Love.mp3: Track 2

Never Let Go

“I know you’re not giving up that easily.” Vanessa said.

Of course.

If there’s a reason why I should fight for her, it’s not only because I love her but because she did something no one ever did.

I’m a loner equipped with very low self-esteem…Iza came and changed everything in me. She’s like this light that guided me to become someone else.

A different person. Someone better.

I nodded to answer her question.

“Well,…I know you won’t come. It’s a pageant. Mr and Ms Interschool Campus Crush.”

I listened carefully.

“It’s tomorrow.” She said. “At the open field.”

“Wait,…We’re hosting the Pageant?” I asked.

“Yeah.” She replied, like it was supposed to be obvious.

I rolled my eyes. Never liked them, really.

“What are you suggesting?” I asked.

“It means another gig.” MC said.

Startled, I asked. “What do you mean?”

“It means, another gig.” MC replied. “Is it supposed to mean something else?”

I shook my head. “What about the teachers and students from other schools? They would be dragged into it.”

MC shrugged. “Bigger crowd, the better.”

Yves was performing his talent as of now. A guitar solo of “Fall for you”. Hard to hear it clearly with the piercing screams of the girls. Couldn’t blame them, Yves is a good man. Both granted with the good looks and good heart.

After his performance (and another barrage of ear splitting screams). The next contestant was called.

“Iza de los Reyes!”

A loud applause accompanied with screams of encouragement and excitement.

She walked toward the center of the stage, smiling and waving.

God, she’s so beautiful…

She started to play the piano then sang a familiar song.

Back at the auditorium, she sang so beautifully I almost forgot that she was supposed to be mad at me. Hearing her now, playing and singing, I can’t help but to admire how perfect she is. Not just how she looked right now, she really is perfect.

I suddenly found myself aching to want her, aching to have her…aching to love her.

“And if I open my heart again…

I guess I’m hoping you’ll be there for me in the end…”

 

“I love you, baby…” Iza mumbled, after the song ended.

The crowd after hearing this jeered loudly.

The lights suddenly went off.

Ah, my cue.

I ran up to the stage as fast as I can, trying to weave in and out of grumbling students.

As the lights returned, Iza noticed the blue alien plushie in front of her.

She looked up to me and smiled sadly.

“I love you too.” I mouthed.

Music played.

 

(Say you’ll never let go – Neocolours)

 

“How can I make it through the day, without you?

You have been so much a part of me,

And if you go, I’ll never know what to do.”

 

Iza was standing in front of me hugging Luiza… And as much as I want to hug her, I can’t.

“How can I carry on my way?

The memories, when all that that is left is a pain of my history,

Why should I live my life today?”

 

I could feel my eyes watering up.

I personally chose this song.

It’s everything I felt for her.

Everything I wanted to say…It’s this.

“I cannot live out on my own,

And just forget the love you’ve always shown,

Yet accept the fate of my condition,

Please don’t ever go,

For I cannot live my life alone…”

I held her hand.

The thing in my chest was beating hard. I could feel my face getting hot but everything was worth it when I saw Iza trying hard not to smile.

I only hope that smile would be with me forever.

“Say you’ll never let go…

Say you’ll never go out my way…

Say you’ll never let go…

For we can still go on and make it through a while,

Just say you’ll never go,

Say you’ll never go away…”

 

Despite of the crowd’s jeering I could hear Iza loud and clear.

“Luis…”

I looked at her expectantly.

“Please…I can’t –“

I cut her. “Don’t say that…Don’t ever say that.” I whispered.

“Luis…Please.” She whispered, shutting her eyes tightly, tears formed at the corners of her eyes.

“It’s okay. I broke up with Ria already.” I suddenly said.

She looked at me.

“I love you, Iza…And I really mean that.”

“Luis…” She said but her voice cracked.

She started crying.

She dropped Luiza and ran offstage, sobbing hard.

The crowd was silent. Everything was silent.

I crouched down and picked up Luiza.

I caressed her gently.

“Shh, shh…Don’t cry. Daddy’s here.”