Las Cosas Series #1: Ashes From Our Past

Capitulo Veinteuno

"Thaddeus! Deborah! So, how's your stay in here? Have you roam around?" Salubong ni Mr. Yukimoto sa amin.

Bahagyang napahalakhak si Arturo sa turan ng matanda. "Yes Mr. Yukimoto."

"Good. Can you accompany me on the venue then? I just want to check it. Everything should be perfect, my wife deserves that."

This seventy-year-old Japanese man in front of me is an evidence that true love still exist! He loves his wife so dearly, and the twinkling of his eye by just merely talking about his wife proves it.

Papunta pa lang dito ang asawa ng negosyante, dahil may ginagawa pa raw ito sa manila. Pero pakana pala ito ni Mr. Yukimoto na maging busy ang asawa para maisagawa ang plano at base sa sinabi nito. Wala dawng alam ang asawa sa sorpresa nitong kasal.

Shotgun wedding is indeed a cool surprise. Ang totoo niyan ay may gaganaping kasal mamaya, ikakasal silang muli ng kaniyang may-bahay. I was shocked when I heard it.

Ang akala ng asawa ni Mr. Yukimoto ay magbabakasyon lamang sila dito bilang selebrasyon sa kanilang anibersaryo at may gaganaping lang na kaunting party. Gayun lang 'din ang akala ko but it's a wedding! But upon hearing his last words, it echoed in my mind... "Love your woman like there's no tomorrow." I heard it once

Iyon din ang sinabi ni papá sa kaibigan niya noong dumalo kami sa isang pagdiriwang ilang taon na ang nakakalipas, at noong buhay pa ang mamá. It was indeed a beautiful line coming from the man you love.

Hindi ko na nasundan ang pag-uusap ni Arturo at Mr. Yukimoto nang mahulog ako sa malalim na pag-iisip. Natauhan lamang ako nang may maramdamang kamay sa bewang ko dahilan ng aking pagkapitlag.

"Come on, Beatris..."

Naguluhan ako sa sinasabi nito, ngunit nang makita ko si Mr. Yukimoto na naglalakad paalis ay nakuha ko agad ang nais nitong iparating.

Iginiya ako ni Arturo at sinundan namin ang matanda. Medyo ilang 'din dahil sa pagkakahawak ng katabi ko sa bewang ko. He was holding me firmly and our closeness seems a bit too much. It's like he's wrapping me possessively dahil sa sobrang higpit ng pagkakahawak nito.

Nang makarating sa tabing dagat kung saan ang venue nang kasal ay medyo lumayo ako sa pagkakahawak ni Arturo. Ngunit bigo ako nang lalo lamang ako nitong inihapit papalapit sa kaniya. Ngunit nawala dito ang atensiyon ko dahil sa pagkamangha sa lugar.

The altar was like a bird's cage made out of vines, and it was extended until where the red carpet ends. The altar was more intricately designed than the extension. The cage's vines were added with green leaves and assorted color of flowers.

Ang ganda nito parang dapat ay sa gubat ito idinaos dahil sa disenyo but the sea and the sun made it look perfect.

Alas dos y media pa lang ng hapon at mamayang alas cinco pa idaraos ang kasal. Dadating naman mamayang alas tres si Mrs. Yukimoto. Tamang-tama lang para ayusan ito sa kaniyang kasal.

"What do you think of it?" tanong ni Mr. Yukimoto sa amin habang may malawak na ngiti sa labi.

"It's wonderful Mr. Yukimoto, very exquisite. Your wife will surely love it," sagot ko dito. Ipinalibot ko ang tingin sa paligid. Ang ganda talaga.

"Indeed. It is beautiful, Sir" ani pa ni Arturo.

"Thank you. She loves beach and forest. So I thought of having a forest themed-like on the beach. And the sunset later will complete the set," he explained with a very excited voice.

"Your wife is lucky to have you, Sir." Nabaling ang tingin nito sa akin ngunit naroon parin ang malaking ngiti nito na lalong nagpawala sa kaniyang singkit nang mga mata.

"No, my dear. It's me who's very lucky to have her." Adoration is seen on his face. He must've love her very much.

