Break Fresh Ground

46: BITTERSWEET GOODBYE

"Beh, hinga ng malalim," Sam said to me. I slowly inhaled and slowly exhaled. "Ready ka na?" I gulped, instead of answering. "Carvajal, tatagan mo ang loob ha?" I had no choice but to nod. "Okay. Kaya mo 'yan," she spanked my butt causing me to glare at her. I watched go up the stage.

Today, the university celebrates Valentine's Day. Kagaya noong nakaraang taon, may pakulo ang Performing Arts Collective. Pero hindi kagaya rati na may sariling pakulo ang Theatre Club na movie night. Ngayon, isang pangmalakasang concert ang inihanda ng PAC para sa lahat.

The event started at eight in the morning where students from different departments and organizations can freely borrow the mic and instruments for them to perform. Now, kaming mga officer ng PAC ang magpeperform ng mga kanta na inihanda namin.

"And let's give her a big sound of applause. The one and only face of PAC. Ang nag-iisang bagyo na may dalang kagandahan, kabaitan, at talento! Ipinapakilala ko, ang Bise Presidente, Bb. Scarlett Storm Carvajal!" pakilala sa akin ni Sam.

Students and some professor are here in the amphitheater to watch. They erupted in cheers as I walk up the stage.

"Scarlett! Scarlett! Scarlett!" they cheered making me laugh.

I put my forefinger on my lips, hushing them, as I sat on the leather seat in front of the grand piano.

Once, my fingers glided effortlessly over the piano's black and white keys, skilled and confident in their touch. But now, they shook with the weight of memories and heartache. The keys felt cold under my fingertips, mirroring the icy void that consumed me since I walked away.

Summoning every ounce of strength I had left, I mustered the courage to play those keys, seeking solace in the familiar melody. The notes echoed through the room, hauntingly reminding me of the love we once shared, now fading like a forgotten dream.

With each stroke, the music quivered, mirroring the pain in my wounded heart. The song's intro, once filled with promise and hope, now served as a cruel prelude to a symphony of heartbreak. I closed my eyes, trying to escape to the past, where our love was still intact, untouched by fate's ruthless hand.

I smiled faintly before singing.

Once upon a time

I believe it was a Tuesday when I caught your eye

And we caught onto something

I hold on to the night

You looked me in the eye and told me you loved me

Were you just kidding?

'Cause it seems to me

This thing is breaking down, we almost never speak

I don't feel welcome anymore

What happened? Please, tell me

'Cause one second it was perfect

Now you're halfway out the door

Every damn day, pain clung to me like a dark cloud that wouldn't budge. Parang bumabangon na lang ako para maramdaman ang sakit, at natutulog para magpahinga. Pain seemed to have a twisted affection for me; it didn't even spare my dreams. The words she said during our conversation played on repeat in my mind, haunting me day and night like a never-ending nightmare. It shredded my sanity and emotions, leaving me completely shattered and wrecked.