The Accident
Written by Adrianne Aguilar
"There are no mere accidents in life. It is just what you called destiny"
~*~
It was a Wednesday morning, Coach Leon Fernandez had texted all his basketball players of the Quicksilver team that they would be having a 2pm meeting at the school gym.
At about 1:45pm almost all of the team’s members, including Coach Leon and assistant coach Bong Aguila were already there.
Surprisingly Michael Sy and Joshua “Jech-jech” Prado wasn’t there yet.
“Well, I am not surprised if Prado would be late… But Mickey?” Chester told himself.
“Mr. Ylano…” the coach called his attention, “Has Mr. Sy contacted you yet?”
Chester doesn’t have any idea on where Mickey is. He can’t even answer his coach’s query. He is even worried that something had happen to his best buddy.
So Mr. Leon Fernandez continued, “Anyways guys, I do need to start our meeting, because your coach Mr. Aguila and I have this immediate meeting with the rest of the UAAP committee at 3pm.”
“And by the way, your new jerseys are now here…” Mr. Bong Aguila delivered the good news to them.
The guys weren’t that really enthusiastic with the jersey news for the reason that every year they do have the same jersey design, because of the school’s take that it is like a trademark of the school. They were just being issued new jerseys every year but with the same design. But it seems Mr. Aguila was pointing out something else when he told them that the jerseys were “new”.
The first jersey was then pulled out from the box, courtesy of the school’s official sports apparel tie-up, to the team’s surprise, they had a different jersey design than their usual jerseys before, it was handed to their basketball team captain, Jason Helguera.
“Astig… This jersey is so cool… And we do have shoes according to our specifications…” as El Capitan reacted with excitement.
“Yeah, this is way cooler than our old jersey… It is so modern looking… At least may pang tapat na tayong pang-porma with the Blue Eagles and Green Archers… hehehe…” AJ Agaton suddenly said.
There was also an alternate white jersey to their silver gray “home” jersey that was first given to them. They were also given a kit full of apparels like practice shorts, shirts, wrist bands, socks, etc.
After quite some time every member of the team was already given their set of things, the last person who received this was Chester Ylano. Mickey and Joshua aren’t there yet. It was already 2 pm.
“Does anyone know where the heck is Prado and Sy?” as Coach Leon asked the whole team. Meanwhile Mr. Aguila is contacting them both on their mobile phones, but it seems that they had both turned off their phones at the same time.
Then small forward Raffy Chua just saw the both of them approaching the rest of the team, “Oh, ayan na pala sina Michael at Jech-jech eh…”
To their disbelief, both of them went to the gym at the same time. And what’s bizarre with it was they do look strangely much okay than the other days, because of the said brawl incident. What the whole basketball team doesn’t know was Mickey and Joshua had already set their differences aside.
“Sorry coach, if we’re a bit late…” as Michael Sy told his apologies.
“I am calling you both at your mobile phones but it seems that your phones are off?” Coach Bong said.
Then Prado answered, “Sorry po coach, naiwan ko sa dorm yung celfone ko…” and Mickey followed
“Low-bat po ako coach…”
Coach Leon had noticed the sudden change with his two ace players, well he knows and he feels that something positive have come up. “Guys, yung mga jerseys nyo nandyan na nga pala…” as Mr. Fernandez reminded the two.
Michael Sy then handed Joshua’s things to him. All of them were awestruck. They were like thinking, what’s with the two of them.
“Cool… A new jersey design… Astig to no Mickey?” then he gave his co-player a high-five.
“Oo nga tol’…” Michael agreed to him.
“Eh sabog yata tong dalawang to eh…” Marthy Cojuangco reacted.
He was then heard by Chester Ylano, “The Coach might hear you… Anyways that’s okay… At least they are now getting along…”
“Team… Have a sit, I just have to tell you something before me and your coach Bong goes to our suppose meeting…” upon Mr. Fernandez’ request the whole team followed. And on the third time, they were again surprised, by the way Prado and Sy are doing, they are now seated side-by-side.
“New jerseys, new stuff… It doesn’t really matter. Two championship wins? I know the pressure is there… And at the same time I know that all of you are aware that we are the host of this year’s UAAP event. But I hope that fact won’t even affect your game play… My point is that I know that every ingredient of a good player is instilled in everyone of you… Humility and teamwork, those are the keys to our victory this year…” Mr. Fernandez told his now fired up team.
