Stringless Guitar (Musicians Series 1)

Chapter 4: Plus the One

A/N: I know, I know, the update is very delayed. Again, I'm so sorry. I wasn't expecting things to go that way. Nontheless, this is just a chill update but I hope it's worth the wait. To everyone who has been reading and waiting for updates, thank you so much! You know who you are:)

AVRIL

NAPATINGALA ako sa malaking building na nasa harap ng aking mga mata. Again, the urgent way towards here wasn't a hassle. Thanks to this person I'm currently with.

Nauna akong bumaba ng sasakyan. Sumunod na rin si Ben at ini-lock muna ito. Sinabayan niya ako sa paglalakad at sabay na kaming pumasok sa building.

"So, this is your band room?" he asked while we're walking.

"Technically, this is the building where our band room is. Nasa 4th floor pa 'yon. Andres rented it for us so we can hang out and rehearse there," tugon ko.

Tumigil kami sa harapan ng elevator. I pressed a button and waited for a couple of seconds before its doors opened. Agad naman kaming pumasok sa loob.

When Andres told me through the call that there's a bad news and that it's all about Ben, I didn't hesitated to tell Andres that I was with him. Nagtaka pa siya kung bakit kami magkasama pero hindi na lang din siya nagpumilit. Well, Ben already introduced last night that we know each other.

Matapos kong sabihin na magkasama kami ni Ben, Andres' voice cheered up. He asked if I can let Ben come too and thank goodness, wala naman 'yong naging problema sa kaniya. I also don't have any clue kung bakit gusto niyang ipasama si Ben.

"So, it's postponed again, isn't it?" Ben asked out of the blue. His deep voice echoed around the elevator.

Alam ko na agad ang ibang sabihin niya sa salitang 'it'. He was referring to that thing we are about to do in his apartment. Hindi ko na lang siya nilingon pa. I just stared at my own reflection on the elevator's door. "I guess it is."

Saglit rin akong napatingin sa repleksyon niya. He tried to fix his tie while his other hand is inside his coat's pocket. Kanina pa siguro siya naiinitan sa formal attire niya.

"So, when are we gonna do it?"

Saktong pagkasabi niya no'n ay bumukas na ang pinto ng elevator. Hindi ko na lang siya sinagot. I immediately went out and pretended that I didn't hear what he said.

He followed me until we reach a door made of translucent glass. I immediately opened it, causing the little bells hanged above it to make a sound. Kusa na rin itong sumara matapos naming pumasok ni Ben. Sumalubong sa amin ang malaming na simoy ng aircon. Sinabayan pa ito ng fruit-scent air freshener na humahalo sa amoy ng alikabok.

Iginala ko ang aking mga mata sa paligid. Hindi nakabukas ang lahat ng ilaw. Maayos na nakalagay sa kani-kanilang mga stand ang mga bass at lead guitars sa isang sulok. Tinakpan rin ng itim na tela ang keyboard at drum set. No one greeted the both of us other than silence.

"Where's everybody?" ani Ben.

Hindi ko na ulit siya sinagot. Dumiretso ako sa tapat ng isa pang glass door sa bandang kanan ng band room. Binuksan ko ito at doon ay nakita kong nakaupo si Kent habang nakaharap sa cellphone niyang nakapatong sa long table. This is our meeting area. Dito namin madalas na ginagawa ang aming brainstorming. Liban sa long table at mga upuan na narito, may malaki ring white board sa pader.

"Wala kayong pasok ngayon? Ay oo nga pala, madaling araw pa d'yan ngayon," nakangiting wika ni Kent habang nakatingin sa screen ng kaniyang phone.