"Chess.." I answered... wait what?!

Even me can't believe what I just said. My friends looked at me, blinking their eyes, silently judging me. I know and they know I don't play. I don't like games and board games such as chess and dama. Tho I play monopoly and board games for fun but not to use your mind.

"Chess?! Hah! Seryoso ka?!" Gulat na tanong ni Gwen, I was fidgeting bitting my lower lip.

Seryoso ka ba, Laura? You're gonna play chess?

"Hindi pa naman siya nakakapag register, baka joke lang 'yon, diba Laura?" Jax said then looked at me as if she's asking through her eyes if what she said is right.

"Pero pwede naman eh! Chess isn't that hard.." Ali said, Lory glared at her.

"Shut the fuck up, mahirap kaya ang Chess!" Lory irritatedly said. Ali just looked at her and shrug.

"I mean yeah, I barely win at chess. But there's still time naman for Laura to practice. So maybe she can learn the game.." Ali explained, Lory cooled down and just nod.

"Oo nga, kung gusto ni Laura. Support nalang tayo. Kaya naman niya 'yon eh." Tobi added. I took a deep breath and nod.

"I'll give it a shot." I said and their eyes widened, I even heard Gwen's exaggerated gasp.

"Uy! Seryoso?! Takte! Hindi ko ine-expect 'yon!" Gwen said her hands lightly on her mouth.

"Pwede ka naman namin tulungan mag practice. Mag dala ka ng chess board bukas. We can start playing kapag may free time tayo bukas." Ali said. My nose scrunch a bit because of the idea.

I slightly touch my nose "Yeah, about that. I don't have a chess board." I heard them blow a big amount of air, sigh of disappointment.

Ali push her hair back "Jusko! Okay, that's fine, I'll just bring mine. I know mama and papa won't mind." She said and I shyly nodded fixing my hair a bit.

"Anong oras na ba? Baka masaraduhan tayo nga Faculty." Gwen said, Tobi looked at his phone.

"5:15pm, mga 6:30pm pa naman nag sasarado ang Faculty.." Tobi replied. Gwen nodded, pursing her lips.

She flicked her fingers "Tara na,-

"Uy!-

"Mag lilinis pa sila Ali, sa labas muna tayo." She glared at Ali. Ali was about to cut her off because Ali thought she forgot that she's a cleaner. But Gwen immediately finished her sentence.

"Para kayong ewan dalawa.." Tobi said chuckling a bit. We started getting our bags and fixing the chairs we adjusted from its place.

We went out and waited for Ali to finish cleaning. We are just in the veranda. Watching other students leave their classroom and go home. There's also vehicles in here to fetch their child.

I sigh remembering about dad. He hasn't text me if he'll fetch me or not. Usually something always came up to him. Such as problems in business or just some surprise clients he needs to talk with.

I pull out my phone from the pocket of my skirt. Searching dad's number in my call list. When I found dad's phone number.I immediately called him.

I tap my feet waiting for dad to answer the call. Getting irritated a bit because his phone have been ringing for a long time already.

Then he picked up..

[Hey Laura, kamusta school?] he immediately asked as he answered the call. I can't help but to roll me eyes.

"Are you gonna pick me up?" I asked, i saw Gwen snap her head at my direction and smirk. She started dancing a choreography form a kpop song making me smile a bit.

[I'm so sorry hun, I'm on my way to Manila.. something came up sa opisina." He replied and I rolled my eyes.

Knew it! See this coming.

"Oh okay, gladly I called you. Para hindi na ulit ako nag hintay sa wala. I'll just go with my friends. Mag co-commute nalang kami." I said then dropped the call immediately. I don't want to hear his reply anymore.

And he can't do anything about it. Being with my friends in the same vehicle such as a tricycle is fun. A car can be irritating sometimes. Specially that air freshener that smells like shit!

