Mine Forevermore

Kabanata 9

Win it for me

I didn't know na para pala sa regional ang ginawang practice nila Appolo, kaya pala hindi ko siya nakita nitong mga nakaraan dahil may laro sila. I became interested and wanted to see his game. Fortunately, we have no class since it was going to held on weekend so we can go to the event to cheer our school players.

My father knows my whereabouts, but he never intervenes in everything I do, so sometimes I think that he doesn't care about the things I wanted to do so it's okay if I go wherever I wanted to go.

“Hey!” tawag ko sa katabi ko na agad naman akong tiningnan at pinagtaasan ng kilay. We were here at the starbucks and we just took a break after discussing a project for finals. "Punta tayo sa game nila Appolo this Saturday."

She frowned and glanced at her phone on the table while holding her novel book. I thought he would reject my offer but I smiled when she nodded without hesitation.

"Sure."

But then I look at her curiously. She always rejects me lately everytime I try to invite her. She'll say I'm busy with school works, I have a tutor now, Daddy doesn't want me to go, I'll watch k-drama, I don't want to go out, I'll read w*****d, blah blah blah… nakakapagtaka na ayos lang sa kanya ngayon.

“Bakit hindi ka tumanggi?” kuryusong tanong ko.

Her brows furrowed. “Should I not go then?”

Umatras ako at umiling at natawa. “Of course not. I want a company. I don’t want to look lonely there.”

Hinarap niya ako at ibinaba ang hawak na libro.

“Are you sure about this? Are you really going there to see his game? ” she asked.

“Of course, I will support him.” Nakangiting sagot ko.

She sighed. “I heard Charlotte and him are now dating.”

Nangunot ang noo ko at natawa duon. “That’s impossible. Their feeling is not mutual.”

Her eyebrows rose. “How can you be so sure? They are always seen together, Nasia.”

Umiling ako sa sinabi niya. “They are together coz Appolo is helping her with her study. He is teaching Charlotte." Sagot ko.

Nangunot ang noo niya. “Nag-aaral ba talaga o naghaharutan? Many people saw them and I also saw them, Nasia. We don’t know Appolo that much. Pag nakita niyang interesado ka sa kanya, baka samantalahin niya ang pagkakataon.”

Nangunot naman ang noo ko.

“I’m just warning you. Don’t get to attach with him. Baka sa kakahabol mo sa kanya, ikaw ang unang mahulog… You will be trapped and you will not be able to escape.”

“I will be careful then.” Nakakunot na sagot ko at nagkibit balikat.

“Kahit anong ingat, napapahamak pa din.” Aniya. "So you're not sure about that either." She looked at me seriously. “Matinik si Charlotte sa lalaki, so even if men don't like her at first, they might just end up falling for her because of her charm. That's what I heard from her exes."

Natawa ako sa sinabi niya. She looks so serious. “Abby, do you know why I’m doing this?” tanong ko. Hindi naman siya sumagot. Nanatili lang siyang nakatingin sa akin at hinihintay ang sagot ko. “It’s because I want to divert my attention. I just want to entertain myself, and Appolo give me that satisfaction, kaya siya ang pinili ko.” Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko. "And I'm not a fool. I will not let myself be toyed with someone like him just like what Henry did to me before. I won’t do the same mistakes again. Oras na malaman ko na pinaglalaruan niya ako, it will be a game over for us. I will not chase him anymore.”

“What if it's not game over yet? Will you continue to chase him?" She asked.

"Nah, I know when to stop. I will stop when I needed to." Seryosong sambit ko.

That's easy. If he like someone else, edi fine, I will stop. If the two are together now, then that's okay, I won't meddle with them. One more thing, ayaw kong maging kabit.

Sa araw ding iyon ay nagpahatid ako sa bahay nila. I look myself at the mirror and make sure that I look presentable. I curled the tips of my hair and put my usual perfume. I told Kuya Franco to take me to Abby's house at sabay na kaming pupunta duon. We decided to used her car kaya mas natuwa ako dahil hindi mangingialam ang driver ko.

“Huwag mo na akong sunduin Kuya, magpapahatid nalang ako sa kanila sa bahay.” I said happily to my driver.

