On stage- part one
999 Words
Samuel sighed as Diego, Antonio, Preston, Kaleb and Ruth stood in a line waiting for the announcer to call out their names.
"Now let's welcome National tournament 2017 champions 'The Jaggers' on stage," the anchor called.
"Here comes the captain of the team The Jaggers Diego."
"Diego!"
"Diego!"
"Jaggers! Jaggers! Jaggers!"
"Preston! Preston!"
"Ruth!"
"Ruth!"
"Antonio!"
"Antonio!"
"Kaleb! Kaleb!"
Everyone started yelling as Diego, Antonio, Preston, Kaleb and Ruth started walking out of the tunnel towards the stage.
Ace looked at the screen placed in the room. The jaggers... His previous team, the team that was his family started walking on the stage.
His gaze went to Diego who is leading the team. There is this different aura that he is carrying around him.
He doesn't look confident, something is running in his mind. Ace can see the nervousness and stress that is on Diego's face.
Samuel has told Ace that there was a big fight between Ruth and Diego.
Greyson observed Diego, to him the big challenge in this whole tournament is to fight against Diego.
Ace has already given him lessons and personal training. This will be the win or die situation.
"Ruth looks so beautiful," Daman said.
"She is," Kayden replied.
Ace's gaze went to Ruth who stood on stage beside Antonio with a blank expression on her face.
This is the first time he is seeing her after almost seven years. She is the same, she didn't change a bit.
Her face changed a bit but nothing less she is still the same beautiful lady.
She chopped her hair to her shoulder length. Ace used to feel something whenever he used to see her but right now, he feels nothing.
Nothing for better, he doesn't want to have anything that bonds him with jaggers.
"Antonio looks cute when he smiles," Rhett said.
"He is smiling at his girlfriend," Brooks said.
"The only person who isn't taken is Diego right?" Myles asked but Ace can hear everything.
"I don't know... What I know is that something was going on between Diego and Ruth," Brooks said.
"Really? They are just best friends," Myles said.
"They are not, they were so many pictures of them together. They want to keep it low I guess so. But many say that Diego is crazy in love with Ruth," Brooks said.
"Yes, even I heard that," Kayden said.
Antonio smiled brightly looking at his girl who is sitting with his sister.
He is grateful for finding such a beautiful yet cute girl in his life.
She was the one who brighten his dark days and stood with him even when was rude towards her.
She never complained about anything, loved him the way he is.
"Dahlia looks so happy seeing you. She is beautiful bro," Kaleb whispered.
"She is... Stop looking at my girlfriend," Antonio said.
Kaleb made a weird face looking at Antonio. Dahlia laughed shyly as Antonio winked at her.
"I'm not looking at your girlfriend. I'm just saying," Kaleb said.
"Don't say a word."
"Fine." Ruth rolled her eyes hearing the conversation. Preston is least interested in what they are talking about.
"Ohoh... Is the champion Antonio flirting with his girlfriend in front of us?" The anchor said.
"Haha... I thought I was the only one who felt that," the second spokesman said.
Ruth was about to roll her eyes but she didn't. Diego wore a blank face looking at the audience.
"Please take your seats."
The Jaggers nodded their heads before wandering towards where their seats are.
"Now let's welcome team solomid," the anchor said.
Time passed as ten teams walked on stage and took their seats. Ace pulled his phone out when he received messages.
He read the texts, it's their turn to be present in their tunnel.
"Have any idea of the new team?" Oscar asked Samuel.
Samuel crossed his arms, "no idea."
"Everyone is eager to see the faces of the new teams," Oscar said.
"They are."
"You aren't?" Oscar turned and looked at Samuel.
"Of course I'm. But it's a matter of ten minutes before we all know about the team," Samuel replied.
"That's true."
"Let's go, it's time for you boys to step on that stage," Ace said.
All the boys turned and looked at Ace.
"Remember, this is your dream... Dream of letting the world know what you guys are and what you guys have to offer the world. The world is waiting to see what you guys have been preparing for all these days," Ace said looking at the boys seriously.
"Your parents are sitting over there with many expectations and dreams. Show them that you were true and dedicated towards your dreams."
"And most importantly, tell yourself that you are being true and this is what you were dreaming off. Don't let anything overshadow your dreams, dedications, goals and positivity. Forget about everyone, concentrate on yourself and your game," Ace said looking at every boy.
"Walk with confidence, don't let other people see your nervousness. Each step you take is towards the dreams you have been dreaming about," Ace added.
"Yes, brother Ace," Rhett said.
"Yes," Kayden said.
"I will remember," Logan said.
"I will not let anything overshadow," Brooks said.
"I will be confident," Myles said.
The boys replied, Ace, nodded his head before pulling the guys into a group hug.
He doesn't have any expectations of them. He has trust in them, he knew that they would fulfil their dreams.
They will make a name and leave the stage with their names being chatted on the tongues of the audience.
"I love you, brother Ace," Rhett said.
"I love you, brother Ace," Zeke said.
"I love you too brother Ace," Carl said.
One by one they all confessed their love towards Ace.
Ace rolled his lips into his mouth as he got emotional.
"I love you guys too," Ace whispered emotionally.
"Come on... Let's go. They are waiting for us," Ace said pulling away.
"Yeah..."
"Yes."
"Yeah."
- Writer
