Tainted Melodies (Ciudad de Escalante #5)

Phase 13

"Really, Mommy? You and Daddy will come?" I ecstatically exclaimed to confirm what I heard. Excitement consumed me. I could hardly contain my happiness when Mom's fair and slender fingers, which addressed affluence and vanity, picked the ticket I gave on the table.


"What's that? For your Noli Me Tangere the musical?" tanong ni Ate Solene na kuryosong tinitingnan ang mga ticket na dala ko. Nasa harapan ko silang dalawa ni Ate Solana sa hapag-kainan.


"Yup. Kaso dalawang tickets lang ang binigay per student. But if you want to see me Ate, I'll show you my performance the night before the actual," sabik kong saad at bumaling muli kina Mommy at Daddy na binabasa ang nakalagay sa ticket.


I pressed my lips when Mom had a quick elevation of her exquisitely done eyebrows like they were made by an artist. They were carved like a fine snowdrift that depicts a gentle personality yet — she will give you a look too carefully as if she knew everything that can wreck you in no time.


"Give us a good performance, Solaire," Mom finally declared.


I breathed in when the minimal movement of her while picking the metal chopsticks gave me intimidation. Mommy quietly continued her meal. I only smiled as I observed how gorgeous she is even though she was just casually chewing the food in her mouth. She should be on the highest mountain of Greece, ousting Aphrodite in her position. From the manner of her gaze, walk, a lift of her chin, and especially her grin always make an explosion of darkness. Her smile illuminated the brightest corners of the room — it was frightening and made people lose confidence whenever she's around.


They said, among of her daughters, I was her replication, a spitting image of Soledad Agcaoili in her younger years. I got her brown eyes like the deep intoxication of champagne wine, expressing an extravagant taste. However, both of my sisters inherited my Dad's enticing twin blue-grey irises like the other Fergusons.


"I'll do my best in my performance, Mommy," paninigurado ko sa kanya. She didn't smile nor darted her eyes at me. Tumango lang siya ng sobrang tipid.


While Calicrates Ferguson, my Dad, smiled.


"We'll look forward to your performance, Solaire," ani ni Daddy at bumaling sa dalawang kapatid ko ngayon.


Whenever we were having a meal altogether, this is always the scenario. Our parents will never forget to ask questions about us, what we are doing in school, and our life these past few weeks. Medyo matagal silang hindi nakauwi sa bahay dahil may business trip na pinuntahan sa Melbourne.


"I heard from Triton that you accepted Damsel in Dior and Chic Pursuit's offer. You're also doing Upcoming Thread at this moment, Solana. Aren't you overworking yourself that much?" tanong ni Daddy.


Kay Ate Solana naman ngayon ang spotlight. My turn was done already. I'm the youngest and always the first to interrogate. Or maybe, asking me is just smooth and easy. Hindi gaya kapag si Ate Solene ang unang tinatanong, the atmosphere in the table will get awry. She's stubborn and doesn't want to listen to anyone aside from herself.


"The offer is good, Dad. Don't worry. I can still manage my time in school and work. I'm not stressed. I can still handle things well," sabi ni Ate.


Tumkhim si Daddy at uminom ng wine bago muling magsalita. He looked unbothered about Ate Solana's plans in her life. We all know that she can handle everything. She's hardworking and independent from the start that's why I'm so proud of her. I admire her discipline in her priorities.


"How about suitors? You're turning twenty two months from now on," dugtong ni Daddy na nakapagpataas ng kilay ni Ate. Then, she smiled enigmatically as if she saw an irony in a situation.


"I don't need a man, Dad."


Pasimpleng natawa si Ate Solene sa sinabi ni Ate Solana kaya inirapan niya ito. Daddy chuckled too. Mom, as usual — reserved and prim. Ako ay kumain na lamang sa tabi. Our dinner is a Japanese cuisine. One of my favorites.


"The thirteenth prince of Sweden is not just a man, Solana. It would be best if you didn't neglect a successor like that. Don't dump all your admirers without thinking a second. He'll pay a visit here at the end of the year. For sure, he'll watch you in the Summer Palette fashion week."


