Note: Unedited
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"Huh...?"
"Humihinga ka pa ba, Ivo?"
"Anong..." he trailed off, still looking at me with wide eyes.
I smiled at him. "Ang sabi ko, will you marry—"
"Teka, teka!" pigil niya kaagad sa akin. "Ako dapat ang magtatanong n'yan, eh!"
"Eh ang bagal mo!" I laughed.
Ivo groaned in frustration. "Saglit lang, Raya!"
"Ano, magpapakasal ka ba sa akin o hindi?" I teased him, faking an impatient voice.
"Magpapakasal, syempre!" sagot niya kaagad. He looks stressed. I want to laugh out loud. "Kahit saang simbahan pa!" Ivo turned to the chapel near us. "Magpakasal tayo ngayon..."
It was my turn to drop my jaw. I stared at Ivo, my eyes widening.
"Naiwan ko ang singsing sa condo pero..." nagpalinga-linga siya. iniwan ako ni Ivo at dali-daling lumapit sa mga bulaklak malapit sa bato. Pumitas siya ng iilang santan at pinagdikit-dikit ito. He showed me the little ring of flower, slightly damp from the rain last night. "Ito muna...mamaya na yung totoong singsing."
"Seryoso ka ba?" nilapitan ko si Ivo.
He grinned, reaching for my hand and pressing a gentle kiss. Kasabay nun ang pagluhod niya sa harapan ko.
"Sereia, will you marry me?"
Tears trickled in my eyes. I blinked back my tears and scowled at him.
"Madaya ka! Tinanong na kita, eh!"
Ivo laughed, shaking my hand a little. "Ako kasi dapat ang magtatanong..."
I sniffed, my lips trembling. "Sinira mo ang moment. Tanong mo ulit."
Tumawa ulit si Ivo, nakaluhod pa rin. "Pakakasalan mo ba ako?"
I nodded, finally crying. Ivo gently placed the santan ring into my finger and pulled me into a hug. He leaned closer to capture my lips and seal his proposal with a kiss. Hindi rin yun nagtagal dahil hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at sabay kaming naglakad patungo sa kapilya.
"Magpapakasal?" gulat na tanong sa amin ng madre. We wandered around the chapel and saw a nun sitting under the tree with the child earlier. "Ngayon?"
"Opo sana..." Ivo politely said.
Ipinaglipat-lipat niya ang tingin sa aming dalawa. "May witness ba kayo?"
"Kayo po sana."
The Carmelite sister stared at us, scrutinizing. For a moment, I was afraid that the magic would end and she'd say no. But her face softened.
"Mga bata talaga..." narinig kong bulong niya. "Nanananghalian pa si Father, pero pwede ko siyang kausapin. Makakapaghintay pa ba kayo?"
Tumango si Ivo. "Salamat po, sister."
She nodded and left us. Tiningnan naman kami ng bata mula kanina.
"Kuya, wala ka sigurong pangkasal kay Ate, 'no? Dito talaga sa lumang kapilya?"
I chuckled at his blunt words while Ivo glared at him.
"Kaya kong pakasalan si Ate mo kahit saang simbahan, 'no!" ganti niya sa bata. "Pero gusto ko ngayon, eh."
"Ang atat mo, Kuya..."
Ivo placed both of his hands on my shoulders. Parang manika niya akong ipinakita sa bata.
"Tingnan mo nga siya, ang ganda-ganda niya, diba?"
Dahan-dahang tumango ang bata, nakatingin sa akin.
"Tapos ang tagal kong hinintay 'to, mga sampung taon. Hindi ka naman siguro namin madi-disturbo kung magpapakasal kami sa kapilya, diba? Kapag pinicture-an mo kami, bibigyan kita ng limang daan."
His eyes went wide with joy. Kaagad siyang tumango.
"Sige, kuya, pakasal na kayo! Ako din, witness!" he said cheerfully.
Napailing ako. I can't believe Ivo just bribed a kid to take our wedding photo.
Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto, tinawag si Ivo ng madre. Sasama sana ako sa kaniya pero marahan niyang hinila ang kamay ko.
