Heartbeat of the Sunrise

46

The newy-wed couple marched through the red carpet towards the center stage. Sumabog at nagliparan ang mga confetti na nanggaling sa ceilings ng bulwagan. Romantic songs played as they, hand in hand, glanced each other and smiled.

Bridget's aunt stood like a monarch queen with her long-trained veil and white wedding gown laced with swarovski crystals.

My future self with the same scenario played on my mind.

Will I be happy in the arms of Jonathan when it will be my turn?

I shouldn't dream of anything or anyone else right now. Now that he he's slowly being on my reach.

The song 'Nothing's Gonna change My Love For You' filled the hall with more romance. Natapos ang kanta pero wala pa ring kahit anino ni Jonathan na dumating.

Still, I waited.

"Nasaan na ang ex mo?" tanong ni Ruby nang magsimula kaming kumain.

"D-Darating din 'yon. Baka na-traffic lang."

Dumungaw si Ailee sa bintana ng 50th floor.

"Maluwag ang daloy ng trapiko," aniy sabay subo ng steak.

I never spoke again and focused on the food in front of me.

The couple started to dance while the visitors offered their gifts to them.

Bumuntong-hininga na lang ako. Natutulala kong sinilip ang mga bisita sa rim ng wineglass at pinaglaruan gamit ang daliri. Sigurado na ako sa gagawin ko kaya hindi na pwedeng baliin ni Jonathan ang pangako niya!

Hanggang sa natapos na lang ang dinner, wala pa ring Jonathan na dumating.

"Tara na! Malay mo, masalo mo ang bouquet! sali na kasi tayo!"

Hinila ako ni Ruby papunta sa stage ngunit nagpumiglas ako. She faced me again and sighed.

"Wala pa si Jonathan, hihintayin ko muna siya." I gave a tired smile.

"Tingin mo, pupunta pa siya? The program is running halfway at wala nang matinong bisita ang pupunta nang ganitong oras!"

"Go and enjoy yourselves! I'll wait for him here!"

"No," mariin niyang sinabi. "You'll enjoy this party."

Nagpatianod ako at wala nang nagawa. All of them were shouting and jumping in joy but for me...

I remained confused.

Isang punta mo lang dito, Jonathan. One step further and I'll say yes to you.

I'm in a race against time and my heart so don't you ever let me down this time!

Kanya-kanya nang hilera ang mga bridesmaids at malalapit na kaibigan para sa bouquet toss. Nawalan ako ng ganang makisali ngunit wala na akong nagawa.

Bridget's aunt, Maddie, stood up in front of us, holding the bouquet made of sunflowers and red roses.

Tinangkang itapon ni Ate Maddie ang bulaklak kaya napasigaw kaming lahat! Malakas na tawanan ang nangibabaw pagkatapos.

"The new! Miss Universe is..." pagbibiro ni Ruby at nagsigawan na naman ang lahat nang itaas ng bride ang bouquet!

I didn't aim to catch it anymore. Nagtaasan ang kanilang bisig ngunit napawi rin nang ibaba ni ate ang kamay niyang hawak ang bulaklak.

But she suddenly threw it up in the air! Nang dahil sa reflex ay nailahad ko rin ang palad. Laking gulat ko nang bumulusok papunta sa akin ang bulaklak!

It landed on my fucking palm! I didn't even got a hold of it... and still, it made a way to my hand!

Natahimik ang lahat habang nakatingin sa akin. Pati sina Ailee at Ruby ay hindi nakaimik. May ibang laglag ang panga at tulala pang nakatitig sa bulaklak.