Ate Solana smirked. Kinuha niya ang napkin at pinunasan ang kanyang labi bago nakangiting tumingin kay Daddy. Kumunot ang noo ko sa kung anumang ideya na nababasa ko sa kanyang mata.


"He has a penis like what other men have, aside from coming in a royal family, what makes him not just a man?" pangangatwiran niya.


I gasped.


"Ate, shh!" pabulong kong saad dahil sa kanyang sinabi at pinanlakihan siya ng mata.


We are having a meal! Why would she mentioned penis? Ate Solana only raised her eyebrow at me as if she didn't say something weird. Napatingin naman ako kay Ate Solene na humagalpak sa tawa na parang kanina pa pinipigilan.


"You'll live like a princess, Lil sis. You don't have to work your ass off —"


"Only lazy women will be impressed by a man's wealth. I don't need him to feel like I'm a princess. I'm already a queen since the day I didn't ask Mom's and Dad's money to pay my bills," Ate Solana announced firmly.


Daddy sighed and only nodded.


"If that's what you want, Solana. We'll respect that. I'm just worried. I want to walk the three of you in the aisle. But your case is much better than making our life more stressful for having many boyfriends," sabi ni Daddy ngayon at humarap kay Ate Solene.


"What? I'm healthy, Dad. I'm attending my monthly checkup like what Mom advised me. I'm safe. I'm clean. I didn't acquire any sexually transmitted diseases so I'm absolutely fine," mapaglarong saad ni Ate Solene kahit wala pa namang sinasabi si Daddy.


If Ate Solana's mouth is frank and direct to the point, hers is just... argh. She doesn't care if everyone knows she's sexually active! I even remember when she asked Mom how to have safe sex when she had her first boyfriend!


But somehow, I admire her courage. Not all girls can do and admit that. She doesn't give a damn about other people's judgments about her. She's happy and living her life very well. Hindi rin napapabayaan ang pag-aaral at President's lister pa nga.


"Solene, if I've had enough in whatever you're doing. I already told you about what am I going to do next, right?" namomroblemang saad ni Daddy na tila hindi nagustuhan ang sinabi ni Ate.


"Yeah, a fixed marriage after I graduated. I'm up for it anyway. My future is secured. I'll end up with a very rich Escalante. For now, just let me do what I want while I'm single," kaswal na sambit ni Ate Solene at prenteng sinubo ng buo ang sushi.


Sumulyap naman siya sa akin at malapad akong nginitian kahit ngumunguya pa. I snickered in her teasing eyes. She's cute with her natural blushing cheeks. Mas dumepina ang kanyang cheekbones sa sumunod na ginawa. She stuck her tongue out to me after swallowing what she was eating.


What a naughty girl.


Daddy sighed and shook his head while looking at his eldest daughter. Hindi na siya nagsalita pa dahil sabi nga ni Ate Solene noon, wala ng kahit anong makakapigil sa kanya kapag horny na raw siya. Tsk.



I heard you're feeling nothing's going right
Why don't you let me stop by?
The clock is ticking, running out of time
So we should party all night



For our tonight's gig, we are the clubhouse named Intoxicant. The first floor was almost crowded. It was a common clubhouse where youngsters unwind their stress from school. Habang ang sa second floor naman ay nagmistulang bar na dahil may kasama ng alcohol ang siniserve doon. Minors like me weren't allowed on that floor.


So cover your eyes,
I have a surprise
I hope you got a healthy appetite
If you wanna dance,
If you want it all
You know that I'm the girl that you should call



A wide grin drew my lips when some of the newcomers stopped by to watched us performing on stage. Mas pinagbutihan ko ang pagtugtog dahil ito na ang huling kanta namin para ngayong gabi.



Boy, when you're with me
I'll give you a taste
Make it like your birthday everyday
I know you like it sweet
So you can have your cake
Give you something good to celebrate

So make a wish
I'll make it like your birthday everyday
I'll be your gift
Give you something good to celebrate



Marahuyo is still our vocalist. Nasa gitna siya at palakad-palakad habang hila-hila ang stand ng microphone. She's all smiles. Minsan, tumatalon pa kapag tumataas at bumibilis ang beat ng kanta. She's giving a justice in the song for hitting all the notes and keeping the hype and energy of the track from the beginning until we reached the chorus.



