OUR AFFECTIONS SERIES: Lance Fajardo 1; IT'S YOU

Two: The transferee

Lance Fajardo

Maaga akong umalis ng bahay namin ngayon para mag-practice. May laro kasi kami next week at kailangan namin mag-practice ng todo dahil championship na at isang panalo na lang ang kailangan namin, maiuuwi na namin ang gintong medalya.

Mga 4:30am ata ako nagising kanina. Malapit lang din naman sa school ang bahay namin kaya pagkatapos ko maligo, tinulungan ko muna si mama na i-prepare ang mga kakailanganin niya sa pagluluto.

We own a small eatery just inside our house. My mom's a single mother ever since she had me.

Mga 5:30 ay umalis na ako ng bahay after preparing all the ingredients she needed on today's menu. Pagdating ko ng gym ay nandun na mga teammates ko, warming themselves up. Tinanguan lang nila ako at tinanguan ko lang din sila. After putting my bag in my locker, I already join them.

Nag-stretching lang ako ng kaunti dahil pinawisan narin na ako since naglakad lang ako papunta rito.

"Ahrrrrr..." Paghihikab ni Dexter habang ng si-stretching.

Tinawanan lang siya ng mga teammates namin.

"Pwede naman na sigurong mag-relax muna tayo. I'm so tired, you know? Waking up so early in the morning is just not my thing. We've been doing this for like a month now, right?"

"But you still managed. The game's next week Dex. We can't afford to lose this. Not now." As I throw the ball on him.

"Aye, aye, Kapitan!" He even manages to give me a hand salute but in a lazy manner.

They appointed me as team captain even though I strongly disagreed to it, ending me and Dexter being co-captains. I don't really like boss them around all the time, but inside the court, I always do. I always encourage them to do their best especially during the actual game, because to be honest, I hate losing. No. I never loose.

Me, bossing them, is just inside the court but outside, that's when Dexter comes in. He'd always managed to have a get-together sometimes after class, which I don't mind. Even though they've labelled me as badass and merciless in court, they'd never left me out in every get-together they have.

We already started our practice. Our defense, my shooting, because yeah, I'm also the shooting guard in our team.

My voice was the only thing you could hear inside the gym. I don't hesitate to shout and boss them around, telling them to do this and that. Even if I made a mistake or even just get irritated on myself of not doing my thing perfectly, nasisigawan ko pa rin sila.

I'm taking a rest in the bench as I was catching my breath. I told my team to take a break too.

"Hey Kap, don't get too worked up! I know your just nervous for next week's game." As Dex taps me on my shoulder then sit beside me.

"We're doing fine man. We know you hate losing and I assure you, we're going to be fine. We have our best captains here!" I just gave him a cold stare.

"And we know already that you're a monster inside the court but you're in your "monster-est" today. What happen?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Yeah, just nothing." As I gulped the bottled water, still in that cold aura.

"Are you sure?"

"And who told you to talk to me?" In a furrowed brows this time.

"I thought we're friends." He was obviously teasing me.

"We're not friends Dex." As I get up from my seat and clap my hands, signaling to resume our practice.

"Ouch, okay." As he walks lazily towards the court, at the same time, smirks at me. I almost rolled my eyes on him as I again clap my hands to get my teammates attention.

"Come on guys! Break's over!"

"Yes sir!" Them, even giving me a hand salute.

Hindi ko napigilan ang mapangiti. It's what I love about my teammates. They would always try to make fun of me just to make me laugh especially if they'd noticed that I'm in a bad mood. Which, by the way, would always end up me, getting angrier all the time, but I just love it when they don't really make it to heart, my shouting, nagging and bossing them inside the court.

"Wooww!!!! Everyone, did you see that?! Our monster-captain just smiled! Did you see that?!" Na para bang nakakita siya ng ginto at halos lumuwa na ang kanyang mga eyeballs sa sobrang saya niya. Tch.

"Yeah, we all did see it, Dex."

"And?!"

"He'd get angry if we'd tease him right now. Let's wait 'til we get outside later." T'was Donny who's now teasingly smirking at me.

"Whatever." As I furrowed my brows in embarrassment.

Naibaling ko ang aking atensiyon sa aninag ng araw sa sahig. I walk towards my locker and check my phone. It's already 7am sharp.

"Well, it's already 7am. Thanks for making time for our practice today. See you tomorrow."

"See you around, Kapitan!" Habang isa-isang nagsilabasan ng gym pagkatapos magbihis ng school uniform namin.

"And guys, Kapitan said sorry that he's on his "monster-est" today!" Dex suddenly shout that makes our teammates stop and turn around.

"Dex---"

"He also said thank you for your patience and understanding! That's all!" Pagpapatuloy niya even if I already glared at him.

"No worries, Kap!" As they smiled at us before continued walking.

"You know what, you're starting to get on my nerves."

"🎶 You're welcome! You're welcome----and thank you! 🎶" Him mimicking Maui's voice in Moana as he was grinning teasingly at me while walking away.

