HE WAS COLD LIKE WINTER

CHAPTER 6: WHEN ACTIONS SPEAKS OTHERWISE

Every year, the school held its annual sports event. It’s not just a simple intramural competition but one of the most awaited events for every student. More than the cash price at stake, the fun, thrill, and bond among students and teachers is incomparable. From individual to team sports events, every class is expected to participate. A one-week event filled the whole campus with smiles and laughter. For this year, 100k cash and a 3-days and 2-nights out-of-town getaway are eyeing every class.

“So, I want all of you to give your best, okay?” Our teacher commanded. “But, don’t forget to have fun as well, okay?”

“Yes!” Everyone chorused.

“Class One! Fighting!” He added.

“Fighting!” Everyone resounded.

“Hey!” Cloe uttered. “Are you okay? You don’t look well. Aren’t you excited for this year’s sports event?”

“I’m okay.” I softly responded.

“By the way, have you seen Zac?” Cloe asked as she rolled over her eyes to look for him. “The first event this afternoon will be the basketball game. He should be here by now. He’s the only hope we have to win.”

“Hey! Don’t worry. I’m here. I will win this game no matter what. With or without Zac, we will win the game.” Liam proudly announced. “Trust me.”

“Hey!” Cloe complained while looking at Liam from head to toe and nodding her head out of disappointment. It wasn’t a simple stare. It’s more of a degrading one. “Forget it.”

Well, what would you expect from these two? Sometimes, I even wonder why they became friends with each other. Normally, friends are those people who would support you and would be your no. 1 cheerleader. But for these two, it’s the exact opposite. Honestly, they’re the no. 1 anti-fan off each other. They’re like cats and dogs. No one would give in. No one would want to lose.

“Hi! Dude.” Ethan greeted.

“Oh! Ethan! Thank God, you’re here.” Cloe shouted. “Are you joining the basketball game later?”

“Hey! Don’t bother him. He just came from a national tournament. He needs to rest.” I uttered.

“Why? What’s wrong?” Ethan confusingly asked.

“Well… Zac is not yet here. And the first event for this afternoon is the basketball game. He’s our star player. He needs to be here by now. It’s already an hour before lunchtime. After lunch, every team will be called for the stretching and game rules. Late teams with incomplete players will be automatically disqualified. And we cannot afford to lose. Not this game. It will give us 10 points if we win.” Cloe explained with worries on her face.

I do understand her sentiments. Being the competitive she was, she doesn’t want to lose without trying especially not to the seniors who bullied her brother in the past. Well, it might sound unrealistic to go against the seniors especially that we are just in our second year of middle school. But we have an ace in our class. It’s Zac. Despite being in the second year, Zac became the star player of our school’s basketball team. He might not be the team captain because of seniority rules in our school, still, it doesn’t stop him from playing his A-game all the time. Rookie of the year, MVPs awards, Best Shooter paved way for his career as a basketball superstar in our school. That’s also the reason why a lot of girls showed interest in him.

“I’ll look for him,” I commented.

“I’ll go with you.” Ethan offered.

“No.” Cloe objected. “You should stay here. We don’t know when Zac will appear. And we cannot wait for him. The game will commence after the lunch break. I’ll jot your name on the list so that we wouldn’t be disqualified. Just let Andi look for him. Okay?”

“Yes, Ethan. You should stay here.” I agreed. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I will bring Zac here no matter what.”

Honestly, I don’t know where to find him. I called his phone but he’s not picking up. I message him on our group chat but he won’t reply anything. I went to his part-time job but his manager said he resigned from work. I went to his favorite spot—the beach. But he’s not there. I called his mom just in case but she said he left early without even having breakfast. I guess he’s really mad at me. Just by how he ignored my text and call, he’s really angry at me.

Actually, after that heated confrontation, we had the other day, I expected this to happen. But I’d just hope he won’t sacrifice his studies just because he wanted to avoid me. The more he should not sacrifice playing basketball just because he’s mad at me. I know how happy he is when he’s at court and holding the ball. Playing basketball makes him happy so much. And I could see it with his own eyes. He shines brightly at court wearing those jerseys. It’s something close to his heart since it was the failed dream of his father. And I know how passionate Zac is in fulfilling those dreams.

