Chapter One

Lance Anderson

It was just a normal Wednesday night. Just like any other. At least that’s what I thought and felt. At least that’s how my life had downgraded the moment I dropped out of college. I may have peaked in high school and quite frankly, life has not been spoiling me with the great things there is to offer. Every day and every night was just a normal day to me and if this whole shit was a movie, I’d be nothing but a background character that’s just there for the sake of details.

A few hours before I got to my singing gig, one of my band mates, Richard called to inform me about his plans to ask his girlfriend to marry him. I was happy for him and even though they only dated for about seven months, I just couldn’t disagree about his plans. Richard’s parents have been putting great pressure on him to marry someone and start his own family. They were aggressively rushing him as if it’s a pre-requisite to something. He was really against everything believing that he’s still quite young—just barely turned twenty-six—to be marrying someone. He wanted to live his younger days to the fullest but age wasn’t even the whole reason for the pressure. Richard was an only son and his dad was terminally ill. The prickly corners of life had him trapped and he doesn’t have much of a choice.

Sarah, Richard’s soon-to-be wife, wasn’t exactly the best that he’d met and actually dated but she was just as close to Richard’s best relationship. I forgot exactly how Sarah and Richard met but I am glad that I get to be part of this big surprise. Richard had sat down and thought about this for a long while for two months. Two months of just volleying back and forth, trying to get a good view of the bigger picture and even weighing the pros and cons of a married life. After several sleepless nights of deep contemplation, Richard had finally made his decision. Somehow, I felt a little bit sorry for him and the pressure that had forced him to do this but I also have my own shitty problem and boring life that I have to take care of.

The bar was a full house tonight which was a total surprise since it’s only a normal Wednesday night and there’s usually just a few people who enjoys acoustic music as opposed to the people who likes upbeat party music. For some of the people inside, I guess this was supposed to be just a normal Wednesday night, nothing extraordinary. For the rest of them, I guess they’re part of Richard’s top secret plan. Richard might have asked some of these people’s help for one of the biggest events of his life. That’s how serious he was about this surprise. I don’t know anything about what’s going to go down tonight. All I know was that he asked me and the whole band to serenade his girlfriend. I’m sure there’s a whole romantic act that’s about to go down that I just forgot to ask.

I was standing right at the center stage—still carrying an acoustic guitar— while glaring at the whole occupancy of the bar. The lights were turned dim to create a certain vibe but it wasn’t too dark, in fact it was still bright enough that I can see every single group that has come to have a drink and listen to chill acoustic sounds. Every table was occupied and it was looking a lot like a normal weekend where people are pouring here and there. I was unconsciously searching for Sarah until the moment that I caught her presence at one of the table that I got a grasp of reality. She was with two of her best friends, Jewel and Georgina. I didn’t know Georgina was going to be here knowing the fact that I haven’t seen her in a long while since I ended things with her. I immediately got a fleeting moment of flashbacks from when I was still dating her. It was just a short period of time that I dated her but she was really good at bed and when I say good at bed, she was really at the heights of her performance every single time that we slept together. Unfortunately, things didn’t work for both of us. I was the one who ended the relationship the moment something happened between me and her older brother.

I’ve dated both men and women since I graduated from High School and I don’t even know what was going through my mind. Maybe I was just looking forward to finding the right one and I guess the more people I date, the more it raises the chances of me actually finding the one. That thought was fucked up though.

“Hey, Lance?” Raphael, the other guitarist just tapped my shoulder subsequently pulling me back to the reality of things.

I turned my head around. “What is it?”

“Get ready for the next song.” He muttered and I was lost for a brief moment until I remembered the next song was Richard’s request.

“Oh, right!” I nodded as I immediately shook my head and in order to pull myself together.

I really thought we still have a few more songs to sing but it turns out that our set was done a few moments ago. This was already the part where we serenade the most important person of the evening. I moved an inch closer to the microphone and began talking.

“Good evening, Monroe!” I screamed loud enough for everyone to here. “Are we still having fun tonight?” I inquired and it was instantly followed by cheers from the crowd subsequently acknowledging that the night’s still young.