"Now, now. Let's get you two done. The wedding will start two and a half hours from now."

Bumalik na kami ni Arturo sa hotel para mag-ayos. Naihatid na rin dito ang mga susuotin namin.

Matapos kong gamutin kanina si Arturo bago pa man namin nakausap si Mr. Yukimoto ay nanaig ang katahimikan sa pagitan namin. Buti nalang ay ipinatawag kami ng matanda. Kaya ganun na lamang akong nabigla nang naging clingy ito at hindi nilubayan ng hawak ang bewang o kaya naman ay ang balikat ko.

I heard him mumble something when I was aiding him. I'm sure it was in spanish but it was almost in whispers kaya hindi ko ito naintindihan. And also, I was a bit sleepy when he was hugging me. His chest was very comfortable that it made me want to hug him more but of course I won't do that. Conservative kaya ako.

I'm not that good with make-ups but sure I do know a thing or two. But thank heavens a make-up artist arrived. My savior...

Nasa iisang kuwarto kaming mga babae at inaayusan. From the maid of honor, brides maids, down to the cute flower girls. Habang nasa kabilang kuwarto naman ang mga lalaki. Akala ko'y simpleng bisita lang kami ni Arturo sa kasalan, ngunit ng nilapitan kami ng organizer kanina at pinakiusapan na maging proxy ng mag-asawa na isa sa mga bridesmaid at groomsmen ay pumayag nalang kami.

Na-delay daw ang flight ng dalawa at hindi na makakahabol ngayon.

"Ay, bet, oh! pak na pak ang ganda ni ateng. Chalan ka girl!" I smiled at the make-up artist's remark.

Nang matapos ako ay isununod naman ang iba na lagyan ng kolorete ang mukha.

Nang isinuot ko ang gown ay laking tuwa ko nang magkasiya ito sa'kin. Para bang ako ang sinukatan nang ginawa itong gown.

It's a color purple, three-fourth sleeved off-shoulder gown with a slit. The tail has a darker shade of violet than the upper. It mesmerized me on how it hugged my curves perfectly. My eyes looked fierce and sophisticated because of the light smoky eye-shadow. My cheeks we're even contoured and my hair is on a messy low bun with a loose hair on each side of my face, and a hair dress like those of the godesses on the side of my head to complete my outfit.

Nang matapos kong isinuot ang gown at pagmasdan ang sarili ay lumabas na ako ng C.R at uupo sana sa sofa nang may marahang humila ng kamay ko.

I saw a cute little girl on her fuschia pink gown with a lollipop on her hand. She was pouting while looking at me.

"Ms. Pretty, can you please help me zip my gown. Please...?" She poutily said.

Dahil hindi ako makauklo buhat ng suot ko iginiya ko nalang ang batang babae at nagtungo kami sa sofa, naupo ako roon at pinatalikod and batang nakatayo sa harap ko upang magpantay kami at maayos kong maisara ang zipper nito.

Medyo malusog ito kaya nahirapan din ako ng kaunti sa pagsara ng zipper nito ngunit naisarado naman.

"There, it's done," ani ko.

Humarap ito sa akin at iniluwa sa bibig ang lollipop sabay lahad nito sa'kin.

"Here, sa'yo nalang po ang lollipop ko because you helped me Ms.Pretty. Thank you." Medyo nag-aalinlangan pa ito ng inilahad ang kaniyang lollipop.

"Oh, uhm. You're welcome. You can keep the lollipop." Ayoko nang agawan ang bata ng lollipop kawawa naman kasi ang mukha. Mukhang ayaw talagang ibigay but to show her gratitude ay ginawa nalang.

Bakas ang saya sa mukha nito sa narinig. Lumapit ito sa akin at agad akong niyakap.

"Thank you, Ms. Pretty."

Niyakap ko naman ito pabalik ng may ngiti sa labi. Sapat na ang pagtawag nito sa akin ng Ms. Pretty bilang kabayaran sa pagtulong ko sa kaniya. Ang ganda ng pagpapalaki ng mga magulang nito sa kaniya. Ang honest ng bata.

