Two years ago, Alexis Ran and Merry Arisa's story had started. Thank you for being a part of their journey towards happy ever after. Thank you for loving them the same way I loved them. Happy Anniversary, Ekis and Sisa.
Ps: I did not proofread this, sorry. Hinabol ko kasi talaga for February 11. Hehe. Wuvyu!
Day 1097: Perfect
February 11, 2019.
Three years after her drunk messages. Three years after knowing her. Exis felt like the past three years passed by like a blur. He could not believe that from a simple wrong message, everything would lead into this.
All his life, he has been living following what his family had expected of him. He got fed up of it. He rebelled. He entered different fights in college. He tried drag-racing. He tried smoking. Drinking. Girls. Everything. Just to escape the fucked-upness he called life.
It was his own selfishness and hardheadedness that killed Alissa. His sweet, caring, and loving little sister, Alissa, died because of him. It was like a fucking wake up call.
He tried going back but the damage has been done. Alissa was no more. Exis did not shed a tear. He felt he did not deserve mourning.
His life was dark after the death of his little sister. Para kay Exis na tanging liwanag ay ang nag-iisang kapatid na babae, pakiramdam niya ay naging madilim ang lahat.
It was hard living after that but Exis deserved it. He distanced himself to his family. Everyday was a chore to him since then.
But then, she came.
She, with all her wittiness.
She, with all her annoyingness.
She, with all her heart.
Exis wasn't planning on falling in love. Sino ba ang nagpaplano? He was minding his own business one day, and then falling in love the next. It was weird.
Noong una, aaminin niyang nakikita niya si Alissa kay Arisa. But he realized later on how different the two girls were it became absurd to think he even thought they were the same. Siguro, 'yong guilt 'yong bumulag sa kanya.
Pero iminulat ni Arisa ang kanyang mga mata. Arisa made him see her for who she was.
He liked what he had seen.
He never felt like this towards anyone. Even with his last girlfriend whom he thought he loved then.
Kay Arisa lang siya ganito.
He didn't know he could get jealous so easily he would drive from Manila to Batangas (in the middle of the fucking night, goddammit!) just because she was with that damn Shade Marquez.
He didn't know he could get jealous just because her profile picture was of her with that damn Marquez.
He didn't know he could get possessive just because she was admiring someone with a talent.
It wasn't a smooth road towards this day. He almost lost her. Twice. But he held on, because she was so fucking worth it. It was hard loving her but never tiring. He would never get tired of loving this sweet, sweet girl.
Exis could understand Arisa's fears. He tried to understand her even when she chose to let him go for the sake of his company. But Exis was selfish as to Arisa was selfless. Arisa would always think of him first and he loved that about her. But sometimes, it could get frustrating.
He wanted Arisa. He would sacrifice everything... anything... for her. He would give up everything for her. He could not let her go. Even if she was the one letting go, he would hold on for the both of them.
To him, loving Arisa was as easy as breathing.
Hindi niya alam kung papaano siya nabuhay nang walang Arisa sa kanyang tabi. For twenty seven years, he could say the happiest he had felt was when he met Arisa.
"Nervous?"
Hindi binalingan ni Exis si Wade. Nanatiling nakahayon ang kanyang tingin sa malawak na karagatan.
"Aba, kung nagbabalak kang tumakbo, sinasabi ko na sa 'yo, ako mismo pipigil sa 'yo," anito.
He scoffed.
"Sabagay, baka nga si Arisa pa tumakbo palayo sa 'yo."
"Fuck you!"
Tumawa si Wade. Naramdaman niya ang pagpatong ng palad nito sa kanyang balikat. "Kidding aside, I'm happy for you, Exis."
Hindi siya sumagot.
"Malapit nang magsimula. Hindi ka pa ba pupunta roon?"
"Where's Arisa?"
Ngumisi si Wade. "Baka nagdadalawang-isip?"
Sinamaan niya ng tingin ang kaibigan na sinagot nito ng tawa.