I took a quick look at the back of the stage and I saw a nervous Richard. He was trying to take a deep breath and when his eyes caught me looking at him, he quickly smiled hiding the fact that he’s trembling. It was a nervous smile and I had to signal a thumbs up to him to check if he’s all up and ready for what’s about to happen next. He immediately replied with a thumbs up as well.

“Well, tonight’s a very special night for someone.” I continued as I began to pull everyone’s attention. “Our set was already over but we received an extra special request.” I paused and took a calm inhale and exhale moment.

I strummed the guitar initially signaling the intro and the rest of my bandmates followed through with their own instrument.

“This song’s dedicated to a very special person named Sarah Samuels.” Still strumming the intro, I deliberately moved my sight towards Sarah’s table. I immediately noticed the surprised expression painted on her face as Jewel and Georgina cheered in unison.

Ain't never felt this way

Can't get enough so stay with me

It's not like we got big plans

Let's drive around town holding hands

I sang the words with such tenderness and refinement—almost better than how I sang all of the songs from our original set—making it sure that this song will become the theme song of Richard and Sarah’s love story.

And you need to know

You're the only one, alright, alright

And you need to know

That you keep me up all night, all night

As the chorus began, everyone who knew the song began singing along with me. Almost everyone knew the song and they all followed perfectly in sync with me. I almost felt like I’m having my biggest concert yet. Even Sarah, the main reason why I’m singing this, was singing along. She’s probably thinking this was just a normal song request for her.

Oh, my heart hurts so good

I love you, babe, so bad, so bad, oh

Oh, my heart hurts so good

I love you, babe, so bad, so bad

I noticed a few people bringing out candles and roses which really confirmed my initial assumption that some of the people here are here for the biggest surprise of the night. For a brief moment, I was lost in my own headspace. I was still playing and singing but my head was thinking if I’d do the same thing for the person that I love. I would probably do it but I don’t think it’s going to be soon enough. I have been in so many relationships, both men and women, for the past five years and there’s always this one thing that’s not just working.

Mad cool in all my clothes

Mad warm when you get close to me

Slow dance these summer nights

Our disco ball's my kitchen light

Yeah and you need to know

That nobody could take your place, your place

And you need to know

That I'm hella obsessed with your face, your face

By the time I was singing the best run, probably the most romantic part of the song, the lights suddenly went out. There was complete darkness for about a few seconds and we still continued playing professionally. I heard a few people gasped. They were blatantly surprised and most probably confused but I’m sure they are the people who doesn’t have any idea about the surprise and are just here to have a chill moment.

Oh, my heart hurts so good

I love you, babe, so bad, so bad, oh

Oh, my heart hurts so good

I love you, babe, so bad, so bad, oh

Oh, my heart hurts so good

I love you, babe, so bad, so bad, oh

Everyone who’s a part of this set up lit each of their candles instantly bringing a romantic vibe inside the bar. The mood was perfectly set up and it was perfectly in sync with the music. Everyone holding a candle slowly moved out from their respective table and went towards Sarah’s table giving her roses.

And you need to know

You're the only one, alright, alright

And you need to know

That you keep me up all night, all night

After giving Sarah the roses, everyone knew what to do. They all lined up forming a path all the way from the back stage going towards Sarah’s table. The few people who aren’t part of the surprise were all cheering and clapping and taking videos of this once in a lifetime experience.

Oh, my heart hurts so good

I love you, babe, so bad, so bad, oh

Oh, my heart hurts so good

I love you, babe, so bad, so bad, oh

So bad, oh

Oh, my heart hurt

Oh, my heart hurt

Oh, my heart hurt

So bad, oh

By the time I spat the last words of the song, the band continued playing for an extended version of the song. The melody just played in the background keeping the romantic vibe that has been going on for Sarah. Richard finally showed up holding a microphone on one hand and a whole bouquet of flowers on the other. He had his hair waxed to bring out a nice volume and for the first time in years, he was wearing something presentably decent and perfect for the occasion.

Richard held the microphone and began singing the last chorus. He really came in prepared and it just shows that even if he was nervous and it took him a lot of time to think about this, he was dead ass serious about this.

