Lesson 15
The Wedding
"Baby, lahat ng gamit mo napadala na sa unit ni Rodrick." Sabi sa akin ni Mom habang naglalagay ako ng eyeshadow sa kaliwang eyelid ko. I am doing my own make up and hair since I am good with this. Para saan pa kaya ang mga pinanuod kong makeup tutorials sa Youtube? It becomes useful in events like this.
"Okay," maiksi kong sagot sa kaniya. Ang naiwan na lang sa kwarto ko ngayon ay itong vanity table na ginagamit ko ngayon, kama ko, at ilang furnitures. The rest, nasa unit na ni Sir. For more, I haven't seen his unit.
"May kailangan ka pa ba, baby?" Tanong sa akin ni Mama habang pinagmamasdan niya akong mag-make up. Umiling lang ako. My dress, stilletos, accessories, and flowers are laid across my bed. Wala na akong ibang kailangan. "Ah sige, may aasikasuhin lang kami ng Dad mo, okay? We're just gonna contact the City Hall again. Be ready in an hour. Love you, baby." She patted my shoulder and kissed me on the cheek.
Abala ako sa pagmake up kaya hindi na ako sumagot pa. Pagkatapos daw ng ceremony sa City Hall, Mom, Dad, Tito Lenard, and Tita Rica will hold a reception in the City Hall. Our marriage requirements were processed fast dahil na rin magaling ang lawyer na kinausap ng mga parents namin ni Sir. As for us, after wedding, diretso na raw kami sa unit ni Sir dahil may nakaprepare na raw na romantic dinner sa rooftop ng condo niya.
I sighed upon the thought. Pati dream reception ko, wala. Ni wala nga akong bridal shower. My dream bridal shower is to bring my friends to one of our islands.
Romantic dinner with Sir? Nasusuka ako kapag naiisip ko. Baka magbatuhan lang kami ng kutsara't tinidor ng shithead asshole na 'yun. Nako, itulak ko pa siya sa rooftop!
Nagvibrate ang phone ko.
From: Bestie
Bestieeeeeeee!!! 😍 This is the day! I'm soooo excited to see u huhu. U need to look gorjez, ok? Miss u and see ya in an hour. Mwaaaaah! Kitakits sa city hall. 💕
Napangiti ako sa message niya.
To: Bestie
I'm nervous but u know I'll still be super gorg. See yaaaa later bestieeee! Mwa.
After one hour, I went out of my room all set. I am wearing my dress, stilletos, and accessories. Nakalugay lang ang buhok ko at kinulot ko ang dulo nito. Naglagay ako ng maliit na tiara sa ibabaw ng ulo ko.
Naglakad ako pababa ng hagdan. Naabutan kong nagkukuhamog ang mga magulang ko. Parehas silang may kausap sa mga phone nila at panay lakad kung saan-saan. Mom is in a white long elegant dress. Dad is wearing a suit.
Napatigil sila sa kaabalahan nila at nilapitan ako.
"Cheskie," napalunok si Dad at halos napapapikit na dahil naluluha ang mga niya nang makita ako. "God, you're so beautiful." Kinuha niya ang mga kamay ko at niyakap ako.
Lumapit din si Mom. "Are you ready, baby? Don't worry the ceremony will be very quick." Very quick. Kasi straightforward pirmahan. I can imagine myself having a bitter laugh. Wala na talaga ang pinapangarap kong dream wedding! Ito na 'yun eh.
"Let's get in the car, okay. The judge is already there." Lumabas na kami ng bahay at pumasok naman sa aming black Porsche. Pinagitnaan ako nina Mom and Dad sa backseat.
Hawak-hawak ko ang mga peach chrysanthemum. Mom used these flowers during her wedding and that's where I got my name Chrysanthe (pronounced as kri•zan•tey). I have this urge to pluck off the petals becaude I feel so nervous.
"Everything will be alright," Mom said as she held my arm to comfort me.
I checked my phone. Wala pa rin kaming contact ni Sir since last Thursday night. Tsk! Wala talagang pake sa akin. Eh sino ba naman ako para suyuin niya?
"Ma'am, Sir, gusto niyo po bang magpatugtog?" Tanong ni Manong sa amin habang nagmamaneho.