Hindi niya alam kung bakit niya naging kaibigan 'tong si Wade. Hindi niya alam kung bakit sa kabila ng kagaguhan niya noong college; sa kabila ng hindi magandang imahe, nanatiling kaibigan ang isang ito.
"Thank you," wala sa loob na saad niya.
Nakita niya ang pagkagulat sa mukha ni Wade. It was comical how his eyes bulged as if it would fall out of its socket.
"What?!"
Tinalikuran na niya ang kaibigan saka naglakad papunta sa venue. A small smile was present on his lips.
It was a beautiful day, indeed.
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February 11, 2019.
Who would have thought that because Arisa got drunk and decided (drunkenly) she wanted another chance with Lex, she would find her true love?
Ekis was everything she needed and wanted and more. He was the air she breathe. He was the one she never thought she was looking for but she found suddenly.
Failed relationship and heartbreak made her guard her heart. Pero dumating si Ekis. Hindi nito kaagad inalis ang takot niya. Bagkus ay unti-unti nito iyong pinalitan at ginawang pagmamahal.
It wasn't easy loving him but if Arisa could choose, she would always choose this path. She would always choose to love him.
Sabi ng ilan, may dahilan kung bakit tayo nasasaktan. Sabi ng ilan, may dahilan kung bakit nagpe-fail ang una nating relationships.
Naisip ni Arisa, kung may dahilan, ano? Para saktan tayo?
Hindi.
Siguro, kaya tayo nasasaktan ay para maging malakas tayo. Siguro, kaya Niya tayo hinahayaang madapa ay para turuan tayong bumangon ulit.
Arisa realized He gave her these problems because He knew she was strong enough to face them. He made her stronger because of it. He made her realize her worth as a woman. God has His way of making us see things perfectly.
Lumabas siya sa hotel room at mula sa balkone ay kitang-kita niya ang malawak na karagatan. It was beautiful. The water was sparkling because of the sun's light.
Hindi niya alam kung ilang beses na siyang dinala ni Ekis dito sa beach resort ng pamilya nito sa Palawan pero gandang-ganda pa rin siya sa lugar. Hindi siya magsasawang tingnan ang paligid.
Three years after meeting him, they were finally getting married. Crazy, huh? Siguro sa ilan, ang bilis nang pangyayari. Siguro nga. Pero sigurado si Arisa rito. Sigurado siyang ito na ang tamang panahon. If not now, then when?
"Dalaga na ang bebe girl namin. Iiwan mo na kami."
Nilingon ni Arisa ang bagong dating na mga magulang. Pinagitnaan siya ng mga ito. Inakbayan siya ng papa niya habang ang mama niya'y pinaikot ang braso sa kanyang beywang. Inihilig ni Arisa ang ulo sa balikat ng kanyang papa.
"I'll always be your bebe, Pa, Ma."
"We'll always be here, Arisa. If you need us."
"You will have your own family soon but we are still your family," segunda ng mama niya.
Parang may nagbara sa kanyang lalamunan. Hindi siya makapagsalita kaya napatango lang siya. Pigil ni Arisa ang mga luha. It was a beautiful day. It was her happiest day and she would not ruin it by crying.
"We're happy for you, Merry Arisa."
"Thank you, Papa, Mama."
Nanatili silang nasa balkonahe. There were no words between parents and child.
"Arisa? Malapit nang magsimula," anang bagong dating na si Jemarie.
"Yes. Susunod na kami."
Sinipat siya ng kanyang mama saka niyakap. "Ang ganda. Blooming ang anak ko. Mana sa mama niya."
"Parang hindi naman," pagbibiro ng papa niya.
Napailing si Arisa sa pag-aasaran ng dalawa. Ikinawit niya ang braso sa braso ng mga ito saka inakay palabas ng silid.
