Out of Bounds (Ugly Past Series #2)

Chapter 9

I tested the guitar tune first before turning to face them. Nakatalikod sila sa akin at mukhang nagkakatuwaan habang kumakain sila ng pizza. Mga gago! Patay gutom talaga 'tong mga lalaking 'to. Hindi pa rin talaga sila nagbabago. A part of me is happy while seeing them like this. I miss having fun times with them. But I can't also help to feel the beads of sweat starting to form on my forehead kahit na malamig naman ang paligid dahil sa aircon.

"Go ahead. Hayaan mo na sila. They're gonna listen anyway."

Tinapunan ko ng tingin ang lalaking kanina ko pa nakakausap. Hindi ko namalayan na naka upo na pala siya sa gilid at naghihintay na lang na magsimula ako.

"What's your name?" Nakakahiya. Ngayon ko pa naisipan magtanong samantalang kanina pa kami magkausap.

"I'm Karl. Sige na, magsimula ka na."

Tumango ako at sinimulan na ang pagtugtog sa gitara.

"Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear. And I can't help but ask myself how much I'll let the fear take the wheel and steer."

Unang lumingon mula sa pagkakatalikod si Luis, the Bassist of the band. He's looking at me like I'm some ghost from the past.

Dahan dahan niyang tinapik sa balikat si Drew na mukhang tuwang tuwa pa rin sa kinukwento niya kay Arc. Hindi iyon pinansin ni Drew pero siniko siya ng malakas ni Luis kaya napalingon na rin ng sabay sa akin sina Drew at Arc. Nanlaki ang mga mata nila nang makita akong kumakanta sa harap.

I smiled at them. But I didn't see anyone of them smiled. Pumikit na lang ako at pinagpatuloy ang pagkanta. I need to focus.

"Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there with open arms and open eyes... yeah. Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there. I'll be there."

Napamulat na lang ako nang marinig ko ang drums at bass na tumutugtog kasabay ko. I found myself almost teary eyed when I saw Drew on drums and Luis on his bass guitar, playing along the notes of the song. Mas naging buhay ang kanta dahil sa instrumento nila.

Oh, God! How much I miss these boys.

Nanatiling nakatingin sa akin si Arc mula sa upuan niya. I don't know if he's happy to see me. He's always been like that. Ang hirap niyang basahin.

I played the song until it ends and continued playing a different song for the pop genre since I'm done with the alternative rock. Madali namang nakuha nila Luis at Drew kung ano ang kantang tinutugtog ko kaya nasasabayan pa rin nila ako. I like how supportive they are.

Even though they are somehow fine with me being here, I have to keep in my mind na narito ako sa harap nila para mag audition. Hindi porque naging myembro ako dati ng banda, e di ko na gagalingan. I have to prove them that I'm worth the shot. Na karapatdapat nila akong kunin bilang bokalista nila.

"Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick, and think of you. Caught up in circles confusion is nothing new..."

Sa kalagitnaan ng kanta ay sinabayan na rin kami ni Karl na ngayon ay nakangiting tumutugtog sa keyboards. Now I finally get it. He's really part of the band! Dati wala pang nakatoka sa keyboards, pero ibang klase na ang Euphoria ngayon. They have Karl now.

"If you're lost you can look and you will find me. Time after time. If you fall I will catch you - I'll be waiting. Time after time."

We finished the song perfectly like we really did some practices before playing those songs. These boys never fail to surprise me with their talent for music. Iba sa pakiramdam na magkakasama na kami ngayon. Parang ang tagal kong nawalay sa pamilya ko. Playing here with them for the first time after how many years felt like I'm home again. I was gone from home because I choose to be with the guy I love. I followed my heart, but it led me to the decision of giving up my passion and dream. I gave up my first love which is my passion for music.