Life's Cinematic Soundtrack: Feel Love

(Headphones on pls)

Ext. Train Station - Early morning

Nell stepped off the train at the break of dawn. She was the only one in the station and the silence was deafening enough to pierce through her pulsating earphones. Already she could sense the scent of nostalgia was in the air as it was wafting all over her hometown. It was her first time back since she moved out and pursued a career in the big city. She packed light, a first for her. Perhaps she felt that she didn’t want to bring any excess baggage home. She looked at her phone twice — to check the time and to check if Lavander had already messaged. It was 3:33am and no, there were no messages from Lali. (writer’s note: I was writing this sentence at 2:22am. What are the odds? Amazing.)

She looked around then walked to the nearest exit. She had booked a service to take her to her hotel room. She’d much prefer a hostel or a transient home but they were all fully booked already. It was a holiday weekend after all and she had thought of taking this trip last minute.

Int. Hotel room - Morning

Nell woke up to the sound of the people buzzing with excitement on the streets and in the neighboring rooms. She could tell it was going to be a good day. How good it was going to be was something she had to find out for herself. She still felt an unease in coming home.

The phone rings. She immediately jumped to answer it. It was her sister, Yvette, calling to ask her if she wanted to go to their family home and have breakfast there. She politely declined saying that she already ate and that she’ll see them in the jamboree later that day. Her sister agrees and tells her to drop by their brother’s store to pick up her nephews - Yvette’s kids. Nell ends the call and looks at her messages. Still no word from Lali. She was starting to get the feeling of worry, but she tried to distract herself instead.

Ext. Town plaza - Day

After a quick shower and dress-up, she leaves the hotel and heads to the town plaza but changes her mind last minute when she sees the amount of people in the crowd. She walks aimlessly around the streets of her hometown, quietly remembering and reliving the good memories in her mind. But still, there was a niggling inclination to go to Lali’s house.

Nell: (talking to herself) It’s just around the corner… This is just gonna be quick.

Nell headed to Lali’s house. She knew her family wouldn’t be home because of their fiesta marshall duties, a family tradition since Lali’s grandma took over. But knowing Lali, she wouldn’t join them and would insist that she’d stay home instead. She knocks on the gate of their home. It took a while but Lali finally answered. Nell is surprised but relieved to see her. Lali sighs deeply, opens the gate and invites Nell in.

Int. Living room

They situate themselves on opposite ends of the couch — the distance was swift and cutting. It felt like they were at the opposite ends of the world.

Lali: What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming home.
Nell: I’m here because I wanted to be with you…

Lali folds her arms and looks away.

Lali: I thought we agreed that we weren’t going to do this anymore, Nell. You know… there are plans in place. I want to...
Nell: (looks down) I know... I understand. I just thought that…
Lali: Nell…
Nell: Lali, please, if you could just find it in your heart to stay.
Lali: I can’t, Nell… I don’t want to…
Nell: I’m sorry I'm ruining your plans.
Lali: I thought we were good we —
Nell: I know I know, but I can’t back off without trying to save this, save us.

Lali doesn’t speak. Nell could see the tears form in the corner of her eyes. She wipes them off gently as they begin to fall on Lali’s cheeks. She holds Lali’s hands.

Nell: I hope you felt loved, no matter how short that time you let us be together and have our moments. It was very much real to me as it will ever be.

Nell leans in to kiss Lali then she kisses her forehead.

Nell: Should you ever change your mind, if that will ever happen, you know where I’ll be. I am easy to find… I LOVE YOU.

Nell hugs her tightly then leaves. Lali cries.

[To be continued…]

———

Inspired by the film Love Actually and music from Betty Who and The Beach Boys, Feel Love speaks of a story about a love that is deeply felt and deeply held. Yet, unfortunately, faces certain obstacles that may seem insurmountable. WIll they pursue their rare love and overcome these challenges so their love could flourish or will they maintain the status quo and both live their lives in their own comfort zones?

Betty Who’s Live Acoustic performance:    • Betty Who Performs 'I Remember' & 'I ...  
I Remember: 00 :00-3:44
I Love You Always Forever (cover): 3:45-7:38

The Beach Boys’ God Only Knows (BBC Music):    • God Only Knows - BBC Music  

Music: Feel Love by Lish
Gear: Cameraphone
Editing: Capcut
Location: Parking Lot

Hope you enjoy. Take lots of care pls.
Sending you love, gratitude and healing.