Chapter 2

After classes, I bid my farewells to my best friends to go the café already. Maven hates waiting and aside from that, I do not really like leaving him alone even just for a short time because whenever I do, a lot of girls would shamelessly approach him. I hate it whenever it happens because I could imagine myself murdering someone.

Upon reaching the place, I spotted Maven right away. His attention is on his phone and it seems that he’s texting someone. I smiled upon seeing that he has also ordered a frappe and cake for me which are my favorites. We’ve been together since junior year so it’s not a wonder already.

I sat in front of him and that’s when he looked up at me. He quickly put his phone in his pocket that confused me for a moment but I did not say anything at all about it.

“How’s your day? Coach said that you talked with him,” he started as he reached for my cheeks and kissed it. I should feel happy especially that he just kissed me but hearing about his coach is enough to make me feel otherwise.

“What’s his problem?’ I asked disinterestedly then started sagging my blueberry cheesecake.

“Well, I hope you won’t be offended, mosh but I think he has a point” he said.

I stopped eating and looked at him badly. “What do you mean he has a point? That it’s right to dissolve the team?” I snarled.

“I didn’t mean that. What I mean is he is right about the fact that you’ve been training for a while already but nothing is happening. Only you and your friends are improving, though you can’t rely on them much because Trina is a setter while Gail is a libero,”

“So just because they’re not spikers, they are useless? Is that what you mean?” I snapped.

“It’s not like that, mosh. The setter and libero are both important. A team cannot function at its best if there will be no setter who will be making the play and the libero will be receiving the ball to connect with the setter so you can set up a play. But what’s the point of it, if there will be no one who will be executing the play properly? You are the only reliable spiker in your team. The others can’t even receive the ball properly let alone keep it straight in the air. You can’t do it alone. It’s not as if there is no rotation in volleyball but as you know, there is. If you are already at the back line, Trina can’t expect you to spike much especially that we both know that your spikes from behind are either hit or miss. It could’ve been better if you have at least three spikers but there’s only you.”

I have nothing to say at that because what Maven said is the absolute truth. But then, I can’t even begin to feel dishearten or even discourage. Because maybe, this is just how it is when you really love something. I really love volleyball. I am so in love with the sport that even though the people around me are negative about it, I just can’t feel hopeless.

Actually, these two years we’ve been playing, we haven’t got any support from the school. Only a handful watches our games since we always lose. We are always the underdogs.

We don’t even have a coach. It has always been me and Trina who are making plays though it’s not really much. We get to train at the gym since there are two volleyball courts and it’s our right as students. But beyond that, there’s nothing really much that the school is giving us.

During our games, we buy our own energy drinks and go to the venue ourselves because the school won’t let us borrow a bus. Well, what should we expect? They can’t even give us their moral support which is definitely free so why I am expecting them to do the other things? Stupid me.

Maven reached for my hand and entwined our fingers together. Somewhat, it makes me happy.

“Maybe this is not just the time for you. Anyway, we’ll be in college next school year, right? We can try at schools with good volleyball program like Ateneo and La Salle. But for now, maybe it’s much better to postpone your dream, don’t you think? Because to be honest, I pity you already.”

My jaw tightened at that. “Thanks, but no thanks, I don’t need your pity. I need a strategy on how I can revamp my team. You’re the ace player of your team, aren’t you? So maybe you have suggestions,” I pointed out.

He sighed heavily at that and looked at me with his eyes full of concern. Damn it, Maven. I don’t need your pity!

“I really don’t know how, Ari. In the first place the school year has already started. Too late to scout players even though you will be financing it personally. And honestly, who even likes to play in your team?” he asked which sounded like a slap on my face.

“People know our school’s reputation when it comes to women’s volleyball and that reputation isn’t really good. And one more thing, you perfectly know how expensive our tuition fee is, hence the reason why we have fewer students compared to other schools. Even though you can manage to scout players, do you think they can handle the tuition fee since there is no scholarship?”

“Okay fine. Kisha and her minions will be leaving and maybe we just have to get through this. Not that you can relate since you do not have any problems since the entire school is very much in love with your team, isn’t it?” I said sarcastically and reached my frappe to sip from it. I know I sounded childish but I can’t help it.

“Do not be like that. It’s not our fault that the school is supporting us and not your team. But anyway, to tell you honestly you play better than half of the players in my team. If it’s only allowed to let you play among us, I’ll do it. I want to slay in the court with you.”

I don’t still feel really good but I can’t help but appreciate it. That’s too much compliment from him. This is also the first time that he compared me to his teammates.

“Hey, Fajardo! Let’s go!’ I looked back and saw his teammates who said that.

“Hi, Arya! I was told that your team is good, huh?” Drake said then the others laughed. It’s obvious that he’s blatantly insulting me.

Maven’s eyes widened at that because he also knows that his teammate just made a mistake.

I grabbed a tissue to wipe the side of my mouth before standing up to face Drake. Instantly, the laughing died down.

“A benchwarmer such as yourself is not supposed to say anything at all. I mean, if I am to challenge you right now, you won’t even win, you know,” I said smiling though deep inside, I want to give him a good punch on the face.

Everyone laughed while Drake’s face turned red in embarrassment.

“Is that a threat, Fonacier? Let’s go to the court then.”

“Drake!” Maven’s voice boomed. Drake’s face softened seeing how stern Maven’s face is. “You’re probably forgetting who I am and the woman you’re insulting right now is my girlfriend.”

I looked at him and it’s evident on his face how pissed he is while the rest of his teammates began to shift uncomfortably. Can’t blame them, though. After all, Maven looks scary right now.

I crossed my arms and smirked.

“Tone down the trash talk, okay? Unless you’ll get to win against Herondale High, this year.”

I know it’s below the belt, but who cares? What Drake did is far more insulting so I don’t feel any guilt at all. He asked for this.

“Let’s go, Vikings,” Maven announced referring to his teammates. He then looked at me apologetically then cupped my cheeks.

“Sorry for that, mosh. I love you,” he whispered then kissed me.