"Dito tayo..."
I gave Ivo one last look before following the nun. We went inside a small house extended outside the chapel. May iilang mga madre din ang naroon. I greeted them shyly as we walked past them. Nakarating kami sa isang maliit na kwarto.
"Ayos na ba sa iyo yang suot mo?"
I looked down at my dress. It was an ankle-length dress with embroidered red roses in it and straps that crossed each other on the backless part. I picked it mindlessly because it was so hot earlier, not knowing that it will be my wedding dress.
Tumango ako. I watched her pull out an old chest under a small bed. Binuksan niya ito at inalis ang iilang libro bago nakita ang pakay. She lifted an old wedding veil and stared at it with a painful expression on her face.
"Hindi ko 'to nagamit, kaya sa'yo na..."
Tumango ako at nagpasalamat sa kaniya. I know there must be a story behind her unused veil but I dared not to ask. She's a Carmelite sister, after all. She cleared her throat and pushed the old chest back.
"May mga bulaklak dun sa labas, pwede kang mamitas ng iilan para sa kasal mo..."
"Salamat po, sister..." I beamed at her and went outside. Kumuha ako ng iilang rose para gawing bouquet, at isang gumamela na inipit ko sa veil. Lumabas na din ang madre at tinulungan akong ikabit iyon sa buhok ko. Then, she led me to the small chapel.
I saw the kid outside, holding Ivo's film camera. He grinned at me before snapping pictures. Napangiti ako. Mukhang tinuruan na siya ni Ivo kung paano 'to gamitin.
The nun pushed aside the metal gates for me, and it revealed the small, yet quaint chapel with wooden pews and a simple alter. The priest is already there, and Ivo is waiting for me, too. My heart started beating wildly again when our eyes met.
I waved at him and mouthed 'hi'. He waved back, looking emotional.
Walang kahit anong tunog o musika habang naglalakad ako pero para sa akin, iyon na ang pinaka-espesyal na momento ng buhay ko. Walking towards Ivo and seeing my whole life before him... this is beyond magical.
I took a deep, shaky breath when I finally reached him. Naupo si sister at ang bata sa isa sa mga kahoy na bangko nang magsimula na ang seremonya.
"Mga kapatid, narito kayo ngayon para saksihan ang pag-iisang dibdib nila Primitivo Escarra at Sereia Montanez..." the priest said with a kind smile on his face.
Ivo reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Nilingon ko siya, pero nakatutok siya sa sinasabi ng pari sa harapan namin.
"Sisimulan na natin ang banal na seremonya ng pag-iisang dibdib..." he cleared his throat and turned to Ivo. "Primitivo, tinatanggap mo bang maging kaisang dibdib si Sereia, na maging kabiyak ng iyong puso, sa habang buhay, sa hirap at ginhawa, sa sakit man o kalusugan, at mamahalin mo siya sa habangbuhay, gaya ng sagradong utos ng Panginoon?"
"Opo..." Ivo replied.
Nilingon naman ako ng pari. "Sereia, tinatanggap mo bang maging kaisang dibdib si Primitivo, na maging kabiyak ng iyong puso, sa habang buhay, sa hirap at ginhawa, sa sakit man o kalusugan, at mamahalin mo siya sa habangbuhay, gaya ng sagradong utos ng Panginoon?"
"Opo..."
The priest pronounced as, husband and wife, and Ivo stepped closer to lift the veil. By then, tears were streaming down my face. Dun ko pa nakita na nagpipigil din pala ng mga luha si Ivo. He gently wiped a tear from my eyes before kissing me softly.
The kid and the nun clapped their hands. I smiled at them through my tears, and turned to the priest. Nag-mano ako sa kaniya.
"Salamat po..." I whispered, still crying. Ivo did the same.
The priest patted our shoulders. "Nawa'y pagpalain kayo ng Panginoon..."
When we both calmed down, Ivo gently held my hand and led me outside of the chapel.
"Kuya, tayo kayo d'yan sa harap ng chapel!" sigaw ng bata habang umaatras ito at pinu-pwesto ang camera sa maliliit niyang kamay.
