The Chief and the Captain

Three

Alvin woke up with a slight headache. He stared at the ceiling, remembering the events of yesterday. He felt embarrassed at the thought of seeing Rick at school after what happened. Alvin has never given much thought about his sexuality because he has never been in a relationship to know what he prefers. Rick suddenly giving him attention started to stir his mind.

He came to school earlier than usual. He liked the peace and quiet of the publication room in the mornings. The staff members normally come by at lunch and after classes so the quiet was bliss.

"Jessie!!" Just when he had settled with a cup of hot chocolate, someone called loudly from the outside.

"She's not here." Alvin opened the door enough to see Rick standing by the entrance in his jersey, obviously on his way to the gym. His bag hanging on his muscular shoulder, and a basketball on his hand. He leaned closer and he could smell a faint scent of mint.

"Need anything else?" Alvin asked averting his gaze.

Rick didn't answer.

Alvin was about to shut the door on him but the other already invited himself inside. Rick walked around the room as if he was suppose to be there. He poked into the drawers and cabinet and finally stood in front of the bulletin board.

"Heard you got accepted to A-University." he said.

Alvin nodded, walking back to his seat.

"Watcha doing?" Rick sat at the empty chair beside Alvin.

"Hmm. Don't you have practice?" After yesterday, Alvin can't really stand being too close to anyone, especially Rick as his heart can't seem to calm down. He tried his best to make him go away without actually pushing him out. He want to make him feel that he does not want to be disturbed, and that he really hate being bothered while working but this captain's so dense.

Alvin looked at him from the corner of his eye and saw him staring at the bulletin board hanging on the wall. His hazel eyes gazing blankly, deep in thought. How can someone look so good without so much effort? His hair's all disheveled, his jersey's not properly tucked and his eyes were puffy, like he just woke up. Nevertheless, he looked like he was followed by sunshine everywhere. His eyes glowed with amusement and his smile was contagious.

Alvin kept quiet for a moment, continued writing his editorial. He was really glad for the distraction because Rick's presence was throwing him off balance. He felt that if he continued looking at him, his face will burn in Alvin's memory, and that's something he wanted to avoid.

A few moments of comfortable silence, the door opened and Jessie came in carrying a bag of chips and a bottled water.

"Oi Rick, why are you here?" She asked. She sat across both of them and dumped her things on the table. "Go back to your club."

"You're so mean." He smiled at her. Rick's serious expression was suddenly replaced by a huge smile.

His smile didn't reach his eyes. Alvin noticed.

"Heard you're single again." Jessie started. "What happened? Only after a month?"

Rick leaned forward on the table and sighed. "She's cute, nice, but that's it.

"Why do you even bother courting girls if you'll just break their hearts in the end?" Jessie's got a good point but Alvin kept silent.

"I did not court her, she came and confessed. Plus it lacks the spark!" Rick chuckled. "When I dated you it's full of fireworks!" He laughed

"That bull about fireworks again. Why can't you stick to one girl? A girl's heart doesn't deserve to be trampled upon." Jessie stressed her point.

Alvin, being observant as he was noticed a glint in Jessie's eyes that he hasn't noticed before. Was it because of Rick? Was she still in love with him?

He glanced at Rick's direction if he could also see the same sparkle. Half expecting him looking at Jessie with loving eyes, he caught Rick looking at him instead.

"I just wanna fall in love, Jess, you know that." Rick said.

Alvin felt his face growing hot. His heart was also screaming in his chest.

I can't stand this, I can't listen to them talk anymore. He said to himself .

"I know, but you're too picky." Jessie answered him.

He nodded. "I guess I am."

Alvin stood up. He couldn't listen any longer. It would be bad for his heart, the way Rick makes him feel and the guilt when he look into Jessie's loving eyes. His mind kept arguing with him. He'd rather stay and listen but his conscience cannot bear to stay any longer. He went out of the PubRoom and walked slowly to the cafeteria. He bought a chocolate bar and a coke and walked back. He took his time hoping that they've changed their topic the moment he return.

Jessie dated Rick two years ago. Alvin remembered her telling him how it started. Since they were neighbors, Jessie hangs out a lot in his house. One day Rick just asked her if she can date him. Jessie jumped the gun and said yes. Their relationship didn't last long. Only a week, exactly 7 days but she said it was the best week of her life. In the end they knew their friendship would last longer than romance.

Alvin opened the door and saw that Jessie already left.

"You're still here?" he asked Rick who's still seated where he left him. "Jessie already went to class?"

He nodded. "I was waiting for you."

His heart, again, started racing. He unconsciously grabbed his chest, afraid it would fall out of its ribcage.

Rick stood up and gently placed a hand on top of Alvin's head. Rick towered over Alvin. He smiled warmly but again, his smile didn't reach his eyes.

Alvin was debating whether to push him away and brush him off or to wrap him in an embrace. He looked like he needed comfort, but still, he kept his distance. Like dusk to dawn, Rick's mood suddenly changed and Alvin was able to perceive it clearly, though unsure of what the reason was behind it. Was it Jessie? but he didn't dare ask.

Instead, Alvin asked the other again why he's still at the PubRoom, when he should be at the gym for morning practice.

"I need help with English." Rick chuckled, embarrassed.

Alvin let out a deep sigh, hating himself for having strange thoughts.

"OK." he answered flatly

"Thanks! You're a lifesaver." Rick picked up his bag from the chair he vacated. "By the way, congrats on making it to A-Uni"

"Thanks.

"I'm going to the State college. I plan on getting a varsity scholarship." Rick beamed.

Alvin didn't ask but he still looked at him thoughtfully.

Rick walked towards the door but stopped and looked back at the chief "Or I could follow you at A-Uni." He smiled and went out.

For the second time in a row, Alvin was left dumbstruck. His chest wouldn't stop beating so loud. He was glad he was alone as he sat and leaned back on the chair. He closed his eyes but Rick's smiling face was flashing on his mind. Not the sad smile he showed earlier but his smile when he was standing just a foot from him, while his hands gently ruffled his hair.

Rick has been doing it on purpose. He wanted to stir Alvin, confuse him and make him pay more attention to him. He didn't need tutoring, his grades were fine. He just made an excuse so he could spend more time with the other. They have been classmates since elementary school and he was just another classmate to Alvin, like the rest. He didn't want that. Rick wanted to be more special, to be something more than just another person.