A Heart That Needs A Beat

Kabanata 18

"Anak, mamaya na ang audition?"

I nodded, unable to fully answer habang sinisiksik ko ang kanin sa bibig ko. We were eating breakfast, but my appetite was nowhere to be found. My stomach felt like it was doing backflips. Knowing that maraming manonood later made it ten times worse.

"Good luck! And don't forget to take a video, ha. Pinangako mo 'yan." Daddy's tone was light, but may halong banta na rin.

"I know you're nervous," sabay ngisi ni Chris.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Manonood ka ba?"

"Can't. Math quiz namin mamaya," sagot niya, sabay ngiti nang pilyo. "So you better take that video, ate."

Ngumuso na lang ako. Nakakainis.

"Kaya mo 'yan, anak," Mama said gently, placing a hand on my arm. "Calm yourself. Remember, it's not about the audience—it's you against yourself."

"We'll celebrate either way," dagdag ni Daddy. "Passed or not."

The calm encouragement from my family helped a little. Napalitan ng konting excitement ang kaba ko, pero hindi rin nagtagal. By the time I stepped into the music hall, the anxiety was back in full force.

Students filled the room—some were holding instruments, some chatting with their friends. I could easily tell sino ang mag-a-audition at sino ang manonood lang. Napalunok ako and tightened my grip on my guitar strap.

"Let's go, Cleo!" Tristan's voice broke through my nervous haze. He waved at me with his usual enthusiastic grin.

Taro, holding a camera, stepped in front of me. "So, Cleo," sabi niya, acting like a TV reporter. "Ano ang nararamdaman mo sa nalalapit mong audition? Kabado ka ba? Confident? Both?" He even had a fake mic.

"Uh..." I smiled nervously at the camera, unsure how to answer.

Hinawi ni Maggie ang camera palayo at tinapunan si Taro ng masamang tingin. "Lalo mo lang pinapakaba! Tumigil ka na nga, hindi ka nakakatulong."

I laughed a little, grateful for my friends. At least nandito sila to support me. Kahit na nakakagulo sila, nakakagaan din ng loob.

"Ginawa talaga nilang lunch break ang audition para daming manood," sabi ni Maggie habang tumingin sa paligid.

I sighed, my nerves returning as I noticed the growing crowd.

"Isipin mo na lang na walang tao," Maggie advised. "Nakakabawas ng kaba 'yon. Trust me."

"Gusto mo blindfold kita?" Taro offered, completely serious.

"Edi hindi niya nakita 'yung string ng gitara, gago ka ba?" bara ni Tristan, shaking his head.

I couldn't help but laugh despite my nerves.

"Ayun pala si Kairus, oh!" Taro suddenly pointed over my shoulder.

I saw Kairus talking with one of his co-officers. Lahat ng officers ang magiging judges para sa audition na 'to, at kasama siya doon. Napansin kong lumipat ang tingin niya sa akin. He said something to his companion before walking in my direction.

"Oh, papunta na dito." Maggie nudged me, smirking.

"Hi," bati ko nang makalapit siya.

Biglang naglayuan ang tatlo kong kaibigan at pumuwesto na sa audience area, leaving me alone with him.

"You have your number?" bungad niya agad.

I nodded and showed him the badge pinned to my shirt—number one. My luck was clearly on vacation because I had to perform first.