Hinawakan ni Ivo ang baywang ko at hinila palapit sa kaniya. I smiled and showed the santan ring in my hand.
"1, 2, 3, smile!" sigaw niya ulit. He clicked once, then twice. Pinalipat niya kami ng ibang pwesto at kumuha pa ng iilang larawan. Ivo laughed and gave him the money he promised after taking our photos. Isiniksik niya ang camera sa bulsa niya at binalingan ako.
"Nagugutom ako, kain tayo?"
I nodded and gave the chapel one last glance before going with him. I can't believe I just got married.
Nakatitig lang ako sa santan habang nagmamaneho si Ivo. Every now and then, he'd reach for my hand and squeeze me, as if trying to convince himself that this was real. I chuckled and leaned closer, rubbing my cheek against his.
"San tayo?" malambing kong tanong sa kaniya.
"Sa resort namin, ayos lang ba?" he turned to give me a quick kiss before he continued driving. Dahan-dahan akong humiwalay sa kaniya dahil ayoko namang ma-disgrasya kami sa daan.
"Hmm, sige." I was about to get my phone when Ivo gently swatted my hand. "Bakit?" protesta ko. "Babalitaan ko si Mama na kasal na ako, pati na rin si Lulu, Celeste, Yari, at Avery..."
"Mamaya na sila..." Ivo said seriously. "Just turn off your phone for the rest of the day, please? It's our wedding day. I just want to have you all for myself."
I pouted, and gave my phone a longing look before turning it off. Itinago ko 'to sa bag at tumingin sa daan. Nasa may entrance na pala kami ng resort nila.
Naunang bumaba si Ivo at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto. A valet rushed over to us and Ivo gave his car keys. Dumiretso kami sa lobby ng resort.
"Hi, Leigh Anne," bati ni Ivo sa receptionist nila.
The receptionist gave him a polite smile. "Good to see you today, Mr. Escarra and...?" she turned to me.
"Mrs. Escarra..." Ivo answered for me.
Bakas ang gulat sa mukha niya pero patuloy pa rin siyang nakangiti.
"What can I do for you, Sir?"
"Kakakasal lang namin kanina," kaswal niyang sagot sa babae. "May bakante pa bang suite? O kahit standard room nalang. We'll spend the night here."
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Escarra," she said with a genuine smile this time, typing something on the computer. "Standard room nalang po ang natira, Sir. May dalawang suite na reserved, pero kung gusto niyo po, pwede kong kausapin ang guest—"
"Okay na ang standard room," Ivo cut her off. "Anong room number ba? We'll go down for dinner tonight."
"305, Sir. Abby will assist you. Is there anything in particular that you want for the dinner? How about some wine?"
"Hmm, may stock pa ba tayo ng chuckie? Yun nalang..." binalingan ako ni Ivo. "Anong sa'yo, Raya?"
Pinandilatan ko siya ng mga mata. Wala naman akong alam sa mga wine! Ang tanging alak lang na nainom ko ay kapag nag-iinuman kami.
"Uh... chuckie nalang din." I shrugged at last.
Tumango-tango ang receptionist. May lumapit naman sa aming babae na nagpakilalang Abby at sinamahan kami patungo sa kwarto namin. This is one of their luxury resorts, I think. Iyong palagi naming pinupuntahan noon ata ang pinaka-budget-friendly at makamasa sa mga resorts nila.
The "standard" room they were talking about looked like a five-star hotel room to me. There's a queen-size bed in the middle of the room, a floor-to-ceiling window that reveals the magnificent view of the ocean. The handcrafted black marble tiles made no sound under my sandals as I stepped into the room. Mataas ang kisame kaya ang laki at ang aliwalas tingnan.
"Enjoy your stay, Mr. and Mrs. Escarra..." Abby said before leaving us.
Naupo si Ivo sa kama at inilabas ang film camera niya. Marahan niya 'tong nilagay sa side drawer habang ako naman ay dumiretso kaagad sa balcony at tiningnan ang dagat.