“Bakit hindi nalang itong sasakyan mo ang gamitin natin papunta duon.” Nakakunot na sambit niya. Nawala naman ang ngiti sa labi ko.

“Gusto ko sa sasakyan ng kaibigan ko. Bakit ba? Huwag ka ngang mangialam.” Iritadong sambit ko.

“Concern lang naman ako. Wala kang body guard. Mas safe kung babantayan ko kayo.”

“Oh, come on. Stop overreacting, you’re not my father so stop acting like one. Besides, I'm with my friend and we're just watching the game, we're not going to a bar or a mall para tingnan at bantayan ako. As if something bad will happen to me there." Nakakunot na sambit ko.

He looked at me seriously and the smile was no longer there. “Sasabihin ko ito sa Daddy mo. Ako ang masisisante nun kapag nalaman na pinabayaan kitang mag-isa at hindi man lang inihatid sa pupuntahan.”

“Then Go! What are you waiting for? Go away and report to him. As if he cares for me.” I bit my lip and look away. Hindi naman siya nagsalita.

Ni ayaw niya nga akong makita, ni hindi man lang niya ako pinupuntahan, ni hindi kami nag-bobonding, ni hindi niya ako tinatawagan o tinetext, eh pa’no ba naman wala naman akong number niya. Nakakatawa dahil tatay ko siya pero parang hindi ko naman siya tunay na Ama.

Natanaw ko si Abby sa labas ng bintana nang aming sasakyan na nagpapalam na kay Tita sa labas ng gate. Padabog kong binuksan ang pinto ng sasakyan namin at bumaba na duon.

“Nakakainis. Masyadong pakialamero. Driver ko lang naman siya.” Bulong bulong ko.

“Nasia! How are you hija? It’s been a month since the last time you came here.” Si tita. Ang mama ni Abby.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya at nakipag beso. "I'm fine tita. I've been a bit busy at school since we're graduating so I haven't been able to visit here."

She sighed. "That's good to hear. Mas okay na na pag-aaral ang inaatupad kaysa sa lalaki."

Ngumiti ako sa sinabi niya at tumango nalang. Medyo tinamaan ako sa sinabi niya, though kahit inaatupag ko ang lalaki hindi ko naman pinapabayaan ang pag-aaral ko.

“Mom, we need to go now, para makahanap kami ng magandang pwesto.”

“Oh, okay, okay. Take care. Huwag magpapagabi. Uwi agad.”

“Don’t worry tita. Magkasama po kami. Hindi po kami magpapagabi.” Paninigurado ko at muli siyang hinalikan sa pisnge.

Sinulyapan ko ang sasakyan namin na nanatili sa labas ng gate. I know kuya Franco was inside our car. Inirapan ko iyon bago kami pumasok sa sasakyan ni Abby.

“Alam ba ni Appolo na manunuod tayo ngayon?” Si Abby.

“Of course not, why would I need his permission?” I asked with a laugh. As if there was something going on between us to let him know about the things I would do and forbid me to watch as well.

Umiling siya at pinagpatuloy ang pagtingin sa phone niya. Sinulyapan ko ang phone niya at nakita na may ka-text siya.

“Who are you texting? Napapansin ko na lagi kang may ka-text.”

Mabilis niyang ibinaba ang kanyang cellphone at umiling ng ilang beses.

"Are you seeing someone without telling me." My eyebrows rose.

“No! Do you think I still have time to entertain other men? You know that study is my priority, not men. Unlike you who always follow Appolo. Now, I’m wondering if you’re really fell in love with Henry, parang ang bilis mo namang naka-move on.”

Napabuntong hininga ako. “Let’s not talk about him. I don’t want to ruin my mood.” Sambit ko.

I don’t think she’s right. I was really hurt when we broke up so it was impossible to say that I didn't love him. I did, dahil kung hindi, hindi ko sana siya binalikan ng ilang beses nung mga araw na ilang beses din kaming nag-break. Puwede naman akong maghanap ng iba na mas better sa kanya diba? Pero siya pa din ang pinili ko.

Maaga kaming nakarating duon at hindi ko inaasahan na makikita ko sila Appolo at ang team niya sa loob. They look so shock and happy when they saw us.

“Nasia, manunuod ka ng laro namin?” tanong ng ka team niya.

