Chapter 11: PhantomDeck (Part 2)

Just like they said, they both went to my building after school to pick me up to go together to the place where they always practice. Each of them has their own car. How nice.

Colleen and I hitched a ride with Rain’s car. They were talking non-stop the whole time while I was just staring outside the window, looking at some establishments we pass by. The ride took a bit long because of the traffic.

Finally, we arrived after about thirty minutes of riding. I looked at the place, I think this is one of the member’s houses.

“Whose house this is?” I asked curiously while looking around.

It was Rain who answered me. "This is Chris' residence. Our drummer."

He pointed at the guy who has a clean-cut hair beside Tyrone. They were laughing loudly while hitting each other like some idiots.

“This is the only place where we can practice because besides Chris’ parents being out of the country every time, they have a studio here that is serving as our band room.”

I just let him talk while I look around the surroundings. I don't really care. I didn’t even ask about all that, I just wanted to know whose house this is.

We entered the house and we immediately went inside the studio. It's quite big. The instruments are already set and there are couches in front.

Colleen excitedly sat on the couch like a child who’s visiting her neighbor to play. I shook my head before sitting beside her. So, did the other four guys.

"So, before we start, let me introduce our members properly," Rain said so lively while even clapping his hands together.

"Again, I'm Rain Lozano. The lead guitarist of the band. And the guy who thought about this great idea is Tyrone Guevarra, the second guitarist and sometimes our pianist too. He can play both instruments great." Tyrone waved at me exaggeratedly with a big smile on his face. He’s obviously a jolly person.

"That's Chris Lopez, the owner of the house and our drummer." Chris just smiled at me gently. He looks a bit cool with his clean cut. '

"And last but not the least, this is Nathan Lee, our basist." He pointed at the guy beside Chris who I have not heard utter a single word since we were at school. He has sharp eyes and has a piercing on his left ear. I didn’t know that was allowed in the university.

"Don't mind him. He’s kinda snobbish but he’s cool,” Rain continued with his long introduction. "And the name of our band is PhantomDeck,"

He said full of pride but I just gave him an awkward smile because honestly, I’m bored.

“Okay, I’m getting sleepy so let’s finish that introduction and you guys should start playing already!” Good thing Colleen spoke what’s on my mind so I silently thanked her.

She pushed us towards the instruments and was getting restless for us to start playing. I’m just trying this out so why the hell do I feel so nervous?

“What do you want to sing, Heavenly?” Rain asked.

"Ven." I corrected him and rolled my eyes. He looked at me with amusement plastered on his face but I just awkwardly looked away.

I know I said earlier not to call me Ven but since I’m going try singing with them anyways, I should just let them call me by my nickname. Besides, I'm more comfortable with people calling me that, I was just so pissed earlier.

I started thinking about what song I should sing. Should I sing that for starters? I love that song but I’m not sure if they know how to play it.

"Do you guys know how to play Human? By Christina Perri?" I asked with hesitation but I saw how the side of their lips rose in unison.

"Nice song choice, Ms. Salazar." Tyrone complimented and I just smiled at him.

"So, can you?" I just want to make sure.

Rain laughed first before answering. “Of course, we can. The question is, can you?”

He flashed a playful smirk as if challenging me. I raised my eyebrow in amusement.

"Bring it on," I said while grinning.

"That's the spirit!" Tyrone shouted lively to lift the mood inside the room. "So, I'll go with the piano this time."

He stretched his body first before actually positioning himself in front of the keyboard instrument. Chris set up the microphone along with the microphone stand that I will be using.

I faked a cough to ease the nervousness building up inside me. Colleen's watching in front, clasping her hands together in excitement. I’m starting to get cold feet which is so unlike me. I haven’t sung in ages!

"Ready?" I heard Rain asked. I just nodded my head and waited for their signal to start.

Chris started hitting his drum sticks together along with his counts, "One, two, three!"

