CHAPTER 39
Magkahawak kamay na lumabas ng simbahan sina Liam at Lira, habang hinahagisan sila ng bigas at rose petals ng mga bisita. Bago tuluyang pumasok sa loob ng bridal car, humarap ang dalawa sa lahat at saka nag-kiss.
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Kung sa wedding ceremony ay puro iyakan, at emosyonal ang lahat, ibahin naman natin sa wedding reception kung saan masaya ang lahat at hindi malaman kung anong uunahing gawin; ang kumain ba, o makipag-kwentuhan sa kapwa bisita. Picture dito, picture doon, kwento dito, kwento doon, walang humpay na tawanan, at kamustahan.
Mawawala ba naman sa wedding reception ang ilang pahabol na seremonyas ng kasal? Kaya naman tutok ang lahat habang pinapanood ang newlywed na hinahati ang kanilang 3 layered cake. Bite size lang naman ang isinubo nila sa isa’t isa dahil ayaw ni Lira na maging katulad noong wedding invitation picture nila ang kalabasan kapag kinuhanan sila ng picture. Yung kinuhanan ni Dee habang pilit nilang inuubos ang cake sa bibig nila. Because they want their marriage to be fun kaya yun talaga ang nilagay nila sa wedding invitations.
Then, drinking of wine kung saan magka-pulupot ang mga braso nila sa pag-inom. At ang nagpatili naman sa ilang bisita ay ang pagpapakawala ng dalawang puting kalapati sa hawla. Noong una, ayaw pa ni Lira na hilahin yung isang tali dahil natatakot sya na baka lumipad sa kanya, tinawanan naman sya ni Liam.
“Attention to all the single ladies out there, please go in front para sa pinakahihintay ng lahat ang paghahagis ng bridal bouquet. Para magkaalaman na kung sino ba ang susunod sa dalawang nilalang na nasa gitna. It’s your time to shine girls!” hyper na pag-aanounce ni Sophia na mas excited pa sa lahat. Sya kasi ang MC.
Nagkahiyaan pa noong una kung sino sino ang pupunta at makikisali sa paghahagis ng bridal bouquet, nag-yayayaan pa nga yung iba. Hanggang sa sunod sunod na ang nagpunta sa harapan. Kasama ang mga kaibigan ni Lira na sina Cams, Dee, Dori, at Nats. Napasama din si Alannah dahil pinilit ng Mommy at ni Lira. Si Kristine naman, hinila din ng pinsan nyang si Nats. Noong ready na ang lahat, nakangiti na tumalikod si Lira at saka inihagis ang bridal bouquet na nasalo ni Alannah. Nilapitan naman sya ni Lira at binati.
“Congrats Sis. Ayan ha, next ka na.” natatawa pang sabi ni Lira
“Mukang gagastos na naman sina Mommy nito.” Pagbibiro naman ni Alannah.
“Congratulations Lanah.” Bati naman ni Sophia.
“Magpapahuli ba naman ang mga lalaki? Calling all the single men out there, you know what to do. Punta na sa harapan para sa paghahagis ng garter ng pinakamamahal kong kapatid na mas matangkad pa sa akin.” masayang pagtawag ni Sophia.
Lumapit din naman ang ilan, maliban sa kaibigan ni Lira na sina Chi at Dylan na mas gusto atang makipag-agawan ng bulaklak kesa sa garter. Sumali naman si Robin, at si Christian. Tumingin muna si Liam sa mga lalaking nasa harapan at hinanap talaga si Christian, saka sya ngumiti at tumalikod, hinagis nya yung garter na saktong sakto kay Christian. Expected na nang lahat kaya naman hindi na din sila nakipag-agawan pa.
“You’re next Bro. Congratulations.” Nakangiting bati ni Liam kay Christian.
“Thank you. Congratulations too.” sagot naman ni Christian.
Pinalibutan nang mga bisita sina Alannah na nakaupo habang hawak ang nasalong bouquet at si Christian naman nakaluhod habang hawak ang garter na sinadyang itapat sa kanya ni Liam. Isusuot na kasi ni Christian ang garter sa may hita ni Alannah. Kinikilig naman ang lahat noong hinubad na ni Christian yung kanang sapatos ni Alannah at nag-umpisa nang magsigawan noong isinusuot na ni Chistian yung garter pataas hanggang sa above the knee na ang taas.
“Higher! Higher! Higher!” Sigaw ng lahat na kinikilig at natutuwa sa moment ng dalawa. Kaya naman itinaas pa ni Christian hanggang sa may hita ni Alannah. Natatawa na lang silang dalawa dahil may humihirit pa rin ng HIGHER.
