DRIFTED TO 1935

I sighed, trying to calm myself. I smiled as I opened the car door. The church I was about to enter greeted me warmly. Two people stood by the doors holding c***k handles, waiting for my signal to open. They both gave me wide smiles. Celine first fixed the end of my wedding gown before I continued walking. I took a deep breath and looked around—Dad wasn’t there yet. Even though I was nervous, I smiled. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. There was an accident on the northbound road, so I got delayed," Dad said, panting as he held his chest. "It's okay, Dad. I understand," I replied. "Let's go." Dad fixed himself up and smiled at me. I approached him and leaned my head on his shoulder. His eyes looked blankly at me. I gave him a reassuring smile. Tears welled up in his eyes. He tapped my head. "I'm a big girl now, Dad. So don’t cry like a baby boy," I joked. He laughed and wiped his tears. "You’re not our baby anymore." He pouted "Don't worry. I'm with the right man, Dad." He smiled. We signaled the door attendants to open the doors. A wide aisle revealed itself to us. Everyone I saw was smiling. Dad and I walked slowly as I smiled at those present. My friends waved at me, and widely smiled. I smiled and waved back. I couldn’t see the exhaustion in their eyes from all the wedding preparations. Thanks to them, everything went smoothly. "Unfortunately your mom couldn’t be here." Even though he smiled, I saw the sadness in his eyes. "Mom’s happy too. She’s watching us from above." "She is." Dad smiled again. "Your turn," he said to Rome. A big smile appeared on the face of the man standing before me. The challenges we faced had finally paid off. I would never tire of looking at his face. He was there through my ups and downs. He lifted me. We held each other’s hands and walked toward the priest. We sat on a bench. Listening to the homily—it was music to my ears. The priest continued to preach the Gospels. It sounded even more beautiful because I was with my soon-to-be husband—Rome. It was such a great blessing from God to be given a partner like him: handsome, kind, and responsible. He wasn’t the total package—he wasn’t that intelligent—but just enough. Still, it was his courage that captured my heart. I honestly don’t know how I really fell for him. He wasn’t my type. I preferred a man full of wisdom. But even though Rome wasn't like that, I saw his sincerity to learn. His accountability—that was a plus for me. Now, he’s proven he’s worth it. And so am I. “Please stand,” the priest instructed. We stood up, holding hands. We stared at each other. Moments later, tears formed from his eyes. He tried to stop it, but they still rolled down in his cheeks. He wiped them with his clenched fist. "You may now say your vow." With shaking hands, he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. “Where is it?” he said. I smiled at his gesture. “I’ll wait. Just keep looking.” He smiled back at me. “I don’t need the script anymore. It’s right in front of me—you’re here.” He pointed his chest. I felt my cheeks warm. I could feel them round with the smile his words caused. This is why I fell for him. His sweet words melted my heart. He looked at me. “Sorry, I forgot the script,” he joked, though I knew he’d memorized his vow. "Alyss, my dearest love..." I smiled even more, even though his tone was a bit cheesy. "You’re the only woman who cared about me. You made me feel special, even when I was a bottom student in our class. You never gave up on teaching me, even though you’re not a teacher. I’m so thankful for you. Because of you, I finally graduated after seven years in college. You were patient. And most of all, you are the first and last woman I will ever love." He paused, wiped his sweat in his forehead. "Even if we end up in another world. Even if I’m born again, I’ll still look for you. Because you are here.” He pointed to his heart. “You filled this. I offer myself to you. I won’t hurt you. I will care for and love you with all my heart. My mind may tire, but not my heart. Alyss Montero, I love you.” He wiped another tear that had fallen. "Your turn. You may now say your vow," the priest uttered. "Rome, Love, I’m really grateful that you became my partner. You weren’t my ideal man at first, but you proved that love is unpredictable. The heart cannot be dictated. You’re the bravest and most courageous man I’ve met. Even though Dad didn’t approve of you at first, you proved that you could change. You didn’t just court me—you courted my Dad as well." I clear my throat as my voice stared to c***k. "You showed courage. You didn’t give up through all the trials. I appreciated all of that. I liked it. And eventually, I fell in love with you. You embraced me. You helped me a lot, especially when I was down. You're like a hot air balloon—you carried me. You made me realize that sometimes, we must listen to our hearts. You're the greatest blessing I’ve received. Thank you, Rome. I love you." I wiped my eyes. I cried. Rome came closer and used his handkerchief to dry my tears. He hugged me tight. We continued with the wedding ceremony. The priest shared more words from what he heard. He praised both Rome and me. He said many more things. The priest opened another page of his Bible. He cleared his throat before speaking. “Love is not just a word to be spoken, but a vow—a promise that in both hardship and joy, it will remain whole. Rome and Alyss, you are an example of a love that never gives up. A love that is not perfect, but shaped by time, strengthened by prayer, and guided by God.” Rome and I held hands again. I felt his fingers twitch. I tightened my grip to let him know I was here—not just now, but for the rest of our lives. “Now,” the priest continued, “in the presence of God, your families, and friends, you are now husband and wife. Rome, you may now kiss your bride.” We looked at each other. For a few seconds, time seemed to stop. All the nerves, exhaustion, and doubt were replaced with the sweetest smile. He leaned down and gently kissed me. Someone shouted from the back. “Yiee!” followed by applause from my friends. “Took you long enough!” yelled Celine, my best friend. “Long live the newlyweds!” the priest declared. Rome and I laughed with our foreheads touching. After that, we walked to aisle sorrouded by our family and friends. The environment was full of cackles. We continued to walked untill we reach outside. An acoustic band played lively music. Petals flew through the air as friends and family came to greet us one by one. “Congrats!” my older brother said while giving me a hug. “Welcome to the family,” Dad said as he gave Rome a firm pat on the shoulder. I smiled. At last, Dad had fully accepted him. We walked toward the car while the camera followed us. I looked back at the church—I didn’t want to leave just yet. That was where our new chapter began. “Are you ready, Mrs. Fernandez?” Rome asked, looking at me while holding open the bridal car door. “More than ready, Mr. Fernandez,” I replied, smiling. I stepped into the car. Through the window, I saw the smiling faces of the people I loved. Beside me was Rome—the man I chose, the man I will continue to choose every day. As the car drove away, I felt that this wasn’t just the beginning of a new life, but of a deeper story—of togetherness, of sacrifice, and above all, of true love.