“So guys… I guess it’s time for you to have some rest, practice season ends here… We’ll just have our follow up exercises on coming days when the season starts, but for now, all of you must rest… So that by the time of the UAAP opening ceremony you’ll all be recharged…” Mr. Aguila told their players, and he followed it up with a chant, “So Quicksilvers, what are we aiming for?!”
In chorus they answered, “One team, On Our third Victory!”
~*~
Chester had hopped on Mickey’s ride. He’s on his way to SM Mall of Asia that day after the meeting with Coach Fernandez and the rest of the team.
“Wow, Chester is having a date… Chester is having a date…” as Michael mocked his best friend.
“Okay, okay… Now it is official, it is a date…” Chester can’t hide it anymore with Mickey, because he knows that Michael does know that he isn’t the type who just goes out and hang out in the mall.
“Do you have a picture of the Lucky girl?” Michael didn’t even stop on pestering his buddy. He was hell energized that day.
“What’s with you Michael? Hahaha… Date ba pare? Eh mukhang kayo yata ni Prado ang nag-date?” and Chester teased Mickey in return.
“Uyy, I am not gay ha…” then Mickey paused for a while because of that thing the he said, “Hey bakit nga pala Michael na yata ang tawag mo sakin ngayon, at hindi Mickey, galit ka ba? If I am not your best friend I could think nagseselos ka? Baka naman nababakla ka na Chester tol’ Hahaha…” then he just laughed, but Chester was just still and didn’t reacted that much, Mickey felt that he had offended him in some sort. So he just diverted their talk to the Joshua topic, “Anyways, Joshua and I already settled our differences… He’s now happy with Anika… And I am now ready to move on with my life…”
“Oh is that it… I am happy for you pare…” and Chester gave Michael this smirk.
“Thank you tol’, I know that the time will come, happiness would just come into my way… Just like you, you’re going on a date!” and Michael went back on pestering Chester.
And so Michael Sy had dropped his buddy Chester Ylano at the South Wing of the SM Mall of Asia and then Mickey went straight to the hospital to check on David Castillejos.
~*~
Mickey went into David’s hospital room at about five in the afternoon, again he lounged himself into this stainless steel chair and pulled out this book from his backpack that he borrowed from the library… While reading the book he was munching on an apple that David’s boss Allen brought. He was really into this novel that he was reading that he already finished at least four chapters, Michael didn’t noticed that it was already 7:30pm.
“Wow, chapter four? Just imagine, I didn’t noticed that time has passed by. This High School Project book is really addicting…” and Michael noticed that he’s a bit hungry. The apple that he ate hours ago wasn’t enough for him.
“David, I’ll be back tomorrow. Don’t worry I’ll be here the whole day…” Mickey always does this whenever he goes home after his visit to David.
Upon leaving the room while he was walking along the hallway, he noticed Allen.
“Hi Allen, how are you?” as Mickey greeted Mr. Marciano.
The latter was busy checking out the things that he brought for David’s room, “Oh Mickey, I am really sorry, I didn’t notice you…”
“No, it’s okay, so you’ll be visiting David am I right? So can I accompany you?” Mickey replied.
“Yes, I am actually on my way there. Are you sure that it’s okay that you’ll go with me? You might have an engagement later…” Allen got worried.
“Actually, not an engagement, I am on my way to have dinner. Can I invite you over dinner? Gee… Oh sorry, I am might be the one who’s meddling with your schedule… Hehehe…” and Michael just scratched his head.
“Oh, is that it? Hmmm… It’s okay, actually I just went here to check on David for a while, bring some things and I am also planning on having dinner…” and Allen accepted Michael’s invitation.
Upon entering David’s room, both of them stopped by at the side of his bed.
“He’s looking fine now…” Allen suggested.
“Yes, I think he is now on his way to full recovery…”, and Michael then paused, he remembered the way he acted the last time he was with Allen on this very spot of the room, “Hey Allen, about last time…”
He wasn’t finished with what he was about he say, he was eventually cut off by Mr. Marciano, “Mickey, it was nothing… Don’t over think about it. When I first learned of the letter I was also mad at him. But eventually things like this really happen, especially on this kind of life that we have…”
“Kind of life…” as if Michael was clueless.
