On Finding Chance

Part 2 - Chapter 23

Harvey cancels his UAAP basketball date with his bandmates. He has other plans again. Wow! Four days in a row. This is getting serious and I am intrigued as to who this mystery girl is.

I try to force him into spilling the beans but he is determined to keep it a secret for now. "Patience", he says and hands me his game ticket as a peace offering.

He drops me off the arena before heading for his dinner. It is a little early and his bandmates are not here yet. I grab some snacks, roam around and eventually head to my seat. Vincent sees me first and is shocked that it is me sitting instead of Harvey. Obviously, they were not informed about my brother's change of plans. How brilliant of him. The other two boys join in. Ethan places himself beside me.

"Hey Madie! Where's Harvey?", Seth asks.

"He has a date", I reply

"Woah! Are you serious?", both Vincent and Seth exclaim.

"110%"

The surprised look on their faces is camera worthy. They cannot believe what they just heard. My brother is too good at hiding his new girl and it makes us more curious.

"Do you have any idea who she is?", I ask

"Nope. Not a clue.", Vincent says.

"Maybe, this guy knows", Seth points to Ethan.

"Hey hey! Leave me out of it. I'm keeping my mouth shut."

"Ooooooohhhhhhhhh.", we all tease

"Someone is keeping his boyfriend's dirty little secret"

"Na-uh. Not telling."

"Even if it means you can have a date with Nadine?" Seth challenges him.

"I'm good with my date now.", Ethan quips.

"Oooohhhhhh...we're flattered"

The conversation comes to a halt when the starting five comes to the basketball court. This is an interesting and close game. Four times during the first half that the score is tied. There is no telling who will win today's match. We grabbed some ice cream during the break and Ethan, being the only Archer in the group, made me a deal.

"Madie, you up for a bet?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Winner gets three wishes"

I laugh at the foolishness of our prize but I agree. Besides, this is a once in a blue moon offer. Might as well take the shot.

Last two minutes. Game is tied at 72. Ball is on Ateneo's court. Ravena to Pessumal back to Ravena. Kiefer steps back. 3!!!! OMG! My heart is racing. Aside from the bet, school pride is on the line. Timeout called by La Salle. Jeron has the ball. He drives to the paint and cuts the score to a one point lead. Mygash! This is totally nerve-racking! Another timeout. Ethan leans in and whispers to my ear, "I am going to win." I roll my eyes. No one messes with me when I am this invested in the game. Another word from him and he will scream from my pinch. Ateneo is looking to extend their lead. Fonzo back steps, passes the ball to Von. The Green Archers need to foul. C'mon! Von shoots. He misses. Damn! No more timeouts left. 15 seconds left. La Salle aims for a fastbreak. Jeron runs straight to the basket and he scores. Okay! I hate this day. My heart is breaking for the Blue Eagles.

I keep quiet as we make our way out of the court. Ethan attempts to make me smile. Not working, man. Not this time. I need time to recover. Yeah, yeah. I know. It's pathetic but who can blame me? I love the team too much.

Seth needs to go first because he needs to shoot a few scenes for Mika's new show. After a few minutes, Vincent also bids farewell because of family dinner. Hence, it is left with me and my brother's trusty best friend.