Scripted Relationship

Chapter 47

Then, I noticed that Tita Nang, Gardo and the helpers were strangely silent. They didn't clap nor comment on what happened. By their faces, I could tell that they noticed something between Rose and I. I thought that they also felt the sadness of Rose's rendition. Gardo broke the ice.

"Boss Erik, baka gusto mong sagutin." Gardo concernly offered. Yes, they did notice, I thought.

Without hesitation, I took hold of the microphone and told him the song code of the song I wish to respond to Rose. I did not look on the screen for the title of the song. I stood up and looked at Rose keenly and sincerely. Rose tried not to look away instead.

There's a right or wrong to know for everything

And the truth is somewhere written in between

But there's always something missing in the dark

There you'll find the true condition of the heart

I smiled at all the participants then who were looking at me attentively. But when I saw Tita Nang's firm gaze, I looked right away and continued singing the next part with the emotions I wanted to express to Rose. I hoped that rose would really read the song between the lines.

Well, I can visualize the pieces of a dream

And it's not as far away as it may seem

But if truth be told, it is you that holds the key

To the question that defines our destiny

I emphasized the word "you" referring to Rose. She was looking at me rather emotionally.

I've been in love, a time or two

I've seen the world, when I'm with you

I wanna fly and spread my wings

I don't wanna cry, I wanna sing

Rose, please forgive me. It's just you I want to fall for.

I wanna live and take a chance

I'm not afraid to love again

I wanna fall, fall for you

And I want you to fall for me too

I finished the song with hovering awkward silence. If that moment didn't make me feel more uneasy, the score of 100 surely did. I returned the microphone in the videoke machine while everyone was looking at me with mixed emotions. Some of them were frowning while the others were curious. Tita Nang looked dismayed though, shaking her head. Then, I stared at Rose who seemed to be in deep thought. Is she synthesizing the song I just sang for her?

As if on cue, Tita Nang stood up. Gardo broke the ice again by clapping his hand because we all knew that it was the moment she would be singing. The other helpers abruptly went back to their joyous mood, except for Rose and I.

When Tita Nang took hold of the microphone, she murmured something to Gardo. Gardo simply nodded and pushed a code to the videoke machine.

"Kung magsasagutan kayo ng kanta, ito na lang ang makakanta ko sa inyong dalawa," Tita Nang said looking at me and then to Rose. The song "Nakapagtataka" by APO Hiking Society began to play.

Walang tigil ang gulo sa aking pag-iisip

Mula nang tayo'y magpasyang maghiwalay

Nagpaalam dahil hindi tayo bagay

Nakapagtataka

SHIT! This is not happening, I thought. It felt like all my emotions were going through a series of bang in my chest. It prevented me from breating properly. The uneasiness was reaching its toll but I needed to control myself. I could not possibly break down.

Hindi ka ba napapagod?

O di kaya'y nagsasawa?

Sa ating mga tampuhan

Walang hanggang katapusan

This time, the helpers were no longer attentive on the singing of Tita Nang as they were all concentrated on discussing a topic I did not understand. They were drunk. But Tita Nang was no longer looking at the lyrics. She was taking glances at Rose and I in every line she sang. Her singing prowess, though not even an amateur-type, was enough to push all of the hidden guilt and regret I have in my heart.

Napahid na mga luha

Damdamin at puso'y tigang

I looked at Rose. She was just staring at Tita Nang. Just one look, Rose. Just one. I want to see your eyes.

Wala nang maibubuga

Wala na 'kong maramdaman

And then, Rose looked at me. Her eyes were already swimming in tears. I wanted to wipe the so that it would not fall. But of course, I couldn't.

Kung tunay tayong nagmamahalan

Ba't di tayo magkasunduan?

I excused myself to go to the toilet instead.