Maya-maya lang ay natapos na kaming ayusan at may pumasok na staff. Sinabihan kami nitong pumunta sa ground floor ng hotel dahil may kaunting photoshoot na gaganapin. Nakahawak pa'rin sa'kin ang bata na si Agnes— pagpapakilala pa nito sa akin kanina. Nagkuwentuhan kami ng kaunti ng nanay ni Agnes na si Nina na isa 'din sa mga bride's maid nang pababa kami.

"Pagpasensiyahan mo na ang batang 'to Deborah ha.Ang kulit," wika ni Nina sabay pisil sa pisngi ng anak.

"It's ok, Nina. Your daughter's adorable." I chuckled.

Nandoon na pala ang mga lalaki at nauna nang kinuhanan ng litrato. Behind them was a clear glass wall with the view of crystal-like sea.

Inanunsiyo naman ng staff ang pagdating namin na dahilan ng paglingon ng mga kalalakihan sa gawi namin.

Kadalasan sa mga bridesmaid at groomsmen ay nasa edad trenta pataas. May ilan din namang kaedad ko na mga anak, pamangkin o 'di kaya'y mga apo at family friend ng mag-asawa. Si Nina ay ka-edaran ko lang rin.

"Ms. Pretty, look! That handsome guy is staring at you. Yieee--"

"Agnes! Hay nakung batang 'to oh," nanggigil na wika ni Nina na nakatakip ang kamay sa bibig ng anak.

Nilingon ko ang banda kung saan ang mga lalaki at agad naman nagtama ang paningin namin ni Arturo.

He is absolutely stunning in his grey tuxedo that resembles his eyes with a tucked in white polo inside. The three buttons from the neckline were unbuttoned revealing his chiseled chest. Dios Mio!

Tila napaso ako sa titig na iginawad nito kaya nag-iwas na lamang ako ng tingin.

"Okay, gentlemen, it's the ladies turn. Ladies, kindly position yourselves on that spot." The photographer pointed a certain spot. Sumunod naman kami."Yes, yes there," patuloy pa niya.

The photographer asked his assistant to assist us to the position he wanted. Nasa harap ang mga flowergirls habang nasa likod naman kaming mga bridesmaids holding our assorted colored flowers. Nang pagmasdan ko ang ibang mga babae ay napansin kong iba-iba ang istilo ng mga gown namin.

"Okay in count of three, smile. Got it?" Nagtanguan naman kami bilang tugon.

"Alright! Good. 3,2,1. Smile."

The blinding flash of the camera made me blink countless times.

"Ok, nice! Another shot."

Tatlong beses din kaming nagpalit-palit ng pwesto at nag-pose. Nakakangalay ng bibig ang pagngiti.

"Good! Now, gentlemen I want you to go behind your assigned partners. Ladies move a bit away from each other and give a space to your partners. Little boys go beside the flower girls." Isinenyas nito ang kaliwang kamay habang hawak sa kanang kamay ang camera. "Faster, darlings! Faster! The ceremony's about to start."

Nagsilapitan naman ang mga lalaki at pumunta sa kaniya-kaniyang pares. The ladies are smiling from ear-to-war while waiting for their partners. While I remained stiff and unmoving while waiting.

I am having cold feet right now. Goodness! Why am I even nervous?

I kept my sight at the photographer in front of us until I felt a hand caressed my waist. I shivered when I felt a hot breath fanning my ear.

"You look gorgeous, Beatris." I shivered more upon hearing his deep baritone voice.

I cleared the lump in my throat. "Thank you."

Thankfully I didn't stutter.

"Okay. On my cue." The photographer signaled us.

"Smile, Beatris," Arturo whispered.

Para akong mannequin sa photoshoot. I manage to smile though— a bit. Kasalanan 'to ni Arturo, eh. Kung ba't naman kasi bulong ng bulong.

We are currently outside the cage-like venue where the wedding will be held. The white curtains that serves as the door are flowing freely and are blown by wind. Ang gandang pagmasdan ng venue lalo na't sa likod nito ay nakapwesto ang bilugang araw. The sunset made the venue more wonderful.