And you need to know

You're the only one, alright, alright

And you need to know

That you keep me up all night, all night

Oh, my heart hurts so good

I love you, babe, so bad, so bad, oh

Oh, my heart hurts so good

I love you, babe, so bad, so bad, oh

So bad, oh

Oh, my heart hurt

Oh, my heart hurt

Oh, my heart hurt

So bad, oh

Richard sang the song as he slowly trudged his way towards the already confused Sarah. I’m sure Sarah was feeling a lot of mixed emotions and one of them being nervous. By this time, I’m guessing she’s nearly figuring out what was going on. Her friends were very much supportive and it made me think that they knew this was going to happen ahead of time.

After a few moments, the song eventually ended and yet, we still continued playing with the sole purpose of keeping the vibe running. Richard finally reached Sarah’s table and all eyes and all cameras are on them. It was like a celebrity famous kind of moment where everyone’s attention was pinned on the two lovebirds. My eyes followed Richard and all I can see was his back but I can definitely feel that he was happy and nervous at the very same time.

 “I will never forget the day that I met you.” Richard began speaking the moment he stopped walking. The words came out of his mouth like he’d been waiting for this moment. “The rain was pouring hard and you had no umbrella. I offered to give you my umbrella but you refused. You’re probably thinking that I’m a kidnapper or a serial killer because you know, I looked pretty horrible, pretty much wasted. My eyes were bloodshot and I smelled like shit.” Richard went on followed by people’s normal reaction. Richard let out an embarrassed chortle as he recalled what happened during the first time that he met Sarah and I can feel the intensity of emotion coming from him. The music was making things even more dramatic much to my expectations. “Anyway, I went on a drinking spree the day before and I was pretty much hangover. I passed out because of dehydration and if it weren’t for you, I’d probably be dead in a ditch somewhere.”

Still strumming my guitar, I moved a little bit towards the edge of the stage in order to get a better view of the moment. I saw Richard’s profile view and it looked like he’s already tearing up. Cameras were still glued onto them and even the people holding the candle had formed a semi-circle enclosing the two most important people of the evening. Richard continued talking and he was just basically retelling the story after they met and a few memorable moments of their relationship. It sounded so much like a cliché, like the ones you see on romantic movies but it really happened and I knew some of those moments. I looked at Sarah and she was on the verge of tears but it’s looking a lot more like a tears of joy.

“Damn, bro! He’s really doing this huh.” Raphael uttered and he was already standing right next to me. Raphael can’t still believe the fact that Richard’s about to ask someone to marry him. I don’t even blame him on that. He’d known Richard far longer than I do and they have gone through a lot since. This was a surreal moment for him.

“Yep, everything’s real.” I nodded. “No more playing around for him.”

“Indeed.”

“Sarah, I have thought about this for almost two months and I’m going to say, I finally have found the one.” Richard continued talking and this was the moment that he’s about to ask the dreadful question. The background music intensified courtesy of us. “Sarah Samuels,” Richard finally went down on his knees, fished a small box from his pocket, and eventually opening it to reveal a beautiful ring. “Will you marry me?”

The connection that Richard have with us was really tight that we instantly stopped playing the moment he asked the question. There was complete silence throughout the bar. Everyone, even the random people were cooperating. This was the thrilling moment.

Sarah covered her mouth as tears began cascading down to her cheeks. She turned around for a fleeting moment and looked at Jewel and Georgina who were really excited for her. Sarah’s probably trying to take everything in. This was indeed a surprising night for her. She finally turned around to face Richard and she was now wearing a smile on her face.

“Yes….yes, I will.” Sarah let out as intense emotion engulfed her and almost everyone watching in the crowd. The people cheered, even Jewel and Georgina were jumping in excitement and joy. Richard took the ring and slowly put it on Sarah’s finger thus sealing everything. Sarah was far more excited than I thought. She pulled Richard up and they both kissed culminating the night’s special event.

