Academic Temptations

Chapter 24

I took a deep breath, straightened my back, and lifted my hands, placing them on top of the keys. I was torn between playing "Mr. Perfectly Fine" or "Traitor," but at the last minute, I opted for a different song.

I smiled at the crowd before I began playing the piano.

Hey
This is a story I hate
And tellin' it might make me break
But I'll tell it anyway
This chapter's about
How you said there was nobody else
Then you got up and went to her house
You guys always left me out

I still have the letter you wrote when you told me
That I was the only girl you'd ever want in your life
I guess my friends were right

Each day goes by and each night, I cry
Somebody saw you with her last night
You gave me your word, "Don't worry 'bout her"
You might love her now, but you loved me first
Said you'd never hurt me, but here we are
Oh, you swore on every star
How could you be so reckless with my heart?

So much for not letting my feelings ruin my performance. I know I still chose a sad song, but I feel like playing it. The crowd won't likely realize that I relate to the song. My attention remains fixed on the keys; I fear that if I glance up at them, tears might start flowing.

You check in and out
Of my heart like a hotel
And she must be perfect, oh well
I hope you both go to hell

I still have the letter you wrote when you told me
That I was the only girl you'd ever want in your life
I guess my friends were right

Each day goes by and each night, I cry
Somebody saw you with her last night
You gave me your word, "Don't worry 'bout her"
You might love her now, but you loved me first
Said you'd never hurt me, but here we are
Oh, you swore on every star
How could you be so reckless with my heart?

Nang makakuha ako ng lakas, tumingin ako sa direksyon nila pero hindi sila nakikinig o nanonood sa akin. Masyado silang abala sa pagkwentuhan at pagtawanan. Lumipat naman ang tingin ko kay Professor De Veres, na ngayon ay nakakunot ang kanyang mga kilay habang nakatitig sa akin. She gave me a small smile when our eyes met. I don't know why, but it gave me comfort.

Heart
How could you be so reckless?
How could you be so reckless?
How could you be so reckless with someone's heart?

Hey
This is a story I hate
But I told it to cope with the pain
I'm so sorry if you can relate

Hindi ko na pinansin ang mga palakpakan ng mga manonood at tumayo na ako pagkatapos ng performance ko at pumunta agad sa tabi ni Hailee. My hands are trembling, and tears are beginning to form up in my eyes. My cousin handed me my purse and car keys, and I looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"Ako na bahala sa kanila. You can go, Isla. It's okay," sabi niya habang pinupunasan ang mga luha na nagsisimulang tumulo sa pisngi ko.

"Thank you," bulong ko habang kinukuha ang mga gamit ko. Pumunta ako sa backdoor kung saan nanggagaling ang mga waiter at doon dumaan. Habang papalabas na sana ako, nakita ko ang isang bukas na bote ng red wine kaya't kinuha ko ito.

I ended up heading to the hotel garden instead of the parking lot. I took off my heels and sat on a bench. I'm frustrated with myself at the moment. I hate that I'm reacting like this because of someone who doesn't deserve my tears.

I took a sip of the red wine and harshly wiped away my tears. I guess I'll allow myself to cry just for tonight, and tomorrow I'll be done, never thinking of Xavier again.