Chapter IV: Tryouts, Games, and Weekend Gimmick

As I was walking towards the girls’ locker/restroom to change into our PE Uniform, Charm grabbed me. “Hey, watch it!” Charm giggled and said, “The volleyball tryouts will be held this afternoon. Let’s go for it!” I gasped “But I don’t have a spare shirt!” Val squeezed in and said “But we do have our PE shirts and sneakers on, right? I think we’re good.” We went to the registration table and signed our names.  We sat on the bleachers’ area and watched as the PE Teachers conducted tryouts for the AM and PM volleyball teams for Freshman and Sophomore. The Juniors and Seniors would have theirs in the afternoon. I saw a lot of girls trying out in their old volleyball jerseys. ‘And all I’m wearing is this crappy P.E. t-shirt.’ I badly wanted to run to the store to buy another shirt but I don’t have spare cash at the moment.  Even Val and Charm were wearing other volleyball jerseys in amazing colors. I bit my lip. The teachers were calling the names of the Freshman students and proceeded to test them in the basics. I sighed and tied up my hair and thought, ‘ I just need to show them my tossing and receiving skills. I’m better than some of these girls, anyway. And I got ample training in Sta. Maria Academy, under the tutelage of the winning high school coach Beta. I can do this.’ I sat down with Charm and Val to wait for our tryouts. 

After more than an hour of waiting, the teachers called the Sophomore students. We were asked to do our serves. Then we were divided into groups of 6 and given 10 minutes to play. I went straight to the setter’s place (those days, it was called Tosser) as that was my old post. Charm took on the Spiker’s post (now known as Hitter).  Val became our cheerleader.  Another girl named Felicia was a good all-around player who would give me easy balls which made my tossing the ball to the spikers better. I realized all three of us were playing so fluidly we won the set. The teacher asked us to stay behind.  Time passed by and the teachers called out the teams that would be composed of AM (morning sections) and PM (afternoon sections) teams for Freshman and Sophomore, totalling 4 teams composed of 12 players with 3 back-ups.  We screamed when we realized we made it to the AM Sophomore Team. Felicia was also in the same line-up.  We got so excited I forgot my initial apprehension about my shirt.  I also met the other players and after being given the schedule of practices, we left the court.  Val would be trying out for the Sophomore Boys AM team the next day and we will be cheering him on.  The teacher also got our measurements and sent us off.  Charm became bubbly after that.  She ignored the nasty looks sent her way by girls from Section II-2 who would always badmouth her.  “You look so excited, Charm. I guess volleyball is also your passion.” She smiled and said, ”At least, this school won’t be so boring. I am so looking forward to our games. And don’t forget to bring spare jerseys tomorrow.” I giggled and said, “Yes, of course. And extra shorts or jogging pants.” Val butted in, “I have plenty of jerseys. I can bring those and let you look.” I stared at him, “But you’re so thin, and those must be boys’ jerseys.” Val sniggered. “You can fit it those and some are unisex, so don’t worry.” 

Val also got in the boys’ team, along with Noah and Romi. The three played well and provided comic relief in that group.  Students would cheer for them as they played gracefully against stronger counterparts. They would do a quick ramp on the court before taking start of each game. They became the darling trio of the sport. Everytime their team wold play, the whole court were filled with cheering students. For the girls’ team, we played as a team and won our games versus the PM team and the Freshman teams. Sadly, we lost to the more experienced Junior and Senior Girls’ teams and ended our run with 3 wins - 4 losses card. Charm was despondent when the games ended. She would always come alive during our games and hooked so many boys' attention. Boys would flock to our games and try to get her number. 

My sister also played for the Senior AM girls’ team and won the “Best Receiver” honors.  As usual, she became a popular student and also got the attention of the guys. She would ignore me in school and go home with different boys in tow.  Once I saw her walking with that year’s top candidate for Mr. Valentine, Rowell. They looked so cute that people would stop and just stare at the couple. 

“So who’s that? Rowell? Rhymes with Noel,” I snickered. “Who is Noel?” she said while brushing her hair.  We were then at home that weekend, and she was dressing up to watch movies with her new school friends. I scratched my chin while staring at her, chewing on gum.  She looked so pretty in her white top, tucked in blue jeans and Tretorn sneakers. Mica was never a “girly” one: she was into sports so she usually garbs herself in casual, easy-to-move-in clothing and sportswear. I try to emulate her clothing style, but my height simply gets in the way. She picked up her bag and went out. The phone rang.  I rushed down and picked it up. “Hello?” “Hey, what are you doing?” Charm drawled. “Nothing, there’s no one here.” “Want to watch that new movie Amityville? “ I gasped. “Oh Yes! But I don't have enough money here.” Charm laughed “Come on, be ready in 30 minutes and meet me at Ana’s Betamax store. I’ll be your manager today.” I rushed to the toilet, showered quickly, and changed into a pink top tucked into my dark blue baggy pants and cream espadrilles.  I ran to the store and waited for Charm. Soon enough, a taxi parked and Charm yelled at me “Get in!”  I went inside and plonked beside Charm. “How about Val?” “He is busy dating. We might run into him if we watch at Greenbelt.” I sniffed. “Good old Val. He has a mile-long list of boyfriends. Me? I’d end up an old maid if I don’t transform soon.”  Charm giggled. “Be patient. You’re a late bloomer. The youngest siblings in the family usually are.” I mumbled, “I just cannot go around with my Ate Mica. People think I’m her leftover and keep comparing my looks to her. Life is unfair.”  

