If We Become

CHAPTER 3

GELO

"Tomorrow, same time here in the gym. You need to improve more during the practice since the National Star Cup Tournament is just around the corner. We must double our efforts to secure a spot at the championship game. Is that understood?" Coach Lyle stated. "Yes, Coach!" we said in unison. 

"Ok, good. Remember to rest for today because your training for tomorrow will be harder." he reminded us. "If I may ask, Coach, why is our training cut short today?" I asked. 

"I'll have to train the junior's team. Those who are 16 and below. Your Ate Queenie won't be able to make it today since the children's nanny will be going home to her province today." he explained. "Oh, okay. It seems like they have arrived." I said as I spot two teenagers entering the gym while holding their duffle bags.

Coach Lyle left me as he made his way to greet the newcomers. It was not too long ago when I used to look like them when I enrolled in Coach Lyle's summer camp. Wow, it has already been years since I started playing volleyball. Dad really had a huge influence on why I started playing. A lot of things had also occurred as I play where some are good, and some should just be buried deep into my memories.

After changing my clothes and organizing my stuff, I received a text message from Amy.

Text Message from Bub 10:24am

Bub! Can you we meet at the mall by 12pm? I'm just running some errands and it's Sela's birthday tomorrow, so I'll be buying her a gift. Love you!

Text Message to Bub 10:25 am

No problem. See you.

It was still early so I decided to stay for a while in the gym. I can't help but watch the kids play. The way they move is truly different since they are still young. I remember when we used to train before, even if we were constantly training, our energy doesn't seem to deplete since our attacks and receives are still loaded.

"Hey, Geo. Set me the ball! Do it properly, okay? You might fail again hahaha." the other guy said. "Woah, coming from you? I do my sets properly, its just you who don't have a perfect jump and timing, PJ!" said the guy named Geo.

"Guys, listen. We have a new member of our team. Please welcome, John Lloyd!" I heard Coach Lyle say as I step out the rest room. Why did he still accepted a player when the interschool competition is nearing? I wonder if he is any good. 

"Ah, just call me JL. Hello, everyone." he said. I wonder where Coach Lyle recruited him from since he does not easily import players because I have been playing with those in the team for two years now.

"What's your position?" one of our teammates asked. "Hitter. I can be the outside, opposite or middle hitter but I mostly play as outside hitter." he said. I see, he's well-versed as a hitter, probably the reason why Coach Lyle decided to scout him. 

"How long have you been playing?" another teammate asked. "I was exposed to volleyball ever since I was young since my parents all play it. But officially, I've only been playing for two years." he explained. Oh, so we started around the same time.