Pop your confetti
Pop your Pérignon
So hot and heavy
'Til dawn, I got you spinning
Like a disco ball
All night they're playing
Your song



I smiled when one of the audience is taking a picture or video of me on stage. Batid kong taga-ibang school sila at atleta dahil pare-pareho ang kulay ng varsity jacket. I had a glimpse of their school's initials. They were from Chesterford University in Ciudad De Sebastian.



We're living the life
We're doing it right
You're never gonna be unsatisfied
If you wanna dance, if you want it all
You know that I'm the girl that you should call



"I love you, Solaire! Ferguson! Ferguson!"


I only laughed and didn't let myself to get distracted from their chants. Mas pinokus ko ang aking sarili sa mga chords na tinutugtog ko para maisabuhay ang kanta. Sinigaw muli ng mga atleta ang pangalan ko kaya napatingin na rin sina Sydney at Aubrey sa kanilang gawi.



Boy, when you're with me
I'll give you a taste
Make it like your birthday everyday
I know you like it sweet
So you can have your cake
Give you something good to celebrate



Umiling lamang ang mga kabanda ko at natawa sa mga manonood na iyon. They looked like they're only in my age. Kanina pa sila nandito sa first floor at hindi pa rin pwede sigurong umakyat sa taas. They weren't in legal age yet.


Inalis ko ang tingin sa kanila at ibinaling muli sa gitara na hawak ko bago ibalik ang tingin sa mga manonood na mukhang natutuwa sa aming performance. Our hardwork pays off again. The stage will really tell you if you did a great job. You can see it from the smile, sparks from their eyes and unwavering attention.


And we did it!



So make a wish
I'll make it like your birthday everyday
I'll be your gift
Give you something good to celebrate

Happy birthday



The crowd sang with Marahuyo when the song almost at its ending. Kahit isang oras na kaming tumutugtog, hindi ko ramdam ang pagod kahit sinasabi na ng daliri ko na magpahinga na at tapusin na lamang itong kanta.


If you really love what you're doing, you'll never get tired. You just need to rest but it will not stop you even everyone is telling you to stop. Na kahit sa sarili pa natin minsan nasasabi natin na kailangan na nating tumigil pero hahanap-hanapin pa rin natin.


Music makes me happy. If I pursue it until the end, I'll surely risk the chance of failing, but if I didn't? I'll ensure it. I don't want to die without doing my best. I need to deal with the pressure of the present so the future will not scare me anymore.



Boy, when you're with me
I'll give you a taste
Make it like your birthday everyday
I know you like it sweet
So you can have your cake
Give you something good to celebrate



After our performance, the crowd applauded and showered us with compliments. Nagkaroon ng picture-taking ang iilang manonood na kasama kami sa stage.


"Air, upo lang kami roon, ah? Entertain your fans. Baka magpa-picture sa'yo..." bulong ni Carly sa akin at nginuso ang mga atleta kanina na sumisigaw ng pangalan ko.


"Hindi naman siguro," bulong ko pabalik at nilagay na ang aking gitara sa likuran.


My eyes narrowed when I saw four guys nudging each other. Sasama na sana ako kina Carly ngunit napansin ko ang mga kalalakihan na hinihila papunta sa aking direksyon ang lalaking pinakapayat sa kanila. He's wearing a large frame of eyeglasses.


"Oh, 'di ba? Fans mo 'yan, Air..." ani ni Carly at tinapik na ang balikat ko para makapagpaalam para sumunod kina Sydney. Nauna na pala sila at hindi kami napansin na nakasunod.


"U-Uh. Hi, S-Solaire..."


The shy athlete whispered behind me. Kumpara sa malayuan kanina, mas matangkad pala siya at mas mukhang payat sa personal. I smiled and greet him back. Sa ginawa kong pagbati, namula ang kanyang tenga at halos maputol ang Sharpie na nasa kanyang kamay sa higpit ng pagkakahawak


I took a glance at his friends nearby. They are watching us. Mukhang may pinagkakatuwaan sa paraan ng bulungan nila at panunuksong tingin. I shook my head at them. These guys... hmm.


