What If...

22: Catching Up

After classes, my group (composed of me, Dennis, Tristan and Lardz) headed to the Sports Center for our training. I have checked Alex's calendar at home and noted that his trainings are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays after classes. During Game Days, however, I presume that there are no trainings by that time.

I'm surprised at how organized Alex was when it comes to his sport. His jerseys, shoes and other sports gear are thoroughly arranged, which made it easy for me to get the necessary stuff for today's training. He got his training notes properly categorized in his desk, and even have video clips on basketball gameplay arranged systematically in his laptop. It's a different story though when it comes to other subjects, where he just had them hanging all over the room, making it difficult with me to be familiar with his belongings, especially non-basketball related.

   "We're glad to have you back again at our training, Dude!" Lardz merrily expressed. "Trainings were never the same without you. We missed our game changer during trainings and the league."

   "But you've got Dennis, Tristan and the rest of the team even I'm away," I candidly dismissed his sweet talk. "Besides, you made it to the top spot at this time without my help."

   "I know, but you contributed so much to the game prior to your accident, Dude," he quickly countered. "Never discount your role in helping us reach this spot. To be honest, the team seems to be having a difficult time without you in the hardcourt. The other bench players are not performing as expected during your absence."

   "Good thing Boss explored the players in Team B, and now we have Chas," Dennis sounded out while he wrapped his arm in Tristan's shoulders and pointed at him. "He made wonders during the past game, resulting to our 20-point lead against St. Ursula."

   "You're just flattering me, Ico!" Tristan blushed at Dennis's encouraging feedback on his performance. "I'm just playing with the best teammates!"

   "Now you're flattering us, Chas!" Lardz sassed back while beaming his signature big smile. "But seriously, Dude, we really need you in the game! You really make the difference when you're there!"

   "I guess it's time for Chas to shine! Am I right?" I cheerfully voiced while trying to mess around Tristan's well-combed hair.

   "Whatever, Yola! Just don't mess with the hair!" Tristan parried while looking ruffled at my playful gesture. I just remembered that he hates people rubbing his hair, especially the last time we talked before dinner on the day of my accident. I miss playing rough on my son, which I can still do. But this time, I can do it as his buddy.

   "By the way, Budz, I'm just curious about what happened at the end of the class. Ms. Olgado gave this pop quiz by asking us to write an essay about something boring. While everyone hates it, you seem to be excited to write something. Despite our teacher excusing you from taking the quiz, you still took your time to write." Dennis shifted the discussion while halfway to our training venue.

   "What's wrong with that?" I flung back at him for his unusual observation.

   "Well, you know, you're not into writing stuff. You hated it! I'm just wondering why the sudden change that you seem to enjoy writing. I've even noticed you writing endlessly as I see you scribble and flip the pages of your notepad quickly," Dennis added as he looked puzzled at my seemingly new mannerism.

   "That's nothing, Dennis!" I rebuffed straightaway. "Maybe that essay is a way for me to free my mind of all these thoughts after weeks of inactivity. Hehe. People tend to change a bit at times." He simply smiled back, looking unconvinced of my explanation. I guess he still can't understand what's going on with his best friend. I still need more time to catch up on things.