The Gay That Broke My Heart

Chapter 9

Czarina rolled herself back and forth on her bed. Up until now, she still couldn't forget what Carlos told her. It's been hours since they dropped her off, and yet, here she is, still feeling so ecstatic.

Czarina was not able to ask Carlos why he commented that way because Leah had already arrived with the food. And then, after a few minutes, Eve and Angelo joined them as well. They talked about a lot of things, and Carlos didn’t open that topic anymore. Czarina found out that Carlos and Angelo have been best friends since elementary.

Angelo was just quiet and only responded when he was directly asked. Czarina didn’t really pay much attention to how Angelo acted, even though she caught him a lot of times looking intently at her, most especially when she laughed and unknowingly touched Carlos’ shoulder. It has been her habit whenever she’s laughing at someone else’s jokes.

Czarina thought Angelo was just a quiet person, but she was not worried about his actions. The most important thing for her was to get closer to Carlos. She had a feeling that the feeling they had was mutual.

Who knows? Maybe before the second semester ends, he will have Carlos as her boyfriend.

Czarina didn’t know how long or what time she fell asleep. All that she knows is that someone is knocking on her door. She grabbed her extra pillow and put it on her ear. She wanted to sleep more and didn't want to be disturbed, but whoever was behind the door was persistent. Czarina tried to cover her ears with her hello kitty blanket, but the knocking just didn’t stop. It keeps getting louder and louder instead.

Czarina grumpily stood up. She let out a soft growl before she rose to her feet. She didn’t even bother checking her face in the mirror or even combing her hair. Her eyes were half-closed and lazily walking towards the door—well, more like dragging herself. Czarina opened the door and was about to yell at whoever was behind it when she heard a scream first.

“Czarina Angeles!!!”

Czarina’s eyes widened as she heard the familiar voices of the two girls in front of her. Her jaw dropped, and she couldn’t help but take a step back.

“Hi! Are you surprised to see us?” Eve giggled, and Leah was waving her hand.

Czarina immediately combed her hair using her fingers and consciously wiped the corner of her lips with the back of her hands just in case there was dried saliva sticking on it. She then rubbed the back of her hands on her short shorts.

“Why are you both here?” she surprisingly asked.

“Surprised?” Leah chuckled.

Czarina didn’t respond and was still gaping at the two, confused about why they were there.

“Lola Rosing told us to knock on your door. She’s cooking some snacks so we can bring them to the basketball court,” Eve said, as if she had just read her mind.

“Basketball court?”

“Yeah! Did you forget what we talked about last night? Today is Carlos’ game. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to miss that, huh?” Eve teased and jokingly pinched her right waist.

Czarina almost wanted to slap her face. How could she forget Carlo’s basketball game? They were just talking about it last night, and they even reminded her after they left Eve’s party!

“Ohh… Do you have a crush on Carlos too?” Leah gawked at her.

“Ummm…”

“Let’s talk about that later,” Eve interrupted. Czarina almost wanted to kiss Eve for being her lifesaver. It’s not that she doesn’t want Leah to know, but she just hesitates to tell her. “You have to get ready. Carlos and the gang are already on the basketball court. You don’t want us to be late, right?” Eve added.

“Of course! Wait, give me ten minutes, and I’ll be ready.”

“Okay, we will be waiting in the living room.” Eve winked at her and grabbed Leah’s hand away from Czarina’s room.

Czarina nodded and hurriedly closed her door. She immediately took the towel from her closet and ran towards the bathroom to take a shower and prepare. True to her words, in less than ten minutes, she was already ready. Czarina felt presentable in her black cami top and tattered pedal pusher jeans. She partnered it with white sneakers and an MK sling bag.

Before she left her room, she made sure that she put powder on her face, applied lipgloss on her lips, and sprayed her expensive perfume on the back of her ears and wrists. Czarina looked at her reflection one more time before climbing down the stairs.

“Wow! I wouldn’t be surprised if there would be a lot of suitors who are going to serenade you after the basketball game,” Leah teased.

“That’s for sure!” Eve seconded.

Czarina candidly smiled. She knows that she’s the epitome of a beautiful girl. She has a pretty face and her body curves are in the right place--big boobs and round behind. And even though she’s fully aware of her physical aspects, she still blushes whenever someone points it out to her.

“Lola, we are going now!” Czarina called.

Lola Rosing hurriedly went to the living room with a big lunch bag in her hand and handed it to Czarina. “Here, take this. For sure, the players will be hungry after the game, so at least give them these snacks. Susan will provide the drinks, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

Czarina was confused about what was happening, but she accepted the bag anyway. And it was so darn heavy! She would almost dropped the bag on the floor if not for Leah, who hurriedly got the bag.

“Lola! Are these rocks?” Czarina gawked at her grandmother. “What did you prepare?”

Rosing laughed and slapped Czarina’s shoulder. Her granddaughter is really innocent of the province's ways. “Of course not! I made a big batch of egg sandwiches and banana cues. Now, you all go. I’m sure you all don’t want to miss the game.”

The basketball court was not too far from Czarina’s house. It was just a five-minute walk. But because it was already 11 AM, the sun was already at its peak. They were already sweating when they reached the basketball court. To Czarina’s dismay, it was an open court, and the stage, which’s the only thing that has a roof, was already filled with people.

“Oh my… Where can we sit down and put this food?” Czarina asked the two worriedly. They have to keep the lunch bag away from the sun or else the food will be spoiled after the game.

“No worries, we can sit on the stage.” Leah winked at her. “Eve will do something about it.”

“What do you mean, me?” Eve glared at Leah and raised her left eyebrow. “I’ll just ask Carlos or Amenadiel. They can do something about it. Hold on, wait for me here.” Eve immediately left them.

“Let’s stand under the shade of that acacia tree, Czarina,” Leah said while pointing at the tree not too far from them. “It’s so hot. It feels like I’m already taking a shower of sweat.”

Czarina laughed. “That’s a great idea.”

Czarina was about to turn around when Leah grabbed her hand to stop her. She gave Leah a questionable look, but Leah just pointed out something using her lips. Czarina looked back and saw Carlos, who was so manly in his basketball uniform, walking towards them.

“Good thing you are already here, Carlos,” Leah happily said and clapped her hands. “Did you see, Eve? Can you get us a spot on the stage?”

“Whoa! Hold your horses, Leah,” Carlos chuckled. He raised his two hands as if he was surrendering. “First thing first. Hi, Czari!” He waved his hand at her before turning his attention to Leah.

“Yes, I saw Eve. She’s already on the stage. She’s saving the seats for you both. She told me you brought some snacks for later? Is that it?” he asked, pointing at the big lunch bag in between them.

“Yep, that’s it,” Czarina answered.

“ OK, you both go to the stage. It’s so hot here. I’ll carry that.”

“Are you sure? It’s really heavy,” Czarina worriedly asked.

“Just let him, Czarina. He can handle that. Can’t you see that bulging biceps? That’s just an easy peasy for him,” Leah said, ignoring her worries. She, instead, held out her hand to lead her to go to the stage. But she didn’t move.

Czarina secretly glanced at Carlos’ biceps. She bit her inner cheek. They indeed looked so strong. They were so well-formed that she just wanted to be wrapped around them. She looked up and met Carlos’ eyes, who were also looking at her.

Czarina’s face automatically reddened. The butterflies in her stomach are at it again. She immediately forced a smile to hide the embarrassment. But Carlos just shrugged and winked at her.

My heart, please be still...is all she could say.