“Nevermind, come on, let’s now go for dinner…” Allen told Mr. Nice guy.
They eventually went into this nifty restaurant which serves authentic Italian dishes. Allen ordered some salad, while Michael had some pasta.
At the dinner table they continued their conversation, Mickey then started talking, “Is it your day off today? Me, I had a busy schedule at school this morning. Then we had this meeting at basketball practice at 2pm.
And that’s basically it… Hehehe…” As if Michael doesn’t know on what he was saying.
Allen was bewildered with the way Mickey was talking about things, he just then answered his query,
“Nope, I decided to take a leave of absence today… I am actually stressed at work so I just decided to take a time off…”
“Oh really… That’s nice… Some quality time for yourself right? Well as for me, UAAP season would actually start this Friday… It would be a very busy weekend for me…” Michael told Allen while twirling his Marinara Spaghetti.
“Oh that’s cool… the UAAP season starts on Friday? It sucks, by tomorrow I’ll be back at work…” Allen was frowning.
Mickey also grimaced, “Yeah, it sucks right? I can’t imagine, I would spend lesser time with David, I’ll miss him” he was caught off guard. It just blurted from nowhere.
It was a very awkward conversation really, they just suddenly became quiet… Allen knows that Mickey didn’t expect to just say it that way.
He apologized, “I am sorry, I didn’t mean it that way… I am a bit confused Allen…” by this time he was now all red.
On the other hand Mr. Marciano was also confused on how he would actually react on that very situation, “It is okay Mickey… I know you do mean it as a friendly gesture…” he tactfully said to the jock.
“Oh that’s alright… I thought you had the wrong idea…” Michael said in relief.
“Is he now falling for David?” Allen told himself.
“I just really care for your friend… When that accident happened, as if we had this special bond, a very deep connection. Most especially when I have read Drew’s letter to him.” Michael explained.
“Special Bond?” Allen whispered again to himself as he listens to Mr. Sy.
Michael didn’t concentrated about the thing about Anika, he knows that what is happening to him is way beyond than just what he feels that just happened to him and his ex-girlfriend.
Then Michael became distracted, and looked blank for quite some time.
“Hey are you okay?” Allen asked.
And he answered from nowhere, “Yeah, sure… Actually I’m sorry, I suddenly became blank. Maybe I’m just getting tired.”
“Well that’s natural. You’re into sports. So somehow you’ll also get some fatigue. Anyways I think you should have a rest later as soon as you get home.” Allen suggested.
“Don’t worry really I am still fine, and I am planning to fetch you home.” Michael reiterated.
But Allen courteously declined, “I’m also okay. I’ll just hop on a cab. And your way is different than mines.”
And after some minutes of chatting, and having a cup of coffee they have decided to take their separate ways.
“Michael, Dinner was really nice. Thank you again. And thank you for taking care of my friend. He may not respond to you physically but I know that he feels it.” Allen exclaimed to him.
Mickey didn’t responded, instead he sincerely smile with what Allen told him.
~*~
Mr. Nice guy stayed at the hospital with David for the whole Thursday. They were given a time off so that they could rest for tomorrow’s game. There he just brought his I-touch player and listened to every instrumental classical music that he really likes to listen. He occasionally eats fruits and somehow kills his boredom by reading the book that he is currently hooked on. He often checks on David from time to time. He had turned his phone off so that no one would actually bother his quality time with him.
What Mickey didn’t notice was from a distant his best pal Chester was checking on him. “That is why I can’t reach him over the phone. He’s here with David the whole time I was looking for him.” Instead of going inside the room he decided to go his way and leave.
~*~
And the most awaited day already came. That day that every aspiring player had hoped for, the new season of the UAAP had just started. Nine teams from nine different schools joined for the annual event vying for the ultimate prize, which is to be immortalized as legends in UAAP history.