The taxi stopped at the Quad entrance and Charm paid the fare.  She grabbed my hand and said “Let’s run. We might still catch the first showing.”  We ran to the ticket counter, bought tickets, and went to the popcorn stand. She bought two popcorn and coke and we rushed to the entrance of the movie house. We were able to get two seats near the walkway. The movie was about to start.  It was pretty scary and I forgot all my problems, totally concentrating on the thrilling film. Charm nudged me and pointed at some people coming in. I could not make it out at first but saw Lance, Jon, and Archer.  Charm whispered, “Maybe we should sit near them, we won’t look so dull here.” I sighed “I just want to watch in silence. Let’s just stay here.” Too late: Charm was already waving her hand at the group, who saw her.  Lance saw me, and he quickly went to us. Jon and Archer followed. Charm pointed at the empty seats beside me, so Lance sat down and the two took the others.  He whispered “Hi there. You should have told me you’re watching this today.” I was surprised and whispered back “I really don’t have any plans. Charm just called me earlier and this is kinda spontaneous.” I offered my popcorn and he took some. I was really into the movie so I was quiet and did not anymore pay attention to them.  Charm transferred to the seat between Jon and Archer. They were whispering and I ignored them. Apparently, they were planning where to go next. Of course, I cannot come. I thought of my limited budget so I did not participate in their conversation.

Pretty soon, the lights turned on. I got up and signaled to them that I needed to go to the restroom. Charm followed me. “The guys would like to check out the gaming zone and have snacks. I stopped and looked at her. “But I don’t have enough money. I only have a return jeepney fare and some cash to buy cold drinks.” Charm smiled “Let’s look first at our options. After all, the cutest guys in our year are with us.” I turned and said “I don’t really get why you are so excited. They are our classmates and we see them practically every day.” Charm grabbed me and said “Yes, but today is Saturday and we get to be with these cuties all by ourselves. I like how they look without those stupid uniforms.” We saw the boys waiting for us and we walked towards the gaming zone.  Charm and Jon were chatting like crazy, while Archer was just looking around shops. Lance walked with me and asked, “Do you usually go out on weekends?” “Not really, I don’t have enough allowance to spend so I just stay at home. Except when my sisters go out and let me tag along with them.” He chuckled. “How about you guys? Do you always go out? Do you go on dates?” He replied “We do go out on weekends. We play basketball, we come here or go to Holiday Plaza and just bum around. Nothing special, really. And I don’t have time to date. Not sure about Jon, though.” I glanced at him, thinking he was pulling my leg. “Are you serious? I thought all of you have girlfriends already.” Lance looked startled then smiled. “Why would you think that? I don’t have a girlfriend.” I shrugged and went on, “Well, your gang is pretty popular in school. And you all look cute and charming. Girls practically are begging for you to go out with them. “ He was quiet then said, “I didn’t know that. So all girls would like to go out with us? How about you?” “Me? No, of course not. You’re my classmates. I bet it’s different with the girls from the other sections.” Lance became quiet and Archer said “I’m hungry. How about Dunkin’ Donuts?” Jon and Charm agreed, so we proceeded to the Dunkin’ Donuts place on the 2nd Floor.  They were ordering, and I went to an empty table. Lance came and said, “What do you like?” I remembered not having enough money so I said “Nothing, just cold drinks, please .” “Do you like the one with Bavarian cream inside?” I nodded and he went back to the counter. ‘Oh well. I’ll just tell Charm to pay it first and will settle it with her.’  The noisy group came back with trays of doughnuts and drinks.  Lance gave me my set, then sat beside me.  Jon and Charm continued with their noisy banter. Archer asked me “Where’s the other part of your team - Val?” 

“Oh, he has a date. Unlike us.”

“Really? So the two pretty girls don’t have dates and Val has one? That’s a first.” Archer snickered.

“I am not pretty.  Charm here, though, has boys lining up. Not sure why she has no date today.”

Charm butted in “It’s my choice to be with my dear best friend. I am getting tired of those boys.” She pouted so prettily. Jon replied “Well, we are so lucky to be with you today. And I thought it would be boring with Lance and Archer here.” 

Suddenly, Lance answered “But you are pretty. I bet you just don’t know it.” He looked at me and I was flabbergasted. I drank my chocolate drink and tried to answer but gagged. Charm came to my rescue and said, “you’re right - she is one clueless girl.” They laughed and went on eating.  They talked about the next assignment, the Finals coming up, and other school topics.  I was quiet, thinking of what Lance said. ‘Me, pretty? Since when did I become one? Something’s definitely wrong with his eyes.’

Going home, Charm rode a cab while Jon and Archer went to the bus stop. Lance walked me to the jeepney stop and waited with me for the next jeepney ride going Evangelista Avenue. The jeep came and I went in and took a seat. I was surprised to see Lance coming in, and took the seat next to me. “Are you coming with me?”

“Yes, I lived in Kamias St.  And you are getting off A. Baranda St., right?”

How did Lance know where I live? I racked my brains as to when I mentioned it to him.

“I saw you walking several times from the Betamax shop and the talipapa (small wet market).”

“Ohhh. Yes, my brother has membership in that store. And I always buy pork barbecue in the talipapa because it’s tasty and cheap.”

He laughed “My house is just a few blocks away from yours, so we are neighbors. We can actually go to school or go back home together.”

“Really? That’s so nice.  It tends to get boring riding alone.”

Before we knew it, the jeep stopped by his house which was just along the road. He paid for our fare then said “So it’s a date. You and I are going to school together from now on. Bye.”

I was quiet and mulled over what he said.  ‘How can that be?  The jeep route going to school starts from our street so does it mean I have to be the one to pick him up?’ 

As I prepared for school the next day, I thought of what he said. How can we ride together when we did not even firm up the details? Like who picks up whom? What time? I shrugged and went to bed. Let him figure out, he was the one to come up with such a crazy idea.