I was about to leave the campus when a cab stopped in front of the school. I halted for a moment. My heart skips a beat when I saw the shoes that step out of the cab. The shoes look familiar. I was so sure that I saw it before. I just don’t know exactly where or when. But the style, the color, and how the shoelace was being tied, I know it was from someone I know dearly. As I gaze from toe to head, my heart continues to skip a beat. I felt nervous. And when the guy turned around, I couldn’t hide my smile. It was Zac. I quickly run into him and hugged him. I became too emotional as my tears fall endlessly. It was him. He came.

“Every team participating in the basketball game please proceed immediately to the court. The game will begin shortly.” A voice sounded on the radio and was repeated twice.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized. “I’m just glad that you came. I know how much you loved playing basketball. I know you won’t miss it for the world.”

“Yes.” He said.

Then, turned around simply and took steps forward.

“Good luck! Fighting!” I shouted.

That’s the Zac I know. That’s the real him. That’s the guy I liked. Even if we have misunderstood, I will always be his no. 1 fan in basketball. Ever since grade school, I became his no.1 cheerleader. From watching his practice game after school was sometimes ended late at night to watch his game even those out-of-town location, I was there. Even during his worst days where he got injured, I was there. Even to his awesome comeback, I was there. In every dribble, in every pass, in every shoot, and every fall, I was there. I supported him even if there were times like he pushed me away. I stayed. I just told myself that maybe he was not in good mood—that he had a bad day. Even up to this day, I will be supporting him even if we fought the other day. I will always root for his basketball career. It might sound pathetic. But I won’t give up the side of him he didn’t know.

“Zac!” Cloe called. “Thankfully you came right on time.”

“Zac! Bro! Where have you been? We’ve been worried about you.” Liam commented. “Okay! Let’s stop this drama first. We have a game to win. Now that Zac is here, we will win this game for sure. By the way, Ethan will be joining too. I saw him playing. He’s good.”

It was a close match-up. Even though, we have an ace in our team still it doesn’t guarantee anything. Zac has been struggling in the first quarter of the game. Maybe because he still adjusting to game pressure. Despite being the best, his sudden decision to quit playing for the school’s basketball team made him very edgy on the court. Thankfully, Ethan was there to rescue. Although he was the captain ball of the football team and not on basketball, I guess his athletic side is just superb. His shooting skills are amazing.

“Go! Ethan!” Cloe shouted. “Hey! You should join me. We should give them our loudest cheer. The more the better.”

“Yes.” Our classmates agreed.

“You, too.” Cloe pointed at me. “I know you’re the best cheerleader in town. Don’t worry. I prepared everything you’ll be needing.”

I was surprised to see how she prepared all this stuff. The banner. The pom-poms. Now I know why she was very persistent in persuading me to wear this shirt and skirt. I thought it was just for the class attire for the sports event since every class also wears their team color get-up.

“Andi!” Cloe called. “Come here. Hold this part.” She added while holding the other part of the banner. “This is our cheer. Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go. (In chanting rhythm) Then, you will clap your hands like this. Then, I will shout. Who are we? You will answer. We’re the class one. Clap. Repeat twice. We’re on the top and we can’t be stopped. You get it, right?”

I can’t believe I’m letting myself into this kind of embarrassment. I know I also did the same things in the past. But it’s different now. After I realize my true feelings for Zac, I feel like I’m walking on an eggshell around him especially that he always sees me causing trouble. As much as I don’t want to mess up around him, I always do the opposite. And fate won’t let me have any peace with him. One misunderstanding after another. The more I reached out to him, the more he feels disgusted about me.

The game was very good. As we all wished, we won the game. Everyone was very happy but not Zac. He’s not playing his usual self. Something’s bothering him for sure. Everyone was praising Ethan. He was the hero for this game. Fortunately, he saved the game.

“Congrats!” I told him.

“Thank you,” Ethan replied.

“I didn’t expect you’re good at basketball, too,” I added.

He laughed. “Well, just a little bit.”

“Ethan! Bro! Congrats. You did great. No. You’re awesome.” Liam praised. “Where did you learn all those skills?”