Noong pinag-uusapan ang tungkol sa kasal, si Ekis mismo ang nag-suggest ng beach wedding. Sunset time ang gusto nito. Ang sabi nito, gusto nitong tuparin ang pangarap niyang sunset beach wedding. Naalala pala nito ang sinabi niya noon sa chat.
Ang akala niya ay sa Batangas gaganapin ang kasal. Pero inalok nito ang beach resort ng pamilya nito sa Palawan. He paid even the air flight of their guests. He gave her what he thought would make her happy. Kahit tumanggi siya dahil sa gastos, hindi nagpaawat si Ekis.
Tutok si Ekis sa wedding preparations nila. he helped her pick everything. From the flowers up to the souvenirs. If she was excited for the wedding, sa tingin niya ay atat si Ekis.
Manghang inilibot ni Arisa ang tingin sa venue. The motif they chose was pastel blue. The gown she was wearing was pure white but her maid of honor and bridesmaid wore pastel blue gowns. Ang mga groomsmen at bestman ay naka-itim na tux na may blue na ribbon.
Sa pathway ay may nakasaboy na kulay asul na mga bulaklak. Lining the aisle were lanterns with blue and gold colors. Ang mga upuan ay kulay puti na may sash na blue. Sa pinakadulo ay ang nagsilbing altar. The arc was made from white cloth with blue roses as its design.
"Ready na, Arisa?"
Tumango siya. She was ready.
"Okay. In three, mag-start na tayo, ha!"
Inilibot niya ang tingin sa paligid. Hinahanap ng mga mata si Ekis.
Pumailanlang sa paligid ang malamig at malagom na tinig ni Connor. Yep, she asked Connor to sing for them.
Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin?
If I can't help falling in love with you
Everything became a blur to Arisa. Nang siya na ang maglalakad sa aisle, parang nakaramdam siya ng kaba.
"Arisa?" untag ng papa niya.
Hinayon niya ng tingin si Ekis na siyang naghihintay sa kanya sa dulo ng aisle. She was finally marrying this man. She was finally saying her vows to him.
Namuo ang luha sa kanyang mga mata.
"I'm ready," nanginginig ang boses na aniya.
Ramdam niya ang buhangin sa mga paa. Ito ang ipinilit niya, hindi niya gustong magsuot kahit sandals man lang. She wanted to feel the sand at her feet. Mahaba naman ang gown niya kaya hindi kita.
Ekis then decided everyone should be barefooted at the venue. She agreed.
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Everything flashed in her mind like a film. Their first meeting. Their first talk. Their first date. Their first fight. Their first kiss. Their first hug. Their first everything.
Hindi niya namalayang napapabilis ang lakad niya. It felt like the walk was taking longer. It felt like a dream. It felt like Ekis was so far from her.
Hindi maalis ang tingin niya kay Ekis. Para bang ito lang ang nakikita niya. The sunset at the background was giving him an ethereal look. He was so handsome it made her heart ache.
He had given her so much she was afraid she could not give back even half of it.
Maybe he saw the fear in her eyes. Or maybe he was becoming impatient just like her because she found him making his way towards her.
Yeah. He went back to her.
Like always. He would always find his way back to her.
Napahinto si Arisa kalagitnaan ng wedding march. Huminto sa tapat niya si Ekis.
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Umangat ang palad nito at ipinatong iyon sa kanyang pisngi. He leaned towards her until their foreheads were touching.
"I love you so much, baby," anito. His voice was shaky with emotions.
She bit her lips but the tears still fell. "I love you, too. So much, baby boy."
"Always remember that my world would always starts and ends with you, baby. Thank you for being a part of my life."
Kung hindi pa marahil tumikhim ang papa niya, hindi pa sila kikilos ni Ekis. Naiiling na natatawa ang papa niya maging ang kanilang mga guests.
Namula ang pisngi ni Arisa. Si Ekis naman ay walang pakialam.
Imbes na bumalik sa dulo ng aisle ay nanatili si Ekis sa kanyang tabi. Ikinawit nito ang braso sa kanyang braso saka sumabay sa kanilang paglalakad.