"Mag co-commute ako. Kayo ba?" I asked them, then all snap hear head up from their phone, Jax even awkwardly smiled.

"Text ko nalang pinsan ko, sabihin ko mag co-commute ako." Lory said.

"Game lang ako.." Jax replied and I nodded.

"Sige sabihin ko nalang kila nanay.." Tobi said started to text on his phone as well just like Lory.

"Siyempre ako kasama, kapag anjan lang naman si daddy saka ako nasusundo." Gwen said then laugh.

"Si Ali kaya? You lnow her parents.." Lory said making a 'You know it' expression.

"Strict as fuck!" We said in unison and laughed.

Few more minutes passed and Ali went out from the classroom. When we saw her done cleaning and her back pack already at her hand. We started walking like idiots attentions on our phones.

We are basically walking like zombies.

"Ali.." Gwen called and Ali looked back at us. Nauuna kasi siya mag lakad.

"Hmm?" Ali asked raising her brows a bit.

"Sabay ka sa amin? Commute pauwi?" Gwen hesitantly said. We know that Ali's dad fetch her. And we know that they are strict as fuck so they wouldn't let Ali go home alone sometimes. Even she's 16 already.

Ali nod her head once "Tatawag lang ako kay mama.." She said and we nodded. We stopped walking and let Ali talk to her mom.

"Ma, commute nalang ako pauwi, kasabay ko sila Gwen, Lory, Laura, Jax, tapos Tobi." I heard her said. I didn't looked at her and focused on my phone.

'You're eavesdropping again, Laura!'

I scrolled myself. I shake my head and try not to heat Ali's conversation with her mom.

Few moment Ali put down her phone.

"Pinayagan naman ako, nautusan nga lang." She said disappointed, she pout making us laugh.

"Ano ba sabi sayo?" Lory asked, curious.

"Pwede daw, tapos bumili na din daw ako ng colored paper sa madadaanan na tindahan." Ali replied her lips still turn into a pout. We laughed at her expression.

Gwen put her arms around Ali's shoulder making Ali flinch.

"Hayaan mo na bhie! Ako nga minu-minuto inuutusan sa bahay. Pero tingnan mo, buhay pa rin ako." Gwen said as if she's hypnotizing Ali.

Ali immediately removed her arms form her shoulders and make a disgusted face.

"Buti nalang ako hindi inuutusan sa bahay.." Ali brag. They started rolling their eyes.

"Putcha ka! Sana ol!" Gwen said crossing her arms.

"Spoiled kasi!" Lory said aiming to punch Ali.

"Only child kasi." Jax said and Ali chuckled..

"Hay naku! Tama na nga kayo! Tara na sa Faculty!" Tobi said and we nodded starting walking once again to go to the faculty.

As we arrived there some other students who probably registered already pass by us. I started to tensed up. This is my first time registering to an event. Except other events that all students shall participate.

"Oh.. lahat kayo sasali?" One of the teachers inside the faculty greeted.

"Ah.. eh hindi po.. tatlo lang po." Gwen shyly said..

"Saan po sa volleyball?" Lory asked, one of the teacher raised their hands. Ali and Gwen walked over him.

"Laura.. register na." Tobi said poking my side making me flinch.

I gulp "Ayaw ko na ata I whispered.

"Sayang naman, Laura. Andito na tayo eh." Jax whispered back.

I scrunch up my nose before taking small steps forward.

"S-Saan po ang chess?" I hesitantly asked.. a female teacher raised her hands.

I walked towards her and pick up the pen. With a shaking hands I write my name and section.

"Bakit na nginginig ka Laura? Kabado? Kinakabahan kana agad nag re-register ka palang." She joked, I forced a smile and nod.

I bow down a little before going back to Tobi, Jax, and Ali. I saw Ali's wide smile as I was walking back towards them.

"Yey! Naka register na siya!" Jax cheered like a little kid making me smile a little.