Nakapwesto na din kami sa labas. When the curtain was moved sideways that was our cue to go inside.

Nakakapit ako sa braso ni Arturo. His biceps are hard. Now I wonder how many times he's gone to the gym.

I was awed by looking around. The sunset rays passed through the small holes of the vines. There were even small birds flying around! It looks so enchanted!

The music played also fits perfectly with the theme making it more magical as we walked the carpet.

Mr. Yukimoto was smiling widely at the side of the altar waiting for his bride. I smiled at him and mouthed "Congratulations". He bowed as a response. Arturo and I walked separately as we reached near the altar.

I see, this is an intimate gathering since kaunti lang ang bisitang nandirito. In my estimation the visitors will not exceed into one hundred people.

We all looked into the doorway and the curtain was closed once again. Then I saw a shadow of a woman standing behind the white cloth. She's here!

The music stopped and an acoustic song was played and a very soft voice sang the theme song of Mr. And Mrs. Yukimoto.

Hindi paman nakikita ang bride ay parang naiiyak na ako.

When the curtains opened I adjusted my eyesight as I saw her silhouette. Moments later, a beautiful aged woman appeared on our sight. Some even gasped. Pinay pala ang asawa ni Mr. Yukimoto. She looks so beautiful.

Her white gown's tail is flowing behind her. She's like a godess walking arounf the forest—telling everyone that she's the queen. Her white hair was down and styled in beach waves and a colorful flower crown in her head. No wonder Mr. Yukimoto loves her so much. She has a very angelic, classy and elegant.

Nang makarating ito sa harap ng altar ay nagtitigan muna sila ng asawa. The old man stared at her adoringly. Love and adoration is seen in his misty eyes. He took her hand and swiftly kissed and led her to the altar.

We were laughing at the whole duration of the mass. Kaibigan pala ni Mr.Yukimoto ang pari and he jested about the couple kung itutuloy pa daw ba Mrs. Yukimoto ang pagpapakasal muli sa asawa, at may oras pa daw siyang magbago ng isip at tumakbo. Leaving us—the visitors laughing. The mass successfully ended. Then the priest announced...

"I now announce you, man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

It was repeated on the hotel venue.

Nag-ingay ang mga bisita gamit ang mga tinidor at kutsara na mahinang tinatama sa kani-kanilang mga wine glass. We're here in the hotel's dining. The giant chandelier is hanging at the center with its sparkling golden bulbs.

Si Mr. at Mrs. Yukimoto naman ay nasa harap kung saan may mini stage.

When they heard the clinking of glasses Mrs. Yukimoto chuckled as her husband kissed her again.

"Single ladies, get ready! It's time for the throwing of the bouquet!" the host announced that earned light scream and giggles from the guests.

Agad nagtayuan ang mga babae at nagtipok sa gitnang bahagi. I was hesitant to stand up but Arturo is dodging me, telling to go and catch the bouquet.

"Come on, Beatris. Tayo na."

"Tss. Walang tayo oy" nakasimangot kong sagot.

"What I meant was stand up."

Annoyed, I stood up and found myself hiding behind these women.

"1,2,3...catch!"

Hindi ko binalingan ng tingin ang bulaklak na ihinagis dahil wala naman talaga akong pakial-- Shuta! Ang sakit ng ulo ko! Pinulot ko ang pumpon ng bulaklak na tumama sa ulo ko.

"Aray ko nama—"

Sh*t! Bulaklak? Ibig sabihin— Agad kong naihagis ang hawak ko sa mga babae na nasa harap ko na para bang isang mainit na patatas ang nahawakan ko kung ihagis ito. Kapwa ding nanlalaki ang mga matang nakatingin sa akin.

"Congrats!"

What?!

"A-ah hindi po! Hindi ko pa 'yan n-nasalo," I eagerly explained while shaking my hands saying that they were wrong.

"Yeah, she didn't even gave an effort for catching it."

Nabaling ang tingin ko sa babaeng nakapula. Naka-krus ang kamay nito. She's tall and has an 'on-fleek' eyebrows and a crimson red lips. But the other women didn't mind what she said. Bagkus, may lumapit pa sa akin na sa tingin ko ay singkwenta anyos na babae. Is she single? Matandang dalaga siguro?

