It was during the semester break when our indie band got a gig in this bar in tagaytay. We stayed in one of band mate’s rest house there two days before the gig to rehearse. When I was at the front porch of the house. Tuning my guitar. a girl showed up that I almost jumped off bench.
“Oops” I’m sorry. Did I scare you?” gigled thus lovely young girl about my age. as I stood there. mesmerized by her charm.
“Oh no” Not at all. I’m just really jumpy?” I laughed too. Then she introduced herself. Hear name was Mariette and she actually looking for Mick, my band mate. I called on Mick who was still inside. A few seconds, he came out and the two looked very glad upon seeing each other. Mick introduced me to her. I nodded at her and she smiled again. According to Mick. Mariette was also from tagaytay but study again. According to Mick. Marietre was also from tagaytay but studying in Manila. And that they have known each other since kindergarten.
I left Mariette and Micj at front porch. They have not seen each other for tge whole smester so I bet they had a lot of catching up and chatting up to do. As I entered inside the living room, I turned my back to glance her one more time. And Iwas just surprised when I saw her looking in my direction too. When I caught her eye, however, she instantly shifted bacj her view to Mick. Back in the room, I was thinking about how pretty that girl was. Ididn’t know why but I suddenly got this instinctive reaction: I hope she is not Mick’s sweet heart.
The next afternoon, a day before the gig, we were rehearsing at the bar already when Mick came up- with mariette I was just amazed to see her pretty and bright smile again. When Mick was fixing some thing with his drum set, I finally got the chance to approach her. She was seated on a corner, probably browsing her message inbox in her mobile phone. I said “hi” to strike a conversation. She threw me a warm again and said “hello” For the past fifteen minutes, I found my self chatting with her and she seemed to be a very witty a funny talker. In fact, I had almost forgotten about the rehearsal and I was embarrased when all of my band mates’ eyes (including mick’s) were all on me. probably prompting me to leave Mariette and pick my guitar for the rehearsal. Mick began beating a snare drum energetically, and i was caught off guard. Maritte noticed it too and politely signaled me to leave her and join my band. I said “sorry” and gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder.
During the gig, I was surprised to see the bar jam-packed with young adults. yuppies and dilettantes. The crowd was actually very much like or usually arriving. Some were just there to hang out while those who were inside were ‘in’ for the music. At 11 pm, our band would play next. I was at a corner, actually, waiting for some. For Mariette I didn’t ask Mick if she was coming. But I was hoping she would make it.
One set list actually included 4 of our original songs and a Stone Temple pilots cover. The fourth song was actually an acoustic ballad and...

I just wished that Mariette would hear it. I was scamming the whole bar but the bunch of people there was just huddled together that I didn’t think I could recognize Mariette. If ever she was there that night. Then we played the last song. Everyone seemed to be listening during our act. The band was actually happy that we played well and that everyone seemed to enjoy our songs too.
Too bad, I didn’t get to see mariette. She did not make it. At 4am almost no audience was visible. While we were arranging our stuffy, my mobile suddenly beeped. It was a text message from, Surprise, surprise° from Mariette♡
Hey Jigo♡ Great act
I did enjoy your show.
I was impressed.
Congratualitions
So she did make it to our gig I just couldn’t control the elation Mick also noticed why I suddenly got hyper. He asked who texted me. I lied. I didn’t tell her it was Mariette
It was a Sunday and we alk woke up at round 11:30 am to have our brunch before we head back to Manila. While fixing some of my things I finally got the chance to talk to Mick about Mariette.
“Tol, I want to tell you something sana, if you have a minute,” I said.
“Sure, pare. Ano yun?” Tungkol ba kay Mariette?” he asked me back. I was stunned.
“Huh? Ho did you know I was going to…?” I mumbled.
“It’s obvious. You have a crush on her, rigth?” he was teasting me already.
I lauged. Then I nodded. Okay lang ba kung. you know? if I would court her? Would be okay with you?”
“Of course namn, ‘tol. Mariette and I arejust friends. Althougth I used to have a crush on her when were in high school. Akala mo ba ‘kami ni Mariette?” he said.
“Haha😆 Actually, I thouht you wouldn’t like the idea of me liking your best friends….” stated in a lower voice.
“Tol, Sinindak lang kita 😆 Hahaha Dont worry; you could court herif you realyy like her. You have my blessing, Dude” he chuckled.
I was relieved after that. Unfirtunately. Iwasn’t able t bid fare well to Mariette when we left Tagaytay. But after that, I started texting ad calling her. She was also responding to me warmly. I also got the chance to visit her every weekendi her dormitory in Manila.
I was in Cloud 9 when she finally agreed to go out with me on a date. Mariette was really an Unexpected thin that happened to me. She was an inspiration. And this August, I couldn’t wait to be with her to celebrate our third monthsary😆
By🌼Jigo of Mabalacat.Pampanga
Nabasa ko lang toh sa binigay saking book kaya shinare ko dito tynype ko yan lahat baka sabihin nyo copy paste lang toh😐 True story po yan💌