I smiled and nodded. "Ah, oo." I said and glanced at Appolo who narrowed his eyes at me.

“Wow, that’s nice to hear! Si Jake ba ang pinunta mo dito Nasia?” Tanong ng isang ka team mate nila dahilan para tumawa silang lahat.

Natawa ako sa sinabi niya at sa huli ay inilingan siya. "Nah, I'm here to support the whole team." I said and glanced at Appolo na matalim na ang tingin sa akin.

“Oh. Akala namin si Jake lang eh.” Saad ng isa pa nilang kasama.

Nangunot ang noo ko at umiling sa kanila, at sinulyapan si Jake na namumula na naman ngayon. Tumawa naman ang iba nilang kasama.

“Sayang kung alam lang namin na pupunta ka rin dito. Ikaw sana ang ginawa naming muse.” Aniya ng isa pa nilang ka team. Sumang-ayon naman ang iba sa kanila.

“Bakit sino ba ang muse niyo?” I asked with a smile.

“Si Charlotte.” Sagot ng isa dahilan para humilaw ang ngiti ko at matalim na sinulyapan si Appolo. Did he just make her their muse?

Nagulat ako ng bigla siyang humakbang papalapit sa akin. Sinulyapan ko ang ka team niya ng sinulyapan din nila ang ginawa ni Appolo.

"Let's talk outside." He said using his baritone voice.

Tumango ako at hindi ngumiti ngayon. I glanced intently at the back of his blue jacket as we headed out of the gym. When he finally got out, he turned to me. Bago pa siya makapg salita ay inunahan ko na.

I folded my arms in front of him and raised an eyebrow. “So, Charlotte is your muse. I wonder how it happened?” My eyes narrowed.

Nangunot ang noo niya sa akin. “Why do you sound so jealous? Do you want to replace her instead?”

“Hindi ako nagseselos! I’m just wondering kung may kinalaman ka kung bakit siya ang naging muse ninyo.”

He sighed. “I didn’t do anything. She offers herself when my teammate says we haven't chosen a muse yet.”

Ang kapal talaga.

"Really?" My eyebrows rose. “I heard you have always been together these past few days. Are you two a thing now, if yes then sabihin mo na ngayon, para alam ko kung saan ako lulugar. I’m not going to hit on someone who is already committed.”

"So, you admit now that you're hitting on me?" His dark eyes narrowed.

Nagkibit balikat ako. “Kinda.”

I don’t want to admit that to him. I just one to play for now to divert my attention. My life was a bit boring when me and Henry broke up and he was the first man to get my attention. He’s a bit mysterious so I want to know him more. And I’m actually enjoying his presence. It's like I forget everything when I’m with him.

Natawa siya pero kalaunan ay umiling at napayuko. Tila hindi makapaniwala.

“What are you doing here?” Marahan na tanong niya na ngayon.

“I’m here to watched your game.” Nakangiting sambit ko kahit medyo iritado.

His forehead furrowed. "Why did you not tell me?"

I was a bit taken a back by his question. I shifted my weight and look at him curiously. “Why? Do I have to asked permission from you? At bakit ba hindi ka nalang matuwa na nandito ako para panoorin ka.”

“Hindi kita pinagbabawalan. You can watch my game anytime you want, Nasia. I just want to know so I won't be surprised when you show up. My teammates are thinking that you’re flirting with Jake when It’s obvious that you’re flirting with me.” He said the last word almost in a whisper.

Natawa ako sa kanya, mariin naman niya akong tiningnan. “Yabang.” Sambit ko.

Nangunot ang noo niya saka humakbang papalapit sa akin. “Bakit hindi ba? Sabihin mo sa aking hindi?”

Ngumuso ako at hinawakan ang braso niya para tumigil siya sa paglapit. I tilted my head and then glanced at his arm. His gaze fell on his arm before he looked up at me, his jaw clenched especially when I lightly caressed it.

“Alam mo naman palang ikaw ang pinapanood ko. Bakit ka pa nagagalit?” Malambing na sambit ko.

I heard him gasped. “Sinong kasama mo?” napapaos na tanong niya.

“I’m with Abby, nagpasama ako dito.” Nakangusong sambit ko.

"Do you have your driver?" he asked again.