“Just some practice at home,” Ethan replied.

As a lot of people are coming to Ethan, I turn my eyes to look for Zac. I haven’t seen him after the game. I asked some of his teammates but they don’t know his whereabouts. I called him but his phone is turned off. I went upstairs. Hoping he would be on the rooftop, I hurried. I grasp my breath. I walked slowly as I turn my eyes all over the area. But I couldn’t see him. I was about to leave when I heard a sound. It was a noise from someone who is crying. I searched for the noise. And there on the back of the center landscape, I saw him sobbing. I walk closer to him. I sat beside him. Without any words spoken, I silently stayed with his side until he sobers up.

“It’s okay,” I said. “And, we won the game. Isn’t it worth it to be happy for?”

“I’m sorry.” He uttered with a downcast face.

“It’s just a game.” I expressed.

“I’m sorry for what I said the other day.” He added. “I know I’ve said a lot of hurtful words to you. I wasn’t a good friend to you lately. And I will understand if you will not forgive me. I’ve been really bad. I’m sorry.”

“I was hurt by what you said to me the other day. I keep wondering what I did wrong for you to be mad at me. I keep asking myself, what I did this time for you to act that way. But when I overheard Amanda talking with her friends about how she saw you working on the convenience store the day she happens to pass by. I suddenly thought, now I know why. I was very enraged the moment I heard it and I wanted to defend myself. But then I realized, I’m not hurt by the words I heard from you. What I was more hurt was that you easily thought that it was me. You didn’t give me a chance to explain myself.” I explained.

“I’m sorry. It was all my fault.” He sadly uttered.

“It’s okay. It’s all in the past now.” I said.

I didn’t expect us to easily fix our friendship. A sorry after another was something not so easy to forget. But I guess that’s just how our friends are. It’s irreplaceable. Plus, his sorry this time felt so sincere that it reached my heart. And just like that, I was able to forget and forgive him.

The next day.

The day we all waited for. Cloe, Liam, Ethan, Zac, and I have been preparing for this day. We’re the class representative for the amazing race. It’s the highlight of this year’s sports event. The winning team will get 20 points. And we should win this game. After losing almost all the individual categories and winning only the basketball and football game, we ranked third place on the ladder. That’s why we have to win this game to have a fast track on the top.

“Guys! Are you ready?” Cloe uttered.

“Yes!” We all agreed.

“Everyone! Ready! Set! Go!” The announcer voiced.

Everyone runs as fast as they could. Laughter filled the whole campus. It was beautiful chaos. Every participating team played competitively. It is evident on their faces. No one would want to lose. Everyone has their strategy to win.

“Ah!” I slipped my foot and rolled to the ground.

“Are you okay?” Ethan helped me out. “Sit here.”

“Ouch!” I said while walking slowly onto the bench.

“Where are you hurt?” He asked as he slowly touched my ankle.

“I guess I sprained my foot,” I replied.

“Let me see.” He added.

“Ouch!” I cried from the pain.

“This is not good. I’ll bring you to the infirmary. You should be treated immediately.” Ethan worriedly explained.

He picked me up with his strong arms. But even before Ethan could take a step forward, Zac came surprisingly.

“Andi sprained her ankle. She can’t continue the game. I have to take her to the infirmary to get immediate treatment.” Ethan clarified.

“Okay. I will bring her instead.” Zac notified.

“No. It’s okay. I can do it myself.” Ethan remarked.

“No. I’ll do it.” Zac moved closer.

“No. I will bring her instead.” Cloe butt in right on time. “Are you playing tug of war or something? Just a piece of friendly advice. Don’t make it too obvious, both of you, okay?”

“Ouch!” I shouted as the school doctor touched my sprained ankle.

“It’s not a big deal. But you have to refrain from exerting too much force on your left foot. Okay? No more running for the meantime, okay?” The doctor commanded.

I nodded. “Yes.”

“You should take a rest first here, okay? We’ll call your dad to inform you what happened to you.” He added.

“Wait! Doc?” I hesitated. “If it’s okay, can you not tell my dad about what happened? Please?”

“But…” He said.

