What If...

21: Warm Welcome

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   "So how was it, Budz?" Dennis asked in anticipation as he's seen me and Tess exited Principal Pfitz's office.

   "Dennis, it's not what I expected," I answered while maintaining my poker face as much as possible so that I can't spoil them of the good news that I'm about to share. "But where's Lardz?"

   "Look who I've found, Dude!" Lardz trumpeted as he was approaching us with someone familiar. "He was heading this way when I've spotted him. He tried to run away, but I talked him out of it."

   "Chas! Glad to see you!" I heartily remarked as Tristan was with Lardz, although he seemed red-faced as he was constantly staring at the floor. "Why did you run away when I've seen you at the stairway earlier?"

   "You know I worry about you, Yola, especially when Ico and Lardz mentioned something about the meeting. As much as I would like to approach you that time, my nerves got the better of me and ran away. You know that my dad is the reason why you've been injured badly," Tristan nervously explained as he still tried to avoid eye contact with me.

   And so I looked at him, placed my arm around his shoulders and assured him, "I already told you that everything's fine, Chas. I've forgiven your dad since it's an accident. There's no need for you to look gloomy. Cheer up! That look won't make you a chick magnet. Look at Dennis and Lardz, they always smile. That's why they have all these girls around them." By that time, Tristan started to look at me and gave that sweet smile.

   "That's true, Dude! Girls like to see guys smiling in a particular way. Just look at how I do it!" Lardz comically affirmed what I said as he gave his version of a killer smile- a wide yet mysterious grin with his eyes which seems to pierce through your soul. "Anyway, what happened inside?"

   "Guys, I'm not allowed to play for the team for one month," I regretfully announced to the group. Then the boys started to look low-spirited and started to voice out their sentiments.

   "That can't be! We have a season to finish! It's our final year!" Lardz vented in frustration. With his eyes wide open and his hands all over his face, I can definitely see his shock upon hearing the news.

   "How can this happen? I thought Boss would find a way to help you in this scenario?" Dennis expressed his disbelief as he thought Coach Bidarte was able to convince the School Board to give me a lighter sanction. "That means you're suspended for a month!"

   "At least you are not expelled or your scholarship revoked," Tristan consoled me as he patted my back to comfort me.

   "Not exactly, Dennis! In fact, I was asked to report back to school tomorrow. I'll be seeing you guys more frequently now! Plus, I can still join in our trainings!" I candidly broke the good news to the guys and gave them this smug look.

When they've heard that, the guys started to huddle up and play rough on me.

   "When did you learn to make such moves, Dude?! You had us worrying at the beginning!" Lardz smirked and started to mess with my hair.

   "That's great news, Yola! I'm glad you weren't suspended. God is really good to help you out of this accident and scandal," Tristan opined with much joy that he started to get teary-eyed.

   "Wow! Never mind the games for now, Budz. You still needed time to recover. We'll make sure we reach the Finals so that you can make your comeback and help us win the championship as usual!" Dennis confidently exclaimed as he gave me this honest and sincere smile.