in the gym cheered. Henry's team shook hands with the other team and said their congratulations while I saw Eli's bitter face, sitting on the bench.

"We won the finals! Oh my god?" I exclaimed while I looked around the whole place and the happiness in everyone's faces. Cali and I giggled as we jumped in joy.

"Yes, I can't believe it! For sure, Henry's the MVP." Cali says cheerfully.

"Your boyfriend's waiting for you," Franco inserted which made me look at Henry. I didn't even bother to correct him when he called him my boyfriend.

I was just excited as I ran towards Henry who had a wide grin plastered in his face. I instantly wrapped my arms on his neck and he spins me around before he puts me down.

"You did great, Henry! Looks like all the training had paid off, huh?" I say as I absentmindedly pushed off the hair that was sticking to his forehead because of his sweat.

His brows shot up from the gesture which made me retract my hand and drop it to my side.

"Thanks, hearing your cheers helps me," He answered, his smile became shy while a lot of people passed by congratulating him.

"As promised, we're going to celebrate. It's set tomorrow," I excitingly say. I was happy that I was able to plan this in just a short amount of time. It wasn't much though but I hoped he likes it.

"Are you going to tell me what it is?" He jokingly asks.

"You'll just have to see it for yourself, Wright," I replied as the side of my lips rose.