Get Along Well The Series

CHAPTER 5: Together

CHAPTER 5

I cannot believe that I am an hour away from a total destruction. I am praying to all the saints in heaven that Cherry will not going to do banters with me because she will be the host for today’s Match Up Game. The questions are filtered by our adviser, thank you very much. But who knows, Cherry might go off the script and ask some stupid questions specially to me. We are now inside the student council room where Ms. Villanueva and the other officers are briefing the participants for what will happen later.

Playing along side with us is the tandem of Gigi and Aiden from the Faculty of Engineering. They are real life couple and famous for participating in a summer campaign of a clothing brand. The other couple is Vivienne and Richard. They are the runners up from last year’s Mr. and Ms. Coventry University but I guess nothing’s changed. The final tally the votes are as follows: Me and Max – 12,481. Gigi and Aiden – 6,081. Vivienne and Richard – 5,749.

I really want to talk to that person who put our name in that stupid poll. I want to ask what is running on his or her mind for doing such cruel thing.

I am sitting right now while observing my co-participants actions. The two couples have this natural chemistry. Gigi is sweet to Aiden like always while Aiden is attentive to his girlfriend whenever she is talking. On the other hand, Vivienne is so patient with Richard’s quirky attitude and Richard knows how to make his girl smile.

And here I am, sitting with Max trying to see if there is sparks between us but all I got is appreciation to his looks and attitude. I find it weird that he’s a six-footer man but very gentle and quiet. I guess I’m used to see guys like him being energetic, noisy, boastful and annoying. Max, he’s like breath of fresh air. Now, comparing him to Xavier, I must say that Max is more desirable because he’s not problematic as Xavier.

“Why are you looking at me?” I didn’t notice that I’ve been looking at him for a long time already.

“I feel like I already saw you before. Like we met way back before first year college. I just can’t remember where and when.” I raised my eyebrows and lean over to him. “Have we met before?”

Based on his expression, I feel like he didn’t expect my question. “Y-yes.”

My eyes widened. “Really? Where?”

“Enrolment period, first year college. You bumped into me and said sorry.”

“Really? I don’t remember bumping into someone that day.” I tried to recall my memories during my enrolment day in Coventry University but I cannot recall him.

“Don’t worry about it.” he smiled. “But, can I talk to you later after the program?”

I pouted, “about what?”

“I’ll tell you later. Is that okay? I really want to tell you this a long time ago and I guess this will be the right time. I just need to prepare myself. Just promise me that you won’t be angry or nothing will change. We’re still cool afterwards, okay?”

Wait a minute. Why do I feel like he’s going to confess a crime or something to me? It’s not helping me to relax for the upcoming game. And now, he’s giving me this cliff hanger before we go to the stage?

“You’re making me more nervous, not gonna lie.”

“I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. Just forget about it. It’s not that important though.” He stood up and went outside. Okay? So, he left me alone and confused. How can he do that. I am already nervous to death when he went full circle with me about telling something then told me to just forget about it? What the f**k is going on in here on this day?

I was thinking about what just happened when Cherry approached me.

“Ave, do you want to join us later?”

“Where?” with this kind of question, I know that they are planning to go to a bar and drink again.

“Alvin invited us including you. It’s Paul Matthew’s birthday. Join us please.” She wrapped her arms around me. “We haven’t had some friend’s night out for a very long time. I’m sure we’ll have fun there.”

“As much as I want to, I can’t go to the hospital drunk. You and Kris just go without me.”

Her face expression changed. “Alright, I understand. Say hi to Auntie Tess for me.”

“Next time, we’ll have our own night out. I promise.” I pat my chest near my heart to tell her that I am serious with my promise.

“Okay then. I think the last time we hang out...”

“Was the last night that Xavier and Kris are seen together.” The night of the fall out. I should have known that there is something going on that night. He seems uncomfortable with what Xavier is exhibiting. He’s being uncontrollable and loud and careless. That night he also had a fight with someone at the bar.

