Chapter 27: Touch and Run

The sound of rubbing hands followed by a gentle massage made Chiko's aching muscles finally relax. A warm pair of hands gently caressed his swollen calves and thighs making him feel like falling into a deep slumber.

"How about now? Does your 'pamaul' feel better?" Chiko's grandma spoke with a warm and calming voice. Despite her impaired vision due to her old age, both her sense of touch and taste when it comes to cooking was still top-notch.

Though she is about 90 years old, her quick movements and energetic voice can easily fool anyone.

A small gas lamp is burning calmly beside her while she casually dabbed both her hands just inches above the small fire atop the small Gasera, a Tagalog equivalent for a lamp.

After briefly exposing her hands to the warmth and smoke of the lamp, she gently used those hands to massage the other swollen parts of Chiko. It was a traditional Filipino massage called Hilot.

"I can slowly move them now. It feels better unlike a while ago when I felt like my legs and back were stuck under a heavy rock. Thanks, Lola!" Chiko replied with great relief. He never expects the terrifying body recoil from last night's game. He thought he was slowly adapting to such demanding sports only to realize that he has still a long way to go.

The truth was that Chiko was extremely lucky and tough. Ordinary players are basically locked down on their beds for a couple of days before they can completely recover. Especially those who are not used to exercise, not only their muscles but also their bones will surely be tested. A good whole week or two could sometimes take them crying in bed due to swollen muscles.

While Sepak Takraw is indeed fun, the moment one fails to realize his muscle's limitation is the day you have basically resigned yourself to painful torture.

"So Chiko tell me, what did you really do yesterday that it took you until midnight to come home? Did you get into a fight?" She asked worriedly.

"No grandma. I played sepak takraw at the Madridejos Community College gym." Chiko briefly replied. He had so much to say about his grandma but he was afraid that if he went into full details of his action, he might just get a good spanking session despite his age.

And So Chiko tried his best to briefly explain the matter.

"Very well. Please come back earlier next time. Or else, no more takraw-takraw to you boy."

"Uhm Grandma."

"Yes?"

"Have I told you about the scholarship I mentioned a while ago?" Chiko asked while staring directly at his dear grandma.

"Do you mean the college sepak takraw scholarship? You have been talking about it nonstop, especially the monthly allowance stuff. Have perhaps managed to get it?" Grandma asked with a subtle expectation.

Chiko nodded proudly and said, "I actually attended their sepak takraw try out and after a series of complicated events, I managed to actually grab the scholarship program straight from the faculty administrator's invitation!"

There was a bright glow and a wide smile in his grandma's eyes as Chiko continued.

"As a bonus, I also met two new friends who also became my teammates- they were incredible just like me! We played together and fought against the veterans and the minions of the Vegeta-egg head guy and won with an overwhelming score! Hahahaha! "

"Why do I have a hunch that you are exaggerating?"

"It doesn't matter! We got the allowan- I mean scholarship grandma!"

It took a couple of minutes before Chiko could finally finish his childish bragging to his grandma.

"So basically, aside from the five thousand monthly allowance, free breakfast, monthly vitamins, and a full scholarship grant on any course you want, you will also be staying on a school-paid boarding house together with your teammates?"

Chiko nodded proudly with his smile stretching almost to his ears.

"I am so proud of you my dear Chiko. Go ahead my son and always do your best. I will go ahead and pack some of your clothes now." She said with her utmost support before standing up to pack some clothes of Chiko.

However, she was quick to notice that there was a slight sadness in Chiko's eyes and she knows what it was,

"Do not mind me since your uncle Jojo will be here to assist me every day. Just don't forget to visit me during weekends or you will see my tsinelas hunting you at your school."

Hearing his grandma's reassurance, Chiko smiled happily and they both hugged each other.

"So tell me? When do you start?"

"Actually we will have a meeting with the Dean today at eight.."

And it finally dawned on him.

"Grandma, what time is it?"

"It is past nine o'clock in the morning. You were sleeping like a log since you came so late last night. I didn't wake you up so you can rest well."

Chiko's head started to sweat madly. He just remembered that he is supposed to meet up with the team at 8 o'clock in the morning.

"I am dead."

***

"Where do you think you are going?"