I closed my eyes, feeling so peaceful. Hinawakan ko ang santan dahil mukhang mapipigtas na ito anumang oras dahil sa lakas ng hangin. Umatras ako saglit para hubarin ito at itago nalang nang mabunggo ko si Ivo sa likuran ko.
He wrapped his arms around my stomach, resting his chin against my shoulder. Hinalik-halikan niya ang leeg ko.
"Mrs. Escarra..." he whispered.
I chuckled, trying to wiggle out of him because there are teenagers playing volleyball down there that are glancing at us.
"Pinagtitinginan tayo..." sita ko sa kaniya.
"Yeah, who cares? Ako may-ari ng resort..." mayabang niyang sagot sa akin.
I laughed and stopped trying. Hinayaan ko lang siyang nakayakap sa akin habang nakatanaw ako sa dagat.
"Nanaginip ata ako..." I said in a whisper.
Ivo's hug tightened around me. "You're not dreaming. We're finally married, Sereia."
I smiled, watching the waves come and go. I could feel Ivo's gentle, hot breath on my neck.
"Talaga?"
"Mm-hmm. The ten years was worth it, isn't it? Since high school, I had always been yours while you were everyone else's – your sister, your brother, your father, your mother, your friends... you gave everything that you can for them without knowing how to love yourself. You've come so far..."
Hinawakan ko ang kamay niyang nakapulupot sa tiyan ko. "Sorry, pinaghintay kita nang matagal..."
"Ba't ka nagso-sorry?" kumalas si Ivo sa akin at hinarap ako sa kaniya. "I just said everything was worth it, Raya. If I have to wait another ten years just to marry you, I will. Noon pa man, alam ko na ikaw na talaga. Hinihintay lang kitang mahalin ang sarili mo bago ako... kasi yun naman ang tama, diba? Sereia Montanez-Escarra, you are worth every second of those ten years, and those spaces between seconds... you're just so worth the wait."
I slowly smiled and tip-toed a bit so I could reach him and give him a kiss. Ivo's hand gently held my jaw to tilt my head a bit and deepened the kiss. I closed my eyes and allowed him to take me to bed as his wife, forgetting about the world and everything that comes with it.
Sa ngayon, kami muna.
Madaling araw na nang magising ako. I groaned, trying to adjust to my surroundings. Madilim at malamig ang paligid. But even with the cold, a warm body next to me confirmed that I wasn't dreaming.
A small cry of joy left my throat when I remembered what happened yesterday. The santan ring lay gently on the side table next to the bed, slowly wilting. Binalingan ko si Ivo na natutulog sa tabi ko.
I wanted to move but my whole body is sore, especially down there. heat crept to my cheeks as I wrapped the sheets around my body and squinted my eyes in the dark, trying to remember where the restroom is.
"Raya..?"
Napalingon ako kay Ivo. He reached for my waist and pulled me back to bed.
"Naiihi ako!" reklamo ko sa kaniya.
He chuckled, grazing his lips on the skin of my hips. It made me shudder. Ipinikit ko nang mariin ang mga mata. Alam kong pulang-pula na ngayon ang pisngi ko dahil sa nangyari kanina.
"Ivo!" tinulak-tulak ko siya dahil alam kong hindi ako makakaalis sa kama kapag hinayaan ko siyang halik-halikan ako nang ganyan! A low chuckle vibrated on his throat before he finally let go of me. Mabilis kong itinapis ang kumot sa katawan ko at dahan-dahang naglakad patungo sa CR.
"Are you hungry? We missed our dinner..." Ivo called out. Gusto pa niyang sumama sa banyo kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at sinabing ayos lang ako.
I reached for my stomach. It was grumbling. Napabuntong-hininga ako. Binuksan ko nang bahagya ang pinto at sinabi kay Ivo na nagugutom na ako. He chuckled and went back to bed to search for his phone. Ni hindi man lang siya nag-abalang magbihis! He's just wearing his black boxers. Uminit ulit ang pisngi ko at marahas na isinara ang pinto.