"Hmm, what is it?" tanong ko at humakbang sa lalaki. I bit my lip when he panicked a little when I moved closer. Nakayuko siya, umiiwas ng tingin sa akin at napansin ko rin ang medyo panginginig ng kanyang kamay.


"Can I... C-Can I get your number?" he frantically asked and shut his eyes like he's doing an embarrassing act. Natawa ako ng mahina at sumulyap sa mga kaibigan niya na parang nasasabik na nanonood sa amin.


"Here... Y-You can write it here..." nauutal niyang saad. Inabot niya sa akin ang Sharpie na hawak at inilapit ang palad sa akin.


Will I write my number in his palm?


"Why do you want to get my number?" bulong ko at kinuha ang Sharpie na kanyang dala.


"So I can go home..." nahihiya niyang sabi.


Now, I knew it. What a jerks. Kung hindi ako malapitan, dapat hindi na nandamay pa ng ibang tao.


"Then put your number on my palm instead..." deklara ko at nilahad ang aking palad sa kanya. He was caught off guard. Nanlaki ang kanyang mata habang nakatingin sa palad na nilalapit ko.


"You want my number, so you'll text me. I'll just text you first, then reply. I want to assure it was you," ani ko at binuksan na ang Sharpie na kanyang hawak.


Hindi siya kumibo saglit ngunit kinalaunan din ay kinuha sa aking kamay ang Sharpie. Nanlalamig at namamawis ang kanyang kamay nang hawakan ang palad ko. I smiled when he finally wrote his number at my palm. Napangiti rin siya ng tipid at hinahaplos ang batok.


"Sunod na ako sa mga kasama ko. Ingat pauwi," dugtong ko at tinaas ang salamin niya sa mata. Dumulas kasi iyon ng bahagya sa kanyang ilong. He blushed and looked away. Then, I tapped his shoulder, giving him one last smile before turning my back.


Nang makalayo, nilibot ko ang aking tingin sa paligid para hanapin ang mga kasama ko. When I saw Marahuyo's back, I immediately walked in their direction. But when I was only meter away, I halted from walking when I saw Iori Laodenio, occupying my seat.


Kapag kasi magkakasama kaming lima, Marahuyo is always at the center. Sydney and Carly were always at the right side and Aubrielle and I at the left side. Nagtatawanan sila nang makalapit na ako.


"Hello, Solaire! Ay, wait. Wala kang upuan. Here, dito ka. Kuha nalang ako ng akin," si Iori sabay tayo kaagad para maghanap ng bakante.


I let her do what she wants. I silently walked at the chair that was supposed to be mine anyway. Ilang segundo rin ay nakabalik na si Iori habang dala-dala ang upuan na kinuha sa kabilang mesa. I smiled back when she gave me warm smile.


Kinuha ko naman ang Strawberry Creamsicle na inumin ko sa mesa at sumimsim doon.


"Saan na nga ba tayo?" Iori giggled.


"Sa Battle of the Bands last year," sagot ni Aubrey kaya humagikgik muli si Iori nang maalala na iyon yata ang kinewento niya bago ako dumating.


"Ah, oo. It was a good experience talaga. Crescendo and I really had a lot to sacrifice to have a consistent practice. Busy rin kami sa school at may category kasi. OPM ang dapat tugtugin..." pagkukwento niya.


I only listened in each words she was saying. She's bubbly, talkative and never out of words. Noong una, tahimik lang kaming lahat na nakikinig sa kanya pero nang dumating siya sa topic tungkol sa college, strict professors at mahirap na mga subjects...


I felt out of my place.


Like I'm just a shadow here.


An accessory.


They were all studying in the same university. Ako lang ang mag-isang nag-aaral sa Ridgeview at nasa senior high pa kaya gustuhin ko mang makisama sa mga rants at complains nila tungkol sa school, I just can't. I don't even know what are the subjects they're talking about.


"What? Cassiel and Giondre of Crescendo were upstairs?!" gulantang na tanong ni Carly nang tanungin nila si Iori kung sino ang kasama niya na pumunta rito.