"Go lang, Manong," sagot ni Dad. He clasped his own hands, looking worried. I think he's just as nervous as me.
He turned on the radio.
Forever can never be long enough for me
To feel like I've had long enough with you
Nice. Marry Me by Train. Sumakto pa ang theme ng kanta sa mangyayari sa akin. About wedding. At least dito may feelings ang kumakanta.
Forget the world now, we won't let them see
But there's one thing left to do
Napayuko ako. Naiinggit ako sa mga babaeng aalayan ng ganitong kanta.
Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way.
I have everything I want. Money, power, fame... Yup, sasaya na ako rito 'di ba?
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say "Hello" in this guy
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Napayuko ako. Brat and materialistic girl I am, I want to be like Mom. She's happy being married with Dad. Do I have a chance to be like her? They married because they love each other. How about me?
I imagine myself walking down the aisle with an extravagant gown, with a veil that covers my face, with flower petals scattered on the red carpet, while the same song played right now is played by some singer. I imagine na nanamnamin ko ang paglakad ko. Tapos pagkatingin ko sa gilid altar makikita ko na teary-eyed ang mapapangasawa ko sa sobrang saya.
Together can never be close enough for me
To feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I'll wear out the words "I love you"
And you're beautiful
Now that the wait is over
And love has finally shown her my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say "Hello" in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm
"Hello?" Dad picked his phone up. Hinian ni Manong ang volume ng radio. "You're there na? Oh, malapit na rin kami. As in. Yep, yep. Second floor, right? Sige. See you later, Lenard." Binaba ni Dad ang phone. "Loves, andun na raw sina Lenard."
"Sino ang dinala nilang witness?" Tanong ni Mom.
"I forgot the name but our lawyer said pinsan daw ni Rodrick." Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang binanggit ang pangalan niya. Damn that old hag and shithead asshole!
Promise me
You'll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to
Sing to you
When all the music dies
"Malapit-lapit na rin tayo, Loves. I can see the City Hall." Sumilip si Mom sa bintana. "Baby, are you feeling alright?" She checked on me. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko nang mahigpit.
I nodded. Damn! Sa sobrang nerbyos ko, hindi ako makahinga ng maayos!
"Be a good wife, okay?" She kissed me on the forehead.
"I'll try." I replied dryly. Ayusin muna ni Sir ang treatment sa akin!
"Don't try, Cheskie. Do it," Dad told me. "Their family is good. Lenard and Rica are the best partners. We're already friends so I can attest their family is decent."
Nalagpasan na ng kotse ang gates ng City Hall. I can see the entrance a hundred meters away. And I can also see him waiting outside in his sleek black suit. Pota, ang gwapo niya. Gusto ko siyang hampasin ng hawak-hawak kong bulaklak dahil hindi marunong manuyo.
And marry me
Today and everyday
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say "Hello" in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Marry me
Mm-hmm
The car stopped. Lumabas na sina Mom and Dad sa magkabilang pinto. Palabas na ako ng inilahad ni Sir ang kamay niya. Ayaw ko siyang hawakan pero andito ang parents ko so no choice. Kinuha ko naman ito at inalalayan akong lumabas ng kotse.
Tinapik ni Dad ang balikat niya at nagbeso naman sila ni Mom. "Nauna na po sina Ma sa taas. Andoon na rin po yung bestfriend ni Cheska. May inaasikaso lang po sila." Sabi niya sa mga magulang ko.
"Let's go upstairs," sabi ni Dad sa amin. Naglakad na sila ni Mom sa loob.
Now I am here outside with this guy. I can't help but look at him. He's dazzling af.
"Your hair's nice," sabi niya sa akin.
"My hair's nice?!" Unbelievable. My hair is nice daw! Yung hair ko lang? So is this his last minute way of annoying me before we get wed?
I hissed. "Wow, thank you ha?" I replied with a tone of sarcasm. Inirapan ko na lang siya.
"Just kidding," sabi niya at ngumiti. "You look beautiful." Sabay hawi sa takas na buhok sa gilid ng mukha ko.
I know I instantly blushed. "So bago mo akong purihin, iinisin mo muna talaga ako?" Inirapan ko ulit siya. "Bwiset ka talaga."