---Now playing: Human by Christina Perri---

I can hold my breath

I can bite my tongue

I focused on the song more without bothering to notice my surroundings. I haven't sung this seriously for a long time so I'm still adjusting my voice. I just hope I won't choke in the chorus though.

I could stay awake for days if that's what you want

Be your number one

I can fake a smile

I can force a laugh

I can dance and play the part if that's what you ask

Give you all I am

I am now nearly reaching the chorus, the high notes part of the song. But instead of getting more nervous, I felt really comfortable. I closed both of my eyes to feel the song more.

I can do it

I can do it

I can do it

But I'm only human

And I bleed when I fall down

I'm only human

And I crash and I break down

Your words in my head, knives in my heart

You build me up and then I fall apart

'Cause I'm only human, yeah

A tear escaped my eye, I wiped it immediately. I don't know why but I really felt like crying all of a sudden. I saw how Colleen's eyes widened when she noticed it but she didn't say anything and just continued cheering for me silently. The smile never escaped her lips the whole time she's watching me and I'm thankful for that.

I missed this feeling. It's been a long time since I last sang to my heart's content. It feels nostalgic. It feels like I have been hiding this part of me for a long long time. But can you blame me? Because of everything that happened, can you blame me for forgetting who I really am?

I am now on the last chorus of the song. I gave Colleen one last glance before closing my eyes again, giving it my all.

I can take so much

Until I've had enough

'Cause I'm only human

And I bleed when I fall down

I'm only human

And I crash and I break down

Your words in my head, knives in my heart

You build me up and then I fall apart

'Cause I'm only human, yeah

After I finished singing the last part of the song, not one of us made a sound. It was really quiet which made me nervous.

I looked at Colleen again who's only smiling at me while her two hands are clasped together. I turned to look at the boys behind me. They all look... in awe? Like they just saw an angel went down from heaven. It's weird.

“What’s happening to you, guys?” I asked because they are spacing out. I don’t know what to react! Did I sing it wrong? Was I too pitchy?

"A-Amazing..." Tyrone was the first one to break the deafening silence. Then he slowly clapped his hands. And the others followed him. They clapped like I just did something amazing.

Colleen jumped at me to pull me into a tight hug.

"I know you could do it. You still have it in you," she whispered while still hugging me.

"You have a very heavenly voice, Heavenly," Rain said while laughing, he’s slightly mocking me.

"Not funny,” I said but I was also smiling.

I actually felt relieved. I really thought they didn't like it. It's nerve-wracking!

"So? What's your decision?" Everyone suddenly became quiet with Tyrone’s question. He just had to destroy the moment.

My mind is screaming no. I have too much in my mind and I still think that I'm not cut out for this shit. That I still have better things to do.

But my heart says otherwise. It's saying that I should do what I once loved to do. That I should give myself a chance to be contented again. And in this battle between my heart and mind, for once, my heart won.

I closed my eyes for a moment before deciding.

"Okay. I'll join you." I said while my lips slowly curved into a smile. "I want to be the vocalist of this band."

"Yes!" They all shouted in unison, well, except Nathan who was still silent but there’s a big smile on his lips. "Welcome to PhantomDeck, Miss Heavenly Salazar!"

I hope I made the right decision. I hope I won't regret this.

They were getting louder and louder along with Colleen. They're really happy right now and I won't deny that I am indeed happy too.

"This goes for a celebration!" Everyone looked at Collen, including me. "Let's all eat together! I know a good restaurant!"

Everyone agreed with her idea. They all wanted to celebrate too.

Everyone except me.

"Holy shit!" I just realized something!

It’s Vylant! It’s already afternoon and he has not eaten anything yet!

“Hey, what happened?” Colleen asked worriedly while looking at me rushing to get my things.

I didn’t bother answering her question but just hurriedly got my stuff from the couch and quickly went out of the studio and out of the house.

I quickly got a cab. I can hear them calling me but I just waved at them before the cab left. I'll just explain everything next time.