Eight

The next day, Mr. Led called out all the athletes. We all gathered at the field where the meeting will be held. I told my friends about what I was really feeling and they all encouraged me to say it to Mr. Led.

But, it's not that easy.

Mr. Led was my coach since I was a first year student. He trained me, us, so well. That even though we're facing lost, he's there cheering us up and talking to us.

I just can't fail Mr. Led because Rheley and I are the only one left. The only one left to lead the team. And if one will be parted, the whole atmosphere might shatter for the team. And I can't have that.

I can't just leave them behind. But, in my current situation, I have no choice.

The athletes are all gathered and Mr. Led started talking. He's discussing about the requirements needed for each team of the sport. While he was talking, I'm boosting myself to talk to him after the whole meeting.

Good thing I was with Britney.

Britney's also at the badminton team. She's a player since she was a sophomore student and she decided to quit because she wanted to join the volleyball club. That gave me a little confidence because I'm not alone now.

Then the whole meeting ended.

"Oh, erm..wait." Mr. Led uttered. A moment of silence for everyone. "If there's any of you that comes up with the decision to quit a certain team, kindly inform your coaches."

My friends started looking at me. My heart started pounding. I don't know why but I think it's because I'm nervous, or just scared, or confused. I saw Mr. Led walking away so, I encouraged myself to chase him along with Britney.

"Mr. Led!" I called out while running. He immediately turned around and looked at me. "Yes, Mr. Elcarpe?" he said, gazing on me and Britney.

"Can I talk to you for a sec?" I questioned. Britney dug in, "We." and smiled. I looked at her and went back to Mr. Led. "Y-Yeah, we, um..can we talk to you?"

Mr. Led agreed and we went to the cafeteria because that's the closest place where we can talk.

"So, what's up?" Mr. Led started, sitting across us.

"I, uh.." I'm stuttering. I can't talk. Words won't come out at my mouth. I'm really nervous and Mr. Led is probably waiting for me to talk. "Sir, I wanted to quit." Britney cut in.

Good thing she was there and she started talking. "I decided to join the volleyball team and, uh, if that's okay?"

Mr. Led smiled and chuckled. "Of course, Ms. Borne. You can. Besides, you can tell coach Andie for that. Tell her you'll be joining." he said, calmly. He's really okay with it.

Now he turned his face on me. "What about you, pal?"

"I, uh, for the same reason. I also-" I stopped talking when he suddenly chimed in.

"I know." he said.

Confused, I stared at him. "You know?" I asked.

"Yes, Asher. I know you wanted to quit."

"Really? Since when?"

"Well, for the past days of training I've seen a lot of changes to you. It's like your not really into the sport now."

I was shocked when he uttered those words. It's true that I'm not into the sport but I never thought he knew that I wanted to quit.

"Uh, the reason that I wanted to quit is.. because of my sides. They keep torturing me when I'm running. And that's just a total bummer because I used to be good by that." I explained.

"So, you lied to me."

"What?"

"You told me that you were fine, when I asked you. If everything's okay. You said yes. And now you tell me this."

I lowered my head and tapped the table repeatedly with my fingers. "Sorry." I apologized in a whisper.

Silence occurred for a moment. "Did you tell your parents about that?" he then broke the silence.

"Yeah, to be honest I'm scheduled for a check up this Thursday." I answered.

"Well, that's good."

I just nodded at him and smiled a bit. I looked at Britney and she smiled too. Mr. Led stood up and told us that he needs to go because he have some works to do at the office. We also stood up and greeted him.

Before he completely go to the office and leave the cafeteria, I felt the urge to say something.

"Mr. Led!" I called out. He turned around and waited for my response. "Thank you."

He smiled again and said, "You did a great job for the team and you did not fail them. So, thank you, Asher." He walked away and I was left there.

Britney squeezed my shoulders. "You okay?" she asked. I let out a chuckle and looked at her, "Yeah." I shortly replied. We both walked out of the cafeteria and went down the hallway.

Candice quickly saw us and ran up to us. Carl was also with him by that time. "So, how was it?" Carl asked, walking beside Candice. I looked at him then to her.

"Good." the only thing I said then smiled. A smile painted on their faces. We then walked together and went to our classroom.

Candice and I were at the back. She playfully rubbed my head and said, "I knew you could do it." I stared at her and smiled.

"Yeah." I nodded with my face wearing confidence. We both laughed and entered the classroom.