Napangiti si Arisa.
What more could she ask for?
None.
Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you
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"Wait for me," bulong ni Ekis sa tapat ng kanyang tainga.
Nagtatakang tumango lang siya. Tumayo ang lalaki saka nilapitan sina Connor na nasa sound system booth. Kumalumbaba si Arisa habang ang tingin ay nakasunod sa ngayon ay kanya ng asawa.
Asawa.
Wow. Parang panaginip lang na dumating at natapos ang kasal niya.
"Baka matunaw si beybeh," anang nakakalokong tinig sa kanyang tabi.
Inirapan ni Arisa si Wade, ang best man ni Ekis. Kung hindi siguro ito ang pinili ni Ekis, baka sinabotahe nito ang kasal nila.
"Manahimik ka. Lumandi ka na don! Wag ka rito!"
Ngumisi lang ang lalaki.
Binalingan na ni Arisa ang mga bumabati sa kanya. Her friends were present.
Syempre pati si Jemarie na maid of honor niya. Speaking of Jemarie, naka-move on na 'to kay B at may boyfriend na rin.
Napakurap-kurap si Arisa nang sumulpot sa kanyang harapan si Connor. Inilahad nito ang palad sa kanya. Nagtatakang ginagap niya iyon. Inakay siya nito papunta sa upuang nasa gitna ng venue.
Pa-U kasi ang ayos ng upuan at mesa ng reception. May space sa gitna para sa sayawan at activity. May elevated na platform at doon sila nakapuwesto ni Ekis kanina.
"Ano 'to?"
Ngumisi lang si Connor saka marahang tinapik ang kanyang pisngi.
One time, Wade told her Connor liked her. But she doubted it. Kung gusto siya nito, dapat ay ramdam niya, hindi ba? Hindi naman siya manhid! Saka isa pa... hmm.
Napahinto ang kanyang pag-iisip nang may narinig na strum ng gitara.
I found a love for me
Darling just dive right in
And follow my lead
Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
It was Ekis. Hinanap ng kanyang paningin ang lalaki. Mula sa platform ay lumabas ito. Umupo ang lalaki habang naggigitara. Umiikot sa paligid ang malamig at buo nitong boses.
The guy who hated singing in front of people was now singing for her.
"For you, from Ekis, with love," nakangising ani Seven na nakalapit na pala sa kanya. Masyado kasing tutok kay Ekis ang kanyang pansin. Sa kamay nito ay isang bungkos ng bulaklak. "Blue violet. These symbolize faith, affection, and love."
Tinanggap niya iyon saka niyakap si Seven.
"Congratulations on your wedding, Arisa," anito.
"Kailan ka?"
Umaktong nasusuka ang lalaki na ikinatawa niya.
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine
"White lilac for you. It represents purity and youthful innocent. Stay happy, Ris," sabi ni Kuya Cole.
Nginitian niya ang lalaki saka niyakap nang mahigpit.
"If he hurt you, tell me," bilin nito.
"Subukan lang niya," natatawang aniya.
This guy was probably like Seven who plays a lot but Arisa knew his heart was in the right place... for the right woman.
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight
Ang sunod na lumapit ay si Sai. Isang bungkos ng forget-me-not ang inabot nito sa kanya.
"Thank you for loving our friend, Arisa," sabi nito.
"I should be the one thanking that idiot," natatawang aniya.
Natawa rin si Sai. Si Sai... everything was complicated with this guy but he held on. She admired him for it.
Ekis' voice was ringing in her ears. Despite the people around her, despite what was happening, she would always find her eyes following him.
His blue eyes connected with hers. They were full of emotions she knew were mirroring hers.
Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own
Red carnations ang inabot ni Jaq sa kanya. Buti na lang at hindi MIA ang doktor na 'to sa kasal nila dahil kung hindi...