We were asked by Ms. Villanueva to go to the central gym because the students are starting to pile up. I told them to go there first because I need a moment to calm myself. I am taking deep breaths to relax my senses. I can do this. There’s no need for me to be nervous. Just go with the flow of the program and enjoy.

I turned around so I can walk myself outside when I saw Max looking at me.

“Feel nervous?”

“Yeah. And I doesn’t help that I can’t stop thinking about what you are about to tell me earlier.” I’m a little pissed because he left me hanging but I can’t force him to tell anything if he is not ready. “Forget it. Let’s go.”

I started walking when I received a notification from my phone. I opened it and saw the message came from Jasmine. I am reading her message and I don’t know how to feel.

“Ave, are you okay?” There’s a lot going through my mind that I didn’t noticed Max is talking to me. “Hey, Ave. What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Finally, I snapped out of it.

“Huh? Ah, yeah. I am. L-Let’s go.” I told him while putting back my phone in my pocket.

We are on our way to the central gym and we can see from our view the students going inside the venue.

“How are you feeling?” I want to know if he’s nervous and anxious like me because looking at him now, I can’t read what’s going on his mind.

“I don’t know what will happen but I know I’ll be okay.” He looked at me. “You’ll help me get through with this right?” I can see the anxiety on his eyes. I mean this is very different from playing volleyball. The pressure is different because people’s attention will be focusing on his actions and words. He may be skilled inside the court, but talking in front of a large crowd and audience is definitely scary.

“Don’t be scared. I got you. I’ve presented myself in front of huge crowd numerous times, so I know how to put on a show. If you’re not confident enough with your answers just looked at me, I’ll handle the rest.” I gave him a tap on his back. “But I think you’ll do good.”

When we entered the central gym, I’m in awe to see that majority of the students are female. It’s not a jampacked venue but I can say that there are a thousand people here right now. Max and I are walking our way to the stage when suddenly screams and cheers echoed. I was shocked to hear their reaction that I didn’t noticed that Max is holding my left hand.

Fan service coming through.

At the backstage, Cherry is preparing for her entrance while Ms. Villanueva is briefing us about what happen. So, the six of us will be on stage. We are sitting with our partner and we are literally going to seat in the middle section between Gigi-Aiden and Vivienne-Richard. The moment that will define us as the center of attraction. Kidding.

Cherry received her cue to introduce herself to the audience and tell them the mechanics of the game. She will ask a question and then we need to match our answers with our partner. At the end of the game, the couple who will have the highest score will win the game and represent the school for Mr. and Ms. University Games. The second highest will be the Muse and Escort for the opening and awarding ceremonies. The last couple will be the representative for the Variety Show.

Basically, it’s their game and not ours. Because whatever score we will get, we’re going to represent the school for the Variety Show. Unless they do drag me up so that I can be the Muse. Oh s**t, I can’t tell them that. I should not give them any ideas.

When Cherry finished briefing the audience, she then called the first pair who will play. We will be the last players. Each couple needs to answer twelve questions. The game between Aiden and Gigi as expected is full of teasing and cheesy answers. They really know well each other for being together for three years. They ended the game with 15 points.

The next pair is Vivienne and Richard. Surprisingly, their answers are interesting and got the audience swoon over Richard’s sweet gestures and answers. I thought that they might have the chance to win this game but they missed the last question which is equivalent to three points. They ended up with 12 points.

Just like what I said earlier, this is a non-bearing game for us. We are only here to test the chemistry or whatever science Max and I have together.

“And last but not definitely least. The newly wedded- I mean newly discovered power couple. Ave and Max!” the audience laughed and cheered when our name was called. I gave Cherry a gazed for that unnecessary description that she said. Oh boy, this will be a very long day. Just like what I thought of earlier.

“Alright, so let’s start. Let’s play the Match Up Game #TeamMaVery version. These questions are tailormade for you guys. I can’t wait to see how this turns out.” The students inside clapped their hands. “Mr. Bustamante, do you take Mr. Villa-...” every one laughed. I stared at Cherry giving her a fierce look.