***

It was already past midnight when I decided to ditch everyone else. My gig was over and its basically time for me to go home. Richard invited me to their after party at some random club. I initially said yes but then I remembered Georgina will be there and I immediately thought that’s a big no no for me. We haven’t had any sort of closure since I ended things with her. Also, I’m pretty scared that she might already know about what happened between me and her older brother which would just make things even more awkward and complicated. However, that wasn’t the only reason why I didn’t want to go. I just broke up with someone else a few days ago and quite honestly, I’m still trying to move past that.

I was already walking down the streets on my way home and there were a few drunk people walking around. Most of them are couples and they weren’t even ashamed to be sweet and clingy towards each other as they walked the streets. It was such an eyesore and it was a bit disrespectful for me. I pulled my earphones out of my pocket, plugged it to my cellphone and put the ear buds on just to shut the world down. I just played what’s on the list and I didn’t even bother choosing any music. The soft melody of Maroon 5's ballad Won't Go Home Without You played smoothly as I focused on walking. The chilly breeze of the night had forced me to put my hands inside my pocket to create a bit of heat. By the time the song was almost over, I arrived to the usual 7/11 store where I always buy my late night snack.

I barged inside the fluorescent-lit store and the thermal heat coming from every machine suddenly engulfed my body. I almost felt like I’m being massaged in some type of way. It gave me a temporary physical relief from the cold night's breeze. I went straight to where the hotdog buns and siopao buns are stacked and being heated. I took one siopao bun just because it looked tastier more than the hotdog buns. I usually prefer the hotdog buns but things felt a bit different tonight. After putting the siopao bun into its own plastic, I moved towards the built-in fridge and grabbed a bottle of mountain dew. After grabbing everything that I need, I ushered myself towards the counter where I saw a young kid arguing with the cashier.

"Please, it’s not booze, it’s just a pack of cigarette. And I'm turning 18 in the next three months anyway!" The young kid begged, trying his lowly attempt at being convincing which clearly wasn’t working based on the cold expression of the cashier. He looked pretty young and there’s no freaking way that the cashier lady would let him buy a cigarette even if he will turn eighteen the very next week. The cashier lady was pretty adamant and she just gave the young man a firm NO glare.

"NEXT!" The lady screamed clacking her newly polished nails eventually pointing a finger at me.

The young lad had no other choice but to move out to give space for me. He looked greatly disappointed and somehow embarrassed so he went away wearing the sad look of disappointment to his fresh face.

I placed all of the things that I got right in front of the cashier lady.

"And a pack of cigarette please!" I requested. The cashier lady scanned the items that I got before eventually pulling out a paper bag from below the counter. She turned around and reached a pack of Marlborro before eventually telling me the total price.

I gave my payment and by the time the lady handed me the receipt and my change, I scurried outside. The cold breeze of the night welcomed my already warm body and it was surprisingly frigid. These January nights are the worst, it’s like they’re getting colder and colder year by year.

I sat at one of the tables placed outside the store and I saw the young man from a while ago sitting innocently at the pavement a few meters away from the entrance of the store. I stared at him for a second and then grinned. Guilty memories of the old days flickered at the back of my head. My high school days weren’t as innocent as what most people think. People might recall me as the golden boy who had his life together but I really wasn’t. I did smoked cigarette without anyone seeing me and there were times that it became hard for me just to buy a pack.

"Hey! What's your name?" Making my voice loud enough, I staggered to where the young man was sitting and sat right beside him.

"Uhm, my name’s Jayler." The young man was momentarily perplexed by the sudden discourse.

"Here." I grabbed the pack of cigarette out from my pocket and handed it to him like it’s nothing. It felt illegal in a way but I don’t even care.

"But--"

"Ahh… Just take it, I know you want it." Jayler was about to say something but I quickly cut him off. I know he wanted the pack of cigarette and I’m just being a bad influence tonight.

"T…thank you, sir!" Jayler took the pack in a friendly yet timid way. He was evidently under the influence of alcohol and I know the feeling of being drunk and with a craving for nicotine.

"How old are you? Don't lie to me, I'm not that scary cashier lady."

"I’m 17." Jayler spat basically admitting the fact that he’s still a minor.