The stadium was electric as Gabriela sat sandwiched between her friends Isabella, Diana, and Michelle, all of them lost in the frenzy of cheering crowds and waving flags. The air pulsed with anticipation as the basketball match between White's Academy and Kingston College commenced. Gabriela's eyes darted across the court, taking in the dynamic movements of the players.
Her gaze locked onto Miguel as he strode onto the court, his tall frame and athletic build commanding attention. However, the initial minutes of the game didn't quite live up to expectations, despite Miguel's efforts. The White's Academy supporters looked on with growing concern, their faces etched with worry, but they refused to give up hope.
Meanwhile, the Kingston College fans, clad in their signature blue, created a deafening din, their chants and cheers echoing through the stadium. The White's Academy team seemed to be struggling, their movements sluggish, and their shots missing the mark. The tension was palpable as the teams took a 30-second break, and the players rushed to grab their water bottles.
Miguel's coach was visibly furious, his face reddening as he berated him. "What's going on with you? You're not even trying! If we lose this, it's not just the sports award we'll lose – you'll be off the team. What's the point of having those powerful arms and athletic build if you can't even play decently?" The coach's words hung in the air like a challenge, and Miguel's expression turned determined.
As the game resumed, Miguel's eyes scanned the crowd, and his gaze landed on Gabriela. She was standing now, her flag waving wildly as she cheered him on. Her crop top, emblazoned with "Came For You," caught his eye, and he smiled. Her eyes twinkled, her toned skin in the sunlight, and her dainty waist adorned with five tiny gold belly chains.
Her smile was captivating, radiant and beautiful. Their eyes met.
She winked flirtatiously at him with a genuine smile.
That alone boosted his energy.
The whistle blew, and Miguel snapped back to attention, his energy renewed.
The game became a blur of sweat-drenched jerseys, pounding music, and endless action. Miguel's team fought hard, their movements a testament to their determination. He dove for every loose ball, his long arms stretching out to snatch rebounds. The crowd erupted each time he scored, and The White's Academy supporters began to sense a glimmer of hope.
As the final minutes ticked away, Miguel's team surged forward, their movements a testament to their unwavering spirit. The scoreboard lit up with each point Miguel scored, and the stadium became a cauldron of noise. When the final whistle blew, The White's Academy had emerged victorious, and their supporters erupted into jubilation.
The stands became a sea of cheering fans, all screaming and hugging each other. Gabriela and her friends were swept up in the frenzy, their voices hoarse from shouting. Miguel's teammates lifted him onto their shoulders, and he grinned from ear to ear, his eyes locking onto Gabriela as she cheered wildly, her flag still clutched in her hand. The White's Academy supporters roared in triumph, their team's victory a testament to their unwavering support.
~~~~~~
"Miguel did so well today!"
"I know right, he added to our school's prestige!"
"Way to go, Miguel!"
"Miguel, you're the best!"
"Our school has the hottest basketball captain!"
"I love you, Miguel!"
"Now that Miguel has done this much for The White's Academy, he should focus on being mine."
"No, he's mine!"
"He's mine!"
Female students gushed over Miguel and his name played on everyone's lips. Claudia already prepared a present for Miguel.
When she noticed him coming, she blocked his way.
"Miguel." She called with a bright smile.
"I was cheering so loud for you out there, don't you think I deserve a hug or a kiss?"
"No." He wanted to move but she pushed him slightly back.
"What's the issue, Claudia?"
"What's the issue with you, Miguel? Since Gabriela stepped into this school, I don't look good to you anymore. Nothing I do fascinates you anymore. You've been staring at her."
"Our breakup in high school has nothing to do with Gabriela."
"But I told you it was a misunderstanding. How could I leave someone as rich and handsome as you, for someone so poor like that? I can't cheat on you, Miguel."
"I never said you cheated. But I don't love you, that's just it. I can't waste my precious time with someone I'm not in love with."
"Then who did you fall in love with? Nadia? Sandra? Diana? Gabriela? Who??!" She yelled.
"Claudia, please!" He snapped.
"Go straight to the point; what do you want from me?"
"You did so well out there. Here. I bought you a present."
"What's the content?" Miguel asked, raising a brow.
"Its a deodorant. A very expensive one for you." She smiled again.
