So Into You (A JeDean / GaWong Story)

Second Chances

***
(Jema said)

It's the start of the new conference and we're rebuilding the team. Coach Tai left for good to be with his family, while both Ate Jia and Ate Alex were advised to rest due to injury.

"May temporary setter tayo. Magaling naman daw," Ate Pau said before practice, reassuring us that the Management is doing their best to fill in th gaps.

"Sino raw, Ate Pau?" Kyla asked, but Ate Pau gestured she had no idea. I ran down a list of possible names in my mind but all of them were still bound by contracts with their respective teams.

"Girls..." Coach Karlo gathered us. "Strengthening muna tayo ngayon kasi di pa nakalipad 'yong setter natin. Bukas ninyo malalaman kung sino siya kaya wala ng magtatanong, okay?"

"Yes, Coach!" We all answered. I proceeded with my workout while some carried on with the who-is-the-new-setter guessing game.

After the fiasco last month, I missed the rest of the final four games. I filed a leave of absence to focus on myself. Now, I am determined more than ever to get back on track.

***
(Deanna said)

"Mr. Chairman and members of the Board," I said during the meeting, "Today is my last day in our Cebu office. I will be based in Manila starting tomorrow to concentrate on our operations there. Thank you for training me. I know I still have a lot to learn so I hope I could still reach out for your guidance from time to time."

I stood up and shook hands with our business partners then went to hug my sisters and dad. I already fulfilled my end of the deal with my parents when I graduated and joined the company. Now, I have the liberty to pursue what my heart really tells me to do. My parents may not agree a hundred percent at this point but I am hoping they'll come around with my decision.

***
(Jema said)

We were excited for the big reveal that most of us came early. We started the warmups but there was still no new face present. I paired up with Ate Pau for the drills.

"Nandiyan na raw 'yong setter," Ate Pau said. "Kausap lang ng mga bossing."

"Ah mabuti naman," I answered. "Sana compatible siya sa atin."

Then I froze with what I saw--a familiar face smiling at me... I wasn't able to raise my arms and received a facial.

"Jema! Sorry!" I could hear Ate Pau.

I lost my balance and was expecting to hit the ground hard. But then I fell in someone's arms--it was Deanna's. She was panting as she sprinted to catch me.

"Compatible nga," Ate Pau shouted towards us.

I felt my cheeks flushed and looked away. We walked towards the team huddle without exchanging a word.

"Girls, please give a warm welcome to our new setter, Deanna Wong," Coach Karlo said. We gave her a round of applause. Deanna raised her hand in acknowledgement. Coach Karlo did a roll call of names to introduce the team as Deanna shook hands with the person called.

I was sure Coach Karlo deliberately did not say my name up to the last minute. "May nakalimutan pa ba ko?"

"Ah Coach, si Jema," Deanna said. I returned a smile.

"Jema, di ka pa raw nakakalimutan ni Deanna oh," Kyla, who was sitting beside me, whispered. I hit her arm out of embarrassment even if I wasn't sure who also heard her comment.

We had a lot to work on so the training proceeded immediately with drills and positioning. After the training, Deanna stayed on the court with our coaches and Ate Jia.

I felt like we needed to talk that I decided to camp in my car and wait for her.

***
(Deanna said)

The last time I saw Jema was at the hotel room on her supposed-to-be wedding day. I waited for her sisters to be by her side before I left for Cebu. I was relieved when she was still sleeping back then. It was better to keep things unsaid to prevent myself from taking advantage of the situation. She needed to heal and I needed to fix things at home.

***
(Jema said)

To stop myself from dozing off, I turned up the volume and danced like crazy. I was in the middlle of my jam when someone knocked on my window.

"Jema?" I read her lips. I opened the window.

"Hi Deanna," I said.

"Hinintay mo ba ko?" She was smirking.

"Huh? Ako? Hindi ah... Nagpalipas lang ako ng traffic. Paalis na rin ako. Ikaw paalis na?"

"Yup. Tumatawag pa lang ako ng sundo." She looked worried.

"Saan ka ba papunta?"

"Sa Makati."

"Sakto! Papunta ako sa Makati. Isasabay na kita."

"Talaga? Thank you ha."

Deanna got in the car with her training bag on her lap.

"Sooo..." I was trying to break the ice. "Welcome back! Marami kang mapapasayang fans mo."

"Ahhh... Namiss ko rin eh. Namiss ko maglaro, 'yong ingay sa court, 'yong staredowns..." She whispered the last bit but I head it loud and clear because I wanted to.

"Iba talaga pag mahal mo eh, babalik-balikan mo." I cringed inside after saying that. I was second guessing her reaction.

"Haha. I agree. Mabuti nga sa volleyball may second chance."

"Sa ibang bagay din kaya."

"Tulad ng?"

"Life in general... especially love... Char!"

Deanna laughed. We telepathically agreed to talk about our team plays as we drove along the road. We were not rushing things--we both know we'll get there again...