How To Fall In Love

Prologue

“Ready?” Drake asked as he fix the guitar on his right shoulder.

I nodded while glancing at Neo and Dylan. I smiled as they tapped my shoulder and prepared the instruments. The mini bar stage has drapes covering the stage. I heard that the owner was a theater actor, so, basically, this stage was inspired by his love of performing in theaters. Bagaman natatakpan ay rinig ko ang mga tao na may kani-kaniyang usapan. I adjusted the mic and held the clip before placing my face in front, testing the height of comfortability.

“Good luck,” said Dylan as he pat my head. I let out a deep breath and gave him a shy smile.

Today, we’ll perform in an exclusive bar. The owner was Dylan’s acquaintance and he asked for us to perform—and we couldn’t say no.

Medyo kinakabahan ako—maybe because I was afraid I might commit some mistake while performing in front of the crowd. Beyond that—I am happy and excited. I hope that they’ll like our performance.

We will sing a couple of our own compositions and a couple of requests made by some guest. Our band is composed of four people: Drake is the lead guitarist; Dylan is the one who plays the keyboard; Neo is our drummer; and I am the vocalist, though, sometimes, I also play guitar.

I clasped my hand and shut my eyes intently as I pray that everything will become successful.

“Ayos ka lang?” Dylan asked in a concerned manner. Inakbayan niya ako kaya agad akong ngumuso at tumango bilang tugon.

“This is our first time performing here. Medyo kinakabahan ako nang kaunti but I’m excited,” I said softly as I wrapped my arm on his waist.

He smiled at me gently, assuring that everything will be fine. Ngumuso siya at tinapik ang balikat ko. “Don’t worry too much, Joyce. We’ll do good.”

Narinig ko ang pagtikhim ng dalawa kaya napatingin ako sa mapang-asar na mukha ng mga ka-banda.

“Woah! Dude, para-paraan!” mapang-asar na sabi ni Neo habang nakangisi at tumataas-baba ang kilay. Samantalang umiling lang si Drake at agad na pumuwesto sa may harap at inayos ang mic sa harap.

“Shut up!” Dylan snorted, pumuwesto na sa harap ng keyboard. Natatawa niyang itinulak nang mahina si Neo na ngayon ay pa-cool na tumatawang naglalakad patungo sa puwesto. “Don’t mind him,” he said when he glance at me. I profusely shook my head and shrugged. I know what Neo meant though.

Ramdam ko rin naman ang lalaki. But I don’t want to assume and I don’t want this to be so awkward. I like him as a friend because he’s nice. And I don’t want to complicate things between us. He’s a dear friend of mine. He will and always stay as my friend.

Nang bumukas ang kurtina ay sumalubong sa amin ang nakasisilaw na liwanag. The spotlight towards us made me blind for a second that I had to cover my eyes and squint for a second in order to adjust my sight.

When I felt comfortable, ngumiti ako. “Hi,” panimula ko. Tumikhim ako bago nagpatuloy, “The first song is called Changes, and I personally composed it with the help of Drake,” nakita ko sa sulok ng aking mata ang pagngiti ni Drake. “And this is for you guys.”

Neo started counting from one to three and then, the drums started to rolled. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa microphone at hinanda ang sarili. Huminga ako nang malalim bago binigkas ang unang liriko ng kanta.

“I just want to wake up from a dream
A dream so far away, you’re far away
And the wind that brings me warmth, and suddenly it’s cold
Why is there some changes?

When I look into your eyes, I feel so light
When you look away, and never looked back
The question, ‘should I fight?’
And there were changes