“If it’s okay, you can call this number instead?” I handed down Nanny Fely’s number.

“Okay, then.” He finally agreed.

“Thank you, Doc,” I uttered.

“Are you okay?” Cloe asked. “Are you not hurt anymore?”

“Yes,” I stated.

“But, Andi.” Cloe paused. “Tell me. What happened there? What’s the deal between Zac and Ethan earlier?”

“What do you mean?” I confusingly asked.

“You don’t know?” She added.

“No,” I replied casually.

She sighed. “Poor my friend. You’re still young about love and flirting. It’s okay. I’m here.” She added while patting my head like a baby. “I will teach you everything you need to know. It’s okay.”

I stayed in the clinic until the race finished. I wasn’t badly hurt. I can walk slowly. I can move my footstep by step. But as advised by the doctor, I need to take a rest and wait for my nanny to fetch me. Meanwhile, the moment of being alone makes me think things over. I recalled Cloe’s very word to me. I was trying to recount what happened between Zac and Ethan while I got injured during the race. Weird thoughts have poured out into my tiny mind. Then, I told myself. “It can’t be. No way!”

“What do you mean by no way?” Ethan curiously asked as he took a chair and seated beside me while giving me some snacks. “Here! Have some bite.”

“Thank you,” I replied while taking the bottle of juice he offered.

“By the way. What are you talking about earlier? What do you mean by no way?” He asked again.

“Nothing. I’m just talking to myself.” I responded.

“Are you okay?” He added.

“I’m okay. I’m not badly hurt. The doctor said I can walk normally after two days. But no strenuous activities for the meantime.” I clarified.

“Thank goodness.” He felt relieved as he jumped off from his chair.

And we both laughed.

The next day.

“Congratulations, everyone! You did a great job. Congrats on winning the championship.” Our teacher commented. “A round of applause!”

Everyone was very happy. Despite the accident happened, I didn’t expect us to win. I felt disgusted with myself because of what happened in the race. I thought my weakness cause our team to lose. Never did I imagined that it was also the same reason that we won. I guess I’m just lucky to have friends who got your back.

“Listen up! As promised, the rewards are already in my hands.” Our teacher added.

Everyone was in chorused of tapping our hands and feet.

“The cash prized as we all agreed will be handed down to the Hands of Healing Foundation.” He added. “Thank you for doing your best. All your hard work will surely be worth it. However…” He paused for a while giving us a thrill for a moment. “The other prized… the 3-days and 2-nights will be at Spring Resort!”

Yes!” We all chorused.

“Please handed out your parent’s consent tomorrow, okay? We will be off this coming Friday. No consent, no trip, okay?” Our teacher mentioned.

“Yes!” And we happily agreed.

I guess we just can’t stop our excitement. I mean who wouldn’t have to. We all work to get that price. And now, it’s time to savor the fruits of our labor.

“Hey!” Cloe uttered. “Have you talk to your dad about the trip? Did he say yes?”

“No.” I sadly replied.

“Why?” She added.

“After what happened to me, I don’t know if he will say agree about it. He doesn’t know I got injured during the sports event. I haven’t told him yet. I asked Nanny Fely to keep it for a while. You know how my dad is, right?” I narrated.

“But, I’ll be sad if you can’t go,” Cloe remarked. “Our group will not be complete without you.”

“I’m sorry.” I apologized.

“And…” She whispered. “It’s your chance to create new special memories with Zac.”

“Hey!” I s***k her shoulder.  

Cloe’s right. This trip is my chance to bond with Zac. Plus, I can’t afford to miss it, especially that Amanda is just around the corner waiting for her timing to flirt with Zac.

“I should not let that happen. Never!” I told myself. “That’s why I have to ask dad’s permission.”

I halted for a while before going inside the house. I breathe in and out. With trembling hands, I took a step forward and open the door.

“I’m home!” I shouted.

“Oh! How was school?” Nanny welcomed me with an embrace and my favorite food—Adobo.

“It was okay,” I replied. “Where is dad?”

“He just went outside for a bit. Don’t worry. He’ll be back soon.” Nanny Fely explained.