I emptied my bladder and cleaned myself despite the soreness. Nagtagal ako sa CR. Buti nalang at may bathrobe sila dito kaya iyon nalang ang sinuot ko pagkalabas. Ivo is scrolling something on his phone on the bed.
"Sarado na ang restaurant ngayon. Mag-grab nalang tayo..." ani Ivo saka ako binalingan. "Jollibee?"
I chuckled to myself, thinking how silly it is that we're eating fast food on our wedding day.
Lumapit si Ivo sa akin at ipinakita ang phone niya. My stomach grumbled again. Pumili nalang ako ng chicken at sundae doon sa menu. Ivo ordered some burger and fries, too. Pagkatapos niyang i-place ang order, ibinalik niya ang phone niya sa side table at hinila ako pabalik sa kama.
Niyakap ko si Ivo at binaon ang mukha sa dibdib niya. I felt a little better now, after that short bath. Pero sobrang pagod pa rin ang katawan ko. Ivo gave the tip of my nose some little kisses while his other hand is stroking my hair.
"Tatawagan ko si Mama bukas, babalitaan ko siya tungkol sa kasal..." I said in a sleepy voice.
"Hmm, ako rin."
"Magpapakasal ba ulit tayo? Yung sa simbahan na talaga?" tiningala ko si Ivo.
"Oo naman. Gusto mo ba?" he asked in a gentle tone. "Hihintayin nating makauwi ang Mama at mga kapatid mo, syempre. Gawin nating ring bearer si Wesley!"
I chuckled, imagining my cute little nephew as a ring bearer. "Lulu will be my maid of honor."
"Huh? Eh gagawin kong best man yun!" biro ni Ivo sa akin.
Hinampas ko nang mahina ang dibdib niya at tumawa. "Si Karlo? O di kaya si Kael!" suhestiyon ko.
He chuckled. "I know who to pick..." he said thoughtfully. Ivo pressed a kiss on my forehead. "Ano pang gusto mo sa kasal?"
"Hmm?"
"May dream wedding ang mga babae, diba? Lulu back then wanted a wedding with a garden reception. Ikaw ba?"
"Wala naman... gusto ko lang na nandun ang pamilya ko. Masaya na ako dun."
"Final answer na ba yan, Raya?"
I laughed. "Want me to spend all of your money?"
"Sure! It's your money, too. We're married, remember?"
I smiled and snuggled closer to him. Now that it finally happened, I can't seem to get enough of Ivo. His skin feels warm and his hugs always makes me feel safe. I've never connected to him before as deeply as this.
Tumunog ang phone ni Ivo sa side table kaya kailangan niyang humiwalay sa akin. Mukhang yung in-order ata naming pagkain sa grab.
"Tama po yung pin, Kuya..." narinig kong wika niya. "Sige po, sasalubungin nalang kita sa baba."
He placed back his phone and started looking for his jeans. I wanted to go with him but I'm too tired to even look for my clothes so I just stayed in bed while Ivo went out to get our food delivery.
Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto, bumalik na din siya dala-dala ang pagkain namin. He set the food on the table and dragged it near the bed so we could eat comfortably.
"Jollibee ang unang dinner nating mag-asawa..." I commented, laughing while Ivo is arranging our food on the table.
"Magpapa-lechon ako bukas kung gusto mo," he added, grinning. "Wala ka ng trabaho, diba? We can stay here for a few days?"
I nodded.
"Magf-file din ako ng honeymoon leave," Inabot sa akin ni Ivo ang ketchup para sa fries. "Send ko kaya kay Dad tapos i-CC ko si Mommy at yung secretary namin? Ip-prank ko siya bukas..."
"Sira." Kinurot ko ang tagiliran niya dahil pati Daddy niya, pinagt-tripan niya na din.
Natulog na kami pagkatapos naming kumain. Tinanghali na ako ng gising kinabukasan. I panicked a bit when I realized that I'm alone in bed. Kumalma lang ako nang makakita ng rosas sa space kung saan dapat si Ivo. Attached is a small note.
Gone surfing. Meet you at the lobby.