“Cherry, don’t a***e your authority.” I said to her. We are given microphones, so expect me to fireback, Che.”

“Spare me, Ave. This will be the first time I’m going to host. Just seat there and relax with your baby boy.” The audience went live again.

“Alright, I’ll let this pass.” I told her and then looked at Max who’s just enjoying our conversation.

“Oh wow, he didn’t even oppose on what I said. Max. If you were given a chance, what do you want to call Ave? Hypothetically. Because someone is threatening me with his eyes.” I am that one.

Max held his microphone, “I want to call him on his first name. No special term of endearment is needed because Ave himself is already a special person to me.” Oh okay, where did that come from? The audience went wild.

The people at the backstage cannot hide their romantic excitement. I even saw Ms. Villanueva giggled. I felt that my ears are turning red because I was caught off guard to that statement.

“Oh, Ave why your ears are turning red?” Cherry pointed out.

“There are mosquitoes here. I just got bitten by them.” I excused.

“Does mosquito have name?”

“Is it Max?” Max fired away. Really? He’s now riding with Cherry’s banters?

“No, its name is overtime. Let’s start already, we only have thirty minutes.” I told them.

I don’t know where this conversation will go so, I better stop it before it’s too late. I held for my whiteboard and marker and prepare myself for the questions Cherry will ask.

“Someone is afraid to self incriminate.” Cherry laughed. “Alright, for this round Max will try to match Ave’s answer. The first question is this. What is your partner’s full name?”

My name is Avery Riley Villaconcepcion, 18, Philippines! Just kidding. Did I mentioned it before that I don’t have a middle name? My biological mother’s middle name is Hermosa but I didn’t used it because if I did, we will be considered as siblings. My mom left me to her friend who the superior in the orphanage before she died. Instead of living with my father’s second family, she decided to let her best friend to take care of me in the orphanage.

“Times, up. Show us your answers.” I showed my answer and as expected, Max got the correct answer. All of us got one point. “Nice start. Alright, for the second question. What is your partner’s favorite food?”

Oh damn, I have so many favorite food though. But I guess I’ll stick with what I order the most in the canteen. I am not sure if Max know the answer to this question so I guess we’re going to lose this point.

“Pen’s up. Show them your answers.” I raised my whiteboard, pork fried rice and embutido. Embutido is a mixture of pork, seasonings, carrots, eggs, spring onions, salted egg, hotdog and other spices. It is wrapped in a foil and steamed for 30 to 45 minutes depending on the size. If I am craving really bad, I would travel from our building all the way to the Integrated Building just to eat this combo. It’s special because it is homemade and not processed.

I looked into Max whiteboard and I was surprised to see that our answers match. I forgot to put gravy on mine and he has the complete menu on his board. “Pork fried rice and embutido with gravy? Wow, it seems like Max know you more Ave than yourself.” Cherry teased.

“I totally forgot about the gravy part. How come you know that one?” I asked Max.

“Have you forgotten that your group always eat lunch with us before? Am I the only one paying attention in this relationship?” He acted that he is hurt which makes the ladies scream their heart out.

“I know, but I didn’t expect that you pay attention to what we are ordering. My God, don’t make this a big issue.” I pretended like I’m someone who’s initiating a quarrel.

“Hey, I’m sorry okay. It’s just that If that person is important to you, every detail counts.” I think we decided to flirt on stage to tone down the pressure.

“Apology accepted.” Then I touched him in his shoulder to show that I accepted his apology. “But on the serious note, I think anyone will be lucky to have a Max to their life. He’s like everyone’s dream guy. Right?” I asked the audience and they replied with an astounding yes. I tried to divert the attention to the audience. It worked. Somehow.

“Okay if you say so,” she giggled. “Question number three, I don’t know if this is applicable for the two of you but where did you first meet?” I don’t know what answer will I write on this one. I looked at him and I felt he’s having second thoughts on his answer. He then glanced to me and saw that I am looking at him. He gave me a sweet smile before writing his answer on his board. He already finished answering while I am here, no idea what to write.

