The Groom
1164 Words
When we reached our arch, we faced each other.
"Thank you for accompanying me. If it's not because of you, something might happen to me along the way. Thank you," I sincerely smiled.
He smiled back and replied, "You're welcome."
Nakakatunaw ang mga titig niya. His smiles are trustworthy.
I cut that thought.
Given that I'm inlove but I still don't know him well. No, this illogical mind is unbearable.
"Uhmm, mauna na ako," I said while pointing my back using my thumb.
Tumango siya at hindi pa rin inaalis ang kanyang ngiti kaya lalo akong nagba-blush. Mabuti na lang nakatutok sa baba ang flash at hindi niya mahahalatang namumula na ako.
I faced him my back and after two steps, he called my name so I automatically looked back.
"You're beautiful," malumanay niyang sinabi.
My heart beats faster and faster after hearing it. Suddenly, the lamp post beside us switched on and so we see each other clearly.
I received lots of compliments about my beauty but he hits different. It has an impact, I'm more inlove.
Napakamot siya sa kanyang batok at biglang hindi na makatingin sa akin ng diretso.
Nagsisi ba siya sa sinabi niya?
"I'll go first, goodnight." Mabilis siyang naglakad palayo sa kinatatayuan ko.
I only see the light moving away until lumiko na siya at nawala sa paningin ko.
"Who was that?"
Napapikit ako ng mariin habang sapo ang dibdib ko.
"Kuya, you scared me to death!" I hissed. "What are you doing here?" masungit kong tanong sa kanya habang nauuna sa paglalakad papuntang main door.
"I should be the one to ask the same question. Why are you late? Sino 'yong naghatid sa'yo?" usisa niya ha ang sinusundan ako hanggang kitchen.
"It's just Arlene, okay?" I lied without facing my brother. Mabilis akong kumuha ng baso at nagsalin ng malamig na tubig.
"Arelene? Masyado naman yatang matangkad 'yong nakita ko kanina?" He's trying to capture my eyes pero umiiwas ako habang umiinom.
"Kuya, ano ba? Stop it! Matangkad naman talaga si Arlene. Kung ayaw mong maniwala, bahala ka!" Mabilis akong tumakbo paakyat.
"Kita mo 'tong batang 'to," wika niya.
"Hindi na ako bata!" sigaw ko sa kanya bago dumiretso sa kwarto ko.
I slammed the door while catching my breathe. Not because Kuya might catch me but, Matt is still in my head and my heart is still fluttered.
Butterflies in my stomach make me more red. I coudn't compose myself. I'm too overwhelmed.
With the thought that he might fall in love with me, I sleep peacefully.
Five consecutive loud knocks made me conscious. Nagising akong mabigat ang pakiramdam. I massage my head to somehow lessen the heaviness I feel.
"Camila, wake up. We need to get ready for the wedding," malambing na pagpapaalala ni Mommy.
I closed my eyes firmly and I took a sigh as I get up from my bed.
"Sweetie?" Mom was trying to open the door but it was locked.
I sigh again and replied her, "I'll just prepare myself, Mom."
Without a single word, I heard her footsteps away. Napailing na lamang ako hindi dahil sa bigat na nararamdaman ko sa ulo ko kun'di dahil sa kabila ng ginawa ni Mia sa kuya ko, magawa pa rin nilang suportahan ito sa sarili niyang kasal.
We arrived in the reception, sa hotel rin na pagdadausan ng mismong kasal. I am behind my Mom while walking towards a room told by the receptionist. A make-up artist and two hairdressers are waiting for us.
"Dito po tayo," magalang na pag-assist ng isa sa mga hairdresser. "Ang ganda po ng buhok niyo, tuwid at shiny," dagdag niya.
I half smiled at her through the mirror. For hours, I let them finish their businesses with my head and face.
I glanced at my phone to check the time and it's already past ten of nine. We still have twenty minutes to reach the banquet hall.
"Hello, Amiga! Sa wakas nandito na kayo," Mia's Mom in her joyous tone. Nakipagbeso-beso ito kay Mommy.
I am silently observing around trough my eyes. The theme of the wedding is white and gold. Chairs and tables are white while chandeliers everywhere create a gold color because of bulbs. White flowers are also everywhere and on the low stage where the podium is being placed.
It is quite elegant and romantic but I felt uneasy knowing that this wedding is supposed to be for Mia and my brother.
The banquet server offered me a glass of wine but I refused. "Sorry, I don't drink."
He smiled and thanked me before he proceed to my parents.
"A pleasant morning to everyone," the emcee started to call our attention.
The crowd with their formal attire, they started to face where the speaker is while delivering his introduction.
Lumingon ako sa paligid para sumama kina Mommy pero hindi ko na sila makita dahil sa pagkumpulan ng mga guests sa gilid ng aisle kung saan dadaan ang peste— este bride.
I step backward while holding up the skirt of my white column dress, when I felt a hard thing bumped on my back.
"Opps! I'm sorry!" I reacted the moment I looked at him.
He is just staring at me as if I am facing with the wall— no reaction at all.
His deep eyes are staring into mine.
Wait, this pair of eyes is familiar. I don't know when and where did I exactly seen him but–
"Excuse me," he stated seriously as he passed beside me.
Sinundan ko siya ng tingin na patungo sa harapan, wearing his formal attire that suits him so well. I left my mouth opened as I remember where did I first met him. Sa taniman ng sitaw noong pumunta ako sa bahay nila Arlene. That day also was the second time I met the person I thought of my knight in shining armor.
Someone gently grabbed my wrist. "Where have you been? We're looking for you. The ceremony is about to start. Follow me," Kuya Vin seriously instructed while still holding me.
I rolled my eyes. Kasal na nga ng magaling niyang ex tapos determinado pa rin siyang mawitness ito? Where is his brain, come on? I don't understand love now.
Nang makarating na kami sa harapan, I search for the groom but two men are standing there without facing to my direction that's why I couldn't see their face so I diverted my eyes to Mia while taking the red carpet and holding a bouquet of white peonies.
Tss. May pa-teary eyed ka pang nalalaman. You left my brother just to marry onother man. Vin proposed to you after years of being together but you refused because you're not ready pero wala pang dalawang taon magpapakasal ka na sa iba? Don't blame me for hating you to death. Shame on you.
The moment when one of the two men offered a hand for Mia, my eyes widened and my heart losing its beat.
- Writer
