4 IV: Efforts

My heart pounds as my parents continue to look at me with those glaring eyes. Silence enveloped the room and I was there sitting in front of them, nervously waiting as I thought to myself that I have messed up the first day of my reincarnation.

"You thought we wouldn't know what happened at school today?"

My dad said, as I stared at them still curious of what had happened.

"Uhmmm... as weird as it sound but... I have no idea of what I did. Was it a good thing or a bad thing?"

I said with confusion, my mom smiled and excitedly answered,

"Your adviser told us that you've been doing well on your classes today. She was really surprised on how you were participating in classes today. She even told us that you had a perfect score on your Algebra class."

"At first I was surprised, well I'm not saying your your dumb but I didn't believe it at first. So this is what you've been doing this past few days huh"

My dad said with this huge smile on his face. As I sat there in total shock. So this is what it feels like to be appreciated.

"I guess it was just luck that I knew about the topics today"

I jokingly said, as I scratched the back of my head. My dad stood up and walked towards me. I was shocked he was making this creepy face,

"Eh?!.... Dad, what's with that loo.....wait... what are you gonna do!!"

I raised my hands as I crossed them to block whatever my dad was up to. As he rested his hands on my head and said,

"I'm very proud of your improvements as of now son. You're finally balancing your Academics and sports now."

I blushed as I tried not to shed a tear on my eye. It was nice finally getting noticed by my dad. My mom interrupted and told me

"Oh, by the way Andrei. Your Coach called awhile back. He said you didn't go to practice today."

I was a Varsity player for Volleyball back in High school. But I wasn't one of the starters before. I even get bullied often by my teammates before since I can't always get left behind. Maybe this is my chance to get a shot at it again. Maybe get a scholarship in the process. But I remembered how harsh my coach was. Most of the time he gives punishments to those who are late and absent during training, so I asked my mom

"Uhmm... what did coach say mom?"

"Well he said he'll talk to you tomorrow. He's so nice, I might as well pay a visit to one of your trainings to check on how my sweet little angel's doing."

"MOM!!"

I exclaimed as he laughed at me.

After that we had dinner we soon went to bed to get some good nights rest. As I lie in bed, I stared at the picture me and my friends took today.

"If this is just a dream, I'd like to stay asleep forever"

I muttered to myself. As I slowly closed my eyes and faded to sleep. As I was sleeping I had this creepy dream, a familiar silhouette was in front of me. Although I can't seem to determine who he his. He spoke out of silence,

"You're.... not from this time? Are you?"

I was shocked. Maybe he knew the answer to this weird phenomenon. I asked him,

"Who are you? And how do you know I'm not from this time? Do you know how this happened?"

He paused, and stared at me as he then said,

"You'll know, when the time comes"

I wake up in the morning, sweating and trying to catch my breath. I looked around the place, and I'm still in the same place. This isn't a dream, this is real. I really did reincarnate to my 15 yr old self. My mom opened the door to my room and said

"Well, it's a good sign you're not reading that Playbook magazine anymore. Go wash up and come have breakfast."

As usual, I went on and took a shower. Got in to my uniform, and proceeded downstairs to have breakfast and after that, Dad dropped me off at school. Kris and the others were waiting for me at the entrance, but Joshua wasn't with them.

"Well, the most punctual guy in our group isn't here now eh"

"He said he won't be attending class today. Apparently he's going to wait for something."

John said, Kris then followed saying

"Yeah... he said let's just cover for him today"

That's weird, Joshua rarely misses classes before. Even when he's sick he'd still be attending. He might be waiting for something really important then. We then proceeded to class, and just like the other day I started participating more and getting high scores on Quizzes. After the whole afternoon of class I then went to practice. It's time for me to inpress coach and make it to the lineup this time, I won't mess up the chances I get in this life. As I entered the Gym, this familiar voice in which I haven't heard for 12 years suddenly shouted,

"ANDREI MANALO!! What reason do you have now for skipping training yesterday? Huh?! ADD 20 Laps to your jog before starting warmups, AND DO IT FAST!"

It was Coach Villegas, and he's really... reallllyyy pissed at players being late and skipping training. After hearing him shout so loud I panicked and answered,

"YES COACH!!"

I then hurried to the locker, and there I met the others players. They stared at me as one said,

"You're awfully early today."