I then started writing my answer hoping that I am right about this one. At the same time, I am scared because what if both of our answers are wrong, how will I explain the answer that I come up with? I then decided to change it last minute because I am not confident with what I wrote.

“Alright, times up. Wait okay, both of them are changing their answers. What is happening?” When I heard what Cherry said, I saw him writing something on his board. “Times up. Show us the boards.”

We lifted up our boards and looked at Max’s answer. Outside of central gym. I also wrote the same thing but not detailed. “Ave wrote central gym while Max wrote in outside of central gym. I guess we have a match...” Everyone cheered when we both got the point. I think I have an idea about his first answer and we might have a match on that as well.

“What’s with the changing of answers?” She asked.

“I think I met him before but I’m not sure, so I went to the very recent answer.” I replied.

“I got the spelling wrong.” He laughed. I think he changed his answer completely. Hmmmm...

“Alright, next question. What is your partner’s pet peeve? Anything that make them annoyed or pissed off.” I have so many pet peeves. Like for real. But that one thing that annoys me the most is bullying. Any type of bullying is a big no-no for me. “Pet peeve? What’s that? Type of dog?” The audiences laughed.

“What the? Really? You don’t know pet peeve?” I don’t know if she joking or not.

“I’m just joking. I know what that is. Something that a person dislikes but not necessarily hate. Boards up. Alright, let’s see your answers.” I guess she just want to ease the vibes too.

“Gender discrimination?” Well he’s not wrong though.

“Why did you come up with that answer Max?” Cherry asked him.

“Well he’s an advocate of l***q+ people, he’s so open about that last year during the student council campaign period. So, I assumed that he doesn’t like people who discriminate his community.” I am quite surprise with how he answered Cherry’s question. Should I be more specific my answer because I am now curious how much Max knows me.

“Makes sense. Well we can consider that answer of yours, so you’ll have the point.” The audience applauded their hands.

“So far, Max is doing great with his answers. How come you know Ave so well?”

“When you’re interested to a certain person, you’ll make effort to know them.”

“And when someone is showing interest to you, if you know he’s good, open your heart to that person.” I supported his statement.

“Ohhhh, Lord, sometimes I’m thankful that I’m single. I won’t experience this kind of embarrassment. I hate cheesy people.” We all laughed. “Alright-y, question number five. Name three things that your partner can’t live without.” This one is easy. After what happened to my mother, I swear to heavens, take everything I have other than my phone and my mom. My answer is my phone, my mom and my laptop. I looked at Max to see what will be his answers. “Raise your answers.”

His mom, coins and laptop.

Cherry asked Max. “You’re two out of three. How did you come up with that answer, Max?”

“I once saw how he cherishes his mother so I kind-a knew that part already. The other two answers are my guesses only. He always rides jeepney home so I thought he can’t live without coins. And of course, his laptop because he carries it all time.” Pretty much decent explanation. We only got two points.

About my mother, I think he got that idea when they came over to our house one time. Maybe he saw how much I take care of her. I remember that night, I insists of doing our dinner since they are my visitors, I can cook for them instead.

“So far, #TeamMaVery has six points.” Cherry announced. “Last question for this round. For three points. What is your partner’s dream job? Explain.”

Although taking up BS Legal Management seems like my dream job is being a lawyer, it is very far from that. I really want to be a novel author someday. I want to see my thoughts printed in sheets of paper. When I was struggling during my second year high school, writing stories help me cope with anxiety and stress. I stopped writing when I entered fourth year high school. I published it online and thinking about it, I haven’t opened my account for almost three years already.

“Okay. Players, show us your answers.” I showed my whiteboard and I looked into Max’s answer. Screenplay Writer. “It’s not a match but why did you think about that?”

“He did an amazing job with your short film project last year, so I thought that might be his dream job. He has a talent in writing stories.” He replied and smiled to me.

