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Chapter Seventeen
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A Rhapsody for the Playboy Chapter Eighteen
Chapter 18 – Lance The world of being in a small band has been a dream of mine ever since I was in high school. And being the vocalist of August Thunder was by far the best thing that has ever happened to me. I say it’s the best thing that has ever happened because quite frankly, I’ve reached nothing more than that. Years have gone and passed and I’m still stuck here in this place where I was thrown into after what happened a few years prior. I really thought dropping out in college would make me a star and become this successful singer but apparently, I was just a naïve college guy back then. In spite of being in a small band like August Thunder, I felt like I’ve achieved my dream. However, I don’t necessarily feel like I’ve reached the success that I was envisioning several years ago, and even right now, I don’t see anything beyond this point. Yes, I’ve managed to reach my dream and that’s already a great feat in itself but that’s just one of the many dreams that I’ve dreamt of. I
A Rhapsody for the Playboy Chapter Nineteen
Chapter 19 – Lance Walking out of the stage, I was still feeling my heart beating at an abnormal pace, almost like I’m palpitating but in a weird pleasurable way. The feeling wasn’t entirely foreign but it’s worthy to point out that the last time I felt this kind of bizarre yet elating feeling was years and years ago. I don’t know if I should be smiling from ear to ear most especially after that whole set of sad songs that delivered a heart wrenching hook with an intensely cathartic bridge, but I was kind of doing exactly that—smiling. I don’t want to admit this or even acknowledge the feeling but I feel like I want to go back to that stage again and just sing another lugubrious song consisting of an intense chorus. And perhaps—this might just be a temporary feeling, a mood per se—yet I just want to see Jayler stare at me again with those innocent, almost irreproachable and yet curious eyes. I’m sure of this because his friend was also looking at me, along with all the other folks ar
A Rhapsody for the Playboy Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty - Lance “Everything’s okay, Jayler. Don’t be embarrassed just because we’re not that close and also, I’m not going to judge you. I guess, I’m going to say this is a good space for you tell whatever’s going on.” I felt like I have no other choice but to hear Jayler out. I tried encouraging him not to be shamed about this situation when he came all the way here to ask for some help for whatever shit is going on in his life. “Yeah, I’m just really figuring out how to say this.” Jayler nodded and then paused for a while. He was already turning red but I’m sure that’s coming from the alcohol. “Go on, man.” There’s still a band performing on stage and the music is reverberating throughout the room. Kenneth and I are the only people who could hear him and even then, I still have to heighten my hearing sense to hear him speak. “I’m about to get expelled.” Jayler confessed spitting the words with such conviction like it’s been stuck within him all this time. I can hear the in
A Rhapsody for the Playboy Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-One – Jayler It felt like a dry and dusty brick that I just swallowed whatever dignity that I have and I even lied twice to the securities just to have a moment to talk to Lance. This fanged monster called humiliation was devouring me the whole time that I was telling Lance my problem and I’m going to say this was actually worth the try. I doubted Jasper’s idea mainly because I don’t know Lance that much and it’s too much of a reach to ask some stranger for a help such as this. I only met Lance a few nights ago and aside from that time that that he gave me the pack of cigarette that he just bought and that siopao bun just because he noticed that I was hungry, I don’t know him that well. I’m certain that he doesn’t know me that well too. This came as a great surprise to me but Lance said yes to helping me and that’s all that matters. I was almost ready for the ground to open up and devour me but then I just heard him say yes and the sweats on my back seemed to dry prett
A Rhapsody for the Playboy Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Two – Jayler Monday came in a quick snap, even more faster than I would’ve thought and I was feeling more than ready and confident to be freed from the chains of this expulsion bullshit. I was a bit nervous when I woke up but as soon as the water in the shower hit my body, I gained this imperial surge of confidence. Although I had to keep myself calm and cool at the breakfast table right in front of my mom and dad, I know that they don’t have to know about what happened. I have all the right and intentions to keep things that way because from a Christian parents’ standpoint, they won’t understand anything. I’m well aware of the fact that my sister knows about the photos, she made it perfectly clear the last time we had a conversation. However, I am not—in the slightest—worried about that since I’m well certain that she’s not a shady snitch. We have this unspoken sibling understanding that most siblings have. I’m closing my eyes and I’m putting all of my trust in her. I
A Rhapsody for the Playboy Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter 23 – Jayler "Do I look like your uncle now?" Lance finally asked making me stare at him for a bit longer just to check if he actually does look like a relative of mine. He does appear mature to me, mature enough to pass as my uncle and that’s all that matters. Now that he mentioned it, I suddenly remembered things from my past that my parents tried to block. I’ve only known one uncle in my entire life and that’s my dad’s older brother. He’s gay and I haven’t seen him since I was a kid and it’s been a long time since I thought of him. My father literally disowned him and threatened him not to go anywhere near us ever again. “I mean; you look mature enough to be my uncle so I guess that’s a yes.” I replied and I was aware that I was sounding a bit shady. Lance fished something from the pocket of his jacket. “How about this?” He asked the moment he stuck a fake mustache right on his face. “What the fuck? You brought a fake mustache?” I exclaimed. Is he really committed to thi
A Rhapsody for the Playboy Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter 24 – Lance I would’ve never thought I would learn so much from Jayler Mendoza today. Posing as his uncle made that possible and the school head, a nun in her early 60’s, was kind enough to tell me about the good things about Jayler. She’s of course undeniably pissed that Jayler’s actions might bring a bad reputation to the school hence the reason why she was thinking of kicking him out of the school. Thankfully, I told her that the photos were already deleted from the internet and I had to explain to her that no one would recognize Jayler and that he’s not even wearing their school uniform to begin with. We had a strong back and forth and me, immediately understanding Sister Salvador’s concerns right at the moment, I was able to easily appease her. In the end, she confessed to me that Jayler has not been a problem to the school and it was literally his saving grace. He’s always present at every class, he always had excellent grades and he’s very much well-mannered. Sister Salv
A Rhapsody for the Playboy CHapter Twenty-Five
Chapter 25 – Lance “What?” Jayler asked as if he didn’t hear me when my voice was loud enough for him to hear even though we are standing at an open street. “I said do you want to hang out at my place?” I rephrased what I said and this time I made my voice even more louder. I’m really feeling bad for this guy. He was thrown into this crazy mess by someone who doesn’t know how to ask permission if it’s okay to post photos on social media. If anything, he was just a victim of the unlucky circumstances and he was paying greatly for something that’s not even his fault. He just wanted to have fun. “For real?” Jayler’s voice lightened up. “Yeah.” I nodded and smiled at him. I’m feeling my heart flatter, it’s like I’m doing something right for someone I don’t even know that well. “I mean, if you don’t have anywhere else to go then my place is very much open for you.” I offered my place since I’m always alone anyway and being alone really sucks most of the time. I could use someone to talk
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