The fat and strict-looking security guard who has been his mortal enemy as a vendor is currently facing him with a menacing gaze at the front of the school gate. His huge body was big enough to cover the small door opening at the side of the wide gate intended for visitors.

On the other side is the formal and bigger gate where only students and faculty members are allowed to pass. Chiko was too used to being a sneaky rat that he forgot he is now officially a student and still went thru the smaller gate.

Chiko's face was covered in sweat and nervousness while wearing a white T-shirt, brown long pants, his ticking time-bomb-combat boots, together with his usual red jacket tied on his waist.

The classes have already started at 8'am, thus the gate was crowded by students going in and out. Only the sorry-looking Chiko was stuck at the small gate.

Seeing that the guard was not budging away from his spot, Chiko finally said, "Excuse me, mister guard. Can I pass thru? I actually have an appointment with Mr. U-bear today."

"I know. He told me." the guard impatiently said, still not budging from the way.

"So can I pass thru..."

"No."

"Why?"

The security guard smiled wickedly. His eyes were filled with coldness, vengeance, and mockery. A couple of days ago, he was scolded and embarrassed in front of many people by the famous Mr. Gaje for missing this elusive rat.

Despite his effort, Chiko could always manage to sneak past him without him noticing. For days, he was hunted by the harsh voice and words of Mr. Gaje and the deep embarrassment caused by the incident. He can't help it. The man was influential and a VIP visitor of the school at that time. He was only lucky to get away without getting dismissed from his job.

However, it did leave a deep hatred to Chiko. And now that the culprit of his misery is in front of him, he will make sure to use this opportunity for sweet cold revenge.

His mind went wild for the things he can do to block Chiko from entering before finally calming down and coughed twice.

"Ahem, as you can see, Mr. Balut kid, Mr. U-bear is not here. Also, your dress is not according to the standard dress code of the school and you still stink of poultry farm. Come back again after you get a shower, perhaps you can come back again tomorrow or next year I suggest." he blatantly lied.

"But I can see his motorcycle over there." Chiko pointed at the small blue motorcycle parked at the faculty parking area.

"That is someone else's ride. Now go away before I lost my patience and give you a good bonk to the head," he said while caressing the small hard bat on his hand and staring at Chiko threateningly.

"I am serious Mr. Guard. I know Mr. U-bear is there. If you could excuse me, I really need to see him. I got a scholar-"

"Do I look like I am joking around!?" He shouted aggressively while inching his face closer to Chiko's.

"Ahem. Is there a problem here guard?" It was the voice of Mr. U-bear that startled the fat security guard who instinctively switched mode to a friendly tone and a fake accomodating smile.

"Oh, nothing Mr. U-bear! I was just inspecting this young man's belonging for security purposes." He said while smiling and casually fumbling around Chiko's small cloth sling bag that holds some of his clothes.

"Oh, luckyleloo! You are clear. You can go now!" He said as he hurriedly pushed Chiko inside.

"..."

"..."

Both Chiko and Mr. U-bear were speechless at this security guard's audacity.

"Follow me." the usual gentle smile of Mr. U-bear suddenly disappeared and the cold voice got Chiko off guard.

For some reason, Chiko felt like he is in big trouble. After all, he arrived an hour late on his first day. The only problem is that Mr. U-bear does not talk a lot. And the sudden vibe change from the latter was not a good sign for him. Quickly, he followed Mr. U-bear going deeper into the school ground.

Passing thru the busy classrooms, cafeteria, and the school gym, Chiko was brought over at the wide expanse of the school Oval Ground. The Oval ground was a good 500 meters-long space for track and field.

The moment Chiko panned his eyes at the extremely wide field, his sharp eyes were quick to catch up with five young men running around the track from the distance. Two of them were Yang and Gantes. And judging from their dying faces, he could tell that they have been running for about an hour now.

"Okay, Chiko, for your first day..." the words of Mr. U-bear calmly brought him back, "You just need to do three rounds of running across the oval as warm up."

"Wow. That was easier than I thought!" Chiko thought to himself with relief.

"But since you are an hour late, add 47 more and make it to fifty. Also, It should be done within one hour." Mr. U-bear added.

Now Chiko just wanted to cry. Another pamaul is on the way.