“Pretty much close but not quite.” Cherry said. “To be honest, I think the only thing that I know about you is your full name and how much you love your mom. So far, Max is doing great and it’s surprises me that he knows these things.” She addressed me.

“Let me just tell you this. I am quite surprised about what is happening now. He knows something that others don’t and that for me is a plus point.” I winked at him. “Well, let’s just hope that I do well in the next round because it’ll be embarrassing if I can’t match the level of knowledge, he has about me.” I added.

“If that’s the case, If you want to know me more; we can talk about it later after this game.” He said in a teasing manner.

“Yes. We need to talk after this game.” I replied back to him.

“I’m curious what are they going to talk about later.”

“Shhhhh. Let’s start the round.” I lauded.

The audience clapped their hands. “Round Two. This time, all the questions will be about the Max. Question number 1, what is your partner’s height, weight and shoe size?”

That’s easy. We participated in Coventry Week and all that information and listed in the list of players.

“Times up. Show us the answer.” Cherry announced.

“6’2, 70kg and size 43.” I answered.

“That is a match. Since you know that information, what other sizes do you know about Max?”

“It’s too early to talk about that.” Max just laughed. While erasing my answer. Suddenly I thought of acing this game. Should I?

“It’s for his eyes only.” Max answered back.

“Really? You are not allowed to share any other information to us? Why is that?” she demanded.

“What’s mine is mine only.” I grinned. Trying to save this conversation from a disaster, I tried to explain my answer. “But seriously speaking, for a short period of time, I knew some information that others will take years to know.” I said proudly.

“You hired a private investigator?” she sarcastically asked.

“I’m this close of doing that. But, no I did not. Let’s just say that I earned Max’s trust.” I addressed the audiences “And people, keep that in mind that you need to earn first a person’s trust because that will be the foundation of the relationship you’re trying to build.”

“What kind of relationship are you trying to build with me though?” the ladies from the audience screamed.

“We should take it one step at a time. Friendship of course.” I answered back but I made sure that he’ll think of what I am trying to imply.

“You two, stop that. We only have ten minutes left.” Cherry interrupted. “Question number two. Between movie night and dinner date, where do you think Max will take you to?”

“Easy. I know the answer on this one.” I confidently announced. When Cherry signalled us to raise our answers, we got a match.

“How come you know confidently know the answer on this one?” Cherry instigated.

“Haven’t you noticed that every time we are going out with them, Max is the one who’s always suggesting to watch movies? Besides, he has curfew before seven so I know dinner date is not an option.” I told her. Based on the audience’s reaction, I think they are having fun watching us banter with each other specially when Cherry and I are roasting each other.

“Do you think you can answer this one? Question number three.” Cherry is reading the question. She then giggled before speaking. “How many children do you think Max would like to have and why?”

I then proceed with writing my answer. I am not sure on this one but I know that he mentioned it to me before.

“Show us the answer.” I raised my board and we got the same answer. Max seems like in shock to see that I gave the same answer. “No plans yet. How come you have the same answer? You also talked about this kind of topic? Really?”

I sighed. “Well, he said it’s too early for him to think about that.” I lied. What he said to me before is that he’s not sure if he can be a good father to his kid.

“Oh wow. Okay. What about you Ave, how many kids do you want to have?”

“To be honest, I don’t know. I see myself as a busy person until I grow old. But who knows? I may or may not have a child. It’s too early for that.” I answered.

“We need more Ave in this world, right?” the audience agreed. “Alright, question number four. How many relationships does Max had?” I’ll go with the safe answer. I’m not sure how many ladies came into his life. “Answers up. May I see what you love birds written on the board.”

I looked into his board and saw that he wrote zero, contrary to what I wrote which is one.

“You never had any relationships before?” I asked Max.

“No. I never had.”

“You mentioned before about your first love though.” I am intrigued about this one.

“I mentioned it to you but I never said that we had something.” He replied.

“I thought you had something with her. That’s unfortunate.” I murmured.