Dinner had passed and yet dad wasn’t home. I wanted to call him but I hesitated. I don’t want him to be angry at me especially now that I needed his approval for me to go on the trip. I can’t let him be on his bad side. It was already past 9 pm but still, he’s not yet home. I guess I have fallen asleep while waiting for him. I went to the kitchen to drink some water when I heard dad’s car. I sneak on the window and it was him. But what surprised me is he’s with someone. I take a closer look but because it was dark outside, I can’t see the face of that person. All I know, it was a woman.

“Dad!” I called trying to sound as normal as possible. “Where have you been? Is there any problem at work? It’s already late in the evening. Did you have dinner?”

“Yes.” He replied. “Good night!” He added while kissing me on the forehead.

“Who was that?” I asked. “That woman who came out from your car.”

“Nothing.” He answered.

But I could sense something.

“Let’s just take asleep, okay? I’m so tired right now.” He added.

“By the way dad, I want to ask for your permission for the trip. It will be this coming Friday. Can I go?” I asked.

“Sure!” He immediately agreed. “Good night, sweetie?”

“Yes. Good night, dad!” I replied.

“Why do I feel like something’s going on?” I told myself. “But for sure, if dad is seeing someone, he will surely tell me about it, right? I should be the first one to know, right?” “But it's okay, what’s more, important is I have dad’s permission to go on the trip. I’m so excited.” I quickly headed to my room.

Friday. Finally, the day we all waited. It’s the day where the adventure begins. It’s the day to create special memories. It’s the day to have fun under the sun.

“Welcome everyone to Spring Resort. It’s the day to enjoy. For today, I’ll permit you to forget about school. Let’s just have some fun!” Our teacher announced. “Please read your itinerary. Our first activity for tomorrow will be a trek in the forest. So, I want you to wake up early. For now, take a lot of rest. Okay?

“Yes!” We agreed.

Cloe and I headed to our respective room. It was a nice accommodation indeed. No wonder this resort is also very famous among tourists. The beach. The pool. The room and cottages. The ambiance. Everything is perfect. Meanwhile, Cloe immediately falls into sleep. I guess she was really tired. I was also tired after all the walk we had when we visit the local market and the museum right after we landed down on this town. But I don’t know why sleep doesn’t visit me at all. While looking at the photos on my phone, I suddenly got a message from Zac. I stood up quickly. He wanted me to go up to the spring at the mountain. The first stop of our trek for tomorrow.

I wondered why he would want me to meet up in that place late at night. But I didn’t ask him anyway, instead, I easily went to the mountain all by myself. I’m not so familiar with the place. I don’t know if I’m getting there or not. I just follow Zac’s direction—the one he texted me a while ago.

“Found it,” I uttered as I saw the signage.

I slowly walked towards the cottage when I saw Zac. I was about to call him when I saw Amanda hugged him. I was too preoccupied after what I saw that I run into the forest. I was crying then. It was already too dark and I couldn’t see the right path. My injured foot got hurt after running hysterically so I decided to stop for a while and seated on the tree.

My phone signals that it’s low in battery. “I have to go back before it will be drained,” I told myself as I stood up. But even before taking a step, I crawled and hide within the tree as a raging thunder came. I was so scared. I was in panic mode. I tried to call someone but my phone slip into my hands and got wet. It suddenly turned off.

I thought I already overcome my fear. I loved the rain because that was when Zac reached out his hands to me and we became friends. Despite having a bad memory about it since it was the same day my mom died, rain has somehow opened up another world to me with Zac and filled me with good memories. Nevertheless, I still feel scared whenever thunder with lightning came together with the rain. Back then I would crawl up and hide in my closet covered myself with a thick blanket. I would shiver in fear not until Zac covered my ears with his hands. Since that day, I became less scared. His presence has somehow given me a sense of protection. I always felt alone, especially whenever a strong thunder would come. But when he’s around, I feel like I’m not all alone. I have someone to count on.

I tried to calm myself and walk but I couldn’t. I crawled back and cried helplessly after hearing the thunder. But suddenly, someone covered my ears. It made me stop for a moment. I suddenly feel a bit calm. I rolled my eyes up. It was him. Just like the old days, he came right on time.