Unbind the Strings

Prologue

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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"The show's about to start, Cali! Ano pang hinihintay mo diyan?"

I am so anxious right now. I don't know how to face him. I fixed my hair and applied some lipstick before going out of the restroom. I should look successful when he sees me. I flashed out a smile when I sat in front of the stage.

"Are you sure we have to watch this?"

"This is for your charity, right? You have to be here because this is your program!" Gab said while rolling her eyes on me.

"But I didn't know he would be here!"

"Walang may alam, gaga. Surprise guest nga e, bobo ka ba?" I really don't know how we became friends. Minsan gusto ko nalang higitin buhok nito in public.

"How do I look? Is my hair okay? Hindi ba sabog? Yung make-up ko okay lang ba? What? How do I look?" I asked.

"You look...marupok. Ano naman sakanya kung maganda ayos mo? Wala na naman kayo." I knew it, damn it.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the show is about to start. May we request all of you to sit quietly and turn off your mobiles phones to avoid disturbance. Thank you!" The host announced.

Helping other people is really my goal when I was still a child. After how many years in Medical School, I was able to set up an organization that takes care of children with chronic illnesses.

Music Therapy Programs and Creative Art Therapies helps our patients form coping skills, delve into self-expression, and illustrate feelings needed for hope and healing.

We are producing a lot of musical shows that soothes the children and their families. It brings them joy and comfort whenever they're having a bad day.

I have no idea about today's program that's why I was shocked to see his name on the list of performers. I thought he was on tour in Indonesia. I just saw it in his social media. To think that he accepted the invitation of my charity, he still haven't changed.

"May we call on the president and founder of this organization, Dr. Cathan Thalia Alvarez! She was a graduate from De La Salle University Health Sciences Institute. A round of applause, please!" Why does she have to mention my full name? I sighed while walking up the stage.

"Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome to our annual musical program. I am sorry to say this but, I think this is going to be the last time that I can attend the play. But don't worry, I will still be visiting the charity. I just have to take some time in the hospital due to lack of doctors." I chuckled. "I hope you'll enjoy today's show and don't forget to come backstage to get your medical supplies and kits! Thank you!"

Habang pababa ako ng hagdan, I saw a familiar face getting ready for the performance.

I avoided his way and walked straight towards the dressing room to escape his sight.

I passed by him and I can still remember his fragrance. His scent that calms me whenever I'm sad or crying. His scent that wraps around my body before. Hindi padin siya nagbabago.

"Cali!" Pucha. Huwag kang lilingon. Huwag kang lilingon.

"Yes?" I faked a smile. Si Direk pala tumawag sakin akala ko naman kung sino.

"Come here! You have to meet someone!" Pucha.  Kilala ko na yan. Tagal naming nagsama, direk ano ba yan!

"Sino po, direk?" I asked kunwari walang alam.

"Jay! This is our founder a.k.a the president of the charity, si Doc Cali." I tried to stop my laugh. Walang kaalam alam.

"Oh, Hi Doc!" He smiled. He raised his right arm like he was trying to shake hands with me.

I smiled back but I refused the hand shake.

Hug ang gusto ko, ayaw ko ng hand shake. Char.

"You two know each other?" Sabi ni Direk. Chismosa ka girl?

"Yeah. We used to be together." Jay said while looking at me.

"Used to, Direk. Baka kung ano isipin mo. Anyways, I have to leave. Marami pa akong aasikasuhin. Excuse me." I avoided his presence once again.

"San ka pupunta?" Tanong niya.

"Siguro sa stage ako papunta? Kita mo nang kakababa lang eh, papunta akong dressing room oh." Inaka, Jay.

He laughed. "Ano gagawin mo?"

"Siguro mag sesemento?" Bobo amp.

"Ah, I see. You never told me you want to be a construction worker, huh?" He tried to laugh but he stopped when his phone rang.

Bwiset na ngiti 'yan.

I was just standing there trying to listen to hear who he was talking to.

"Ahh, yes babe. I'll be done in a while. Can you wait?" Ah babe. Sana all babe.

How I wish ako padin yung kausap niya. Naalala ko na naman lahat ng nangyari saming dalawa. We were inseperable. Hindi ko din naman akalain na mauuwi kami sa hiwalayan.

He ended the call and looked back at me.

"Sorry, my fiancé." he said and put his phone back to his pocket.

I never thought we would end up this way.

I just want to unbind the strings para hindi na ako nahihirapan ng ganito. I want our communication to stop. Damn it.
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