"Hija, tumama sa'yo ang bulaklak. Hindi mo man ito sinalo kusa na itong lumapit sa'yo. It was destined for you! Oh my gosh!" The woman squealed like a teenager being asked by her crush to go on a date. Nakakapit pa ito sa braso ko na parang nagdi-day dream.

"B-but-"

"No buts, Deborah dear. Hihi. Ikaw ang nagwagi!" sabat pa ni Nina at h-in-and shake ako.

Lumapit si Mrs. Yukimoto sa akin at bineso ako. The other ladies congratulated me too except for that girl in red who walked out.

Dios Mio! I c-can't be. I have no plans on getting married yet. Not now! Urgh! Let's just get this over.

"Congratulations to the gorgeous lady right there. Come here, miss."

Lumapit sa akin si Mrs. Yukimoto at tulad noong babae kanina ay kumapit ito sa braso ko at inalalayan ako papuntang stage. Binati pa ako nito.

"Now for the garter! Hmm... Who do you think is the lucky man for tonight? Huh? Huh? Yeehah!" The visitors laughed at the host's remark. While the other guys are shouting their names.

Mr. Yukimoto positioned himself at the stage. His back is facing the gentlemen na medyo nagtutulakan pa.

I'm still dumbfounded at the thought that I have this horrible flower with me. Goodness! And one of these men will put that garter on me a-and then... Dio!

Nang ihagis na ng matanda ang garter ay nagkagulo na ang mga kalalakakihan. Some who are on their seats are cheering for the guys who are now in chaos.

Nagbubugbugan ba sila para sa isang pirasong garter? Pwede ko naman silang bilhan o sila na ang bumili para sa sarili nila.

Nagkakagulo parin ang mga kalalakihan sa isang banda nang may umakyat sa stage. He looks calm not even sweaty. Nasa bulsa nito ang isang kamay habang nasa isang kamay naman ang... g-garter?! How did he? Ibig sabihin walang saysay ang pagkakagulo ng iba doon dahil na'kay Arturo ang garter.

"H-how did you?"

He just shrugged and held my waist.

"At least it was me who caught this. And not just some random dork."

Tinampal ko ang braso nito. Balahura ang bibig.

"Hey, gentlemen! I think you should stop that wala tayo sa wrestling mga bebe at may nanalo na! Pak na pak ang dalawa oh! Lakas makakapit ni koya kay ate, eh."

I think I should put a packing tape on the mouth of this host. Isa pa 'tong balahura, eh.

Nagsiupuan naman na ang lahat at nagpatuloy ang host sa pagsasalita.

"Let's clap our hands to the lucky maiden and gentleman of the night everyone. Let's proceed. Ay!!! Ka excite!" the host giddily said.

" Our gentleman, Mr. Thaddeus should put the garter on the legs of Ms. Deborah using his mouth. Again, you will put the garter on the legs using your mouth, mister. The higher the better." Tumawa ang host ganoon din ang mga bisita. Ako naman ay pulang-pula na sa hiya. "Now let's start!"

I stiffly sat on the chair. 'Relax Deborah it's not as if he'll eat you.'

"Hey, calm down." He chuckled. Aba't?!

Hindi na natuloy ang dapat ay pambabara ko dito nang maramdaman kong hinawakan nito ang isang paa ko. The one that is exposed because of the slit.

Isinuot nito ang garter paloob sa paa ko. Napapitlag ako ng yumuko ito pero agad naman nitong idinantay ang mga kamay sa magkabilang hita ko, for me to steady. He looked at me with his blazing grey eyes bago kinagat ang garter na nag-ani ng hiyawan sa mga tao. I felt his teeth grazing on my skin a little, nanindig ang mga balahibo ko at parang nagtatambol ang puso ko sa kaba. I felt a tingling sensation inside me everytime his teeth and lips grazes on my skin. Walang awat ang kaba ko nang unti-unti nitong itinataas ang garter. 'Goodness, Deborah! calm down.'

Saka lang ako nakahinga ng maluwag nang itigil nito ang garter sa gitnang hita.