"Umakyat na tayo. The ceremony is about to start." Sabi niya.
Pumasok na kami at umakyat sa main stairs. Pinagtitinginan kami ng mga workers na nasa labas ng mga opisina nila.
Sinundan ko lang siya sa paglalakad hanggang sa nasa tapat kami ng isang malawak na pinto.
"This is it," bulong ko sa sarili ko.
Sir finally opened the door. Katamtaman lang ang laki nito. I think 20 people can fit in. Bumungad sa paningin ko si Sharpay nakaputing bestida na napatayo nang makita ako at niyakap ako.
"Bestieee! Oh my gosh, you look so beautiful!" Sobrang lapad ng ngiti niya.
Pinuntahan ako ng parents ni Sir.
"Hija!" Bumeso sa akin si Tita Rica. "Kaygandang dalaga talaga. My son's really lucky!"
"Lumabas lang saglit ang judge, babalik din yun in a while." Sabi ni Tito Lenard. "'Nak," tawag niya kay Sir na kasalukuyang kausap ang parents ko. Napalingon si Sir nang marinig ang pagtawag sa kanya ni Tito. "Where's Neil?" Tanong nito.
Biglang nagising ang sistema ko. Neil?
"He went to the CR. Saglit lang daw." Sagot ni Sir at nagpatuloy sa pagkausap sa parents ko.
"Who's Neil po?" Tanong ko kina Tita.
"Bestie," singit ni Sharpay. "I was surprised –"
Bumukas ulit ang pinto at napalingon kami. Entering the doorway is no other than Sir Neil in a gray suit. Inaayos niya ang kuwelyo niya.
"Holy shit," I swore under my breath.
"Oh, he's there na pala." Sabi ni Tito Lenard. "Well, hija," baling niya sa akin. "He's Rodrick's cousin. Rica's side. He'll be the witness."
Natigilan ako sa narinig ko. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. "Bestie, tell me I am just dreaming." Bulong ko kay Sharpay. My knees became unsteady.
"I know right, nagtaka rin ako kanina nang makita ko siya kanina dito. You're not dreaming, bestie," bulong niya pabalik.
"Pinsan!" Lumapit si Sir Neil kay Sir Rick at inakbayan ito. Sir Rick just looked blankly at him. Aren't they in good terms?
"Where's your bride?" Tanong pa ni Sir Neil. Itinungo ni Sir Rick ang ulo niya sa direksyon ko. I remain frozen on my position.
Sinundan naman ni Sir Neil ang pagtungo ni Sir Rick sa direksyon ko. Nagtagpo ang mga mata namin. "Uy, Cheska!" Lumakad siya palapit sa akin.
Oh, gosh. Pwede change groom? Si Sir Neil na lang.
"Congrats pala!" Ngumiti siya sa akin at tinapik ang balikat ko. "Grabe, you really look beautiful. Ang swerte naman ng pinsan ko." Sabay lingon kay Sir.
It's the second time he called me beautiful and I'm still swayed by it. Shucks. Kailangan ko ng makakapitan. I feel like melting.
"S-so you're the other witness of our marriage pala, Sir?" I smiled awkwardly. I can't look straight at him! Naiinis ako dahil nagkita kami sa ganitong sitwasyon: yung ikakasal pa ako sa pinsan niya. Wala na talaga!
"Actually dapat hindi ako hehe," napakamot siya sa saglit sa ulo niya. "Our tito who's supposed to be your wedding's witness have to attend to an emergency in their family so they asked me to witness instead." Panay lang ang ngiti niya kaya babad ako sa dimple niya.
Ugh! I know I'm getting married but he's so nice I can help but think of marrying him instead!
"I'm shocked to know that you and Sir are blood-related," I was able to finally meet his eye.
"I'm also shocked na ikaw din pala ang papakasalan niya. I just knew about it yesterday," we locked gaze for a few seconds. May kakaibang feeling talaga eh. "Guess you were absent last Thursday for the preparations?" Tanong niya tungkol sa pag-absent ko sa klase niya.
"Exactly," ngumiti ako nang bahagya. "Did I miss a lot?"