"Yup. You want me to introduce you to them?" suhestiyon ni Iori na nagdala nang kasabikan sa mga kasama ko. Aubrielle has a crush on one of them. Habang si Carly, ay yung Saldivar yata.


"Shit. Ayos lang ba? Hindi ba may girlfriends sila?" nagdadalawang isip na tanong ni Aubrey.


"It's fine. Hindi naman selosa. They also want to meet you. Nasabi ko na rin sa kanila na makakasama niyo na rin ako sa susunod," masaya niyang saad at sinabihan na ang mga kasama kong tumayo na.


"And I also need you guys to change the atmosphere in our table upstairs. Rei is not with me. You know, Heliocentric are also there..." dugtong ni Iori at ngumuso ng kaunti.


"Hala, bakit mo iniwan sa isang table? Baka ano nang nangyayari niyan, ah?" Sydney laughed.


I gasped when my bandmates fixed their things and put them inside their bag. Unang tumayo si Carly at Aubrey kahit hindi pa lubusang nauubos ang mga pagkain na in-order namin sa mesa. Mukhang pupunta na sila sa itaas.


I bit my lip when they forgot something.


"Sige, punta nalang kayo. Kaka-eighteen palang ni Air kaya hindi siya pwede sa second floor. Samahan ko nalang siya rito."


After Marahuyo said that, I wanted to hug her tightly for remembering me. I thought no one would remember that I'm still not yet allowed there. Wala along maipapakitang patunay na 18 na ako. I don't have valid IDs yet.  Aasikasuhin ko palang sa sembreak o kapag hindi na ako busy.


"Ay, oo nga pala! Hala, hindi pa pala pwede si Air sa itaas. Dito nalang din muna ako," pahayag ni Sydney at umupong muli. I licked my lowerlip when her expression softened. Bumagsak din and balikat niya na tila nanghihinayang. Mukhang gusto niya ring pumunta sa itaas.


"Sige, akyat na kayo. My driver is already outside. Kanina pa naiinip kaya uuwi na rin ako," I declared and stand-up too.


Ayaw kong makaabala sa gusto nilang gawin. And besides, I want to go home. I don't know what's into me but I can't stand Iori for too long. Posible ba iyon? Wala naman siyang ginagawa sa akin pero hindi ako komportable kapag nandiyan siya.


I felt the gap between us. She's water, and I'm oil. She can get along with each of my bandmates, but I felt that she doesn't want me to involve in the topic, to talk to me at least, or simply ask me if I can relate to whatever she's talking about. Sure, she greeted me, but after that, nothing.


Whenever she's around, I'm an outcast. This is the second time I felt this. It made me pissed and upset.


"The night is still young. Maaga pa naman, Air. I can stay here with you," Marahuyo suggested, but I shook my head.


"May assignments din akong gagawin kaya hindi na ako magtatagal..." I added.


Isinukbit ko na rin ang gitara at bag ko para makapaghanda na sa pag-uwi.


"Okay, let's go upstairs!" Carly exclaimed and clung her arm to Iori.


"Bye, Air! Ingat ka," Aubrey said and waved her hand at me.


"Kayo rin, mag-ingat kayo mamayang pauwi," paalala ko pabalik sa kanila bago magpaalam muli na lalabas na. Si Marauhyo and huli kong nakausap bago tuluyang lumisan.


When I stepped outside the clubhouse, my vision was aimed at the night sky, gleaming along with the bright city lights. It also brings the touches of daylight, a protective black blanket of the land giving everyone the safety to sleep under the stars.


Actually, I didn't text my driver yet to fetch me. I just made it up to have a valid reason. Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako habang nakatitig sa paligid. I don't want to go home yet, but I don't have a choice.


Kahit gusto kong kumain muna sa kainan na malapit lang, ayaw ko lang dahil hindi ako sanay na walang kasamang kumakain. Hindi pala ako gaanong nakakain kanina.

"Need a ride?"


Napaigtad ako sa gulat nang may magsalita sa likuran ko. An arrogant Jael Alexius Trivago dominated my figure when he walked infront of me. The little distance between us made me severely conscious of our height differences. Maging ang sukat ng katawan naming dalawa ay kitang-kita.


