I never lost sight of the real you—the goodness that lived inside your heart. Even when you did your best to convince me otherwise.
- MICHAEL FAUDET
Prologue
I rushed outside the bar when my phone vibrated. My eyes widened when I saw my mother's name on the screen.
"Shit," I cursed.
"Theille! Come on in, It's about to start." Phoebe hissed behind my back.
I signal my phone.
"Mom's calling," I said.
She sighed before nodding.
I hesitate to answer the call for a while but still ended up taking the call.
"Ang sabi ni Manang Linda ay hindi ka pa daw nakakauwi simula pagkagaling mo ng school. Where are you?" Mom said with a strict voice.
I swallowed hard before answering.
"I–I'm at Phoebe's house tonight."
"Should I trust you?" she said, making sure if I'm telling the truth. It's always been like that likewise to my untruthful excuses.
"Yes," I said, almost a whisper.
"So that's a sleepover, then?" she asked.
"No. Uuwi po ako ngayong gabi rin." mahinang sambit ko.
I heard her sigh before answering.
"Just be safe, okay?"
"I will be,"
__
My eyes rome around the wild crowd, I can't help but to smile. Loud noises and an atmosphere's filled with excitement is just my kind of innermost peacefulness.
My eyes abruptly diverted by the band that just came to the stage. Crowd's screaming at the top of their lungs.
I look at Phoebe's who's out of action.
She looks stunned for somewhat.
"Hey, what's wrong?" I worriedly asked.
"Uh, nothing." she smiled while looking at the drummer when she respond.
"Do you know him?" she asked pointing at the drummer.
I smiled sheepishly. "Yes. The name is Ajax by the way." I teased.
"I'm not asking!" she defensively said while slightly blushing.
I chuckled.
I diverted my eyes to the stage when the music starts.
My quill stood in an instant when my eyes met his.
He winked, I laughed.
He smirked in my reaction before he began closing his eyes, sensationing the instruments prevailing.
It all goes back to the first kiss, It was the one I thought I'd never miss. Maybe we were one of the lucky ones, maybe I'm just not quite strong enough.
The crowd shoutedly sing along.
This was supposed to be the easy part but breaking down is what I found hard, now I'm wearing this smile that I don't believe in, Inside I feel like screaming.
My heart melted hearing the slighliest raspiness peeking through his voice.
Mouth parted emphasizing each word together with the existing tune; mixing every graved emotions, involving the identities feelings to it's deepest.
I saw him looked at me before singing the chorus.
I'm bruised and scarred, save me from this broken heart. All my love will slowly fade and fall apart.
Someone please sing this lovesick melody, call my name if you're afraid I'm just a kiss away.
___
Pagkatapos ng mismong kanta ay kaagad akong tumakbo papuntang backstage.
There I saw Jaron who's standing, waiting for me. I rushed running to him and hugged him tightly.
He chuckled and messed my hair. He waved to his friends who's about to go before eyeing me.
"I thought you wouldn't come," he said then kissed my forehead.
"Have you asked permission?" he said, a little bit intimidating.
"What do you think?" I smiled sheepishly.
He shooked his head in disappointment. I tried reaching for his gaze but that didn't do.
I bit my lips cause of the guiltiness.
I saw him gazed at me for a span in my peripheral view so, I took that chance to look at him but he still looked away, avoding his gaze to mine.
I reached for his hand. He let me. I smiled at the back of my mind.
His clenching of jaw hardened.
"I'm sorry, okay? I just want to come here and support you. You and I both know that my parents thought we broked up, already. They'll gonna tear us apart if I gave them any reason to be suspicious. That's why I lied... again," I explained, the reason for him to face me completely.
"I don't care, Theille. I know you're afraid and it's no big deal to me. Let me handle, let me fight for us." he growled in authority.
"No, you wouldn't! Napagusapan na natin 'yan.." nanghihinang sabi ko.
"I didn't kill your sister." he said that like it's the only thing that matters.
Begging—pushing this complicated relationship.
"I know that! But do you think my parents will believe that? Not a doubt that they'll sue you because they despised us, together. At kapag nangyari yun paano nalang ang kapatid mong si Kokoy? Please try to understand the situation, Jaron. Not just your wants.." I whispered.
I saw a trace of hesitation in his eyes. But in the end, he moved closer towards mine caressing the right side of my cheek. "Okay," he acceded while his forehead's still creasing.
I held his hand that is placed on my cheek. I closed my eyes, sensationing his rough hand's touch.
"Thank you," I whispered in relief.
He just nod then took my hand. "I'll take you home,"
