Broken Strings

"Hi." I put down the book I was reading and looked up at the owner of that voice. I was secretly shocked to see in front of me the madness of the women all over our campus. He sat in the vacant seat in front of me then handed me a long-stemmed rose. "Uh, for you..."The women at another table started whispering again. The canteen was filled with whispering noises."What did Wright see in that woman? I'm better than her, ah.""She charmed our Wright! That bitch!""Girl, you are disgusting. Your saliva is on my arms, look!"I took a deep breath. I have been receiving insults from them for two weeks now. I'm already getting used to it. I stood up and arranged my book. I also put my bag on my shoulder. "Uh, I can't accept that. I'm sorry."I was about to leave when a warm hand grabbed my arm. The women at the other table sighed. The murmur grew louder. I confronted him. He was still holding the rose and looking at me seriously. "'Don't listen to what others

MELISSA QUIZONThe next day, I did not receive a single text from Wright. We are not on campus today because it is Saturday. This is the day that Wright will attend Raquel because it's her brother's birthday. I trust Wright. I know he won't break my trust. To keep negative thoughts out of my mind, I try to do my projects and homework. The midterm is near and I have the scholarship to secure.Even though I kept myself busy with school works, I still waited for his text messages or call until late at night. I couldn't stand it anymore, I called him myself. Minutes before he answered the call, "Babe." I frowned when I noticed the noise in his background. Is his radio on?"Where are you?" I asked coldly. My voice is calm but he gets it. I lay down on the bed and hugged my pillow while the cellphone was on my ear."I don't want to lie to you, Melissa. But—""Hey, Wright! Let's go! Raquel is calling us!" I heard the voice of a man in the backgr

MELISSA QUIZONFour months ago, I surrendered my virginity to Wright. After that, we do it if given a chance. We can’t get enough of it. Even when Wright's preboard examination is approaching, he makes time for us to be together.I hardly get home often because he doesn't want me to be separated from him. So, always lie to Granny that I always do overnight for my thesis and other projects. Wright added wardrobe closets in his room for my clothes and other personal things.But last week, he told me not to come for a while because the water pipe in his unit broke, and he is currently staying at his parent's house. I tapped my fingers on the table while facing my academic books, I can't concentrate and kept looking at my phone."It has been three days, and his phone is still out-of-coverage area," I whispered.I put my head on my hand and sighed deeply.I can't help but be worried about him. When on campus, I can't see him, and he is regularl

MELISSA QUIZONIt has been two days since I was discharged from the hospital. I am always in deep thoughts. It was as if my head was going to explode with so many questions swirling in my brain. When the doctor told me the news, I don't know how to react or feel about it. Will I be happy? Or will I be sad? How can I raise this child if I am this young? I'm Only Nineteen.But, I know, it’s my fault. I was so overwhelmed with the thought that Wright and I would be forever. Maybe, forever’s just a hallucination.Even Grandma was cold to me. Although we are together under the same roof it feels like she is far away. I know I was a disappointment to her. I am not proud of what I did.I hope she is not blaming herself for all my wrongdoings. I don't want her to think that she failed to raise me well. She should not blame herself. I am to blame because I was the one who was wrong, I was the one who loves Wright and believed that his

MELISA QUIZONI was so stupid to give you all my attention. ‘Cause the way you played me. Exposed your true intention. ‘Cause one day I’ll have you beggin’ on your knees for me. Yeah, one day. I’ll have you crawling like a centipede. You mess with me. I’ll mess with her. So, I’ll make sure you get what you deserve. Yeah, one day! You’ll be beggin’ on your knees for me [Song: Beggin’ On Your Knees]"Victory!" Nadine shouted and then she gave us a high-five. "Hello everyone! We are CriMeNaL, we’ve set this stage on fire! Good night!"We are backstage now because we just finished our gig. I put my drumsticks in my bag and then put them on my shoulder. The name CriMeNaL is derived from five female names. ‘Cri’ stands for Crissa, our band leader and vocalist. 'Me' stands for Melissa, obviously, it's me, I'm the drummer. ‘Na’ stands for Nadine, the lead guitarist.