Humiga ulit ako at tumitig sa kisame. I bit my lower lip, trying to get myself together. I stood and showered. Ivo must've asked someone to buy clothes because I saw a paper bag full of clothes and even undergarments in the table where we had our dinner earlier. Nagpalit ako ng damit at kaagad na bumaba.
"Mrs. Escarra?"
I turned and saw Abby. Nginitian niya ako.
"Nasa lobby po si Sir Ivo."
Tumango ako at sumunod sa kaniya. I saw Ivo reading a magazine in the lobby. Tumayo siya nang makita ako at hinalikan sa noo.
"Morning, sleepyhead..." he murmured.
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. Inaasar ata ako, eh! Mag-a-ala una na ng hapon!
Inakbayan ako ni Ivo habang naglalakad kami patungo sa restaurant. My phone started vibrating so I took it out while walking. Sumingkit ang mga mata ko at nagulat nang makitang sobrang dami ng text messages at tawag sa akin.
"Anong ginawa mo?" bintang ko kaagad kay Ivo.
He just shrugged. All of our friends are flooding the GC. May sinend na screenshot si Celeste sa GC namin. It was Ivo's Instagram post. I don't know how he got the copy from his film camera already but it was our wedding picture yesterday, taken by the kid.
Gusto kong ihagis si Ivo sa dagat nang makita ang caption niya.
@dontcallmeprimo: brb, getting married.
"Seriously?" I laughed, showing him the post.
He just shrugged and led us to the restaurant. Naupo ako at binasa muna ang GC namin.
Celeste: GOY
Celeste: HOY
Celeste: PRANK BA TO?!!!!
Karylle Jane: Omgggg <333
Luanne Rose: Congrats, rayacakes!
Celeste: ANO BA NAGH-HYPERVENTILATE AKO DITO TOTOO BA TO
Avery: Aww! Congrats sa inyong dalawa!
Celeste: HOY SAGUTIN NYO KO TOTOO BA TO
I laughed and typed a reply. Pati si Mama, kaninang umaga pa pala tumatawag sa akin. I texted her and told her I'll call her tonight. Ganun din ang ginawa ko sa mga kapatid dahil nakita na nilang lahat ang post ni Ivo.
We spent six days in their resort for the honeymoon. By then, everyone knew we got married on our own. We were either surfing in the waves or making love in the room. Ivo transferred us to a suite when one of the guests checked out. Pinamili niya din ako ng mga damit dahil wala naman akong dala at biglaan ang lahat.
Six months later, we're finally getting married in a church with all of our friends and family.
"Shit! Yung bouquet, Cel! Yung bouquet!" nagpapanic na sigaw ni Lulu dahil si Avery ang may dala ng bouquet kanina at pasakay na kami sa wedding car ngayon.
"Avery!" sigaw ni Celeste habang hinahanap ang kaibigan namin. "Ilabas mo ang bouquet!"
Yari laughed, looking around, too. I remained calm while looking. Ayos lang naman kung ma-late kami ng ilang minuto.
Avery finally appeared from the crowd, panting. Dala niya ang bouquet ko na kaagad niyang inabot sa akin.
"Iniwan niyo ko!" bintang niya kaagad at tinuro pa si Celeste. "Sabi ko saglit lang!"
"Eh hindi kita narinig! Tara na, tara na! Late na ang bride, jusko!" si Celeste.
Rick will be the one to walk me to the aisle today. Nginitian ko siya nang makasakay ako sa kotse. The girls went to the other car.
"Nervous?" tanong niya sa akin mula sa front seat nang umandar na ang kotse.
"Not really... we've already done this."
Tumawa nang malakas si Rick sa sinabi ko. "Yeah, you almost gave your mother a heart attack. I couldn't forget it!"
Nginitian ko si Rick at sumilip sa bintana. Wala namang masyadong traffic kaya hindi naka-apekto ang pagkawala ni Avery. We arrived on the church on time. I took a deep breath. Naunang lumabas si Rick at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto. Inalalayan niya ako hanggang sa tuluyang makalabas. I stared at the closed doors of the church.
