"Yellow"

Meet RJ

For as long as he can remember, RJ had always worked to help his family. He would do little side-jobs here and there. He would help out his uncle and drive their delivery trucks 2x a week. He also did some tutoring from time to time. Growing up was not that easy for him. His parents only always made enough to survive. But he never had any regrets. In fact he is proud of the life he has. He loves his family so much. And he would do anything and everything for them. 

He was a good son. He went to school then worked at night to help his parents with the daily expenses. He also was helping for his sister's education. He always did the right thing. They may not be well off but their family was full of love and support for one another.

Their life was simple but of course RJ always dreamed of a better life for them.

On the weekends, he plays guitar with his college bandmates. They played at local bars and rests. RJ loved music. Music has always been his life. When he was a little boy, his mom would always sing to him. He loved hearing her voice. She was his inspiration growing up, so he learned to play the guitar. It became their means of bonding. So when the family gathers together, Rj and his mom would sing such beautiful music together. They were always a duet.

So when he and his buddies formed their band, he felt right at ease. But you know what? he always had a secret dream - and that is to compose and perform his own songs. 

Unfortunately in some ways, RJ always held back. He never really drummed up the confidence to step up to the plate. He was just content in being just part of the group. He thought that his compositions were never good enough so he would rather just be in the background than being in the limelight. 

His best friend Uno told him that maybe he just needed an inspiration. But RJ would always say,

 "I'm not ready bro. Family first. I still have so much to do and having a relationship is just a distraction."

Uno laughed and told him, "Whatever you say bro. But when that girl comes into your life, you wouldn't even know what hit you. You'll just be whipped!"

His other buddies would always try to set him up with someone. But he would always turn them down. At gigs, girls would flock backstage to introduce themselves and he would say hi but keep his distance. They would call him "chicken" and a "scaredy cat" when it comes to girls but frankly he never cared.

But you know what, deep down inside RJ did always wonder when he would find her. He always told himself that when the right time comes, he'll know. Sure there were a lot of pretty girls in campus. But somehow nobody struck his fancy. Nobody has even come close to sparking his interest. 

Because for now, it will always be about priorities:

God. Family. Studies. Work.

And sadly the word relationship or girlfriend has never been part of that list.

Don't get me wrong. RJ was very good looking. In fact, he was considered as a Campus Cutie. He was tall, handsome and had a dimple on his cheek that when its showing, girls swoon crazily and go gaga. He was very reserved and proper. Always a gentleman. He had that sexy & mysterious vibe about him. 

He never had a girlfriend. And a lot of girls are lining up to be the "one."

And they all admired him. They knew how hardworking he was. And heck, being in a band definitely ups the ante. He was the complete package. They all wondered how they were able to break through him. But somehow they never could. 

And then one day, tragedy struck.

RJ's mom had a heart attack and needed to be kept under a close watch at the hospital. Bills were racking up and it was getting really tough. 

He was heartbroken but it made him even more determined. He wasn't the kind who would give up easily. He told himself that his dreams can wait and that he would do anything for his family especially his mom. She was his life and there was nothing he wouldn't do for her. He vowed that he will get her well and that they will be singing their songs again.

So he decided to quit school to be able to work full-time to help his dad with the hospital expenses.  Uno hooked him up to work with him as a barista at their family's business - Cafe di Sogni, an Italian-style Coffee Shop. 

Little did he know that this was only just the beginning... The beginning of something that will change his life forever...