Chapter 098

It has been my dream for a long time to sing on a stage and many people are watching. When I was young I learned to play any instrument and sing any kind of music. I fell in love with it because of my dad, he was the one who influenced me to sing and play. Because of him I composed and covered songs, and participated in auditions until I became a famous singer. My dream is to become a famous musician like the artists I admire in the music field. I also want to feel loved and admired by many people. But from the time my dad got sick until he lost his life, all my dreams disappeared from my mind. I want to fulfill that with him, but now that my dad is gone, I don't want to pursue my dreams anymore. And because of what happened, I came to a decision not to tell the public about my true identity. I did that because of Dad, because of him I did those things. But now, I dared to introduce myself and tell everyone who I really am. I'm not afraid anymore and I won't be affected by whatever they say about me. I will bravely face what I have been afraid of for a long time. Now, I'm not alone anymore because I'm with my family, my friends, and especially the person I love. I will do it for them and for him. 'You can do it, Vienna.' I went up to the stage after my name was called. Everyone was shouting and screaming when I got to the stage. I looked at Mom, they were all smiling at me and that's how surprised I was when I saw Sebastian next to Billy. But that jerk just smiled at me and he mouthed "I love you" which I also answered. I let out a deep breath before I started playing and singing. (Song Playing: Panalangin (Prayers) song by APO Hiking Society) I just looked in his direction and smiled as I have sung each line of the song. This song is for him so I hope he likes it. I am happy to see that the audience is enjoying what I have sung. They are listening silently, but their hands are in the air and they are waving along with the melody of the song. But what's more heartwarming is seeing your family and friends smile, especially the person you love. I love them all. I saw tears in his eyes even though he was far away from me. He suddenly averted his gaze and secretly wiped his tears. I didn't think I could make him cry because of what I sang. As I ended the song, the audience stood up and applauded me. I smiled a lot, I never thought this would happen. It's a huge achievement for me, to see the people around me smiling and enjoying themselves. *** After 1 hour, the competition for solo, duo, and group is over. Now, it's the battle of the bands and after this, I'll do what I have to do. Mom and I are now together and waiting for the next competition. Sebastian is backstage with his band. I wasn't able to go to him because there were too many people there and he might just be distracted if he saw me. After I sang earlier, he ran to meet me. He hugged me tightly and kissed me unexpectedly. Many people saw what he did and I thought we would talk about it again but it turns out, they were all thrilled by what Sebastian did. For too much happiness that he felt, he couldn't stop doing that. "Vienna.." I immediately looked at Therese but I couldn't stop wondering because of the breadth of her smile at me now. "You're obviously happy today," she said. "Because of you both, I was happy, but I can't stop feeling sad every time Tine's face crosses my mind. Because of me, he was hurt," I said. She suddenly grabbed my hand and gently squeezed it. "Don't blame yourself, it's not your fault. It's not your fault why he's hurt. The time will come when he'll be able to move on with you and the woman who's worthy of him will come and love him. Not even today or tomorrow but at the right time." Little by little, I smiled because of what Therese said, but I still can't get Tine's sad face out of my mind. I hope the sadness and pain he feels will fade away. I don't want to see him hurting again. After a minute the battle of the bands started, Sebastian's band will compete first. His fans are all cheering and especially the entire department of Political Science. The members of the band went on stage except for Sebastian. Where did that guy go? I looked at the side of the stage and he wasn't there, I was just surprised when all the women who were around me suddenly started screaming. I couldn't stop staring when I saw him walking towards the middle of the stage. He looked in my direction and smiled at me sweetly. The women screamed even more because of what he did. My boyfriend is so freaking handsome! "SEBASTIAN! SEBASTIAN! SEBASTIAN!" "GO SEBASTIAN! YOU CAN DO IT. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!" "WE LOVE YOU SEBASTIAN!" I smiled. His fans really love him that's why I'm so grateful to them because despite what he did they still didn't stop supporting him. (Song playing: Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You sing by Westlife) I was really smiling from the moment he started singing. He was also just looking at me as he said each line of the song. His voice made my heart beat so fast to the point that I could hear it. The first time we sang it in the park, that was also the first time I heard him sing. His voice was so manly, beautiful to the ears and you will really fall in love. But I loved him for no reason, not because of his voice but because of who and what he was. Everyone stood up and applauded after they sang. But I remained sitting and just looking at him. "Vienna.." Fortunately, I heard Brother RJ calling me. He stood up and left. I also said goodbye to Therese and I leave for a while. I looked at Sebastian, but he wasn't looking at me now so I had a chance to stand up and leave where I was sitting. I immediately followed Brother RJ until we finally got out of the gym. But before I reached his direction, I saw that he was talking to a three guys. "Brother RJ.." He immediately turned and smiled at me. Three guys who I think are the same as his age also looked in my direction. "Vienna, they'll be with you later. Don't worry, they're kind," said Brother RJ, making the three men next to him laugh. "Hi Vienna, I'm Terrence Mijares.. drummer of the band Cruisade." "I'm Michael Ortencio, guitarist of the band Campo Dos." "And I'm Jasper Vasquez, vocalist of the band Ventrix." So the three of them are from different bands, which is cool. How did Brother RJ met them? We didn't talk long because the four of us went to the Music Club for the final practice of what I will sing later. When we got to the club, practice started right away. I didn't have a hard time, because Brother RJ didn't change anything and the three of them quickly learned the chords of the song. After 20 minutes, we finished practicing. I also changed my clothes and put on the dress bought by my Brother RJ. He also told me to wear the mask he bought so that I wouldn't be recognized and that I would just take it off when I was ready. I took a deep breath before following them out of the Music Club. I was surrounded by four handsome men and I even beat an actress in my current state. Almost all the students were there in the gym so only a few people noticed me, but the faces of the people who saw me were filled with surprise. Maybe it's because I'm wearing a mask, but I have to do it so they don't recognize me right away. I held my breath again when we got to the gym. No one noticed our presence yet because almost all the students were looking at the stage. "Brother, do I really have to wear this?" I asked. We are still here outside the gym and we will only enter when Sister Sheene makes the announcement. "Yes Vienna, you have to wear that. The audience doesn't know that you will come and sing later. Don't worry, they won't recognize you by your appearance now. I don't see Vienna Malvar but VnM, the girl idolized by the crowd. You can do it, we're just here." I know I can do it, but I'm really nervous. I wish Dad was here, he's one of the reasons why I'm doing this. "For the information of everybody, we have a special guest for today's competition." The students' faces were filled with surprise because of what Sister Sheene said. I was even more nervous. I'm sure they will all be surprised when they see me. "Are you ready Vienna?" Brother RJ asked. I nodded in response and held on to his arm. "Don't worry Vienna, we'll take care of you later," Brother Terrence said with a smile. I looked at the stage, Sister Sheene was now looking in our direction and she was waiting for Brother RJ's cue. Before the competition, my brother talked to her and I introduced myself to her. She was surprised by what she found out but my brother also explained to him why I kept my true identity a secret from everyone. "Do you want to meet her?" Everyone answered "yes". I hope they won't be disappointed when they see me. "Please welcome our guest for today's competition. She's a writer, composer, singer, most followed cover artist and top-trending music artist on YouTube and Spotify. Please give a round of applause to V.. N.. M!"