"Alejandra! May practice tayo bukas ng banda ha!Paki sabi sa mga juniors niyo.." The teacher who train the band said. Ali smiled and nod.

"Yes sir.." Ali replied. Gwen and Lory finishes signing and we bid goodbyes to the teachers and leave the faculty.

"Grabe naman si sir eh! Kung maka Alejandra!Wagas! Pwede namang Ali nalang! Isinigaw pa talaga!" Ali irritatedly said crossing her arms while we ate walking through the drive way of the school walking towards the gate.

"Pasalamat ka nga Alejandra sayo .Tamo kay Lory, konti nalang Lorinda na." Gwen joked, it was only Tobi and Jax who laughed at it while Lory glared at Gwen.

Me and Ali are just staring at them waiting for Lory's rants.

But Lory didn't.. it was only a "Fuck you!" Lory whispered giving Gwen a fist instead of the finger thing. Gwen laughed like a maniac again.

Me and Ali face palmed.

"I don't know this girl." I heard Ali said while caressing her forehead.I chuckled a bit.

"Kalma ka lang sizzt!Tingnan mo nga yung Akin!Avelline! Tunog ng pangalan ng bus! Tapos yung kay Jax, Jax Liner!" Gwen screamed. When she said 'Jax Liner' she sounded like a Ms.Universe contestant saying their Country.

"Parang kang tanga!" Tobi said trying so hard to hold his laugh pointing at Gwen.

When started flipping her hair. Making sassy moves and posing like she's in a pageant.

We arrived outside the school and ride a tricycle. Basically Tobi will be the last one to arrived home since he's a bit far from us. The first one will be Jax since her house is just along the away of mine. Then me, going back for Ali, Gwen and Lory.

Lory and Ali live at the same subdivision while Gwen live at the subdivision opposite to Ali and Lory's. Then Tobi live at the highway part of the town. Far from everyone of us.

"Ay sayang! Hindi tayo naka bili ng fishball!" Jax said while she's in the back ride.

We started laughing inside the side car.

"Piste ka Jax! Siksikan na nga kami dito sa loob!Fishball pa rin nasa isip mo! Puro tuhog ang gusto!" Gwen shout making us, Ali, Lory and me laugh.

"Oh.. tuhog." Ali joked, smirking and raising her eyebrows up and down.

Lory made a disgusting face..

"Polluted na talaga utak nito.." Lory said pointed at Ali who's sitting at the floor of the side car.

"No bitch! I'm pure~" Ali sing with a random note making me and Lory disgusted.

Even Gwen noticed it "Pure ka dyan?! Tumigil ka Alejandra! Nainiwala kang nabubuntis ang lalaki! Pure ka dyan! Magtigil!" Gwen screamed once again. The tricycle driver just laugh because of what Gwen's has been saying.

We arrived in front of Jax's house. Lory moved at the back ride making Ali able to sit next to me. We bid lgoodbye to Jax and off we go to my house.

"Sana may free time tayo bukas. Baka makapag laro tayo. May alam ko naman siguro kahit konti sa Chess diba?" Ali asked me, I look at her and nod.

"Kapag pumupunga kami sa pinsan ko minsan, inaakit nila ako mag-laro. I play but I'm not a fan of it.." i replied and she nodded.

"Ano kayang pumasok sa isip ni Laura at nag register?" Gwen asked.. my eyes widened a bit and gulp.

"Nothing.. mas ayaw ko naman ng nga athletic games. So I'll give this one a shot.." I replied and Gwen nodded.

Then the ride became silent. Ali on her phone while Gwen is just looking at the road.

We arrived in front of our house. I paid the driver then bid goodbye to them and entered the house. I greeted lola and immediately went upstairs. I fixed my stuffs and made my homework.

By 7:00pm, I was able to take a rest. Dinner isn't ready yet so I have a time to relax.

But Jiro popped up in my mind. I sat up at my bed and looked at my phone which is on top of my night stand. I but my lower lip before hesitantly teaching for it.