We were silent when we got back to our designated seats. Kaninang umaga lang ay naiilang ako dito sa lalaking 'to na nadagdagan pa ngayon.

We were silently watching the family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Yukimoto who are giving their best wishes to them. I was so occupied of my thoughts about what happened a while ago na hindi ko na napansin na wala na pala sa tabi ko si Arturo. Baka nagpunta ng C.R?

Ngunit ilang minuto na ang lumipas ay hindi parin ito bumabalik. I was starting to wonder where he went.

Biglang may dumaan na waiter na may dalang wine. They are roaming around offering wines to the guests. So I took one. I took a sip of it but didn't calm me down. I am starting to get nervous. I'm not anti-social but I can't explain what I'm feeling right now.

I roamed my eyes around the venue when I caught the man that I was so worried of. I see, he's having fun chit chatting with the woman in red earlier.

Kanina pa ba sila nag-uusap kaya hindi siya agad bumalik?

'Hah! Why are you even exerting an effort on thinking about him. Can't you see, Deborah, the man is having fun!'

Tss. I immediately grab my wine glass. I just took a little sip on it earlier but a sip can't help me right now so I gulped the remaining wine as if I'm only drinking a water. The bittertaste of it remained on my mouth.

May mga nagkakantahan na sa entablado dedicating their songs to the newly wed couple. The couple is in the center dancing sweetly. The lights are now somewhat dim giving a romantic vibe. Nang may dumaang waiter ulit na may dalang tray ng wine ay kumuha na naman ako ng panlimang glass ko.

Akala niya siya lang ang pwedeng magsaya? I'm also faving fun here, umiinom ng tubig— este wine. Medyo umaalon na ang ang paningin ko ngunit kaya ko pa naman. Hindi parin bumabalik sa tabi ko ang hudyo at nagsasaya pa sa pakikipag-usap sa babaeng dugo. She looks like a villain in her outfit, really. Langgamin sana kayo.

I can't stop myself from having bad thoughts about them. Ano bang nangyayari sa'kin?

Nang ibaling kong muli ang paningin ko sa mag-asawa ay nakita kong hindi na lamang sila ang nagsasayaw, kundi pati in ang mga anak nito kasama ang kani-kanilang may-bahay. Sumunod naman ang ibang mga bisita. I was having my 6th glass of wine when a man approached me. He looks like he's in his mid-20's.

"Good evening, I'm Nathan. Can I have a dance with you, my lady?"

Straightforward. I showed him my wine glass and chuckled. My knees are wobbly when I stood up. It was shaking a little but I still manage to take his hand. Nagpunta kami sa gitna na naging dance floor na may mga mag-asawa at magkasintahan na nagsasayawan.

The song has a sweet melody.

Nang makarating kami sa gitna ay agad nitong pinalibot ang mga kamay sa aking bewang. Ako nama'y nakahawak sa kaniyang balikat na kalauna'y napunta sa kaniyang leeg. It's like I'm hugging him, we're hugging each other. I giggled. I'm still not drunk right? But why am I seeing two Nico—err... What was his name again? Niel, Niall, Nomer? No, it's Na... Na--- Nate. Ugh! whoever he is.

"When I saw that you we're the one who caught the boquet, I was persistent to get the garter. But sadly, I didn't." I didn't reply, instead I just stared at him.

He's good-looking and he smells good. I kept my face on his neck, sniffing him. His smell is making me drowsy. He's still talking but I can only hear faint sounds and my lids are getting heavy.

Ngunit ganon nalang ang pagkagulantang ko nang may humila sa'kin and I ended up on a chest.

Hmm...pamilyar ang bango niya at mas malapad ang dibdib niya kaysa kang Norman. I nuzzled on his neck but I'm hearing a loud beat. Where does it come from? The sound was like "dugdug-dugdug" I haven't heard that song before. Ano bang title niyan? Anong genre? Sino ang singer?

Maya-maya lang ay narinig kong parang may nag-uusap tapos ay may humila ulit sa akin. And I just found myself being pulled by someone, away from the party.

"Mister, I want wine... Give me wine," I said then I burped.