Embracing the Troublemaker

Chapter Thirty Six

Jael's Point of View

The auditorium was buzzing like a beehive on caffeine, chants for the Ephemours echoing off the walls at full blast. Everyone was hyped, and I couldn't help but join in, yelling along with the rest of them.

But as the chants reached a crescendo, plunging the room into darkness, a collective gasp rose from the crowd. In the absence of light, the excitement only seemed to amplify, every student on the edge of their seat, waiting with bated breath for the moment the stage would come to life.

Suddenly, the big screen lit up, flashing a countdown like we were about to launch into space or something. With a burst of light and sound, the stage erupted into life, and there they were-the Ephemours Sanctuary. My gaze was immediately drawn to Ross, resplendent in white, wielding his guitar and microphone with an otherworldly grace. But it was the unfamiliar face beside him that caught my attention, Kelvin, the man who had given me the ticket.

Sya ba yung sinasabi ni Cy na bagong guitarist?

Roscoe pounded the drums, a tempest of rhythm. Bishop coaxed melodies from the piano, fingers flying like birds. And Elmore, steady and unyielding, anchored the bassline.

As Ross's voice filled the auditorium, a wave of emotion washed over me, each note resonating deep within my soul. The opening chords of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" sent shivers down my spine, the familiarity of the melody wrapping around me like a warm embrace. It's one of my all-time favorite songs, and they were killing it.

Despite the darkness that enveloped us, the glow of countless phone screens illuminated the room, casting a soft, ethereal light over the sea of faces. But amidst the sea of outstretched arms and glowing screens, I remained rooted in the present, my eyes fixed on Ross and his bandmates as they poured their hearts into each note.

"Ang ganda ng boses ni Ross!" Sigaw ni Ivy.

Natapos ang kantang Viva La Vida at muli na namang nag bukas ang mga ilaw kasabay ng pag sigaw ng mga bawat estudyante. Doon mas tanaw namin ang mga naka ngiting lalaki na nasa entablado maliban kay Ross na seryoso lamang ang mukha.

His eyes darted around the room, uncertainty etched in their depths. Ross cleared his throat, the microphone trembling slightly in his hand. The crowd hushed, waiting for his words.

"Thank you," Ross began, his voice raw and vulnerable. "Thank you all for being here tonight. It's been two years since we were last on this stage, and your unwavering support means more than you'll ever know."

His gaze swept over the audience, lingering on faces he recognized. The privacy they'd afforded him during his hiatus hadn't gone unnoticed. Ross's gratitude spilled forth, each word a fragile thread connecting him to the people who believed in his music.

His gaze swept over the audience, lingering on faces he recognized. The privacy they'd afforded him during his hiatus hadn't gone unnoticed. Ross's gratitude spilled forth, each word a fragile thread connecting him to the people who believed in his music.

His gaze swept across the auditorium, but it was the empty seat in the front row that held his attention.

"I stand here today," Ross continued, "not just a musician, but as a brother."

The crowd leaned in, sensing the raw honesty in his words. Ross's eyes blurred, and he blinked back tears. "I'm sorry," he whispered, as if the wind could carry his apology to the heavens.

He paused, the weight of the past heavy on his shoulders. "I hope you're proud of me," Ross said, his voice cracking.

Rinig ko ang bawat pag singhap nang ilan sa mga nanonood. Habang pinapanood ko si Ross mag salita sa harapan ay biglang lumambot ang puso ko at naalala yung mga masasamang kumento na naririnig ko tungkol sakanya.