When The Rain Fell, So Did I

Epilogue

Did Cinderella live happily ever after?

***

SAMANTHA

"I’m nervous," I said to Mich, who was busy fixing her makeup while I nervously paced around, walking in circles.

I was wearing a white dress adorned with flowers at the bottom. Despite its length, I managed to walk around, even though I could trip at any moment.

This is how it feels... this is how it felt before.

"I know you're nervous. My mom felt the same when she was getting married. But can you please stop walking around? You'll ruin your makeup, and you'll start sweating. You’ll look haggard, and what if he changes his mind because of that? Do you want that?" Mich teased while applying her eyeliner.

I’m getting married today, and my heart is pounding with nerves. What if he doesn’t show up? What if he tells me he doesn’t love me anymore and doesn't want to marry me?

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, and sighed. A small smile appeared on my face when I remembered what he always tells me whenever I feel insecure about myself.

"You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met."

That thought calmed my nerves, little by little.

"Sammy, Kristoff’s here. He’s the one driving you to the church."

I looked at Mich, surprised.

"Wait, I thought Kristoff was supposed to drive you?" I asked, adjusting the veil on my head.

"Change of plans," she said simply. "Your soon-to-be-husband threatened us. He said if anything happens to you, he’ll make us regret it. He’s worried someone might kidnap you or something. You two are paranoid. Jeez."

"I’m not paranoid, I’m just being careful," I defended myself.

"Yeah, same thing," she shrugged. "Anyway, I’ll head to the church now, okay?"

"Why don’t you come with me and Kristoff?" I suggested.

She smiled. "I don’t want to ruin your church trip by dragging along my problems with your brother."

Then she walked out. Oh, I forgot to mention: Mich is my bridesmaid, and my brother is the best man.

I quickly touched up my makeup and headed downstairs to where my brother was waiting.

"Kristoff," I called, and he turned around.

His jaw dropped when he saw me. But it wasn’t his surprise that I noticed first—it was the puffiness in his eyes.

"Did you cry?" I asked.

"Cry? Huh? No," he denied, but it was obvious he had.

"Don’t lie, Sammy. He definitely cried. He’s going to miss you, you know?" Mich’s voice came from the side.

I turned and saw Mich sitting on the sofa, looking casual. "Wait, I thought you were heading to the church?" I asked, confused.

She smiled mischievously. "I just wanted to comfort your brother for a bit before I leave. That’s all."

I looked at my brother again and saw his smile had returned, wider than before.

"Do you still love Mich?" I asked quietly.

He paused, smiling at me. Then he walked towards the car, white with flowers at the front.

"Let’s go. She might be waiting," he said, smiling.

I sighed deeply before getting into the car.

Men, they are always so complicated.

***

As our wedding theme song played in the background, I didn’t know if I wanted to cry or smile.

I walked down the aisle with my brother by my side. I was filled with mixed emotions.

I glanced around and saw my friends, classmates, theater club members, and relatives, all proud and looking at me. Some were smiling, while others were crying. Especially Mich, who just moments ago acted so tough.

She’ll miss me too, that silly girl.

I smiled when I saw Diane sitting in the front row. Her face showed she was trying to hold back tears.

I looked at the person sitting next to her. He smiled and gave me a thumbs-up, so I smiled back.

"Colline, I’ll miss you," my brother said, holding my hand gently.

"I’ll miss you too."

And then, he placed my hand in the hands of the man standing before me.

My soon-to-be husband.

"As time passes, you only get more beautiful," he smiled.

"Stop with the flattery," I teased, and we walked towards the priest hand in hand.

***

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the priest declared.

Slowly, he lifted the veil from my face and gently leaned in to kiss me. But just before his lips met mine, he whispered softly:

"I love you, Mrs. Natividad."

I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his words.

"I love you too, Mr. Slade Natividad."

FLASHBACK

"I love you too."

He was about to hug me when I quickly pulled away.

"Samsam?" he asked, confused.

"I love you, King. And because I love you, I don’t want to see you suffer," I said with a smile.

I pulled out the paper from my pocket and showed it to him. His face turned pale when he saw what I was holding.

"How... how did you get that?" he asked, his voice trembling.

"It fell from your pocket. Your company is going bankrupt, King. And only Diane... she’s the one who can help you save everything you’ve worked for," I said with a forced smile, though deep inside, I wanted to cry.

It was a painful sacrifice.

"Now, I’m letting you go."

After that, I distanced myself. I didn’t hear anything about Diane and King after that. I changed my life, moved away from everything that would hurt me.

But Slade, he was the one who healed my heart.

He found me in the province. And there, we became the best of friends.

Then... he fell in love with me. And I fell for him too.

***

And after that, I kissed him passionately.

We broke apart when everyone began applauding.

"How embarrassing," I laughed, and he pinched my cheek.

"Why are you shy? What about our honeymoon later?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Heh!" I playfully hit him on the shoulder for that comment.

Then I looked again at Diane’s seat, where Chester was clapping enthusiastically.

I could see the joy in his eyes as he looked at his sister, who was now so happy.

Slade had invited them. That’s when I learned that Diane and Chester had been married for two years and now had two children.

"Did Cinderella live happily ever after?"

Yes. I live happily ever after.

Because I know Chester is happy now. And there, I found my own happiness.

Slade and I walked out of the church, and as we approached the car, I saw a familiar umbrella—one I hadn’t seen in years.

The same umbrella that I had used when Chester kissed me in the rain.

And that... that was the last memory I had of him.

When the rain fell, so did I.

I never thought that someone could bring me so much happiness and pain at the same time. Being with Chester, despite forgetting memories with him for years, were going to be the best times of my life.

Despite the pain I felt, I was still glad for him as he broke down my walls, and let him enter my life again.

He gave me love and courage to face everything despite the circumstances. To smile despite feeling the fear. To love and give your all, and feel the pain in between.

As much as it isn't all good experience, that situation was the exact reason why I'm here now, with Slade, the love of my life.

The rain that night might have brought us together, but it doesn't mean we'll be with each other as we continue our paths.

And still, I'll forever be grateful to him for loving me the way I am, and making me realize my worth.

"I hope you're happy now, Chester," I said, tears streaming down my eyes.

Because I’m happy now, with Slade.

Despite the heartbreaks and our cruel fate, I found true love, something I never thought I’d find again.