Bright Lights [SharDon Fanfic]

DEEP

The cold wind from the top floor of the condominium building greeted Donny as he opened the door leading to the fire exit. It was dim outside, only several lights were on. On the right side of the rooftop was a mini-park, there were wooded chairs, some tables, a playground for kids, and a garden. He walked towards the garden when he heard the sound of a guitar.

Donny's eyes widened when he heard someone's voice. His feet slowly moved, following the familiar voice. Sitting on one of the wooden chairs was Sharlene—with a guitar. She was looking down on the strings of the guitar, probably checking if she's pressing the correct strings.

Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way

Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me

Donny cleared his throat because he felt as if he was at a loss for words to say seconds after Sharlene finished singing. He didn't know she can play the guitar. Heck, he didn't know she can sing that good. No wonder why Tully hired her.

And heck, she even played a song from a movie they just watched last night!

Sharlene looked up to him and signaled him to sit with her.

"That was good," he said as he sat beside her.

"Good lang?" Sharlene teased.

"Ano gusto mo?" He said as he lips tried to suppress a smile.

"Good job. Charot!"

"Where'd you get the guitar?" He asked.

Sharlene was gently strumming on the guitar strings as she looked at the night sky. "Kay Oscar, 'yung caretaker sa katabing unit mo. Nakita ko siya kanina tapos hiniram ko."

Donny nodded. "Wow, so close na kayo agad?"

"Sakto lang. Nakasalubong ko siya noong isang beses na mag-grocery ako. Tinulungan niya akong dalhin 'yung mga pinamili sa labas ng unit mo. Ang dami mo kasing pinabili noon." Sharlene faked a smirk as she looked at him. "Tapos 'ayun, nakita ko rin siya isang beses noong nagpabili ka ng smoothie mo diyan sa shop sa baba. Nakuwento niya na nagbabanda rin siya tapos sideline niya 'yung pagbabantay dun sa unit sa tabi mo. Kaya 'ayun, sakto kanina gusto ko mag-gitara eh, andyan pala siya, kaya hiniram ko na."

Donny shook his head. "Ang dami mo na agad sinabi, Shar."

"Ine-establish ko lang sa'yo kung paano ko nakilala si Oscar. Alam mo ang bait nun. Iniimbita rin nga ako nun manood ng gig nila sa Sabado. Kaso naalala ko, hanggang gabi 'yung taping mo sa Sabado kaya sabi ko next time na lang."

Donny stood up and took the guitar from Sharlene. "Ang daldal mo."

"O bakit, anong gagawin mo diyan, don't tell me, marunong ka?"

"Shut up, Shar." as he placed his fingers on the strings, trying to recall if he's remembering the chords right.

Sharlene chuckled.

After a few seconds, he started to pluck his fingers through the strings of the guitar. For reasons he couldn't fathom, his eyes were at Sharlene the whole time.

So this is what you mean
And this is how you feel
So this is how you see
And this is how you breathe
Sometimes
I know
Sometimes
I go down deep
Oh

And then he stopped. Sharlene's eyes were gleaming as she clapped. "Galing naman ng amo ko!"

Donny looked away to keep himself from smiling. He didn't even know why he felt like that. Sharlene's praises were nothing compared to the acclaims he would hear from other people. He felt stupid. He gave the guitar back to Sharlene.

"Wow, saan ka natuto mag-gitara?" Sharlene asked as Donny leaned on his back.

"Theatre friends," He replied.

"Wow. Nag-theatre ka rin?" She said as her eyes widen in surprise.

Donny nodded as he placed his hands inside the pockets of his hoodie jacket. "Yeah, in my younger days."

"Nice, nice. Doon ka siguro nahasa sa pag-arte, ano?"

"Yep, it was hard but it was a nice experience. Ang dami kong natutunan doon. I still do theatre sometimes, if my schedule permits it."

"Kapag may raket ka doon, gusto ko manood. Okay lang?" Sharlene coyly asked.

Donny looked at Sharlene. He didn't know why her enthusiastic look always make him feel good. She's always been like that. In the months that had passed, one thing he can tell about Sharlene is how positive her outlook at life is. Regardless of her past and what she has been through, it didn't stop her from moving forward. Donny thinks that Sharlene sees each and every day as a chance to make things better.

"Sure," he said. Donny tapped the guitar as he stood up. "Isauli mo na kay Oscar 'yan. Tara na."