In alphabetical order the teams were:
(AdU) Adamson University – Soaring Falcons
(ADLU) Animus De Lenoir̩ University РQuicksilvers
(ADMU) Ateneo De Manila University – Blue Eagles
(DLSU) De La Salle University – Green Archers
(FEU) Far Eastern University – Tamarraws
(NU) National University - Bulldogs
(UE) University of the East - Red Warriors
(UP) University of the Philippines – Fighting Maroons
(UST) University of Santo Tomas – Growling Tigers
ADLU was very busy hosting the event. It was the very first time that this university would hold this privilege, for they are the youngest team among the group of universities at the UAAP league. But they have proven a lot this past three years, they had one championship wins for events like, the men’s and women’s volleyball team. Women’s swimming. Also in chess games they had emerged as champions and two years ago the cheerleading team had won the championships. Last year the Silverbelles were runners up to UP. And of course who could forget the back to back win of the ADLU’s Quicksilver basketball team. They had proved that they deserved to be hailed as the overall winner for the UAAP league last year and for a fact that even rookies could break into the league of giants such as DLSU, ADMU and FEU. The basketball team is also running for their third consecutive win. So how is that for some pressure?
So all eyes were on Michael Sy’s Team who is very eager on defending their almost third title in the UAAP. They were in full battle gear, at the same time were dressed to impress because of their newly designed game uniforms. Surely they were the talk of the town. Plus the fact that collectively they are not just known for the way they play on the court but for the fact that they were a bunch of good looking boys. There was an actual ladies club established by girls from different universities in the metro which are loyal fans of the Quicksilver basketball team. They have called themselves as the “UUQB” or the United Universities for the Quicksilver Boys. Actually they were competing with the noise that ADLU’s own cheering squad the Silverbells were creating. The opening ceremonies went into a blast. Imagine they have rocked Araneta with a very classy act ala Cirque de Soleil… Everyone was astounded with the show that the ADLU had delivered and certainly this is one unforgettable moment in UAAP history, and they had surely pulled it off.
But the main event has already come. The very first game was allotted to, who else? The host team ADLU basketball team “The Quicksilvers”, against the legendary “Green Archers” of DLSU.
Both teams were then introduced. First of course was the line-up of DLSU. The whole crowd was cheering. Everyone has an idol there. Aside from Ateneo and FEU, DLSU is one of their toughest rivals to date.
“Marian, I’ve heard that the Green Archers had a very tough and excruciating practice this season. And they do have a well thought game plan…” said Ador to his E-I-C.
“Well that’s just fine. I do have faith in our own team that they could bring home the glory for the third time in a row.” Marian replied.
Then it was the time to introduce ADLU’s pride, “We now welcome the back to back champions, the Mighty Quicksilvers!” every student of ADLU was screaming with delight, as the announcer shouts their Alma Matters name.
From the Quicksilvers, then the roster list was read
A loud drumroll was heard,
And an upbeat music was played, when they were introduced one-by-one.
ADLU Quicksilvers Basketball Team Roster (Ateneo De Lasalle University)
| |||
Number
|
Name
|
Position
|
Height
|
17
|
Sy, Michael “Mickey”
|
Point Guard
|
5’11”
|
18
|
Ylano,
|
Point Guard
|
5’10 ½”
|
13
|
Prado, Joshua “Jech-Jech”
|
Shooting Guard
|
6’0”
|
11
|
Cojuangco, Marthy
|
Shooting Guard
|
6’2”
|
4
|
Helguera, Jason (Captain)
|
Center
|
6’7”
|
9
|
Parker, Drake
|
Center
|
6’8”
|
10
|
Baraquiel, Timothy James “TJ”
|
Power Forward
|
6’4”
|
21
|
Al-Shaik, Rahjie
|
Power Forward
|
6’6”
|
11
|
Roda, Jose Miguel “JM”
|
Power Forward
|
6’3”
|
20
|
Castro, Jaydee
|
Small Forward
|
6’4”
|
19
|
Chua, Raffy
|
Small Forward
|
6’2”
|
8
|
Agaton, AJ
|
Small Forward
|
6’4
|
The last name to be called before the team captain was the point guard, “Michael Sy!”, and the ladies were screaming like hell. Imagine the pandemonium inside the Big Dome when his name was called.
“Is it just me dude, o mas lalo pa yata dumami ang fans mo?” Chester told the now shy Mickey.
“Ganyan talaga pag mga gwapo” Jech jech Prado entered the scene, it is surprising that he isn’t even bothered with what Chester said.
Michael can’t do anything but scratch his head with every compliment that he hears from his colleagues.
