The Broken Soundtrack

Track 34: I Don't Want To Love You

Ramdam ko ang init sa aking mga mata habang pinapakinggan ko ang exchange of vows ng bagong kasal. Sa movies ko lang dati napapanood ang ganitong eksena and I couldn't help but picture myself standing there with someone and promising each other's love until death.

Kahit na lumaki ako na walang tatay, naniniwala pa rin ako na may true love. Pero may natutunan ako dahil sa experience ni mama.

Ang love kahit na hindi nakikita, hindi ibig sabihin ay wala na ito. I knew mom and dad loved each other. Kaya nga ako nandito ngayon. Pero minsan, may mga bagay talaga na hindi natin kontrolado.

When I felt a hand on my shoulder, my attention swerved to the person beside me. Asher leaned closer and whispered, "Jam, everything all right?"

I sniffed, not wanting a drop of snot to trickle down my nose. "Uh, oo. Okay lang ako."

Asher flashed me a comforting smile. "It's okay. I would cry too if there aren't many people around." He tapped my back lightly.

Matapos ang ceremony, we were asked to have photos with the bride and groom. The couple stayed behind for their own photo session, while we were instructed to proceed to the reception area.

Sinamahan ako ni Asher papasok sa loob ng hall. Transparent ang mga pader dito sa venue kaya kita pa rin ang garden sa labas. Kitang-kita rin ang asul na kalangitan dahil sa glass ceilings dito. May mga potted plants rin na nakasabit sa kisame kaya parang nasa gubat kami.

Making our way towards the reserved table on the corner, nakita ko na ang mga kaibigan namin na nakaupo sa may table at kumakaway sa amin.

"Nasan sina Mase at Lake?" The silver-haired guy asked, his question directing to Asher. "Hindi ba dapat naghahanda na tayo?"

Fiona and I exchanged looks in confusion. "Para san?" she asked. I had that exact question in mind.

Bago pa may makasagot, biglang dumating sina Mason at Laken sa table namin. I fixed my gaze on Zander beside me, avoiding eye contact with Laken.

Zander arched a brow at me, intrigue crossing his rosy cheeks. I just shot him a glare.

"Let's go!" Benjamin tilted his head to Asher, gesturing him to stand up.

Asher turned to me. "Be right back."

Fiona squealed in silence. "Tutugtog ba sila?"

Shrugging, I watched the guys grab the guitars on the front corner.

Mason's hand played with the electric guitar, soft riffs echoing inside the room. Benjamin sat on the box-shaped instrument, testing it with both hands.

Napatingin ako kay Laken na may hawak na ring bass guitar. Alam kong music majors sina Mase at Benj kaya alam nilang mag-play ng instruments, pero hindi ko inakala na pati si Laken ay alam rin pala.

"Good day, everyone!" Asher spoke, my attention turning to him as he tapped the microphone lightly. "Just want to start off by saying congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Vera Cruz. Guess you're no longer Young, Mary."

Natawa naman ang crowd sa word play ni Asher. Young kasi ang last name nina Mason at ng sister niya.

Corny ng joke niya pero natuwa pa rin ang mga tao. Wala ako sa mood para tumawa. Pero, bilib rin talaga ako kay Asher dahil sa natural niyang kakayahan para ibahin ang mood ng paligid.

"My friends and I will be playing a song today. I hope you enjoy," Asher ended, turning to Benjamin and signalling them to start.

Mason started strumming the guitar, Laken following his lead with the bass.