C5- The Wedding

Alice's POV

I wear my Ivory and co Belmont crystal drop earrings, this is the last step of my preparation for the... wedding.

Because of the number of ring lights affixed to the borders of the glass on my vanity table, I have an excessive amount of light shining on me. And In addition, the bridal gown I am currently wearing is quite beautiful. I appear to be a figment of my imagination. I looks so unreal. It is a V-neck wedding dress made in lace with romantic floral motifs all over the dress with tattoo-effect neckline and back. Full skirt with pleated details and long train, unquestionably a fairytale princess style for the most romantic brides.

Ito na talaga. Hindi ko alam ang mararamdaman ko habang pinapagmasdan ko ang sarili ko sa salamin. But I have to trust my parents. I know hindi nila ako papabayaan, ginagawa lang nila ito para sa kapakanan namin. 

My parents and I had a deal about this. Kung hindi tama ang magiging takbo ng pagpapakasal ko, pagsisihan nila ito.

Napatigil ako at kumunot ang noo ko nang maalala ko ulit ang conversation namin ni mama. 

--Flashback--

"Kamusta na ang pakirandam mo, Alice?" bungad na tanong sa akin ni mama nang pumasok sa kwarto ko. Nilibot niya ang kanyang paningin sa kwarto ko. 

"So you changed the decor of your room and you even arranged your things ah," she added after she completed inspecting the room.

"Interesting theme," she added. I design my room in a vintage theme and arranged my things yesterday. It's been a week since I decided to accept the contract marriage. And of course, they were so happy when I informed it to them.

"I'm fine," tugon ko habang hindi tinutuon ang tingin ko sa kanya. 

"What a memories." I looked at her when she said that, she is now holding our pictures together. I was a kid in the picture, crying because an ant bite me and I thought it will get bigger and it will be a monster and eat us. While mommy was bursting in laugh while hugging me. 

"Ilang araw na lang... tuluyan ka nang magiging independent adult." Sarcastic akong umirap at ibinaling na lang ulit ang tingin ko sa laptop at iniayos ang upo ko sa upuan. 

"Bakit parang magiging losyang naman ako pagnagpakasal ako. Hah! Magiging losyang nga ba?" I replied. 

"Not really. I mean, papasok ka na sa buhay mag-asawa, and I know, marami kayo—tayong pagdadaanan." 

"What are you even trying to say, Ma?" I know she's trying to say something, dinadaan niya lamang muna sa mga ganito. Hindi naman sila pupunta sa kwarto kapag walang sasabihin sa akin. 

"Sinasabi ko lang na mami-miss kita dahil hindi ka na titira dito, hindi ko na makikita ang maganda mong mukha tuwing uuwi ako sa trabaho." She laughed. "Basta kapag may ginawa sa 'yo ang lalaking iyon, alam mo na ang gagawin." 

"Yeah," tanging tugon ko. 

But my forehead furrowed and looked at her when I heard something. "Wha—what do you mean 'hindi ka na titira dito'?" Nakaharap na ako sa kanya habang siya naman ay nakaupo sa kama ko. 

I saw how her eyes wide open a little bit. "H-hindi pa pala namin nasasabi sa iyo..." 

Itinaas ko ang dalawa kong kilay at hinihintay ang susunod nitong sasabihin. 

"Alice, you need to live with him... together... under the same roof." I closed my eyes tightly when I heard those words. 

Pinapatilihin ko ang makalma kong hitsura at pananalita. "Ma, ano na naman ba 'to? Pumayag na ako sa pagpapakasal niyo kahit labag pa ito sa loob ko tapos sasabihin niyo iyan sa akin?" pinapatilihin ko ang makalma kong hitsura at pananalita. 

"Calm down."

"Huwag mong sabihin na pati dito ay wala akong karapatang d-um-isagree?"

"Matagal pa naman iyon, you can still take your time,"

I stood up. I formed my finger a '1' "That is b*llshit." 

"Language, Alice," she warned. 

"I'm sorry. But live with him? Live together with that j*rk? Oh, God hindi mo alam napakasahol ng ugali no'n, Ma." 

Tumayo na rin ito. "Alice! Don't you dare say that to him! That's rude. He is the heir of one of the most successful businessmen in this country! Hindi ka namin pinalaki nang ganyan!"

"Heir my a*s! Paano na lang kung may gawin iyong masama sa akin?! Ni wala ka man lang pake sa mararamdaman ko?" Kunot noo akong nakatingin sa kanya habang mabilis naman ang tibok ng puso ko. Pakiramdan ko ay may nakatusok na mga tinik sa aking lalamunan at hindi ko magawang makipagsagutan nang maayos. Ito na naman tayo! 