I smiled in disbelief on his confidence of getting on my nerves. Napalingo-lingo na lang ako.

Umupo muna ako sa bench at hinubad ang aking t-shirt na basang-basa ng pawis. I texted mom na katatapos lang namin mag-practice. It took her minutes before she replied.

Ms. Beautiful:

Buti naman anak. Magbihis kaagad ha. Wag hayaang matuyuan ng pawis.

Opo.

May dalawang sandwich akong nilagay sa bag mo kanina. Kainin mo yan.

Opo, opo. 🥰

Nagluluto ka pa rin ba ma?

Kanina pa ako natapos sa pagluluto anak. Katatapos ko lang din mag-serve sa limang costumer. Mabi-busy na ako.

And'yan na po ba sina Aling Lena?

Oo anak.

Mabuti naman po.

Sige po ma. Magbibihis na po ako.

I love you ma.

Sige anak. Wag kalimutan kumain.

I love you too, anak ko.

❤️❤️

Nilagay ko ang cellphone ko sa bag at nakita ko nga ang sandwich na sinasabi ni mama. Kumuha ako ng isa then took a bite. Napangiti ako. Wala talagang makakatalo sa sandwich na gawa mismo ng mama ko.

I check the equipments first and when I count the balls, kulang ito ng isa. I was busy looking for it when I noticed someone entered the gym.

It was a girl. She's like 5 ft. tall, or taller. Has long, black and a very straight hair, that reaches half of her upper body, and with a bangs that almost covered her eyes. And she had a lunchbox on her hand.

I guess, she didn't notice my presence as she was amusingly roaming her eyes around. And with that, I assume, she's new here. Also, given that she's not wearing our school uniform, which our school is known for its strictly "must wear your school uniform inside the premises", she's a transferee, for sure. But, in this time of the year?

She's somehow back on her senses when she hurriedly went outside. I don't know why but my feet followed her. I was already right behind her, but she didn't even notice me at all.

Napangiti ako. She's so small. She's a little bit skinny and she's just on my shoulder level. Unaware, I was already observing her every move.

She started panicking after looking at her wristwatch. I guess, she was going to the teacher's office, most transferee students would do.

I don't know why but I want to see her face. I mean, I just want to help her. And with no hesitation, I cleared my throat to get her attention.

"Are you new here?"

She then turns around.

"Ahm---y-yes?!"

She was so----------- beautiful. And nerd.

She has a very small face and pinkish cheeks. Her lips are like that of babies, untouched. Unkissed.

I was mesmerized by the way she looks at me. She looks like a lost puppy. I want to smile to her but my voice and facial expression betrayed me.

She was indeed looking for the teacher's office. I offered to take her there, though it's just across the gym, and ask her to wait for me. Dali-dali akong nagbihis at ipinasok ulit sa bag ang sandwich na nakagat ko lang ng isang beses. I checked the equipments again and again, ensuring nothing's lost or something. Then I realized, I was panicking.

And why? Why am I panicking? And why do my heart beats so fast that I could clearly hear it?

Habang papalapit ako sa kanya ay mas lalo ring lumalakas ang t***k ng puso ko but when she started walking away, I'm like, pissed. And yeah, the "I want to smile at her" turns her, saying sorry to me instead. I bet, she thinks I'm a bad person already. She must have find me intimidating.

Muntik ko lang naman siyang masigawan nung magsimula siyang maglakad papalayo sa'kin. And I bet, my face really looks angry at that moment. Hayss.. Temper, give me a break!

Inihatid ko siya sa teacher's office and I can't forget the expression she made when she bumped her whole face on my chest. I failed to hide my amusement that I also failed to control my chuckle.

"Clumsy." Without knowing I was smiling already.

I checked my chest if there's some kind of a mark that she left there. Absolutely, none. Napangiti ulit ako. That just means, that's her natural beauty. She's not wearing any make up at all!

"What are you doing?"

Nagulat pa ako ng biglang nagsalita si Crishna.

"What?" Back in my usual cold treatment with my brows, furrowed.

"Guys, Lance just smiled! Or rather, he's grinning!" Tsk.Parang si Dexter lang ah.

Our classmates then all turn around to look at me.

"What?" Lalong kumunot ang noo ko. Ewan ko ba. I just hate people giving me their attention.

Inilagay ko sa ibabaw ng armchair ang aking bag at isinubsob ko na lang ang mukha ko doon. I can't stop sighing as I recall my stupidity in front of her. Well, I mean, I'm always like that to anyone. Cold, intimidating and harsh, sometimes. I also don't hesitate to say whatever's on my mind.

Hindi ko namalayang tuluyan na akong nakatulog at nagising nalang ako ng tawagin ang pangalan ko ni Ms. Belarmino. I immediately put down my bag and fixed my posture, but my attention was caught by the long-haired girl student sitting in front of me. In a moment, my heart skips a beat. I was just looking at her from behind but I'm pretty sure it's her.

I noticed Crishna staring coldly at her. Sinipa ko ang armchair niya then she glared at me and said, "Anong problema mo?!" Wow, kung makasigaw naman 'to parang wala sa loob ng classroom. I just stared coldly at her.

