Chapter 56: Chapter 56
“Oh my God that was a close one! We almost didn’t win!”
We were cheering so hard that for a second we all forgot how tired we were, how much our feet hurt, and how much our arms hurt from pumping fists and pompoms in the air to cheer. All that mattered was that we won. The biggest win was seeing some scouts and even celebrities talking to Mr. Jorge, congratulating him for the good game. The last few seconds had been crazy but here we are now celebrating and happy because we won the game.
Everyone was holding hands as we chanted. “We are the champions! We are the champions!”
For that moment alone all enmity or unsettled business was thrown aside to celebrate the common victory. Even Coach was dancing with us as we cheered. St. Patrick’s students obviously weren’t too happy with losing but what can I say? There’s always got to be a winner and a loser.
I am just glad the winner is Edwin and Co. The good thing is everyone wins because I also saw some scouts talking to the Vice Principal of St. Patrick’s, a tall priest smiling proudly at his students. They did play a good game and I am sure that if the scouts have good enough sense they will realize that their players have a lot of talents and potential too.
We were still celebrating when Mr. Jorge came over.
“I hate to interrupt your celebration but I have got good news and some not-very-exciting news. First of all, the good news.” He was smiling proudly as he hugged the boys and patted their shoulders. He even hugged Coach and shook hands with him.
Ask Diddy your most personal interrelationship questions. Tell Diddy everything. Go on! We dare you!
Remember, the reason Ask Diddy is added to the school newspaper is to help students interact with a fellow yet an anonymous student. All secrets told to Diddy remain secret.
Dear Diddy,
I am in love with my best friend’s boyfriend. I hate to hurt her this way since the both of us have been close since forever but you can’t help who your heart wants, you know? Well, in my case I guess it’s my body that wants my best friend’s boyfriend. And why not! He is so hot and he loves her so much…I think I am jealous of how much he loves her. I want him to love me … I want that kind of love and I know he can love me as much as he loves her. I just hope she understands that I didn’t mean to hurt her. I just need to be loved too.
_ Looking For Love.
Dear Looking For Love,
You literally just said that your best friend’s boyfriend loves her! Why do you want to come in between them?! That is selfish as heck! I don’t care that you are seeking love, you can find it elsewhere. There are a billion people in the entire world, you can find your soulmate who is going to love you even better than your friend’s boyfriend loves her. And if you both have been close since forever the best thing you can do is not to hurt your best friend.
-Diddy.
“The good news is,” Mr. Jorge continued once he was done hugging everyone – and everyone wanted to hug him since we could barely contain our excitement. “You boys have made Edwin and Co. so proud that the scouts will be calling on you all for private interviews if you are willing to pursue a career in basketball. But I can’t tell you all for certain who and who will be considered for the interviews but one thing I can say is that you all really impressed them.”
We celebrated the news, high-fiving the boys as they beamed happily. I know it means a lot to most of them. Andre most especially was beaming from ear to ear. I couldn’t help but admire the bright look in his eyes. He looked even younger, more handsome if that was possible and I felt a tug in my heart. But just then Siobhan clutched my hand and hugged me.
“Isn’t that great news?!”
“Sure is!” I responded feeling guilty as heck.
Once Mr. Jorge calmed us down he continued. “And for the not-so-great news, we have to go back to school.” He gave me a direct stare to convey the weight of his message. It was only then I remembered the security breach issue at hand. I had forgotten about that in the excitement of the basketball game. It was getting late already and since Jonathan was worried about our safety, the best thing to do would be to return to school now that it was still early.
I nodded my head looking at Aaron to make sure he understood what Mr. Jorge was trying to say. Only the Class 2 seniors didn’t know why we had to leave early and when one of them asked why we had to leave early Aaron had a ready answer.
“Because we still have a party to attend. Don’t forget we crown the King and Queen of the Summer Term!”
That provoked more cheers from everyone.
“But before we leave,” Coach interjected. “I think the cheerleaders owe our star players something.”
“Three kisses for the top scorers!”
The cheers and excitement were almost deafening as we cheerleaders took our spots and waited for the boys.
“We have three top scorers this evening, Andre, Aaron, and Ian. You boys did your best and you get to kiss the girls of your choice.”
The Class 2 seniors began to chant, “Kiss the girls, ki-kiss the girls! Hey!”
The boys were smiling and blushing like crazy as they came forward. Because we were so excited no one really cared who got kissed. But then Aaron stepped forward first amid the hoots and chants.
“I hope I am getting kissed first,” Siobhan said with a flip of her blonde hair and everyone laughed.
But he didn’t go for her, instead, he said, “I have the choice to kiss any three girls but there’s only one girl I want to kiss.”
His eyes met mine and with a soft smile, he leaned down and took my lips softly with his. It was a quick kiss at first but then his hands wrapped around my waist and he deepened the kiss, his lips molding mine gently. It was lovely and innocent.
The cheer around us was so loud that it was a surprise no one was losing their voices. And I for one am surprised Mr. Jorge hadn’t stepped in between Aaron and me to stop the kiss. But his face was red though and he looked around as if he was embarrassed with the parents and guests watching.
Aaron leaned back and held my gaze. “You are one of a kind.”
“Hmm, what kind?” I joked, my heart beating.
He smiled and kissed my cheek before going back to join the boys. My eyes watched him and before I knew it my eyes drifted to Andre’s and my smile dulled. He was staring. I looked away, unwilling to let anything come between me and the decision I made that night when I spoke to Jessica Underwood.
My eyes met with Jessica’s and she raised a brow. I shrugged helplessly at her. I have to do what I have to. For peace's sake.
“Alright, Andre you’re next.”
I forced myself to smile and look at him. There's no way he is going to kiss me after our agreement. Now if he would just wipe that look from his face when he looks at me.
His voice was firm and deep when he said, “There is only one girl I want to kiss. She is amazing, she puts her friends first even when it hurts her. Up until now, I considered myself a good person but she makes me want to be a better person. Anybody will be lucky to have her. In fact, I will be lucky to have her if she would have me.”
My heart was beating so heavily I thought everyone would hear above the cheers and gasps of “Awww” but thankfully no one seemed to notice. I tried my best to let my smile hide the tears threatening to fall. He looked like he was going to kiss me and I begged him with my eyes to stop.
But thankfully Siobhan saved the day. Letting out a squeal she threw her arms around his neck. “Of course, I will have you silly!” she laughed and kissed him.
He wrapped his hands around her and kissed her but when he moved back he said, “It wouldn’t be fair to not kiss some other girls after all we get to kiss three girls don’t we?” he said with a forced smile.
I saw Siobhan’s expression change but she couldn’t hold him back when he kissed a beaming Eva briefly.
“Thanks, Andre,” Eva said gratefully.
He nodded and passed Siobhan. I thought he was going to kiss me but he passed me too and went for Adeline. She excitedly reached up to kiss him but suddenly Carla’s hand shot out from the back and she grabbed him and planted a loud kiss on his lips.