"I don't need it. Use it, 'cause you stink a lot." He said and walked away, leaving Claudia baffled.
"Really, Miguel? How dare you say that to me? You used to hug me! What changed?!"
~~~~~
Miguel entered the empty lecture room after changing his outfit.
He waited there for Gabriela.
'I'm in the empty lecture room waiting...'
He texted.
Few minutes later, the door burst open. Gabriela's eyes darted before she saw Miguel. He turned to look at her and stood up.
She ran up to him intensely, leaped into his arms and wrapped his arms around his neck.
Miguel's eyes widened madly and he gasped loudly.
He blinked a few times to process what was happening.
"I'm so proud of you." She cried out.
His heartbeat increased and his hands were trembling but slowly wrapped around her waist.
"Get down, would you? My neck hurts!" Her legs were above the ground.
"You feel warm."
"You didn't close the door. Someone might see us."
"What if they do? I don't care."
"Get down, Gabriela." He ordered. She got down and smiled to see his reaction.
"I'm so happy for you, you know? But I knew you could do it."
"I couldn't have, without you." They sat.
"Really? I wasn't on the basketball court, though."
"That didn't matter. If I didn't need you, I wouldn't text you to come. Your presence meant so much to me." He spoke genuinely.
"Wow. What if I died? You'd quit basketball?" He wanted to touch her lip but stopped himself. He placed his finger on his lip instead.
"Shh. Don't say such things, again."
"Plus, basketball is just my favorite sport. It's not something I'm planning to continue in future."
"You were playing like a weakling at first. I wasn't the only one cheering after all."
"When I saw you, everyone else disappeared. I heard just you." He replied her with a blank expression, concealing his feelings.
"Wow. I feel special."
"Okay. You never said anything about Mom....or Dad... I'm curious." Gabriela changed the topic.
"My Mom died during childbirth; so I never got to see her." Gabriela's heart stung.
"I know how it feels. But its okay, I'm here." He chuckled loudly.
"You're here for what? What do you mean?"
"Here - to be your mom." She replied with a cute smile and he laughed softly, shaking his head.
"Impossible. I'm older."
"But I'm more sensible." He rolled his eyes and they laughed again. His smile wavered.
"And Dad, he keeps blaming me for it. He says, I killed her."
"He hates you?"
"No he doesn't. He loves me so much, but when it comes to his wife, I'm the killer."
"That hurts. You don't have to feel bad about it. Your mom was trying to bring you to this world, but she didn't fail. She succeeded. To me, I think she's the strongest mother. She died, but she had a baby who grew up to be the hottest guy I've ever seen, athletic, kind, nice, lovely to be with, but a Casanova." The smile that was playing on his lips faded.
"Casanova??"
"Yeah. You're a playboy. Don't deny it, 'cause I know what happened with Phoebe and many other girls. You've fucked most of the girls drooling over you. What makes me even think I'll be safe being friends with you?" Gabriela scolded.
"I -"
"Blah, blah, blah, save it. Despite all that, you're actually someone I can trust. I know you wouldn't try all that with me, because at the snap of my fingers, I can get you arrested."
"Even when I got to this school and hated you, trying to take revenge that you called me an hippo, I felt bad about hurting you on the basketball court. Instead of proceeding with proving superior, I showed you my good side." She smiled.
Miguel smiled too, staring at her lips as she spoke.
"Gazillion girls, and Claudia?"
"No. Claudia and I dated for three months in senior high, before we broke up."
"What caused the breakup?" Gabriela was curious.
"I never even loved her. She told her mom she wanted me and Professor Jennie told me that if I wanted my grades, I would have to date her or her daughter. Both were not my type. When I told Rafael, Damien and my dad, they asked me to get on with it and then breakup later. I never enjoyed the relationship. We went on the silliest but most expensive dates, she forced me to do literally everything. When she forced me to hug her or kiss her, it just felt stupid and useless because I never felt anything inside. I just had to just to get good grades, and after the semester, I lied to her saying that I caught her cheating. Turns out, it was true that she was dating a low-class guy and they were using me just to get money just because Professor Jennie had financial problems. Claudia used me to become the school's queen bee. After I knew the truth, I announced our breakup. She just can't get over me. She doesn't want anyone else to have me." Gabriela was left surprised.