And they ended it with a sweet kiss.
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Mawawala ba naman ang mga messages from family, relatives and friends? Naunang mag-bigay ng message si Chef Gee. Tumayo ito sa harapan ng lahat at nakatingin sa anak na bagong kasal.
“Good evening everyone. Today, I can say that this is one of the happiest and saddest days of my life. I’m happy because finally, my daughter – my princess is married to the man she loves and I am sure that her husband will take care of her. I’m happy to see that she is happy; all parents wanted the best for their child and we will do anything just to see them happy. But of course, as a father, I am sad when reality hits me that my baby is a lady now, that she will soon have her own family. I know that this is going to happen but I didn’t expect it to be this hard. Sorry if I’m being emotional here, I just love my daughter so much. Agatha, be a good wife and a mother. Ok? Liam, son, take good care of my daughter. Congratulations to both of you!”
Hindi namannapigilan ni Lira na lumapit sa Daddy nya at yumakap dito. Nagpalakpakan naman ang lahat, habang ang ilan ay nagpupunas ng nangingilid na luha. Kahit naman si Lira hindi din maiwasang malungkot dahil hindi na magiging katulad ng dati ang buhay nya. Hindi na sya titira kasama ang Daddy nya. Alam din nya na dadating ang panahon na ‘to pero hindi nya din akalain na ganito pala kahirap mahiwalay sa magulang. Lalo na kung super close kayo. Tulas sa kaso ni Lira na Daddy’s girl.
Si Magareth naman ang sumunod na nagbigay ng mensahe sa anak nya.
“First of all I wanted to say thank you Agatha, for giving me a second chance. You may not be with me the entire year of your existence, but it doesn’t lessen my love for you. You know that. I’m very happy for you, just like what your father said; we are happy that you married the man you love. Soon you will be a mother. But don’t pressure yourself dear, enjoy being a wife first – baby will soon come in God’s time and will. I know you are feeling the pressure of having a baby right now, because everyone is excited about it and having a baby is the next big thing in your married life. Liam, I know you too well more than I know my daughter. I’m confident that you will be a good husband. Thank you for loving my daughter this much. I love you both, congratulations!”
Nakahinga naman ng maluwag si Lira sa sinabi ng Mommy nya. Mothers’ knows best nga talaga. Alam na alam nito kung anong nararamdaman nya. Nag-uumpisa pa nga lang ang deal nila ni Liam marami na ang nag-prepressure sa kanya sa pagkakaroon ng baby. Buti na lang talaga at nandyan ang mommy nya na kahit hindi sya magsalita ay alam kung ano ang nararamdaman nya.
Sumunod na nagbigay ng message ay ang Mommy ni Liam na si Aly. Hindi pa man sya nag-uumpisang mag-salita ay nagpupunas na ito ng luha.
“I can’t believe that my son is finally married. I remember the days when I keep on setting him up on blind dates. And her Ate Sophia will tease him that he will end up being single forever. A workaholic man, responsible, kind, and a loving man; I’m proud to say that he is my son. When he introduces Agatha to us, we are delighted and excited. Agatha is a sweet girl and easy to love, no doubt my Liam falls for her. Wish you all the best of love. We will always be there for you two whenever you needed us. Congratulations! I love you. ”
This time, si Liam naman ang lumapit sa Mommy nya, niyakap ito at hinalikan pa sa pisngi na ikinagulat ng Mommy nya. Hindi kasi showy si Liam pagdating sa mga magulang nya.
Daddy ni Liam naman ang nagbigay ng message, si Leo. Kalmado lang na pumunta sa harapan, hindi katulad ng asawa nya.
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate the both of you. This is another chapter of your lives. In every journey, decision and problems you may encounter; you are not alone. You must seek each other’s guidance and most of all, don’t give up on each other. Marriage life is not that easy, it will not end in ‘I do’s’; it is a lifetime commitment, remember that. Liam, son, I am so proud of you and Agatha, welcome to the family. We love you”
Kusa namang lumapit si Daddy Leo sa mag-asawa at niyakap pareho.
Si Sophia na ang nagbigay ng message, katulad kanina, hyper pa rin sya.