On the corner, our team Captain Max walked out of the cubicle. He's the resident Bad Boy/ Heartthrob/ Mr. Perfect in school, I hate him. He always takes credit for things he didn't even do in the first place. Like how other players have progressed in our team. Plus he's such a Show-off in front of coach, in which he became the team captain.

"Well, the Lazy-ass makes a show in training huh? What are you even training for? You won't even make it in the First six lineup again. Wanna warm the bench for us all year long now?"

He said, as I held a fist in my hand. I wanna beat him up so bad for being an asshole in my previous life. But I need to make a better move. I'll just have to show what I can do this time, and crush him while I achieve success this time. I changed into my training clothes and then proceeded to train. It's been so long since I got to play Volleyball again. I still remember the routines, plays, and even the tricks. I got better in college before but I guess I never made the lineup because I had low grades. I only got to play in the School Intramural's where we won Championships all the way till I graduated. So I bet I'm gonna be ok this time. Time to take the spotlight.

I then proceeded doing 20 extra laps that Coach gave me as a punishment. I finished it as quick as I can and coach seemed surprised that I was able to finish it in a nick of time.

"Well that's new, you seem to be in tip-top shape today Andrei. I'm impressed, now go and do serve receives and after the time go do serves after"

My position in Volleyball was a Wing Spiker, where we are on the Left side of the court. I then went on the court as they do serves. Max, who's the asshole as he is snook in a serve in my direction. I think he was trying to hit my head since he often did that on my previous life. I immediately reacted and received it, it perfectly went to the setter's spot. All of the players were surprised as Coach was impressed as he watched in the sideline.

"Nice receive Andrei!!"

Coach shouted. Max was furious that I received it cleanly. I looked at his direction and gave him a smirk, I ready'd my position for an upcoming serve and a ball flies over the net. It bare made it over because it touched the net, but my instincts made me move. I dove for it, and it was clean. Everyone yelled,

"Alright Andrei!! Way to go!!"

I turned to Coach Villegas, and as I thought he was surprised that I would even get that. I took my position, and Max with those mean Glaring eyes did a nasty and strong serve in my directions. I stood there, as I waited for the ball to come. It was like in slow motion. It was almost above of my head, then I dodged it as I shouted.

"Out!!"

There was this kind of punishment we had when if you had a service error we do 15 push-ups. So Coach immediately exclaimed

"Max!! On the ground and do 15 push ups now!!"

Max was shocked, but at the same time furious. I turned to him and gave him a smirked.

"Change positions!!"

Coach shouted. I took a ball from the ball cart and went to the other side. Max was receiving now, I moved back from the usual serving spot. I was about to do a Jump service to teach Max a lesson never to pick on anybody. I threw the ball up, Jump to the highest point and I hit the ball towards Max.

"What the f*....."

Max cussed as he wasn't able to get my service and it barely hit his head, just barely.

"WOAH!!"

Everybody was surprised. Normally I don't do that kind of play before because I rarely get attention from trainers and Coach. Coach went inside the court while dragging a mono-block chair and said,

"Andrei, do that again. This time hit this chair I positioned here."

"Y-yes coach"

I stuttered.

"It was just a fluke coach. He just got lucky. He can't possible do that again. It was just beginners luck."

Max said abruptly. I got annoyed, so I went to the same position I did before. I locked on to the chair and like before, I threw the ball up, jump to the highest I can and I hit the ball. It goes straight towards the chair, and I knocked it down.

"Amazing"

Coach whispered.

"Andrei, talk to me after practice"

"Yes coach"

All of my teammates where in shock. We then proceeded doing Free spiking drills. I started hitting spikes and all of the others were looking at me thinking how I got so good since I usually fail hitting spikes like I do now. Coach seems pretty happy with my performance while Max, still furious on what happened earlier rolled a ball under me while doing spikes.

"Andrei!! Look out! There's a ball under you!!"

One of the players screamed, Immediately spread my legs before landing to avoid stepping on the ball.

"Who did that?!"

I yelled, as Max was whistling on the other court acting like nothing ever happened. I stared at him with rage as coach came in and said

"All right boys, let's wrap things up now. Andrei, meet me after training."

We fixed the court and cleaned the court. I followed Max and I told him

"What was that for earlier, huh?"