"Not really. I'm just gonna send you the powerpoint of the last lesson." Tumitig ako sa dimple niya. "Happy to see my beautiful student getting married with my cousin." Nakangiti niyang sabi at sabay pat sa ulo ko.
I heard someone cleared a throat. Napalingon kami. Si Sir lang pala.
"The judge is here," aniya habang nakatingin kay Sir Neil.
Nang pumunta na sa gitna ng kwarto ang judge, nagsiupuan na ang lahat.
"Baby!" Tawag sa akin ni Mom at saka iniabot sa akin ang kahon ng singsing. Umupo na rin siya at saka naman kami pumunta sa gitna ni Sir.
I sighed. Eto na talaga.
May ilang sinabi ang judge pero hindi ko pinapakinggan ng maayos dahil nakatitig ako kay Sir Neil na nakaupo sa likod ng parents ni Sir.
May kopyang iniabot sa amin para makasunod kami sa sinasabi ng judge at para masabi ang vows namin.
"The wedding ring is a symbol of unity, a circle unbroken, without beginningor end. And today, Rodrick Ryan and Cheska Romulo, give and receive these rings as demonstrations of their vows to make their life one, to work at all times to create a love that is whole and unbroken, and to love each other without end." Sabi ng judge. Nasusuka ako sa mga naririnig ko. Create a love that is whole and unbroken with this guy in front of me?! Love each other without end? Yuck.
Okay, ikakasal na kami, I should stop addressing him Sir when we're not in school. Fine, I'll just call him RR because Rodrick Ryan.
Kinuha ni RR ang kahon ng singsing sa bulsa niya at binuksan ito. Dahan-dahan niya itong kinuha at itinapat sa akin. He cleared his throat and read the copy of the vow.
"Cheska Romulo, I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife." Hindi ako makafocus ng maayos dahil sinasabi niya na ang sumpaan namin. He's staring at me while saying those words. "Before these witnesses," sabay tingin niya sa mga nanunuod sa amin, "I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you, with all your faults and strengths, as I offer myself to you with all my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and will turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life."
Tumigil yata ako sa paghinga habang sinasabi niya ang sumpa niya. Kinuha niya ang kanang kamay ko at saka isinuot sa ring finger ko nang dahan-dahan ang singsing na binili namin sa Fleur Plaza. Napalunok ako, it's my turn.
"Rodrick Ryan, I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband." Binuksan ko ang kahon ng singsing at kinuha ito. Halos basag ang boses ko nang binabasa ang sumpa. "Before these witnesses, I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live." Love him and care for him? Eew. "I take you, with all your faults and strengths, as I offer myself to you with all my faults and strengths." Eww. I am not offering myself! Ugh! "I will help you when you need help, and will turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life." Gusto kong magmumog ng mouthwash mamaya pagkatapos ng ceremony dahil sa mga nakakadiring sinabi ko.
It's time to put the ring in his finger. Kinuha ko ang kamay niya. His palm is soft with a bit calloused on the edge. Nahawakan ko ang mga mahahabang daliri niya. His hand feels warm. Ang sarap hawakan. Isinuot ko na ang singsing sa ring finger niya. He's still gazing at me and I cannot look at him dahil naiilang talaga ako.
"Rodrick Ryan and Cheska Romulo, just as two very different threads woven in opposite directions can form a beautiful tapestry, so can your two lives merge together to form a very beautiful marriage. To make your marriage work will take love.
Love should be the core of your marriage, love is the reason you are here. But it also will take trust- to know in your hearts you want the best for each other. It will take dedication- to stay open to one another; to learn and to grow together even when this is not always so easy to do.
It will take faith, to be willing to go forward to tomorrow, never really knowing what tomorrow will bring. In addition, it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey, you both now pledge to share together." Tahimik ang lahat habang nagsasalita ang judge. I am feeling very uneasy.
"Rodrick and Cheska agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, I now declare you to be Husband and Wife." Shet, we are officially married.
"Congratulations," tumingin ang judge kay RR, "you may kiss your bride."
Nanlaki ang mata ko at natigilan. In my dream wedding, I imagined the groom lifting my veil. Ngayon, he's stepping forward to me and looked at me directly. Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang pisngi at napapikit ako sa gulat.
Then I felt his soft lips landed on my forehead.