Heartstrings

| fifth string |

V.

I was currently adjusting the microphone when I heard some people shouting our band name. I smiled and waved my right hand that made them scream more. Madalas kaming tumugtog dito kaya siguro halos lahat ng regulars dito ay kilala na kami.

"Wohooo! Miss Marina, idol po kita!" a familiar voice shouted.

I raised my pinky at Via who is now with our other friends. Pumunta talaga sila! They laughed at me then raised their middle fingers. Mga bad influence talaga, e.

I was busy talking with my band mates when Lia, the manager of the bar, whispered the request song that we're going to play.

"Almost Lover by Alison Sudol." aniya habang hawak ang isang fish bowl.

Ipinikit ko ang mata ko at huminga ng malalim. I looked at my band mates and they are hesitating too. Tumango ako bilang senyas na simulan na. Hindi ko alam kung coincidence lang ba o nananadya talaga 'yong nag-request no'n.

My friends loved to joke around but they know that this song is a taboo and it would hurt me, so I doubt that they are ones who requested it. Nevertheless, I need to sing it even though the lyrics will hit me to the core and will break my heart despite of it already being a shattered pieces.

I swallowed hard to stop my tears from falling. I silently reminded myself that this is not the right place to weep and reminisce everything about him. I started singing and the whole place embraced the silence. I can only hear the strumming of guitars, the solemn touch of the fingers in the keys of piano, and the sound of my voice already at the middle of screaming. I didn't cry.. but when I reached the chorus part, I can't stop it anymore. I closed my eyes and continue.

Goodbye, my almost lover

Goodbye, my hopeless dream

I'm trying not to think about you

Can't you just let me be?

So long, my luckless romance

My back is turned on you

Should've known you'd bring me heartache

Almost lovers, always do..

I was sure that they can't see my tears because the lights were dimmed. But my voice.. it's cracking. It's like my heart was going to explode anytime because of mixed emotions.

I opened my eyes and suddenly wished that I didn't do it. Because when I got my clear vision back.. I met his gaze.

And it pained me because I know.. that it's not the same eyes.