The Chief and the Captain

Two

Rick was standing by the door first period. Classes would start in a few but he stood there in his school uniform, pressed black slacks and white Polo shirt, his back rested on the wall. He smiled when Alvin passed by and greeted.

"Good morning." Alvin nodded in response.

Rick followed Alvin to his seat, although he's seated three chairs from the other. He pulled a chair for himself and smiled, his arms rested on Alvin's desk.

"What?" Alvin asked coldly.

"Nothing." Rick responded, the smile on his face seemed to be plastered permanently.

Alvin shook his head trying to look for something, anything he could do so that he can avoid a staring game with Rick that he knew he'd definitely lose. It was hard enough to look at his handsome face, especially that the face was only a few feet from him.

"Has your team decided on what to do with the basketball team after you graduate?" Alvin asked, out of the blue.

Rick tilted his head and frowned very lightly. A light scar was visible in his chin which he scratched unconsciously.

"Well..we need a new captain.."

Ofcourse, that's an obvious response. LG was also prepping their staff to handle the editorial position once the seniors graduate. "Can we do a profile about you and the team?"

"Sure. Ask away." Alvin grabbed a pen and pad from his bag and placed it neatly on the table. He tapped the pen lightly at the top of the desk while thinking of what to ask.

"When's your birthday?" It was Rick who asked first.

"December 24th." Alvin absently answered. It took a few seconds for him to realize that he responded. He shot his companion a look while his face started to turn red from embarrassment.

Rick suddenly burst out laughing. Eyes turned to the pair. Alvin was known to be an ice, dead pan, straight faced. Rick booming in laughter with him was the most uncommon sight to see. Alvin rarely show emotion, or in this case, show embarrassment. He was a perfect member of the press with such attribute.

"Sorry. I didn't expect you to answer." Rick said, laughing. He reached out to Alvin and slightly touched the tip of his right ear. "It's red." He laughed once more.

For some reason, it was contagious and Alvin let out a quiet laugh.

"I finally made you laugh." He whispered and stood up, just in time for the teacher to arrive, and in time for him not to see Alvin blush even more.

After class, at the gym, Rick was playing better than usual. His movements were quicker, his passes were more on point and his baskets were also better than his usual play.

"You're doing great today." Coach Oliver commented. "Pumped up for our coming game?"

Rick smiled widely. "Something like that."

As the captain, he was expected to show a good game. He was selected by the team unanimously because he has great potential and a great record since he joined as a rookie in his freshman year. Now that he's graduating, Rick aims to win all his remaining games for the year. A practice game with another high school will be held before the coming playoffs in the next few weeks. That will be his last season because final exams will come afterwards, then graduation. With the situation at home, he didn't even know if he'll be able to go to college. He could apply for varsity scholarship but that will be a long shot. He may live with his dad and stay here in Laguna or come live with his mom in Manila. Better yet, he could pack his bags and leave home. He has been tempted to do that for a while. He's eighteen, he can get a job. However he was thinking about his 15 year old brother. His parents haven't decided on who would get custody over them.

A whistle echoed in the gym, a signal that the game has ended. Rick's team, with his pals Luke and Ferdie, and two freshmen won the game. The other team was led by the vice captain Kyle and their rising star player Brandon and three freshmen. Usually, Brandon can play head on head with Rick but today was different. Rick was feeling great it showed in his play. He smiled, pleased with himself.

Alvin was the last to leave the PubRoom. He had compiled the list of articles they received from contributors for the month on hopes of finding a good story to include in the year end paper. He stretched his legs and made one last look around the room to make sure that the computers were shut down and the file cabinets were properly closed and no scattered paperwork anywhere. Satisfied, he picked up his bag, turned off the lights and locked the door.

It was almost 6PM when Alvin left the PubRoom, he dragged his tired feet towards the school entrance and into the setting sun. The faint orange sky slowly fades to black, subtly enveloping everything in darkness. He had always liked the night time, it was more alive to his eyes than the mornings. The mornings were just pure chaos.

"Why are you still here?" Alvin turned after hearing a voice he was familiar with. He turned and found Rick in sweatpants and white shirt, his gym bag sling on his side.

"I just finished some stuff." Alvin answered.

Rick eyed the thick envelope Alvin had tucked under his arm.

"Are you walking home?" He asked. Alvin nodded. He live so near the school he can wake up at 7:15 and be on time for his 7:30 class, but of course he wouldn't do that. Of all things, Alvin hated rushing, cramming, and working out of his time table. Everything should be organized and timely.

"Let's go?" Rick put an arm around Alvin and pulled him towards the road.

Alvin looked at him, confused. "Don't you live the other way?" He pointed to the other direction.

"Uh-huh." A smile tugged at the side of the Captain's face.

He walked with the other guy all the way to the house. It was a silent 10 minute walk but Alvin was uneasy with the way Rick's arm comfortably rested on his shoulders. He couldn't see Rick's face, nor did he try to look up at him because he already knew his pale face would be red as a tomato.

The moment they reached the Castro residence, Rick pulled his arm, and brushed a finger at Alvin's already blushing face.

"See you tomorrow." Rick turned with a satisfied grin.

He left Alvin standing by the gate with a stumped look and it was imprinted in Rick's mind. He nodded lightly as he made his way home. Alvin was so surprised he stood by the gate like a total nut job. His eyes were wide open and his heart beat was faster than normal. When he finally snapped out of his trance, he ran inside the house and jumped in bed. His heart still aflutter, the feel of Rick's warmth emanating from his skin and the faint smell of coffee still lingers. He touched his cheek, the one he slightly caressed.

What the hell am I doing? A mere touch and I'm rolling in my bed? I don't understand why, of all people, Rick is making me feel this way? Alvin asked himself. He grabbed a pillow, buried his face and muffled a scream. Although, it doesn't really matter if he screamed at the top of his lungs. He's alone anyway, which was a pretty good thing every now and then.

40 minutes and one jeepney ride later, Rick arrived home. He lived with his father, his dad's girlfriend and his little brother Raymond. Since their parents separated, and when their father brought home the girlfriend (who was basically the reason for their parents' breakup) the whole house became quiet and they have all settled in their bedrooms. It was dinner time when he arrived. Raymond was eating by himself while watching TV. He briefly looked at his brother and went back to his plate. Rick hated seeing his brother's melancholic face but couldn't do anything about it. He went in his own space, his bedroom, and locked the door.