STRINGS (UNDER REVISION)

Introduction

The following day, she rose early in the morning to prepare for her son's camp rock event. Rex is set to play the guitar and perform at the occasion. She has been reaching out to her infuriating ex since yesterday evening, but the despicable jerk hasn't answered any of her calls. It would greatly distress Red if his father fails to show up for his performance. Her ex made a solemn promise to Red that he would attend no matter the circumstances.

"Red?" she knocked on the door and opened it. Red was already dressed and was preparing his guitar. "Ready ka na ba, anak?"

"Yes, Mama. Excited na po ako. Look at Rex, Mama. Hindi pa bihis, malelate na tayo."

"Anak, maaga pa. Come here." she fixed his shirt and gestured Rex to go change his clothes already.

"Papa's coming right?" Red asked her causing her to gulp down a lump in her throat.

"Of course he will, anak." her phone suddenly rang. It's her bloody ex finally calling. "Look. Your dad's calling. Go help Rex change his clothes for me please so we can go."

She stepped out of the room to answer the call.

"I'm sorry. Sobrang busy lang sa work." he began. The same old excuses. Work, she thought with disdain.

"You know, I don't call on a whim not unless it's important. "

"What is it this time?"

"What is it this time? Are you kidding me?" she has been trying her best to remain patient with him, but it's becoming too much for her to handle. "Kung nakalimutan mo ng may asawa ka, please do not forget na may anak ka. Red's show is today. You promised him that you will go."

"Is it today? Can you just tell him na hindi ako makakapunta?"

"Again?" It was her turn to ask. "What is it this time? Your boss took you along for an out-of-town meeting? Well, damn you! Kalimutan mo ng may mga anak ka pa dahil magkamatayan na tayo, hinding-hindi mo na pa sila makikita!" she yelled, ending the call abruptly. She took a moment to catch her breath and calm herself down.

When she turned around, she saw Red standing by the door.

"Dad's not coming, right?"

She sighed and met his gaze. Her heart shattered at the sight of her sorrowful son.

"I would be surprised if he actually showed up."

"Anak, your Papa wants to." She didn't want to break her sons' heart. She would rather lie than breaking his heart. "He has work that came at the last minute. Papunta na sana siya dito pero-"

"He makes excuses all the time!"

Red rushed back into his room and slammed the door shut.

"Red?"

"I hate him!"

"Please open the door. I am upset too, anak."

Rex, who was in the kitchen, witnessed what happened. He picked up his notebook and quickly jotted something down before walking towards her. He placed the notebook on the floor just below the door.

"What's that, anak?"

He was holding a toy screwdriver. He then inserted it to the hole on the door and something fell on the floor inside. He pulled out the notebook and there was a key lying above. He grabbed it and handed it to her.

"Wow. It's amusing but it's a little scaring, anak. Please don't do this again, okay?"

She opened the door and was not that surprised to see things scattered on the floor.