“Hey guys, stop fooling around, we are about to start on our very first game.” Said Jason Helguera, he was the last player to be called for ADLU, for he is the team captain.
“Don’t worry cap. We’re going to crush every team who is going into our way. Is that right Sy?” and he gave
Michael a high-five.
From a distant Anika saw what happened, that Mickey is now in good terms with Joshua.
Janna also saw that, “What’s with them Anika? I thought that they were…”, then the cheerleading captain just paused, she was even curious on what is happening, she can’t stop thinking and looking on Michael.
“Well that’s new?” Chester said which El Capitan Helguera heard. Jason just answered, “Just let him be Chester, you do know how moody Jech-Jech can be?”
Then the tournament format was announced on national television.
The UAAP Tournament format
The tournament begins with a double round elimination, where a team meets its opponent twice in a season. The four top teams qualify for the postseason.
The postseason is divided into the semi-finals and the Finals. In the semi-Finals, the top four teams based on team standings (and tiebreakers, if applicable) from the elimination round qualify. The two top seeds have a twice to beat advantage, that is they must be beaten twice in order to be eliminated. The lower seeds, on the other hand, can be eliminated when they are defeated once.
The surviving teams face off in a best-of-three Finals, where the team which notches two wins first wins the championship.
If a team wins all of the games in the elimination round, the step ladder format is used, where the unbeaten team has a bye up to the best-of-three Finals. The third and fourth seed will figure in a knockout game; the winner of that game will face the second seed with a twice-to-win disadvantage. The surviving team meets the first seed at the Finals.
The previous format used (prior to 1993) was that the two top teams after a double round eliminations would qualify for the Finals, with the first seed possessing the twice to beat advantage. If a team survives the elimination round unbeaten, they are declared as the automatic champions. After UST's sweep in 1994, the automatic champion provision was removed and the step-ladder format was adopted (see above).
And so the most awaited game started, the first possession of the ball went into the Quicksilvers hands. Specifically Jech-jech Prado.
“Let’s get it on boys” he ferociously shouted.
He didn’t gave any hint of what is actually happening, but the whole ADLU crowd was ablazed with the surprise that Jech-jech had made a pass to Michael Sy.
“Oh I thought that they had issues?” said one expectator from ADLU.
“Maybe they had fixed those issues…”speculated by another.
Even Anika, now Joshua’s girlfriend is puzzled on what is actually happening. And before anything can be concluded on what is happening, Mickey already had the very first score for that night.
“That’s a two pointer from Michael Sy, compliments from Jech-jech Prado in the house.” Said the commentator.
The situation became somehow interesting when Joshua Prado went into Mickey, and they have thought a fight was about to start. Instead Prado gave Sy a high five.
“What was that all about Anika?” Janna again asked her.
“I don’t know really maybe they had patched things out.” And her eyes were now glued to Mickey.
Somehow it had hit her, at that very moment Michael was all smiles, that very smile that made her fall for him is somehow taking effect on her one more time, enticing her in such a seductive manner.
Janna noticed this, “Hey Anika, are you actually drooling over Mickey?” the latter was caught off-guard.
“Mind your own business girl. Do you wanted to be termed from the team?” as the head Queen Bee taunted her.
“Just asking, (bitch!)” the last word she just told to herself, and Janna just walked away.
DLSU was that very competitive that throughout the four quarters, the scores were just very tight but in the end, ADLU emerged as the more competitive one.
July 10 – Araneta Coliseum [Series 1 of Round 1]
1PM – Opening Ceremonies by ADLU
Game 1: 2PM – ADLU vs DLSU – [ADLU - 80 | DLSU - 76]
“Nice job guys Congratulations! Game one down fifteen games to go into the Finals.” As coach Leon congratulated his team.
Everyone was somehow awestruck with their first win. But of course it isn’t still time to celebrate.
“Eh dude, where are you planning to go now?” as his best buddy Chester asked him.
Mickey was about to answer his fellow, when Joshua Prado entered the scene, “So Michael, nice game, some of the guys are planning to have a couple of drinks, just to celebrate. Any plans tonight?” said the very eager Jech jech.
Instead of waiting for Mickey’s answer, Chester said, “I guess I should go ahead.”
“Hey, Ches…” Michael was about to call his name but it seemed useless, “Hmmm… Thank you for the invite, maybe next time. I do have other plans for tonight. Enjoy kayo mga tol’.” Joshua understands and they had separated ways.