"No Laura! He is probably busy!" I stopped myself and pull my hands back.

But I just want to check on him. But I also doesn't want to make the first move. Doesn't boys usually do the first move? Like, they are the one who texts and call.

Jiro probably doesn't have the load to call. I gave him a load only applicable for texting.

I sigh giving up. I picked up my phone and typed Jiro's phone number. I think it's better if I call him than text him.

I'll just ask if how is he and have he eaten already.

I tap the call button, I put my phone near by ear and waited for him to answer. My heart started beating fast as I listen to the ringing of the phone.

Then suddenly

[Hello?]

"Ah!" I immediately let go of my phone making it drop gladly on my bed.

[Hello? Laura? Are you there? Can you hear me?] i hear him asked, i took a deep breath before picking up my phone and putting it near my ear.

"Uhm... h-hey.. you done with your practice?" I awkwardly asked..

[Yeah.. just outside right now.] he replied and my brows furrowed..

"What? Outside? Why?" I confusedly asked sitting up straight.

[Nag hahanap pa kasi ako ng karindirya na mapag hihingian ng tira tirang pagkain. Me and lola have nothing to eat for tonight so I have to do this.] he replied..

[May tira pa po kayong kanin? Kahit tira lang po.. meron po? Salamat.] I hear him say from the other line. I bit lower lip thinking how hard it must be.

[Hey Laura? You still there?] he suddenly asked making me startled and panic..

"Uhm.. yes. I'm still here." I replied and I heard him chuckled.

[Guess what's for our dinner? I'm walking home now by the way.] he said laughing a bit. I heard some horns and vehicles from the other line..

[Guess Laura.] he said and I chuckled..

"Uhm.. what?" I asked not wanting to guess..

[Just guess.. isa lang.] he said and I chuckled nodding a bit.

"Some soup from the eatery." i said and he I heard him chuckle..

[Nope, close actually. But nah, a half of a hotdog ,and some sauce of afritada I guess. Then a burnt rice.] he replied while laughing.

I can't believe he can still smile even tho that's their situation. Then I'm here not wanting to eat sometimes. While there's a lot of people like them who barely eats.

[I'm going now Laura, me and lola are going to eat na,bye!] he said and I chuckled..

"Bye.." I replied then ended the call. I sigh and put down my phone on my bed.

I just had my first phone call with him.

"Laura! Kain na!" I flinched and immediately stand up from bed.

"Yes lola.." I replied putting on my slippers and heading outside my room.

Me and lola silently ate dinner. She would ask me how was school and I would reply like the usual. She also didn't mention about dad cause she know I'm just pissed off. He hasn't even stayed her for 24 hours and yet he already left.

That was just messed up. I'm actually hoping we can get along while he's here this incoming weekend. I even rejects my friends offer hanging out to Lory's house because of dad and now he's gone again. Looks like I have to change my plans this weekend.

I helped lola clean the table. But not wash the dishes cause maids do it. I went upstairs and brush my teeth. Few minutes and mom will call again.

When the clock strikes 8pm. Mom called, our conversation is now different since I told her I'll join the chess. She's beyond happy and surprise. Tho she wasn't able to give me advices about chess cause even herself don't want to play it as well.

She's shock that I registered. And I replied that I am too then she started laughing making me laugh too. But in the end she gave me a good luck and assured me that things will go right.

Quarter to nine me and mom ended the call. Yawning I went to my bed and tuck myself in .I didn't opened our group chat anymore since I'm getting sleepy and I want to wake up early tomorrow. I turned off my lampshade and put on my eye mask then drifting to sleep.

-

"Uy! Laura! Ang aga mo!" Ali greeted.  I was the first one to arrived at our classroom among of our class
Gladly things turn out just like what I planned. Sleeping early and waking up early as well.

"I got the chess board.. we can start if you want. I know how to play. Just an average skills." She said and I nodded..

