The Fan

Chapter 33

Every song that she performed, none of the audience ever seated. All hands applaud. Sa mahigit dalawang oras na pagtatanghal, Rhian poured her heart in every songs and every moves that her fans been wanting to see for the past months she was gone missing. Some where teary eyes because deep in their hearts were longing to see the artist that makes them forget how hard life is by her voice and smile. That is the Rhian effect.

"They say in life, nothing is permanent except God's love. Nothing is constant, except change. As I close this chapter as an artist, it doesn't mean I am closing my heart to each and everyone of you. All of you who journeyed with me though thick and thin. Thank you with all my heart to all of your prayers for my well-being and safety. I also want to thank my fans club admins that stayed for all the months that I was gone. To Tito Ronnie, who's life was endangered because of me but he does not blame me for what happened. Tito, thank you for still keeping me. I'm very sorry for everything that has transpired..." Rhian walked towards the side of the stage where Tito Ronnie is hidden behind the curtain. She reached for her beloved uncle still walking limp but with a help of a baston, and gave her a tight hug.

"Before I sing my last song for tonight..."

"Awww...." her fans made the sound in unison.

"Pinapaiyak n'yo naman ako eh..." Rhian replied as she wipe her tears about to fall. "Goodbyes are not forever. Hindi ganon kadali ang basta na lang kalimutan ang mundong halos kalahati na ng buhay ko. I will still be visible guys. Andyan ang social media that I assure you I will be active," nagsimulang tumugtog ang kanyang huling awitin, but her face twitched ng umere ang tugtuging hindi naman niya pinraktis.

Namatay ang ilaw sa buong theater pero patuloy pa rin ang tugtugin. Tila dumagundong ang tibok ng kanyang dibdib nang bumalik sa kanyang isipan ang nangyari sa kanyang birthday concert. Gusto ng niyang tumakbo pabalik ng backstage but it seems her feet are glued on the floor. Lalong dumagdag sa kanyang kaba ang mga ingay ng takot ng kanyang mga tagahanga.

Hanggang sa...

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Isa-isang nagsi-ilawan ang mga nakaupong audience. Sa bawat maliit na ilaw na magbukas, sumusunod ang kanyang paningin, at sa mumunting liwanag na iyon, naaaninag niya ang ngiti sa mga labi ng mga taong sa kanya ay nakatingin. At kahit ganito man ang nangyayari, nandoon pa rin ang kaba dahil wala siyang alam sa nangyayari. 

"Its her hair and her eyes today...."

Naglikot ang kanyang mga mata sa isang tinig na kabisadong-kabisado niya, pero sa pagkakataong ito, hindi na siya sigurado dahil ang alam niyang may-ari ng boses ni minsan ay hindi siya inawitan.

"That just simply take me away..."

Mula sa entrance kung saan nagpasukan ang mga audience, pumasok ang smoke effect at tumutok ang maliwanag na spot light na iniilawan ang isang nilalang na nagparigidon sa puso ng dalagang artista na na-frozen sa kanyang kinatatayuan.

"And the feeling that I'm falling further in love, makes me shiver but in a good way..." patuloy nitong pag-awit habang dahan-dahang lumalakad patungo sa entablado.