"What the heck?" She expressed her shock, and laughed after.
"What was your first kiss like?" She asked between giggles. Miguel rolled his eyes.
"First kiss? I felt so ashamed and disappointed in myself. She has this stray cat look that really irritates me." Gabriela laughed heartily.
"Does that mean you've never felt anything for any of those girls? You only use them for fun?" He nodded and laughed. She rolled her eyes.
They spoke for about three hours without even realizing it. About high school life, funny, crazy and the most embarrassing moments of their childhood. They joked, their laughter filling the lecture room.
As they spoke, Miguel realized that not only was she playful and cute, but she was wise and honest.
"All that shit, I want you to stop. Don't chase after everything under skirts. Chase your dreams and not people. Not girls. Please."
"Chase your dreams not people," he repeated.
"Good one."
"Dreams like how successful you wanna become, your own mansion, your cars, your good reputation, your influence and power, someone you'll end up with - "
"Ahem!" They turned to see Rafael standing at the door. He cleared his throat to draw their attention.
"Hey, Rafael."
"What are you both doing here? Its time to head home."
"Oh, okay."
"Leave. We'll join you." Miguel ordered and Rafael widened his eyes good-naturedly.
"Oh really? You're kicking me out?" He smiled mischievously.
"No please, run along, we'll join you." Rafael left the lecture room with a skip in his step.
"He's crazy." Miguel told Gabriela and she laughed.
"But he's right in a way; we need to end our discussion here, 'cause I need to return something to one of the girls before she leaves college."
"What?" Gabriela asked.
He saw the girl passing by and opened his backpack hurriedly and squeezed a fancy panty in his fist, trying to hide it.
Gabriela gasped. She ran forward to block his way.
"How did you get that?" She interrogated.
"Gabriela, please - "
"Answer my question!"
"She forgot it with me. Happy now? Please move aside." Gabriela shook her head in disappointment.
"This will be the last, right?" She asked. He nodded and left the lecture room.
"You didn't even say goodbye!!" She yelled, a soft, innocent smile playing on her lips.
She left the lecture room too.
~~~~~~~~
Gabriela walked into her apartment and the air was unfriendly. Isabella and Diana gave her cold glares.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" She asked, confused.
"Why did you arrive home so late? That bitch is in your room right now."
"Bitch? C..cl..Claudia??" The nods made Gabriela furious to her bones. She threw her handbag on the floor and ran to her room.
"Claudia! Claudia! Who asked you to..." She was even more shaken by the staffs moving Claudia's things into her room.
"Get the fuck out of my room, right now! Take your staffs...and leave! Who asked you to come here? Who asked you to move in with me?" Gabriela roared.
"It was our Dad, sister. Mr. Alejandro Flores. He said we could live together and get to know each other more, right?" The staffs had gotten rid of some of Daniela's clothes in the room.
"Get to know each other?? Dad is so unbelievable! How could he?!"
"He doesn't mean any harm. He wants us to bond."
"I don't wanna bond with an evil witch like you, Claudia. I won't let you stay here..."
"There's no point, Gabriela," Diana entered the room.
"Your Dad was here and he warned not to try anything like kicking Claudia or her staff out of this house. He wants us four to live together."
"It can't happen!" Gabriela growled. Claudia left the room with her staff, a wicked smirk on her lips.
Gabriela sat down on the bed, bowed her head and held it tight, fuming in anger.
Diana sat next to her.
"I don't think I can stay here with Claudia. Maybe, I should go to Miguel's apartment. No jerks or bitches stay there." Diana spoke sadly. Gabriela's eyes widened as an idea popped in her head.
She suddenly smiled.
"What happened?" She raised her head.
"You'll do something for me, Diana. You and Isabella will stay here and endure Claudia's craziness for three days, at worst, and I'll go stay there." Diana's eyes widened.
"Great idea! Claudia will have to leave if she doesn't want you in Miguel's apartment. Smartest move!"
Gabriela got to the living room with a packed bag.
"Claudia, I'm sorry for yelling earlier. It was shocking that you were moving in, that's why I took it that way. So, feel comfortable, sister. Since you'll be in my room, I'm heading out now to stay with Miguel."
"What?!"