I shook my head. “Nope. Sumakay ako sa sasakyan ni Abby kaya magkasabay kaming pumunta dito.”

He sighed heavily before he slowly nodded. “Alright. Duon kayo umupo sa upuan namin.”

I quickly looked up and seemed pleased with his offer. "Really?"

His forehead twitched at my reaction. “Why? You don’t want to?"

“Syempre, gusto.” Natutuwang sambit ko. “Ano? Tara na? baka magsimula na ang laro niyo.”

He sighed before nodding. I put my hand under his elbow and clung to his arm. He looked at what I did but I just sweetly smile at him. He sighed again and continued walking. Nang makabalik kami sa loob ay kita ko ang gulat sa mga mata ng ibang team mates niya.

“I told you. Si Appolo ang pinapanood niyan, hindi si Jake.” Banggit ng isang gwapong lalaki.

Tinapik ng ibang kasamahan niya si Jake at naging hilaw naman ang ngiti ko ng makita na nawala ang ngiti niya. I turned to Appolo as he removed my hold on him.

Nagtataka ko siyang tiningnan pero naging Iritado iyon ng makita si Charlotte na gulat ding nakatingin sa akin. Ano yon tinaggal niya dahil nakatingin ang babaeng yan?

I grinned and pulled Appolo down. He was surprised when I tip toe and whispered to his ear. "I want you to play the game nicely, I want you to win it for me."

I smiled when I saw him stiffened. He glared at me but I just smile sweetly at him and waved at him. His forehead furrowed when he glanced at my feet.

“Where are you going?” Mariin na tanong niya.

Natawa ako sa tanong niya. “I’ll just check my friend. Susunod din kami sa inyo.” Sagot ko pero matalim niya lang akong sinundan ng tingin.

That day, I cheer for him. Duon kami mismo umupo ni Abby sa upuan ng mga players. Everyone was shocked when they saw me their lalo na ang mga estudyante na pumunta din duon para suportahan ang school namin.

Charlotte was also shocked to see me sitting on the player’s chair. I just waved at her with a smile when she looked at me. She's with all the players since she's their muse. Nawala lang nga ang ngisi ko ng lumapit sa kanya si Appolo para ilahad ang braso. Nakangiting humawak duon si Charlotte. Everyone cheer on them na para bang may something sa kanila.

"I told you." Si Abby sa tabi ko pagkatapos makita ang nangyari.

I averted my eyes. "So what? Appolo told me that nothing’s going on between them. It's normal since she’s their muse."

Abby shrugged and kept her eyes watching them, while I took my phone out to take a few pictures. I lowered my phone to see Jake looking at me. He looked at me curiously as if I was a puzzle he had to solve. I sparingly smiled at him. He smiled back. I hope I didn't give him a false hope. I sighed heavily, kasalanan ko din naman.

The game started after the introduction. Actually, naiirita ako sa ingay sa loob ng gym pero ano bang magagawa ko, ito ang pinili Kong puntahan. Kaylangan Kong makisama. Besides, I told him that I will support him, so I cheer everytime he shoot the ball. Minsan ay napapatingin sa akin ang mga estudyante kapag tumatayo ako.

"Go Appolo!" I shout. "Go team!" I shouted again.

"Nasia, can't you stop it. Ako ang nahihiya sayo." Abby growled beside me as she pulled me down.

"What's wrong? Everyone is cheering too, not just me. We should support our school." Sambit ko.

"CIS, CIS!" The students behind us shouted. "Go! Zeke, Go Jake, Go Sam, Go Drei, Go Nate, Go Appolo!" Malakas na sigaw nila lalo na sa pangalan ni Appolo.

"See?" Sambit ko sa kanya. Umiling naman siya.

"I can't believe I'm seeing a new side of Anastasia Celine Alvarez." Aniya habang napapailing.

Umirap naman ako. Imbis na makinig sa kanya ay nag-focus nalang ako sa panonood ng laro nila Appolo. Sakto naman na siya ang may hawak ng bola. Napatayo ako ng mag three point shoot siya. I stood up and applauded again at napatalon pa after he did the three-point shot for the second time. He smiled and made a high five with his team and glanced at our bleachers. He lost his smile as he looked at me. I smiled and waved at him but he ignored me and continued running on the court.

