Teardrops on my Guitar

One Shot

Drew looks at me
I fake a smile so he won't see

"Good evening everyone! Are you guys happy??!!!" the emcee of tonight's celebration program shouted.

Tonight, we reigned again as the 88th UAAP MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPION, back-to-back.

and this time, we're having the celebration where every student takes part of and really enjoys. But not me.

It's my second year of grieving for my stupidity.

"Let's all welcome... the champions!!!! Good job, guys!!!" Then, in flashes of camera, our varsity ran to the stage with all their smiles. Including him.

"Drew..." I muttered.

It's been a while since I last saw him. Maybe two months ago. despite the fact that we're in the same institute. Oh, well!

"I just wanna call on our president. Sir, come up on stage." and the president gave his victory speech.

"... and let's give the stage to our MVP. The one who made us on top again. Mr. Andrew Simon!!!" I applaud. He's so much happier than the last time I saw him. Of course, he got another achievement which he really treasures.

I was applauding real hard when our gazes met. Just for a couple of seconds but everything felt like a nostalgia.

And there he goes, so perfectly

He made a great speech. Thanking everyone who supported him.

"... and of course, the one who's voice really out stand the crowd everytime I play, Charisse Magno. I love you, hon!" And my schoolmates yiees while me, breaks in pieces.

Stupid of you, Stella, to think that he still needs you. Eh ikaw nga diba ang unang humiwalay?

Maybe, I'm a masochist or just simply idiot to stay in front of the crowd, looking and getting envy of their sweetness.

It used to be my role. His personal cheerleader.

It used to be my position. Beside him, smiling sweetly.

It used to be me. His beloved girlfriend. But I put everything away from me. From him.

I was really smiling. Not because I'm in front of him and being plastic. But because I know that he is really happy now that he achieved his childhood dreams. Be a great basketball player.

"And now, let's get the program started. There are some presentations coming from different institute for our champions!! And later, let's all do the party-party." The crowd again cheered. I also cheered because it's not about me anymore. It's time for me to move on. Three years is enough for me to grieve for our six years relationship.

Nanuod nalang ako ng mga presentation from different institute. There's this singing, acting, or just merely joking. Masayang nakikitang masaya ang lahat.

"Stella, diba marunong kang mag-guitar?" Nagulat ako when the president of our Institute tapped my shoulder.

"Yes. Bakit mo naitanong?" Hinila niya ako sa side near the stage where the performances are still on going.

"Kasi yung dapat magpe-present satin, MIA. Eh, ikaw yung una kong nakita sa department natin. Pwede bang ikaw nalang magperform ng sa kanya?? Nanjan na lahat ng kelangan mo, titipa ka lang ng guitar."

"Ah... Eh, wala akong masyadong alam ng congratulatory songs eh. Mga Taylor Swift lang at Bruno Mars lang alam ko."

"Okay lang kahit ano. Bahala na. Second next na tayo, wala nang choice. Please, please." Hindi ko naman na hinindian si president kasi nakakahiya naman.

Acoustic guitar yung nakita ko na naka-prepare sa akin. Tinimpla ko na yung tono nito at nag strum strum ng konti.

"Ano kayang kakantahin ko?" Bulong ko sa sarili ko. Nang biglang napadako ang tingin ko kay Drew. Together with his girlfriend.

Ok, I should be singing what I really want. Sabi nga ni president. bahala na. Yeah, bahala na kung magmukha akong kawawa sa gagawin ko. Anyways, this will be the last time.

"Next, representing the IABS. Here comes another singing performance. Ms. Stella Zamora." The emcee introduced me and I came up on stage.

I strummed the guitar. Ready for Intro.
"Hi, guys. Sorry if I'm the one in front of you. Actually, my presence here happened to be impromptu because originally, I shouldn't be the one singing. So bear with me, guys. Anyways, I just wanna congratulate our team! Guys, you've made us real proud. I hope you're happy right now coz I'm happy for you. Sabi nga nila, every trial would lead you to a more promising future. I was your trial, the problem you need to get rid of and now see how successful you are. I'm very much proud of you.

You're the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
the only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in my car
I keep singing, don't know why I do

I don't know if I should be doing this coz I know that my explanation is three years late but I'm sorry. I'm sorry for lying to you coz it's bad. haha. But I'm not sorry that I had to let you go coz look at you now, very successful. And happy.

I bet she's beautiful, the girl he talks about
Coz she's everything I have to live without

This act is so pathetic of me but I can't take it anymore. Three years of longing is like dying for a thousand times. Biruin mo, we've been friends and companions since grade school and we were together for six years yet I threw them away saying I love somebody else. Sorry, love, for lying. I haven't loved anybody aside from you. I just made that story for you to leave me because I felt that I'm holding you away from your dreams.  Remember the day when you told me that you became team B? You were very much happy that time I felt you would be very successful in the career you've chosen. And day you told me that you got to run 50 lapses coz you ditched and were late for your practices? Hinatid mo kasi ako nun the previous day. That very time, I knew that if you stick to me, I'll hold you back.  I need to make a decision for both of us. It maybe a bad decision that time but it made you, us, better today. See how shimmering your eyes now?

Okay, the song just got ended but I have more things I want to say. Do I have another minute in this stage?" I asked the emcee. Now teary eyes. she just nodded.

I faced the crowd again, now looking at them coz all the while I was singing and doing stupid things in front of Drew, my eyes were shut.

Now I can see clearly his face. Just  meters away from me. Looking intently. I smiled.

"Thank you for hearing my side. It's so late but I hope you don't hold grudges from me anymore. Haha. Just kidding. But anyways, I didn't do that stunt to split you guys. I'm sorry, Charisse, if you think I bitched out on you. Maybe, I really bitched out on you. Kasi naman, I am here, the ex girlfriend, saying sorry for my ex who happen to be your boyfriend in front of you. Bitchy, right? You can slap me, but please take care of Drew. Do things I haven't done and please, please, please, make him the happiest man on earth. That's all. Thank you for listening to my self-pity." I came down from stage and left the pavilion.

The End.

(c) omo2016