"Lance and Crishna at the back, mahiya naman tayo sa bago nating classmate. Class officers pa naman kayo!" Ms. Belarmino, na para bang naubos na namin lahat ng pasensya niya.

"Sorry po miss." Sabay lingon sa'kin at inirapan ako.

I just ignored her then look at the transferee girl's long hair hanging on her chair. I wonder if she dyed them because it's really very black, and straight too.

Ms. Belarmino then instructed us to get a whole sheet of paper. Pagyuko ko para abutin ang bag ko, napansin ko ang lunchbox niya. Why does she even bring one, when we have a canteen here?

After our first period, tinawag ako ni Ms. Belarmino at sinabihang ituro ko sa transferee kung saan ang locker niya and if possible, give her a tour around the campus.

Usually, I would refuse to do anything regarding my "responsibility" as class president, ending Crishna doing those instead, since she's our class vice-president.

Just how I became the team captain, I also don't know why my classmates voted for me even if I strongly didn't agree to it. But I guess, they really respected me since they would always listen to me every time I have something to say. And maybe, afraid too.

After the second period is 15 minutes snack time. Napatingin ulit ako sa kanya. Hindi man lang siya lumingon sa direksyon ko.

"Didn't expect you'd finally do your responsibility this time." Crishna as she walked past me, exiting in the back door.

Tumayo ako at pumunta sa harapan niya. Kinuha ko ang lunchbox niya at nagsimulang maglakad palabas.

"S-sandali!"

I stopped then turned around to face her. Nagulat pa ako nang paglingon ko't nandyan na siya agad sa likuran ko.

"Do you always stutter like that?! Why are you stuttering anyway?!" I can really feel my furrowed brows forming. Naks naman Lance! Akala ko ba ayaw mong matakot siya sa'yo?

I can see that she wasn't expecting me as her eyes and mouth widen in shock. She blinked twice before saying something.

"Y-You?! T-The class p-president?!" As she looked back on my chair behind hers.

"Hindi ka kasi lumilingon." Still in my furrowed brows as I continued walking outside.

Nang mapansin kong nakasunod siya sa'kin ay tinanong ko siya patungkol sa lunchbox niya na bitbit ko. "Why did you even bring this? You didn't expect our school to have a school canteen too like yours, in your previous school? I heard you came from a Montessori school-----"

Napatigil ako ng naramdaman kong hindi na siya nakasunod sa'kin. Nung lingunin ko siya ay tumigil pala siya sa gitna ng corridor, a meter away from me. Students started murmuring. Then she walked towards me and get her lunchbox from me.

"I have my reasons. Where are we going anyway?"

I feel guilty the moment I see pain on her eyes when she said that. I hurt her.

"Ahm---to your locker."

"O-Okay." As she gestured me to lead the way.

We arrived on her locker without saying anything to each other then I handed the key to her. Sobrang na-guilty ako sa mga sinabi ko. Damn!

I clenched my fist and jaw at the same time, as I tried controlling my hands from hitting myself. I promised to my mom and myself that I won't be that person anymore, violent and short-tempered.

I was fighting the urge to hit myself when she suddenly talks from behind me.

"A-Are you okay?"

I slowly turned around and there she is, looking innocently worried about me.

"Y-You seemed----"

"I'm sorry, about everything I said earlier."

"Ahh, I'm sorry too for reacting like that. Ms. Anne told me about the possible "talks" about me earlier in the teacher's office, but I didn't really expect it would hurt when someone really would talk to me about it personally."

Mas lalo akong na-guilty seeing her smile despite that.

"I'm really sorry. That was so insensitive and inconsiderate of me."

"I said it's okay. Sheen, by the way." Her, extending her hand for a handshake. "Your Lance, right?"

She's not just pretty outside but also beautiful inside.

"Hmmm." As a smile draw on my lips.

I took out a piece of chocolate candy from my pocket and handed it to her.

"Ahm--- I'm not really fond of eating chocolates. Sweets, in general."

"Please take this. I would consider you not forgiving me if you won't take it."

"Okay then." As she was grinning at it already.

We started walking back to our classroom, 5 minutes before snack time ends.

I took out another two chocolate candies from my pocket, peeled it and handed the other one to her while taking the other one.

"I already have th-----"

"Save that for later. Come on, I already peeled it."

She then took and put it in her mouth. She even closed her eyes as if savoring it and that she hasn't eaten like it for a while already.

Hindi ko napigilan ang mapangiti sa loob-loob ko.

"I hope you'll continue talking to me without your stutter."

"I-I don't think I-I can do that."

This time, I failed to stop the chuckle from escaping my mouth.

"You just did it seconds ago. You we're talking straight to me, without a single stutter."

"D-Did I?"

"Oh, come on Sheen."

I was aware of the shocked faces of the students every time we pass by them. Can't blame them though. They've never heard me laugh, chuckle nor even smile, at least, just inside the school, but here I am, can't stop my chuckle and even made a light laugh.

I think, I love her already.