"The hell are you even talking about? I haven't done anything to you. Plus, why are you talking to me like that? I'm still your captain. Just because you've improved you can do whatever the hell you want now."

I stared at him in silence, he is right. He's still the captain.

"That's what I thought."

He added. I then took a shower then immediately went to Coach's office right after. As I reached the office he said,

"Ahh.. Andrei, right on time."

I sat in-front of Coach's table, he then told me

"I'm seeing great potential in you this year Mr. Manalo. Do you want to join the team line up this year?"

"Yes Coach of-course, as if I'd turn down this opportunity"

I said with excitement as I smiled so hard. He then interrupted,

"Then that's good, you'll be Co-captain this year. You'll be working close snd Hard with Max. I hope to see you both bring big achievements to the Team"

"Eh? Co-captain? In an instant coach? For real?"

I was stunned at coach's decision of giving me the Co-captain role. I didn't expect it to be that fast, he gave me that role this fast. It would mean working besides Max, but it's a step closer to what I can do to make things right for me.

"Yes, at first I thought it was just a fluke. But as I saw you keep on doing it I'm sure you really built up your talent and I look forward to what you can bring to the team."

"I won't let you down coach."

I walked out of the office after my meeting with coach, and after I went out the door Alex was there. I think he was waiting for me. He then said,

"I don't know whatever you did to get this good. But I highly disagree on coach giving you the Co-captain role. I don't need your help. So don't you dare get in my way"

I looked at him, trying to figure out something. He was obviously nervous. I then answered,

"Are you.... scared? That a little nobody like me, might strip you off of your position?"

I grinned at him as he grabbed my shirt and pulled me closer to him while saying

"Listen here you little piece of shit!!... I don't care whatever the hell you did, or whatever kind of talent you have acquired. I'm better than you, don't think too high and mighty for yourself 'cause I'm still the Captain. You're just a lowly nobody. So watch yourself"

As he was doing that Coach got out of the office and said,

"Andrei, you forgot your Shoe ba... What's going on here?"

"Nothing Coach. Me and Andrei was just discussing things to improve the team and get the championship this year."

Max said as he slowly let loose of his grip on my shirt. Coach bought his reason as he said

"Well, that's my two top players for you. Keep it up guys, and we'll be on the top in no time."

Coach then headed back to his office right after he handed me my shoe bag.

"You're lucky coach was around this time."

He turned around and walked away, as I stood there.

"That was crazy... I never got into that kind of situation before."

I whispered to myself as I held my chest. My heart was pounding so hard out of being so nervous. I then went home and then immediately informed the good news to Mom and Dad.

"What?! You're Co-captain this year!?"

My Dad shouted with excitement, right after that Mom smacked the back of his head

"Lower your voice!! The neighbours might think we're some uncivilised people! Congrats sweetie!! But never forget to put your studies first ok?"

"I won't mom. This is just a sideline for me. You never know, you might watch me on TV in the future"

I said as I smiled at them. They both looked very proud at me. This was the best feeling ever. My dad soon said

"This calls for a celebration, we're very proud of what you have achieved. Why not invite your whole team this weekend? Oh, and bring Joshua and you friends too."

"The whole team? Isn't that too much dad?"

"Well, what do you suggest?"

My dad asked, as I thought to myself.

"Can I just bring Joshua and the others?"

"Well if that's what you want then let's do that."

Dad immediately made plans and cancelled his work on Saturday to have this outing with us. We didn't do this back in my previous life. We do it once or twice but it's an outing with the whole family. More like a reunion. The next day, I met with Joshua and the others at school. They were surrounding him, I quickly jumped in and said

"Hey!! Joshua, you're not Mr. Punctual anymore are you? Hahahaha"

I laughed as Kris and the others looked at me with sad faces. Patrick then interrupted me and said,

"Joshua's... Grandfather passed away last night."

"What? Joshua, dude I'm sorry for the terrible news."

"Nah, it's ok. At least I got to spend his last remaining day together. I'm just glad I had the chance"

That's weird, it's as if Joshua would know it would happen. But I thought that maybe he just saw that there are signs that his Grandfather was already weak.

"Well then, let's head to class now"

Joshua told us, then we proceeded to class as we rest our arms across his shoulders to comfort him.

~End of Part 4~