“Hi, well, ano pa bang masasabi ko bukod sa congratulations? Ahh, alam ko na. Thank you. Bakit thank you? Thank you kasi pinabayaan nyo akong mag-ayos ng wedding nyo kahit kontra si Liam noong umpisa. Thank you sa tiwala na ibinigay nyo sa akin, mag-mula umpisa, you know what I’m talking about. Umpisa pa lang, alam ko na ito na talaga yung ending nyo eh. Brother dear Liam, alam mo naman na mahal kita kahit palagi kitang inaasar, at alam kong nakukulitan ka sakin sa pagiging madaldal ko. Well, siguro naman masasanay ka na sa maingay dahil sa halos kapareho ko si Agatha ng ugali. Agatha Sis, pagpasensyahan mo na kung Boring yung kapatid ko, wala ka nang magagawa dyan; in born na ata eh. Congratulations!”
Nilapitan naman agad nya yung bagong kasal at saka niyakap ng mahigpit si Agatha, pagdating naman kay Liam, bumulong si Liam sa kanya.
“Thank you Ate.” At dun na tumulo ang luha ni Sophia.
Time naman ni Alannah. Syempre ang mga chismosa/chismoso, tutok sa message na sasabihin ng ex-girlfriend ng groom at sister ng bride.
“Well, I know everyone in this room are interested on what will I say. Maybe if we meet in a different ways, that I’m not the ex-girlfriend of Liam and I am not adopted by the mother of Agatha, maybe we will not pass all of the dramas. But every time I think about changing it, I shook my head and say NO. I don’t want to change a bit; whether it’s bad or good, because that makes us stronger and that makes us love each other. We are a family now, and this time no one will tear us apart. Congratulations and I love you both.”
Nagpalakpakan naman ang lahat sa sinabi ni Alannah.
Makakalimutan ba ang mga kaibigan ni Lira? Syempre hindi sila papayag na hindi sila magbigay ng message para sa kaibigan. Si Dylan ang nanguna sa kanila, hindi dahil ayaw mauna ng iba pero dahil nagbunutan na sila kung sino ang mauuna o mahuhuli. Gusto kasi nilang lahat na mauna kaya naman nagdecide sila na sa kapirasong papel ilagay ang kapalaran nila.
“I got number 1, so yeah, ako ang mauuna. Lira, you know how much we love you, and how happy we are for you. Walang halong bola, you are beyond beautiful today. Sa ating magkakaibigan, no one expect that you will be the first to get married. Well, like everybody said; always expect the unexpected. Since you are a Mrs. Villas already, I’m a bit sad because I know you can’t party hard anymore. But that is a good sign for me, because no one will push me at the dance floor anymore. Congratulations!”
Next naman si Dori, ang stylish slash kaibigan ni Lira.
“Hey girl, so this is really is it. You are married! And I’m still single! I’m happy for you; just want you to know that our friendship will not change even if how many times you changed your relationship status. So, if you need anything, I’m just a call and text away. I hope you two grow old together and have healthy and beautiful kids. I do see you as a wonderful parent. Congratulations Guys!”
Third one is Dee, the silent type friend of Lira
“Congratulations Lira and Liam, have a blessed and strong married life. You have come this far, so don’t let problems take you down. We know how much you’ve been through and we will be glad to help you out in any possible way we can when you needed us. I love you guys!”
Sumunod naman si Nats ang fashionistang friend ni Lira
“I’ve been waiting for this moment of your life Lira. Kung alam mo lang yung excitement ko sa kasal mo, magmula sa umpisa. You know what I mean. Liam is definitely the one for you, take good care of each other. And sana, yung love wag mawala sa inyong dalawa, magkaroon man kayo ng thousand reasons to give up on each other, please remember the reason you said ‘I do’. You both deserve each other. Congratulations!”
Si Chi naman ang sumunod na nagbigay ng message. Ang event organizer na syang nag-ayos ng reception nila.
“Thank you for trusting me to organized your wedding reception. I’m lucky to be part of this wedding and of course to be one of the best friends of the famous and gorgeous Aga. Before, she is a girl who says what’s on her mind without thinking it first, do whatever she wants and she don’t care what people might think about her. But now, that girl is gone. Lira is a lady who thinks before she speaks, she do what she thinks is right and she cares for others before herself. That’s what Liam did to her; he changed her without realizing it. Congratulations!”
Huling nagbigay ng message si Cams ang make-up artist ni Lira, na isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit sya maganda ngayon.
“Congratulations guys! Seriously, I can’t still get over by the thought of my friend Lira is finally married. Well, looks like everyone is shocked, but happy. I know Liam will love my best friend more than we love her. I remember when we teased Lira about being on time whenever she is excited. Yes, including this marriage. Everyone can tell how perfect you are together and how happy you both are. Enjoy every hours, minutes and seconds of your married life, now that you found the one who will spend your lifetime with, be thankful and don’t ever let each other go. I Love you!”
