Midnight Breeze (Chasing Dreams Series #3) | C O M P L E T E D

Chapter 38

Natapos na ang first week ng training. So far, I've already learned a lot. Malaking bahagi talaga ang ginampanan ng aming bagong coach na si Ms. Raven sa improvements na ipinamalas namin. And based on my observation, Harmony has gained some confidence. It made me so happy to see her perform in front of us—with her head high and a big smile on her face.

We are allowed to go home every weekends. I was packing some clothes that I was supposed to bring in my new condo; but all my plans bummed out when Billie called to remind me that we had to go home. Of course, Menandro will come to pick me up. Wala talaga akong kawala!

Wearing a simple yet cozy outfit, I waited in the lobby. Malapit na raw siya. Hmm, I doubt that. Baka dinaanan niya muna 'yung kabit niya. Siguro humingi ng goodbye kiss at malugod naman niyang pinaunlakan?

Almost the entirety of the trainees have already left and I realized that I looked so lonely in the lobby, so I decided to grab a drink. Kaunti lang ang mga tao sa loob ng Dining Hall. Medyo nabigla ako dahil ibig sabihin lang no'n ay atat na atat nang umuwi ang iba. Siguro na-homesick?

I was listening to BTS Jungkook's Euphoria and casually sipping my chocolate frappe when someone poked my shoulder. Mabilis kong inalis 'yung earphones at nilingon kung sino ba ang nangalabit sa likuran.

"Coach Paulo!" nakaramdam ako ng excitement nang nakita siya.

"Hi, Hailey!" he pointed to the vacant seat in front. I smiled and nodded my head. "Thank you. Akala ko umalis ka na?"

"May free time pa naman ako kaya pumunta muna ako dito. Ikaw, Coach? Allowed ba kayo umuwi every weekend 'tulad namin?" tanong ko habang binabasa niya 'yung Menu.

Tumango siya at nakangiting tumingin sa akin. "Oo naman. 'Tulad niyo, sa Monday din ang balik namin. And could you please drop the 'coach'? Kapag tapos na ang training, 'Paulo' na lang ang itawag mo sa 'kin. 'Tsaka magka-edad lang tayo, 'no?"

"Ang daldal mo talaga!" Humalakhak ako. "Sure, I'll drop the formality."

He smiled sheepishly. Uminom ako ng frappe at naningkit ang mga mata ko habang pinapanood siyang um-order. Wala talagang dull moments tuwing kasama ko siya. Napatunayan ko 'yon dahil sa mga nagdaang araw. He was really nice and fun to be with. His energy kinda reminds of Agassi...

Nasaktan ang lalamunan ko sa huli kong paglunok. I missed my best friend... Until now, hindi pa rin kami nag-uusap. Ayaw niya akong kausapin. Umaasa na lang ako sa updates nina Andeng tungkol sa mga ganap sa buhay ng lalaking 'yon...

"Hailey!" Coach Paulo snapped his fingers to get my attention. "Gusto mo ba kako kumain ng pastries?"

I shook my head. "N-No, thanks, Paulo. Okay na 'ko sa frappe," then I smiled to ease my embarrassment.

Biglang umilaw 'yung screen ng cellphone ko. Hindi ko na narinig ang sinabi ni Coach Paulo dahil nakatutok na ang buong atensyon ko sa text ni Menandro.

From: Menandro

I'm here. Kaso hindi ako pinapasok kasi wala akong Visitor's Pass. Sa 'yo raw dapat manggagaling 'yon. And, they told me that the next time you're expecting a visitor, you should inform them beforehand.

Kumunot ang noo ko. What? May gano'ng policy ba? Ito ang napapala ko dahil hindi ko binasa ng mabuti 'yung guidebook at hindi nakinig ng maayos no'ng orientation.

Hinawakan ko na ang bag ko. Nag-reply ako at sinabing lalabas na. I glanced at Coach Paulo and he was already looking at me. Ramdam niya na kailangan ko nang umalis kaya tumayo siya.

"So, I'll see you next week?" Tipid siyang ngumiti. "Forget about the training. I want you to enjoy your quick break, Hailey."

"Thank you, Paulo! Ingat ka! Bye-bye!" kinawayan ko siya at dali-daling umalis doon.