Noong bata pa ako, palagi kong ini-imagine na si Papa ang maglalakad sa akin sa kasal ko. Ngayong wala na siya, sana nanunuod siya sa amin ngayon. I know he will be proud that I married this man, and that I'm going to marry him again. Be it in a simple white dress or a glamourous wedding gown, in a church or in a chapel, with or without our friends, his or my proposal, I will always choose Primitivo.
Iyon lang ang katotohanang alam kong hinding-hindi magbabago.
My friends were giggling as they all went inside the church, except for Lulu who will be walking after me in the aisle. One of the staff signaled and opened the door for us. As soon as the doors opened, the band started playing. I got emotional when I realized it was an instrumental of Only Exception. Rick offered his hand and smiled at me.
I hooked my arm with him and started walking down the aisle. It was longer and wider compared to the chapel where we first got married and Ivo was on the other end, waiting for me.
My knees trembled while walking. We were in a bubble back when we first got married, but now, with the presence of my family, my friends, everything felt to real.
Nang makaabot kami sa altar, hinalikan ni Rick ang noo ko bago ako ibinigay kay Ivo.
"Your father would be so proud of you..." bulong niya sa akin. He turned to Ivo. "Hey, you take care of our girl, okay?"
"Yes, Sir." Ivo grinned and took my hand to kiss it. Inilapit niya ang mukha sa akin at bumulong.
"I don't know how you keep getting beautiful than the last time I saw you..."
Tears welled in my eyes again. I took a deep breath and turned to our family. Nakangiti si Mama sa akin, gayon din si Selena at Sonny. There's a special seat assigned for the ring bearers and the flower girls. Wesley and Lottie were there, sitting and bickering with the other children. My bridesmaids, Celeste, Avery, and Yari were seated together. Nakita ko pang umiiyak si Avery kaya bahagya akong natawa. Karlo stood as Ivo's best man while Kael is sitting with the president. Kumunot ang noo ko.
"Ivo, bakit nandito ang president ng Pilipinas sa kasal natin?" bulong ko sa kaniya.
Binalingan niya din si Kael. He shrugged. "Di ko alam. Tanong mo kay Kael, erpat niya yan, eh."
The priest cleared his throat. Nagbubulungan kasi kaming dalawa sa harapan niya at mukhang walang balak na pansinin siya. My cheeks burned as I straightened my back.
"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Primitivo and Sereia in marriage. In the years that they have been together, their love and understanding for each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife." Pagsisimula ng pari.
When it was our turn to say our vows, I turned to Ivo with a smile on my face.
"Primo, you first came into my life as a friend, then a lover. I am grateful for the years of pure friendship that helped me to become who I am today. Thank you for being there for me, in times when I couldn't even love myself. Thank you for being a good friend, a good boyfriend, and now, a good husband. You are everything I dreamed of, before when I couldn't realize what love is. The waves brought you to me, and I will forever drift along with you, through the calm and the storm. I will be as faithful as the waves, and will love with all my heart. Thank you for letting me be the woman to call you Primo..."
My hands were shaking by then. Ivo gave me a gentle squeeze and the kind of smile that he only shows to me, even being known as a cheery person.
"Sereia, I first saw you as a lonely, little girl who doesn't know how to love herself and now, you're standing as a woman who can stand on her own. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey. My feelings never wavered, even when you left. In fact, it only got stronger by the time. You taught me how to be patient, to wait for love, to know that there is absolutely right timing for everything. You say "good morning" and I hear it as "I love you". The waves of the sea helped me to get back to you. You were once my TOTGA, my could've been, and now... you're my future. I love you."
Ivo slipped the real ring, this time, into my finger while I couldn't even stop crying.
"I now pronounce you, husband and wife... you may now kiss the bride."
Ivo lifted my veil and smiled at me. I sniffed and even with trembling lips, I smiled back at him. He gently cupped my cheeks and pressed a soft, loving kiss into my lips. I closed my eyes while tears silently streamed down my face.
When we pulled away from each other, I stared at his face knowing that this is the love of a lifetime with a man I met in the waves of La Union.
I shall never have a love like this if it's not with him.
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#HanmariamDWTWChap45