When the Heart Sings (Chasing Celestine #1)

Chapter 38

This chapter contains materials of highly sensitive natures including S/H behaviors and thoughts, and mental health topics that may be triggering for some individuals. Reader discretion is advised.

CHAPTER 38

57 Seconds

Agnes was kicked out of the team and she was suspended from school. Hindi na rin siya hahayaang makapag-march sa graduation. Balita ko, galit na galit si daddy sa kanya at si mommy, gustong kasuhan si Agnes nang malaman lahat ng ginawa niya, pero sabi ni dad ay grounded na lang siya.

That caused dad and mom's fight again. Pakiramdam ko, dahil na naman sa akin.

I also heard, Alceo's been going to Agnes to check up on her. Nakakapagod na rin. Hindi na ako nakaramdam ng sakit nang malaman ko 'yon. Or maybe, there's still pain but I'm already numb.

Ang nasa isip ko na lang ngayon ay ang Nationals. Palapit na nang palapit at mas lalo ko lang nararamdaman ang pagka-lugmok. Hindi na ako pumasok mula Tuesday, kahit na midterms. I will take the makeup exams when I get back.

Wala rin ako sa tamang kondisyon dahil sa mga nangyari. It was too heavy for me, parang lahat ng mga prinoblema ko ay binagsak sa akin.

I spent my whole Wednesday morning watching swimming competitions. Regionals, Nationals, and Olympics. And upon watching those, something sparked in me.

I decided to message Abigail, a close friend of mine from the swimming varsity. Dahil siya ang next-in-line kay Agnes... and since Agnes can't join, too, siya ang isasalang sa competition.

Ako:
Abigail, I have a favor from you. Please?

Oras pa ng klase ngayon kaya hindi ako nag-e-expect ng reply sa kanya, but I did.

Abigail:
Yes, Kat? How's your foot?

Ako:
A bit better.

Ako:
About the Nationals, I badly want to go. Can you help me?

Abigail:
What are you planning? Kat, you're injured!

Ako:
Please? I need to do this. I don't care about the scholarship anymore. Nationals is my dream.

Abigail:
What do you want me to do?

Ako:
I'll compete on Friday. Don't tell anyone about this, okay? Sa Batangas ang venue and I need transpo going there.

Abigail:
I can have you fetched by our driver. Pero sigurado ka ba rito?

Ako:
I've never been this sure, Abi. Please, help me?

Abigail:
Fine. Pero paano kung pagalitan ako ni Coach?

Ako:
You won't. Ako ang sasalo. Plus, may cold spray naman. Makikita ni Coach na maayos na yung paa ko. Or I can fake it. Please, Abi!

Abigail:
What if your foot hurts in the middle of the competition?

Ako:
I'll manage. I promise!

Abigail:
Fine. Basta salo mo kapag napagalitan tayo, ha? Baka tanggalin ako ni Coach nito sa team.

Ako:
I got you, I promise.

I rarely stand up. Puro pagpapahinga lang talaga ng paa at ice packs... just to prepare my foot for Friday. Papa checks up on me every time he goes home, as well as my brothers.

Sa totoo lang, kinakabahan ako sa gagawin ko. It was an impulsive decision dahil natanggap ko naman na talagang hindi ako makakalaro but... this is the least I can do for myself. Alam kong mali, pero ang paglalangoy... that's what's keeping me alive. The Nationals is what's keeping me continue. Dahil mahal ko ang swimming. Dahil buong buhay ko, ito na ang kinahihiligan ko.