An announcement of having invited his ex-girlfriend to their summer out-of-town trip by his sister, Kate, has got Luke absolutely panicking. It has been four years since he and Mace broke up and though they are civil when seeing each other during occasions, as Mace became Kate's instant bestfriend back when they were still going out, there had been no other reason for them stay and make even a small talk since their break-up. 

So dropping such a bomb has taken a toll on Luke's anxiety levels. How was he supposed to act with Mace on such near proximity for two whole weeks in the same house? How does Mace even feel of this set-up? Isn't it rather awkward for both of them? 

It's the summer of 2001 and Luke has never been this confused and anxious in his life. Will he and Mace remain the civil ex-couple they have been or will he get another chance to fight for the girl he let go but have never forgotten ever since? 



Back to that Summer

One pleasant and sunny afternoon found Mace and Luke hanging out at the terrace of their family home in Badian, with the former singing her latest favorite tune. 


Now it should be noted that Mace doesn't have a good voice; however, what she lacks in talent, she makes up for having a knack of memorizing lyrics quickly. Luke could never understand how Mace can just suddenly start singing along with the words perfectly or recognizing a song even when it just started playing for the first few seconds. 


Luke remembered being amazed at such display of expertise when they were playing, "Name and Sing that Tune" during one of their events in the youth choir. Mace had won the game effortlessly, even when the songs chosen came from the 1970s and 1980s. 


Needless to say, people were impressed but right this moment, as Mace sat on the bench beside him softly singing the song, Luke could not help but teaser her a bit. 


Mace: Yes, I’m going to listen to it every night so I’ll have the sweetest dreams. 


Luke: You’re so lousy! Who does things like that? 


Mace: “Harana” by Parokya ni Edgar. 


Luke: Parokya ni Edgar? I didn’t know they’re into cheesy, love songs. 


Parokya ni Edgar is the name of a famous band in the Philippines from the 1990s and one of their hit songs is titled, "Harana," which means to serenade in English. 


Mace: Well, as it turns out, this band does have a sentimental side. And this song really cuts it. It speaks volumes to any girl’s heart. 


Luke: Really? So, that’s the kind of songs you’re into? The sentimental type that speaks to your heart? 


Mace: Yeah... Corny, right? I guess I’m such a cornball for someone totally cool like you! 


Luke: ‘Coz right about now, I’m going find that song and listen to it the whole night so that I can sing it to you. 


Mace: Now, that is the corniest thing I’ve ever heard! That’ll be the day you’d ever do that! 


Luke laughed along as if to agree with what she said but if she could read his mind, what could be further from the truth? 


You don’t know what lengths I would go to make you laugh just like what you’re doing now, he thought as he looked at her fondly. And you have no idea that I would do what I just said in a heartbeat, if only for a chance to have my voice the last thing you'll hear and think of as you drift to sleep for the night.


Memoirs Number 2: Harana