The First Guy Who Made Her Fall In Love

Forty: Forever.

Gumising na ako sa kama ko at nag-ayos papunta sa work ko.

I'm a psychologist.

Naalala ko, it's my birthday today! I'm 25!

Dahil excited ako, nagpatugtug ako ng songs habang nagsho-shower.

Bumaba na ako at nakita si mama. "Happy birthday nak!" aniya at tumakbo ako papunta sakanya at niyakap ako.

"Thank you, ma." aniko. "Kain ka na. Hinandaan ka namin ng ate Rica mo ng favorite food mo!" aniya.

"Thank you talaga ma! Thank you ate Rica!" aniko. "Walang anuman, sis. Para sa'yo." aniya at ngumiti.

"Happy birthday! Ang tanda mo na talaga." nilingon ko si kuya at nang-aasar nanaman. "Naku, mas matanda ka!" aniko.

Sabay-sabay kaming lahat kumain nang may biglang kumatok sa pintuan. Binuksan ito ni mama at ang nakita ko ay ang matandang lalaki na parang kasing edad lang ni mama na may dalang bouquet.

"Yiee, si mama." ani Ate Rica. Pumasok ang lalaki. "Uhm, mga anak, manliligaw ng mama niyo." aniya. "Siya nga pala si Francisco." aniya.

"Naks nameeen." aniko.

••

Naka-blindfold ako ngayon at kasama ko si Sydney. "Syd, saan mo ba kasi ako dadalihin?" tanong ko. "Hintay lang, malapit na tayo." aniya.

Tinanggal niya ang blindfold ko at sinorpresa ako ng mga kaibigan ko. "Happy birthday!" sabay-sabay nilang sabi at napangiti naman ako.

Hawak-hawak ni Sara ang cake at nilapit ito sa akin. "Make a wish." aniya. I closed my eyes.

I wish... maging masaya na kaming lahat.

I opened my eyes again and blew the candle. Pumalakpak silang lahat.

Nagpakita naman si Jeremy at bigla siyang lumuhod sa harapan ko. Hinawakan niya ang dalawa kong kamay.

"Mica, I can't believe umabot tayo dito." aniya at may nilabas. It's a small red box.

He opened it and I saw a ring inside. I was surprised.

"Will you be my wife? Will you be the mother of my future kids? Will you marry me?"

"Yes! I will be your wife, I will be the mother of our kids and I will definitely marry you, Jeremy!" sagot ko sa lahat ng tanong niya.

Sinuot niya sa akin ang singsing at niyakap ako ng sobrang higpit. Namumuo ang luha ko at alam kong tears of joy ito.

•••
[A Thousand Years by Cristina Perrie playing]

I walked down the aisle and saw my friends noong highschool 'till college and 'till work.

My titos, titas, auntie and uncles. My grandma and grandpa. My sister with her husband. My brother with his wife. My mom with her new beloved husband.

Then, I saw Jeremy. He's right there, smiling widely as I walk.

I saw his mother and father who is happy to see their son's future wife.

Nakadating na din ako at mas nakita ko pa si Jeremy ng malapitan. "You're so gorgeous today, my bride." aniya.

"You're so handsome today, my groom." aniko.

And the wedding starts.

•••

Me and Jeremy are now dancing through the song, Perfect by Ed Sheeran.

"I like your wedding dress, baby." he whispers. "Thank you." I said.

"Hindi talaga ako makapaniwala na aabot tayo sa ganto." aniya. "Me too."

"Now, I can have you forever."