"What's up, Doc?" pagbibiro niya na sinagot nito ng tawa.
"If you need someone to talk to, we're here for you, Arisa," ani Jaq.
"Thanks, Doc."
Jaq was someone who cared so much and needed caring as well. He was the big brother of the group despite the absence most of the times.
We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes
It was Connor's turn next. Talaga 'tong si Ekis. Palagi na lang ginagamit ang mga kaibigan.
"For you, Arisa," anito. Isang bungkos ng daffodils ang inabot nito.
Nakangiting tinanggap niya iyon. She never thought that among Ekis' friends, the person she would get close to would be Connor.
Niyakap niya si Connor. "Be happy, Connor."
"Stay happy, Arisa."
Connor was someone who would always think of others first before himself. He would rather hurt himself than hurt the one he loved. He was selfless as he was stupid.
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight
Sa kamay ni Hel ay isang bungkos ng yellow iris. Inabot nito iyon sa kanya.
"Kainggit," sabi nito saka siya niyakap. "Thank you for loving our friend, Arisa."
"Ikaw na next," pang-aasar niya.
Tumawa lang ang lalaki. Hel was someone who got hurt but got stronger because of the pain. Hel was someone who never gave up without a fight.
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight
Peonies were the flowers Wade gave to her. Aba't parang maiiyak pa yata si Wade habang inaabot ang bulaklak sa kanya!
Wade made mistakes but he made up for it. He was sincere and nice and loyal.
"I've seen Alexis at his worst, Arisa. And it was bad. But when he met you, I finally saw my best friend living. He's happy and it's because of you. Thank you, Arisa. Thank you for making our friend happy."
Namalayan na lang ni Arisa na umiiyak na siya habang yakap si Wade.
She always thought it was Ekis who was making her happy. Give and take nga pala ang relationship.
She was making him happy, too.
Even without looking, she knew Ekis was standing behind her. Naramdaman niya ang paghigit nito sa kanya hanggang sa mapaharap siya rito. Niyakap siya nito ng buong higpit.
"I love you. Thank you for being mine."
Umiling siya. Hindi siya makapagsalita dahil sa halo-halong emosyon.
"I never thought I would love someone as hard as I love you, baby. Thank you for giving me the chance to love you."
Isinubsob ni Arisa ang mukha sa dibdib nito.
"Look at me, baby."
Umiling siya.
"Please?"
"No! I look horrible! Hulas na make up ko!"
Naramdaman niya ang pagyugyog ng balikat nito.
"Ekis!"
Sinapo ni Ekis ang baba niya hanggang sa magtama ang tingin nila.
"No matter how you look, you will always be beautiful to me, Mrs. Crowell."
Pabirong inirapan ni Arisa si Ekis pero napangiti na rin.
"Do you remember..." she trailed off.
"Hmm?"
Sinimulan siyang isayaw ni Ekis. Ang tinig ulit ni Connor ang pumailanlang sa paligid.
This was their first dance as a married couple.
"Dati sabi ko, ang gandang pakinggan. Merry Arisa Crowell."
Tumikhim si Ekis na para bang may nagbara sa lalamunan nito. "Yeah."
"I like it."
"Me, too."
Napapikit si Ekis saka isinubsob ang mukha sa pagitan ng kanyang leeg at balikat. Ipinaikot niya ang mga braso sa balikat nito.
"Alissa is watching us. This was her favorite place, right?"
Naramdaman niya ang pagtango ni Ekis. Naramdaman niya ang pamamasa ng kanyang balat tanda nang pag-iyak ni Ekis.
"I am so in love with you, baby boy."
Humigpit ang pagkakayakap nito sa kanya. Marahan siyang napangiti.
She would always be thankful to the Lord for giving her the trials in life. For facing the trials made her stronger and made her love this man holding her as if she was his lifeline more meaningful.
Their story wasn't ending here. Their story has just started. With God leading them. Loving someone wasn't meant to be easy but it would be worth it.