"I don't mind.. I just need to play and practice." I said putting down my phone. Gladly there's a small table near my seat and we played there.

In the middle of our games our friends started arriving. Tobi and Jax watched us play.

Chess is definitely pain in the ass, and brain. I've been sitting heat for like 30 minutes already and my mind is like blowing up.

"Check mate." Ali said tapping her Bishop. I sigh and moved my king to the other side.

"Still check mate." she said raising her rook. I blow a large amount of air and moved my king in the other side.

Thank gosh it's not check mate anymore. Gwen and Lory arrived and also watched us play.

But it's looks like the table turns when I win the game. Ali's king has no where to move anymore since my queen and bishop and a horse are still there.

"Ayos! Unang laro panalo!" Ali said fixing the chess board since classes will start in few minutes.

"Galing mo Laura! Practice pa, makakasali ka talaga sa palaro." Gwen cheered making me blush a little. I don't really know how to accept compliments.

I often get it but I would just smile and mumble a small thanks. Just like what I expected our teacher entered the classroom and started her work.

-

"May susundo sayo Laura?" Gwen asked while we ate waiting for my service. Then there's Gwen and Jax who's finding a tricycle .Tobi already left and I'll be waiting with Lory here since his cousin will pick her up.

"Andito na pala.. bye." I said waving them a goodbye. I run to the car and get inside. I sighed and lean on the chair.

Finally, the day is over. I'm really tired since we've been playing everyday free time and my mind is just tired. I'm even one of the cleaners today so extra work.

I closed my eyes and didn't realize I feel asleep.

I woke up due to my service waking me up. I stretch my arms a little before picking up my bag and went out the car. I greeted my lola going upstairs before dropping myself on my bed.

I'm really tired right now. It's just Thursday and there's still classes tomorrow. I wish it's already weekends!

But gladly there's no homework or stuffs. I can take a relax.

I take an early half bath since I'm feeling itchy and sticky at the same time. I enjoyed my bath and even took me 20 minutes just for a body wash.

I went out the shower and sat down on my bed combing my hair. My brows furrowed when my phone beeped. I picked it up looking at the notification. My eyes immediately widened when I saw it was a text form Jiro.

From Jiro:
What do you call a lost wolf?

My brows furrowed. What's up with him that he will suddenly ask me this? I shake my head and started typing.

To Jiro:
What?

From Jiro:
A Where-wolf.

My eyes blinked, not getting the joke. Did he inhale katol like what Gwen is saying?

From Jiro:
Did you get it? I was laughing so hard to that kanina sa school.I ts pretty funny for me, I don't know to you.

He said and I chuckled, typing a reply for him.

To Jiro:
It's not really funny for me but it's fine. By the way, are you home already?

From Jiro:
Yep, we practice the whole day so our trainer told us to go home early so we can relax our mind.

To Jiro:
Yeah.. do you have something for dinner?

From Jiro:
Thanks for reminding.. that's still a problem.

I bite my lower lip thinking of how should I help him. I know it's hard for him to find eatery that give them left overs. But maybe some of them might be irritated by him already.

Until an idea popped in my head.

To Jiro:
Don't think about it. I have an idea..

From Jiro:
And what is this idea of yours?

To Jiro:
Basta, just don't find for leftovers.. I got you!

From Jiro:
I think I'll not like this idea.

I chuckled and typed a reply.

To Jiro:
Maybe you won't, but it's for your own good. And don't even try to reject this Jiro! Im warning you!Now send me your address! And your full name.

From Jiro:
Hayst! Brgy. Poblacion,****** street. Ilalim ng tulay. Jiro Oliver Engrasio.

It looks like Jiro is really not gonna reject it since he sent his Address and full name. I look through my contacts and search for that certain number. When I found it I immediately hit call. Ate few rings... they finally picked up.

[Good afternoon, Green Bread food delivery, what's your order?]

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