My Runaway Bride

iv

"Wow! That's a great news, Roni! As much as I want to, you know naman na hindi pwede. I'm gonna be Mrs. Fontanilla." Natutuwang sabi ko para sa kanya.

"Yup! That's our college dream, right? Be well-known architects in Big Apple. How about you?" Balik na tanong sa kanya ni Roni.

"I'm glad na you will be living our dream, Roni. After Adrian's proposal, I decided to pursue my masters degree here in the Philippines. And after the wedding siguro, I'm gonna help Kuya with our firm," aniya.

"I still wish that all your goals about being a successful architect will come true, B. I know Adrian will support you all the way."

"Hindi ko pa nasasabi sa kanya ang plans ko. We're still busy for the wedding preparations and siya din sa hotels nila."

"Tell him your plans when he's not busy, B."

"Yes, I will. By the way, are you free next week? We have a schedule for our gown fitting for the wedding. Pupunta ang staff na pinadala ni Michael Cinco sa bahay. Doon na lang daw tayo sukatan," sabi ko sa kaibigan na takam na takam sa kanyang pasta.

"My calendar's free. Pang Michael Cinco din ang beauty ng best friend mo! Siyempre hind dapat pahuhuli ang gown ng magiging maid of honor mo, 'no!" Nae-excite na sabi nito.

"Mom and Tita Diana insisted it. I've met Michael naman na, and he designed some of my previous gowns sa mga past gatherings na pinuntahan namin ni mama. He's that good. Sa mismong wedding day siya pupunta para siya mismo ang mag-aasikaso sa akin." I smiled while answering.

"The renowned designer will grace the wedding of the year!" Napapalakpak na dagdag ni Veronica.

"Wedding of the year ka diyan!" Saway niya, kasi napalingon ang ibang mga tao sa kanilang direction pagkasabi ni Veronica.

"Totoo naman di ba? The socialite princess and the dashing hotelier." Parang hindi alintana ni Veronica ang ginawang pagsaway sa kanya ng kaibigan.

Hinayaan niya na lang ito at ipinagpatuloy ang pagkain. Tinaas niya lang ang kanyang paningin ng may makita siyang babae na nakatayo sa gilid ng table nila.

"Beatrice! Veronica! It's nice seeing the two of you here." Bati ng isang matangkad at tsinitang babae.

"Annika!" Sabay pa nilang sabi ni Roni.

"When did you arrive? I thought you're in Spain." Masayang sabi ko.

"I just arrived last week. And I heard that you're engaged to Adrian, ha. You two make a great couple." Sabay beso nito sa kanya.

"Yes, she is. So how's Spain?" Tanong ng kaibigan ko.

"I'm based in Barcelona, and I fell in love with the city! The architectural structure of the buildings there are beyond impressive. Lalong lalo na ang Sagrada Familia!" Walang humpay na kwento ni Annika.

"You know, Barcelona is in one of my bucket lists," pahayag ko.

"If you have time in the future, you visit me there. Bring Adrian or Veronica with you. Better yet, doon na lang kayo mag honeymoon. Sobrang ganda ng place." Patuloy na chika ni Annika.

Tipid na lang na ngiti ang isinukli niya sa babae. Annika Sy is a year ahead sa kanila ni Veronica sa university. Naging close silang tatlo because they belonged to the same organization during their second year. She has a brilliant mind, kaya hindi nakakapagtaka na kinuha siya ng isang malaking firm sa Barcelona right after she became a registered architect. Siya yata ang pinakabatang arkitekto sa kanilang firm.

"Before I go, I want to invite you to our exhibit on the end of this month. It will be held in SMX Convention Center. Kung may free time kayo, daan kayo doon." At binigyan sila nito ng kanyang calling card.

"Sure, thanks Annika!" Sabi ko. Hindi naman ito nagtagal kasi may other appointment pa daw ito.

"Sobrang successful na ni Annika no, and to think na she's just turning 23." May paghangang sabi ni Veronica.

"Yeah," she said absent-mindedly. Nagbayad na sila, and nag aya na rin akong umuwi na kami ni Roni.

While Veronica's driving, a thought occurs on my mind. I have a lot of goals in life, and isa na doon ang makilala sa larangan ng pagiging arkitekto. This is my passion, and the fire is burning brightly in my heart. I guess, it's time that Adrian and I have a talk. Napapangiti na lang ako sa naiisip ko.

"B, dito ka na." Basag ni Roni sa kanyang pagmumuni muni.

"Thanks, Roni! I enjoyed our bonding sesh! Don't forget next week ha. Drive safely!" Paalam ko sa kaibigan.

"Thank you, din! Please send my regards to Tita and Jon!" Paalam na din nito na may pahabol pa na flying kiss.

Pumunta na ako sa kwarto ko, dala dala pa din sa aking isip ang mga planong pilit na nabubuo.