"Suplado talaga." Sambit ko at muling umupo. Hindi na ako sumigaw. Nanatili nalang akong naka-upo at nanunood, minsan pumapalakpak.

Sa tuwing time out nila at lumalapit siya sa bleachers inaabutan ko siya ng towel o inumin at ngumingiti ako sa tuwing pinapanood niya ang ginagawa ko. Minsan matalim ang tingin niya sa akin, minsan naman ay tinititigan niya lang ako at sa huli ay magpapasalamat.

"Thanks." Napapaos na sambit niya pagkatapos kong i-abot muli ang kanyang face towel. Nanatili siyang nakatayo sa harapan ko habang pinupunasan ang sarili. He looked down on me as he wiped his head and neck. Nanatili naman akong nakangiti sa kanya.

Ibinaba niya ang face towel at isinabit iyon sa kanyang leeg. I sighed and reach for his hand dahilan para mapayuko siya sa harapan ko.

“Hindi mo naman inayos eh, meron pa dito.” Sambit ko pagkatapos abutin ang face towel sa balikat niya at punasan ang kanyang noo malapit sa buhok. Napatingin ako sa kanya habang titig na titig siya sa ginagawa ko. Muli akong ngumiti saka ibinaba iyon sa leeg niya habang tinatagilid ang ulo. I chuckled when he closed his eyes after I wiped his nape. I even massaged his hair and clung to his neck. He opened his eyes and glared at me.

“Ako na.” Aniya pagkatapos bawiin sa akin ang face towel at tumayo ng tuwid saka ipinagpatuloy ang ginawa ko. I heard my friend groaned beside me but I didn’t look at her.

It was actually a nice and intense game. The scores are just close. Kaya kahit ako ay medyo kinabahan duon, but then tumayo ako ng makapasok ang huling bola dahilan para magwala ang mga estudyante sa likod ko. Malaki naman ang ngiti ko habang pinagmamasdan siya na tinulak ng mga kasama niya habang nagsisipagtalunan dahil sa pagkapanalo. He had the last ball so I’m glad he didn’t let me down. He really wins the game. He made it.

I picked up my phone and took a picture of him. The CIS victory was announced kasabay ng pagsuot sa kanila ng medal at pagbigay sa kanila ng trophy. Appolo was named as the team’s MVP player.

Though habang nagkakatuwaan sila ay nawala ang ngiti ko ng makita ang pagtakbo ni Charlotte at ang mabilis na pagyakap nito kay Appolo. Sumigaw ang mga lalaki kasabay ng pagsigaw din ng mga estudyante sa likod ko. Appolo look shock but he eventually held the back of Charlotte and smile on his team.

"Sweet huh?" Sambit ko. Ibinaba ko ang hawak na phone at tinago na iyon sa aking bulsa. Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sa akin, but there something unfamiliar going on inside of me lalo pa ng tumagal ang yakap ni Charlotte sa kanya.

Abby then looked at me when we heard the whisper behind me. "See? I already told you. Sila na."

"Ang swerte naman ni Charlotte. Nakakainggit."

"Hayst. Wala na... kay Jake at Zeke nalang ako. Taken na pala si Appolo."

Hindi ko alam kung anong meron sa akin pero may parte sa akin na naniwala duon. Baka naman talaga may nararamdaman din siya para kay Charlotte at itinatago niya lang sa akin. Siguro din ay hinahayaan niya ako sa mga ginagawa ko dahil makulit ako and he can’t do something to stop me. Besides, laging matalim ang tingin niya sa akin na para bang ayaw niya sa mga ginagawa ko. He never held his arm for me, ako ang gumagawa nun sa kanya, but he did to Charlotte. He never held my back when I clung to him awhile ago while wipping the bag of his neck. I always made the advances. I always made the move.

I stood up and turned to Abby and invited her to eat outside. Actually, nagugutom na ako kanina pa, pinipigilan ko lang lumabas dahil gusto kong tapusin ang laro nila. I don't want to missed their game. But I think I should leave now. The games are over, they won, he won.

"Let's eat first. I'm already hungry." Aniya ko bago ko sila sinulyapan ng isang beses. I couldn’t see him anymore dahil natatabunan na siya ng kanyang mga kasama. I turned my back on them and walked away.

Maybe, I should stop now.