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Pagkatapos ng bigayan ng message para sa mga newlyweds, nag-umpisa na ang first dance ng mag-asawa. Kung sa wedding ceremony nila ay si Lira ang pumili ng kanta this time, choice of song naman ni Liam. Inimbitahan pa nila sina Sitti at Christian Bautista para lang kantahin ng live yung kanta nila. Tulad ng wedding song, hindi din slow yung kanta na pinili ni Liam, mas gusto kasi nya yung lively at the lyrics says it all para sa nararamdaman nya kay Lira.
[Captured by Christian Bautista and Sitti]
I was captured the moment we met
Carried away with every word you said
It’s a mystery how you got to me
I fell in the spell of your charms
With your siren’s smile you caught me off guard
“So this is really is it” panimula ni Lira habang kasayaw ang asawa.
“I guess. *sigh* Hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin alam kung bakit ako na-inlove sayo” pagbibiro ni Liam
“Well, hindi pa ba obvious?” sagot ni Lira at umikot at nag-pose pa. Kaya naman natawa na lang si Liam
Just one glance took away my breath
Then you drew me in with your tenderness
You captivate my soul, I’m enraptured
You knocked me out and you locked me up
Stole my heart like a thief at love
Keep me here in your happy ever after
I’m captured
“You stole my heart, Liam” paninisi ni Lira
“No, you captivate my soul first” natawa na lang sila pareho dahil sa pagsasabi nila ng lyrics ng kanta
“Nice song Mr. Villas, keep it up” puri pa ni Lira
“Thank you.” proud na sabi ni Liam
“I remember our first dance on our first wedding. You still remember the song you played in your laptop?” paghahamon ni Lira sa memory ng asawa.
“Of course yes. You and Me by Lifehouse.” Sabi pa ni Liam
“You do have a sharp memory ha.” sabi ni Lira at tinapik ang balikat ng asawa
By the way just in case you care
I’m here to stay I’m not going anywhere
I took a dive in your deep dark eyes
And I’m never coming up for air, no
I lost myself in this bond that we share
“I love that line… I’m here to stay, I’m not going anywhere.” Kinanta pa ulit ni Lira yung line sa kanta.
“You are a very beautiful and famous model, but no offense, you are a worst singer dear.” Asar ni Liam sa asawa
“I so hate you right now” at umirap pa si Lira sa kanya kaya naman niyakap nya ito at hinalikan sa pisngi.
One sweet kiss took away my breath
Then you drew me in with your tenderness
You captivate my soul, I’m enraptured
You knocked me out and you locked me in
Stole my heart like a thief at love
Hold me tight in you happy ever after
Tulad ng last line sa kanta niyakap ng mahigpit ni Liam si Lira.
“And I will always love you.” sabi pa ni Liam
“How sweet, improving na talaga ang Mr. Boring ko.” sagot naman ni Lira at kinurot pa ang pisngi ni Liam na parang bata.
“Is that a bad sign?” pabirong tanong nya sa asawa
“No.” saka sya hinalikan ni Lira sa lips.
Now you’ve got the best of me
No one else could hold the key
I’m captured
Just one touch took away my breath
When you drew me in I could not resist
You captivate my soul, I’m enraptured
You knocked me out and you locked me up
Stole my heart like a thief at love
Keep me here in your happy ever after
I’m captured
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Natapos ang wedding reception nila nang masaya ang lahat, busog din syempre dahil sa masasarap na iniluto nina Chef Gee at Margareth. Umuwi na ang mag-asawa sa bahay nila, kasunod ang isang van na puno ng regalo galing sa mga bisita, kaibigan at kamag-anak nila.
Kahit pagod na ay nagawa pa rin nilang isa isahing buksan ang mga regalo nila dahil sa excitement. Hindi naman mawawala sa regalo ang mga appliances, gamit sa bahay, utensils, at kung ano ano pa. Yun naman kasi talaga ang traditional na inireregalo sa mga na-uumpisang bumuo ng sarili nilang pamilya.
At ang regalo ng parents’ nila sa kanila, trip to Europe, para sa honeymoon nila. They decided na sa susunod na araw na lang sila pumunta ng Europe para sa honeymoon trip nila para naman makapagpahinga muna sila dahil sa nangyaring wedding.
And after they finally ended their day….. They made love.
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