#2: Strumming the Pain

Strumming 21

Days passed by in a blur. I think a week have already passed. We've become a lot busier in school. And about Ariell, she's already awake, but still staying at the hospital to recover. She seem to be recovering well than we expected, she was all smiles when we visited her but I can see sadness in her eyes— I know her heart still hurts.

Epione already attended her classes, I'm not sure if she was able to catch up with the lessons but since she's smart, I think she can. I don't know how many days she missed her class, she really blamed herself to what happened that she doesn't want to leave Ariell alone. She also seem so down because of her break-up.

"What song are you going to sing for the school festival?" Jeshua asked while we were on the music room. I looked at her while playing with the drumstick I saw at the table.

I shrugged. "I still don't know."

"Saturday na bukas, Khaisia. Sa monday na ang start ng festival week, and then, you're going to sing on Friday." she told me like I wasn't aware of that.

"I'm completely aware, Jesh." I answered, not looking at her.

"And you still don't know what song are you going to sing?" she asked.

I shrugged. "Hindi ako kinakabahan."

"Kantahin mo na lang 'yung unang kanta na binigay sa 'yo. You still need to practice," she said, shaking her head.

"No, not my style." I answered. Napailing na lang siya at hindi na sumagot pa sa 'kin.

I spent my weekends practicing with Jeshua at school— the bands that joined Battle of the Bands were also at the school to practice. They were mostly junior high school. Eclipse didn't join, maybe because they are incomplete. Two of their band members are in Manila, doon sila nagcollege— I heard.

I already chose a song and Jeshua said it was okay so I just went for it. Today is the first day of festival week and everyone is having a blast so far. Maaga pa pero nasa school na kami. The reason? I don't know, Jeshua just called me and told me to go to school early. Nang dumating ako ay nag-aayos pa sila.

"Nakita niyo ba si Epione? Hindi ko pa siya nakita," bungad na tanong sa amin ni Kiel nang makita niya kami. He's alone, hindi ko alam kung nasaan si Lizzie at Salem.

"They will dance to officially open the school festival, right? Baka kasama niya 'yung dance troupe. Why are you looking for her?" Jeshua asked.

"Wala naman... ano kasi baka makita niya si Jacen," sagot naman ni Kiel.

"And so what?" I asked, brows furrowed.

"Gaga ka talaga! Syempre, kaka-break lang no'ng dalawa. Basta... ang hirap naman i-explain! Awkward 'yun, 'di ba?" sagot naman niya sa 'kin. "Ay, ewan! Pupuntahan ko na lang mamaya."

"Let's go over there. It will start in a few minutes," pag-aaya naman sa amin ni Jeshua. "Doon tayo sa harap. I want to watch Epione closely!" hila pa niya sa amin.