After an hour of driving, Mickey have just found himself in David’s hospital room. He was there to deliver the great news.
“Guess what? We won…“ He was all smiles. Then he held David’s hands. On the side table he then saw the seashell that he gave David days ago. He slowly caressed it. Then his took his other pair of shell and have it caressed by David. While doing it he was surprised with what happened, David responded, his ring finger moved. He then called for her Aunt Nina and had asked her for what was actually happening to David, and she then answered.
“That is actually a good sign Mickey. That means that he is responding with his treatments and he is somehow recovering.” As Aunt Nana explained to him.
Michael was indeed very excited, he then phoned Allen for the good news.
“That’s nice to hear Mickey. Don’t worry I’ll visit him later today, I am just on a current engagement.” Allen told him. “Oh I am sorry.” As Michael said his apologies.
“No it is just fine Mickey. I am really glad that you called at least my best buddy is now recovering. See you later. And again, congratulations for winning the first game.” Said Allen.
“You have watched the game? I thought you’ll be at work today?” Mickey then wondered.
“Ah eh, you silly! Of course I’ve seen it on TV. It’s now in the news. I hope you are aware how famous you are. Especially with girls.” As if Allen is diverting the topic.
“Hahaha…” All that Mickey can do is to laugh.
July 15 – Philsports Arena [ROUND 2]
Game 2: 4PM – NU vs ADLU – [ADLU - 59 | NU - 55]
For the second time, ADLU won their basketball game, against National University.
“Have you noticed Janna, it looks like Mickey is much better now in his game. This is his best year so far.” Cheerleader Trish said.
Janna agreed with what Trish said, then they both saw Mickey smiling at them, “See, he has this very infectious smile… He looks very inspired…” and the two girls waved back at him.
Anika on the other hand have overheard the girl’s conversation, and she also noticed that flirting thing that they just did, she then passed by them, and intentionally shove Janna, “Oh I am sorry, I didn’t notice that you are there…” she is now pretending that she didn’t meant what she did.
“Jealous!” Janna smirked and the two just laughed and laugh.
“Who are you calling jealous?” as Anika confronted the other girl.
“Why are you being defensive? You are already taken by your beau Jech-jech right? And Michael is a free man? So what’s with the reaction?” Janna verbally fought back.
Janna had make sense, Anika then had hold on her composure and she eventually walked away.
“You stupid girl…” she agitatedly said, “Anika, what is happening to you, Michael, I don’t know what’s happening to me…”
July 18 – Philsports Arena [ROUND 3]
Game 3: 4PM – UE vs ADLU - [ADLU - 82 | UE - 63]
July 24 – Araneta Coliseum [ROUND 4]
Game 4: 4PM – ADLU vs ADMU – [ADLU - 66 | ADMU - 63]
July 29 – Araneta Coliseum [ROUND 5]
Game 5: 2PM – ADLU vs FEU – [ADLU - 84 | FEU - 80]
For five consecutive games, ADLU has won victoriously against other teams, and there is this buzz that they might sweep all the season’s games on their feet. But for now they should be more focused…
On his way home, Michael saw his best buddy Chester walking on his way home.
“Ches, I am going home, sabay ka na?” as Mickey invited Mr. Ylano.
The latter was quiet, as if he couldn’t hear his friend’s invite.
“Chester Ylano sakay na!” as he shouted his name for the second time.
In the end Mr. Ylano responded, “I might be meddling with you, I think you are still going somewhere am I right?”
“Yes I might be visiting David, but it would be just a brief visit, but I’ll go home after that…” Mickey answered.
And Chester responded, “Ahh is that so, anyways, thank you Mike. I’ll just hop on a cab, I’ll be going somewhere, thank you for the invite…” and he just boarded this Taxi that is parked in front of him.
Michael Sy was bewildered of the scene, “What is that all about Mr. Chester Ylano…” he said unto himself.
In the taxi cab, “Damn you Michael, I don’t know why am I feeling this…” and he just felt something dripping on his eyes and he eventually wiped it off.
NEXT CHAPTER:
The Accident - CHAPTER 7 - http://boykissesbydane.blogspot.com/2012/06/accident-chapter-7.html