I looked like a kitten beside a lion.


A dark sepulchered smirk drew in his lips. I rolled my eyes with the smile he gave me. It spoke mischief and definitely showed a drop of evil intention. I looked away and hugged myself from the caress of the cold wind.


"Come on. My car is here. I'll drive you home," anyaya niya ngunit hindi ako gumalaw sa kinatatayuan. I'll just text my driver than to be alone with him. He already said it last time. It's not good if he's with me. Then, I am too!


His scoffed collapsed into a peal of manly laughter. Hindi ako kumibo at kinuha na lamang ang cellphone upang ma-text na talaga ang driver ko. I glared at him when he keep peeking at my phone while I'm texting.


Hindi talaga alam ang salitang privacy?


"Pumasok ka nalang ulit sa loob. It's not good if I'm alone with you, right?" paalala ko habang natitipa ng mensahe na papasundo na.


"I insist, Solaire. I want to tell something to you on our way," aniya kaya kumunot ang noo ko.


Ano naman iyon? May dapat ba kaming pag-usapan? We have nothing to talk about. Puro kalandian lang ang alam niya sa tuwing kausap ko siya.


"Sabihin mo na ngayon habang naghihintay ako ng sundo."


He smiled and looked around to check that someone might hear what he was about to say. I crossed my arms as I waited for him to speak.


"What is it?" naiinip kong tanong.


Hindi pa siya lubusang nakakasagot nang pumagitna ang isang matangkad, makinis at maputing babae na may maikling buhok sa pagitan naming dalawa. I gasped in surprise when she tiptoed and grabbed Alexius' nape and kiss him on the lips without warning.


A minor distraction inside me occurred as if it were damaging each of my ribcages. My throat exceeds its dryness; I can't find anything to say nor react when their lips crash each other.


I felt the destructive emotions become severe when Alexius kissed back like he'd regret it if he didn't.


What are... they? Who is she?


H-Her girlfriend?


"I miss you..." the pretty woman whispered after breaking the kiss.


They're too focused on each other to the point that Alexius forgot he was just talking to me a while ago! Habang ang babae naman ay hindi man lang ako napansin.


"Let's go inside?" The woman asked seductively.


Alexius didn't speak for a split second and finally bore his eyes at me. I thought he was thinking about rejecting the woman's invitation when he became silent for a short time. He said he'd say something to me, so I assume he'll insist on driving me home and reject her.


But he didn't!


"Sure," he said at the woman, grinning handsomely as ever.


Napaawang ang bibig ko sa narinig at hindi makapaniwala siyang tiningnan. What should I expect anyway from a guy like him? Nadala sa halik at bigla nalang nagbago ang isip? Parang kanina lang gusto na akong buhatin sa kanyang sasakyan? Leche siya.


"Take care, Solaire," he added when his eyes fixated on me again.


I scoffed.


From "I insist" to "take care" nalang, huh? Tumingin din ang babae sa gawi ko na parang ngayon lang talaga niya napansin ang aking presensya. She examined me from head to toe.


I confidently reframed my posture.


I stood straight and lifted my chin to emphasize my jaw and cheekbones in her point of view. I also let my chest out a bit to help her to study me more carefully. She's staring as if she's searching for something that she can insult.


Hindi na lamang siya nagsalita at nakangiting dinapo kay Alexius muli ang atensyon.


Ano? Wala kang comment? Mas maganda kasi ako sa'yo 'di ba?


"Let's go, babe..." aniya at hinawakan ang kamay ni Alexius para mahila na sa direksyon ng entrance. Nagpatianod lamang ang lalaking ito sa kanya at hindi na bumaling sa aking direksyon.


Napako ako sa kinatatayuan at naiwan sa labas. Nanatili akong nakatitig sa likuran nilang dalawa na papasok ngayon sa clubhouse! Hindi ko alam kung maiiyak ba ako sa irita o dismaya.


I can't believe... him. Why does he keep confusing me like this?


Damn him.


Fuck him.


What a jerk! A flirt!