“Just tell us when you’re finished okay? We’re enjoying this whole conversation right now. Talking about someone’s past.” We looked at Cherry who’s like watching a movie from a far, smiling widely. “Go on, don’t be shy.”

“There’s no need for you to get jealous.” Max teased.

“Alright, fifth question.” I asked Cherry.

“And I oop- Okay. Fifth question, on a scale of 1 to Ave...” I looked at her sharply. “Just kidding. Fifth question, what is Max’s dream destination for vacation?”

I took a glance at him. Are we thinking the same place? Do you still want to go to that place? I didn’t notice that I am smiling while lurking on his focused face. I then start writing my answer hoping that even after seven years, Max still wants to go to that place with me.

“Boards up. Show us your answers.” I raised my whiteboard. Based on the audience’s reaction, I cannot grasp if our answers matched or not. I took a glance at his answer and my jaw dropped because we have the same exact answer.

“Vancouver Canada and New York. Okay, we have another match. Care to explain the answer, Ave?” Cherry asked.

“He wants to go to Vancouver where her grandparents are and New York because of Broadway and Hollywood.” I looked at him. I can see it in his face that he is in shock. I just gave him a smile.

“Wow, Max seems like surprised to see that your answers matched. Alright we’re down to the last question. Are you ready?” She asked Max and he nodded. “Last question. Freestyle, reveal something about Max that nobody else knows. Max will either confirm or deny the answer.”

“I won’t write my answer. I’ll just say it. Max lied about his answer earlier.” The audience started to wonder about what I am saying.

“Which one?” Cherry asked.

“I will not say it unless he confirms or deny my answer.” I replied.

Max then grabbed his microphone, “I did.” I can hear the student’s reaction to what he said.

“Which answer did you lie about?” Cherry is invested with the revelation.

“Our first meeting. Yes, he bumped into me outside the central gym but that is not our first time to meet.” He answered.

“I kept asking myself, why do I feel like I met Max before? I am not sure when and where until I got in touch again with my friend way back in grade school. I asked her to do something for me and confirm if my suspicion is true.” I looked into Max. “Before the start of this match up game, my friend sent me a message confirming my theory.”

“W-What theory?” Cherry inquired.

“Max is Peter, a friend of mine from elementary.” I answered with a smile.

The students inside the gym was in shock about what I just revealed. They start murmuring and probably writing something to post in University Open Files.

“We are schoolmates’ way back in Grade Six.” Max supported my statement. I guess this is what he wants to say to me but he has no guts to do so.

“Oh my god.” Cherry exclaimed.

After the match up game, Ms. Villanueva commende us for the success of the program. Now, looking at Max, I gave him a signal that we should talk about what just happened.

We are walking our way out of the central gym. It is evident that the students became more curious about the relationship we had before. They are all looking at us while we are walking our way back to the student council office.

No one wants to initiate a conversation so I just start talking. “Is that what you want to say to me earlier?” I asked him. Talking to him right now gives me different vibes. I am now more comfortable with him.

“Yes. But I don’t know how to say it. I did not expect that you’ll confront me in front of everyone.”

“You could have just lie about it and denied my answer.” I laughed.

“There’s no point of denying and lying. I was caught off guard, so I just went with the flow.” He explained.

“I just want to say, I am so proud of what you’ve become, Peter. I never thought that this day would come.” I am really happy seeing how much he changed. He is not the same Peter I know before who is quiet and reserved. “After I transferred school, I never heard anything from you. What happened to you though?”

He gave me a gaze. I guess he’s trying to contemplate with his answer. “I went through a lot ever since we parted ways. I’ve changed a lot and I have many things to say but I don’t know how to start.”

I pat him on his back. “No pressure. Just tell me when you’re ready. We have plenty of time to catch up. I am just happy to see my Peter again.” I hugged him. I am not shy, I waited for this day to come.

“I missed you a lot, Riley.” I can feel his hands caressing my back.

“I missed you too, Peter.”