Chapter 30: Clinic
Nabi managed to steal the ball from Tamara's team in the final moments.
With seconds ticking down, she dribbled towards the opponent's side of the court, evading desperate attempts to stop her.
3...2...1.....
engggggg
The buzzer sounded, marking the end of the game as Nabi held onto the ball tightly, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.
"With a score of 81-83, Team 2 led by Nabi wins!!" Coach Bermie announced.
"Yess!!! Di tayo magliligpit ng gamit dito sa gym!" Nabi shouted triumphantly, her voice echoing with joy and relief.
Her teammates erupted into cheers and laughter, joining in her celebration of their hard-earned victory. Aria, despite her injury, couldn't help but smile proudly.
Coach Bermie, noticing Aria's limping, called all the girls except Aria over to discuss their performance. She glanced over at Aria, concern evident in her expression.
"Yuan, assist mo si Aria sa clinic," Coach Bermie instructed firmly. "Make sure she gets checked out."
Orion, who had been seating nearby, stood up and stepped forward. "I'll go with them, Coach," he offered, his voice determined.
Seeing Coach Bermie's hesitation, Orion added, " Don't worry po Coach, I'll be back before magstart ang game ng boys,"
Coach Bermie hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Orion. Make sure she gets the care she needs," she replied.
"Ako rin Coach! I-assist ko rin si Aria!" Rico suddenly interjected, appearing beside them with urgency in his voice.
Coach Bermie paused, considering Rico's offer. "Rico, you have a game too. It's better if sila Orion and Yuan lang ang mag-assist Aria for now," she said firmly, her decision final.
Rico looked disappointed but understanding, nodding reluctantly. "Sige, Coach," he replied, accepting her directive despite his concern for Aria.
Yuan and Orion exchanged a quick glance, silently communicating their readiness to help Aria.
"Coach, una na po kami," Yuan said, taking the lead as they guided Aria towards the clinic.
Together, they approached Aria gently, offering their hands to help her off the court.
"I can walk," Aria insisted stubbornly, attempting to move forward without their assistance. However, after a few steps, a sharp pain shot through her injured leg, causing her to wince and stumble.
Orion reacted swiftly, his instincts kicking in as he reached out to steady her. "Aria, let us help," he said softly, his voice filled with concern.
Aria hesitated, realizing the pain was more intense than she had anticipated.
'....Ahh, nakakahiya kay kuya Orion,' she thought to herself in embarrassment, realizing she needed to accept their help.
Yuan, noticing Aria's hesitation and discomfort, gently intervened. "Aria, tigilan mo ang pagkaka-stubborn. Hayaan mong tulungan ka namin." Yuan urged kindly.
Aria glanced at Yuan. With a reluctant nod, she finally accepted their support, allowing Orion and Yuan to carefully guide her towards the clinic.
As they arrived at the clinic, Aria immediately felt a sense of relief seeing an old nurse waiting for them.
The nurse, recognizing Aria's discomfort, motioned for her to sit down."Gang, anong nangyari sa iyo?" she asked with a concerned look.
Aria winced slightly as she settled into a chair, with both Orion and Yuan assisting her, "Nabangga lang po ako sa court," she explained, trying to downplay the pain she felt.
The nurse nodded understandingly and began to check Aria's leg.
After a careful examination, she gently palpated the area and observed Aria's movements. "Looks like a light sprain," the nurse concluded.
"Rest ka lang gang and apply ice para makatulong sa swelling."
Aria sighed in relief, grateful that it wasn't something more serious. She nodded in agreement with the nurse's advice.
"No weights rin for a couple of days," the nurse continued, offering further instructions.
Orion, concerned for Aria's well-being, gently asked the nurse, "Nurse, how many days po kaya before gumaling ang sprain ni Aria?"
The nurse considered for a moment before responding,
"Depende 'yan gang sa extent ng sprain at kung paano magre-react ang katawan niya sa treatment. Normally, mga ilang araw hanggang isang linggo bago maramdaman ni Aria na mas mabuti na ang pakiramdam ng kanyang paa."
Aria listened attentively, relieved to hear that recovery was within sight.
The nurse continued, advising Aria, "Gang, mas maigi kung dito ka muna sa clinic para maalagaan ko nang maayos ang sprain mo."
Aria nodded reluctantly, understanding the nurse's recommendation. "Sige po, ma'am," she replied softly.
"Thank you po, ma'am!"
Orion and Yuan expressed their gratitude to the nurse.
"Diba kayo sunod maglaro, kuya Orion? Punta ka na," she said, trying to reassure him.
"Wait, we'll move you sa bed," Orion replied firmly, gently guiding Aria to lie down on the bed.
"Ahh...!" As Aria settled onto the bed, she winced slightly, still feeling the discomfort from her sprained ankle.
Orion adjusted the pillows, making sure she was comfortable.
"Okay ka lang dito?" Orion asked, concern evident in his voice.
Aria nodded weakly. "Oo, thank you sa pag-assist, kuya Orion."
Yuan stood nearby, quietly observing, before speaking up. "Kuya Orion, ako na lang bahala dito kay Aria. Bumalik ka na sa game ninyo, baka magsimula na."
Orion hesitated, "Sige, I'll come back. Siguraduhin mo lang na okay si Aria," he said to Yuan, patting Aria's shoulder gently before leaving.
Before closing the door, Orion noticed something and looked back again to Aria, "...also, you can just call me 'Orion' if you want,"
Then Orion left, leaving a flustered Aria. She turned to Yuan with a puzzled expression. "Paano nalaman ni Orion?" she asked quietly.
Yuan smiled knowingly. "During that time you got sprained on the court, you called out to Orion without using 'kuya'," she explained gently.
Aria blushed, recalling that moment.
"Oh,"
was all she managed to say, feeling a mix of embarrassment and warmth spread through her.
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