Forget-Me-Not

1

It was summer of April, 2018. Nang una kong nakilala si Dominic. He was a tall, dark and handsome guy with a witty charming personality. Very nice and approachable. He was the essence of a true gentleman. Madaling pakibagayan at hindi mahirap na pakisamahan.

He's easy to laugh with. Kaya ang daling nahulog ng loob ko sa kanya. Bago ko pa na-realize kung ano ang nangyayari sa akin, I was deeply, madly and crazily falling in love with him.

Nang ligawan niya ako, daig ko pa iyong lumipad sa buwan pabalik ng earth sa sobrang saya. I was literally floating in cloud nine ng mga sandaling iyon. Hindi na ako nagpakipot pa, why would I do that when he's kneeling in front of me and asking me to become his girlfriend. Nang oras ding iyon, sinagot ko siya.

Dominic was the perfect boyfriend. Maalalahanin, hindi niya nakakalimutan 'yong mga importanteng araw like birthdays at anniversaries. He never breaks his promises. He's sweet and considerate. Hatid-sundo niya ako sa school since we were in high school hanggang sa nag-graduate kami sa college. Wala na akong mahihiling pa.

He was very supportive in whatever I do. A great listener and my shoulder to cry on. Sa mga araw na malungkot ako o depress, he would pull me into his arms to soothe and comfort me. Kakantahan niya ako ng kahit anong love song kahit na tunog-sintunado ang boses niya. He would swept me away in his arms and we'd dance into a slow rythmn na kaming dalawa lang ang nakakarinig.

On a sunny day, namamasyal kami sa kung saan-saan. A long walk on the beach while watching the setting sun. A stroll in the park with a blanket and a picnic basket. Friday nights are always reserve for our movie date. Kapag may mga espesyal na okasyon, he would surprised me with a candlelight dinner for two o ipagluluto niya ako ng pagkain kahit na hindi siya marunong magluto.

We never quarrel, kung mayrooon man kaming pinag-awayan o hindi pinagkasunduan, he was always the first one to talk and apologize kahit hindi naman siya ang may kasalanan.

Sa bawat segundo, oras, araw, buwan at taon na lumipas, everytime I saw his smiling face, I just couldn't help but fall for him everyday. Hindi ko kayang ma-imagine ang buhay ko na wala siya.

Then finally, after ten years of dating. He proposed to me. Hindi iyon isang surprised wedding proposal. There were no bouquets, music or a dinner date. It's just him, me and the ring. It was under a sky full of stars. He looked into my eyes, inabot niya ang kaliwa kong kamay. And without batting an eyelash, he slid the ring on my ring finger and he slowly spoke, asking me the magic words.

"Will you marry me?"

I couldn't find the right words to say or how to describe my feelings. Ni hindi ko nga nagawang tumili para ipakita kung gaano ako kasaya ng mga oras na iyon. I felt my heart expanding with so much joy. Then with warm tears drizzling on my cheeks, I slowly leaned forward to kiss him on his lips.

"Yes, I'd love to marry you."

"I love you so much, Arian." He tenderly whispered behind my ear.

Iyon na yata ang pinakamasayang gabi ng buhay ko. I'm so happy I could die.

It took us three months to prepare for our wedding. From choosing the right wedding venue and reception hall, to making a guest list, sending of invitation cards and search of wedding supplies. There was a lot of food tasting, dress fitting here and there and of course the much anticipated wedding reheasals.

The last day of our wedding rehearsal came. Pareho kaming kinakabahan at masaya. Kinabukasan na ang araw na pinakahihintay naming dalawa, ang araw na magsasama na kami nang panghabambuhay. For better or for worst, till death do us part. Sobra-sobra ang kaba ko habang naglalakad sa gitna ng aisle. Dominic was giddily nervous too while solemnly standing at the end waiting for me to come into his arms.

Tumigil ako sa harapan niya at inilahad ang kanan kong kamay. He gently grab my hand and then without a warning he suddenly collapsed right in front of me.

"Dominic..." usal ko habang hindi makapaniwala. "What's happening?"

Everyone was screaming, pero parang wala akong narinig. Shocked, nanatili lang akong nakatayo na parang estatwa. Everybody was in a state of panic. May sumisigaw ng tulong at ambulansiya.

Nagbaba ako ng tingin at nakita ko ang nakahandusay na katawan ni Dominic sa aking paanan. Tears suddenly swelled into the corners of my blurried eyes.

"Dominic!" Malakas ko siyang niyugyog. "God please, gumising ka!" I was crying hysterically when someone pulled me away from him. Nagpumiglas ako. I want to be with him. I can't leave him like this. Gusto kong malaman kung ano ang nangyari sa kanya. I ran towards him. Ngunit bago pa ako nakalapit, bigla na lang nagdilim ang buong paligid.

to be continued...