"You know how to protect yourself. And I'm sure walang gagawing masama ang anak niya sa iyo dahil alam niya ang magiging resulta nito." 

"Kahit na, Ma! It's not about harrassment din! Sana alam niyo iyan!"

"Wala namang mawawala, kailangan lang ay makita nang lahat na totoong mahal niyo ang isa't isa. You wan visit on our house whenever you want, some of our business partners need to saw it too."

"F*ck people!"

"Kapag 'tong pagpapakasal ko ang sisira ng buhay ko, pagsisihan niyo 'to," madiin kong banta sa kanya.

--End of flashback-- 

 Hindi ko na magawa pang magwala nang sabihin niya iyon. Naisip ko rin na parte iyon ng pag-take ng risk. But she has a point, para saan pala 'tong pagpapakasal ko kung hindi makikita at mapapaniwalaan ng mga tao? 

During the four weeks I was preparing for it, I did nothing but search about the marriage thing. I have to take a risk, because I'm not weak, I want to prove it to myself.

Third Person's POV

It was an autumn wedding in the afternoon. The location is directly in front of a magnificent sunset. Flowers can be seen everywhere, and the combination of flowers and lights, which are strung from the ceiling, creates even more light.

White leaves were spread on the red carpet. Each aisle seat had candles scented suspended from barren tree branches at the end of each aisle seat. We’d have a small group of close family and friends dressed in beach attire for comfort. Friends, family, and relatives can be found on the right side of the aisle, while on the left side is exclusively for their business partners.

"This so fascinating, Grace! You're really good when it comes to things like this," namamanghang sambit ni Georgia habang nilibot-libot niya ang paningin nito. 

Grace and her husband, Arthur, chuckled. Nakasabit ang kamay ng babae aa asawa nito. Habang Isa-isa naman nagsisipasukan ang mga tao. 

"Let's take a seat already. The ceremony will start in a few minutes," after Henry said that, they all nodded and began walking towards their seats.

Alice's POV 

Nakatayo ako sa entrance. Hulma lamang ng katawan ko ang nakikita muna nila dahil may puting kurtina na sa harap ko.  Finally, the priest came out and asked every to stand. F*ck it was my turn! Bumukas na ang kurtina at bumungad ang nakakamangha kong mukha. My heart is beating fast!

The music started, it's a classical song-my favorite classical song. As I, walk in the aisle on the red carpet with full pieces of flowers. My body's shaking while pursing my lips trying to stop herself not to cry, definitely not because of tears of joy, but because of sadness. I never thought that one day I would walk on a very long carpet while wearing a veil. Although I had assumed that I would be one of the guests, seeing couples be married, I had never thought that I would be one of the brides who would have the people watching me getting married.

It is quite painful for me to see myself in this situation. Sobrang sakit na makita ko ang sarili kong nagpapakasal sa lalaking walang koneksyon sa akin. I roamed my eyes, they're all looking at me, most of them are smiling. 

I glanced at him. I know he's not happy too. 

I was greeted by my father. He escorted me down the aisle. When we are already in front, he kissed my forehead. "Thank you, Anak," he whispered. I just nodded in response. I was greeted by my mother too. 

I looked at him again when he started to walk in my direction. When our eyes met, I gave him a fake yet sweet smile kasi alam kong may camera man na nakatutok sa amin. He gave me a half-smiled. Pinulupot ko ang kamay ko sa kanyang braso. And together, we stand in front of the priest to start our matrimony.

I don't know how many hours have passed before we were asked for our vows. 

"First of all, Love, I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for taking care of me, for changing my life, for bringing a bright color in my darkest life..." he started.

"Today, Alice Deborah Quinto, I join my life to yours. Not merely as your husband but as your best friend, your lover, and your confidant. Let me be the shoulder you lean on, the rock which you rest. I'll be there, my darling, through thick and through thin. You are a wonderful woman and I don't think I could ever imagine my life without you. I value the way that you always let me know how much you love me. I can see it in your eyes the way that you look into mine, that you need me as much as I need you. 

I promise to remember neither one of us is perfect. But strive to remind myself of the ways we are perfect for each other. I used to not believe in soulmates, but today I'm here because you made me believe." 

I pursed my lips trying to stop myself not to laugh. The script he said was so convincing for the people who are watching. They didn't know it was full of lies. But how can I laugh in a situation like this? 

Sinabi ko na rin ang vow ko. Partida, kinabisado ko pa 'to sa loob ng isang linggo. 

Hour passed. Magkahawak ang aming mga kamay habang nakatayo. Patapos na ang kasal at nagawa na namin ang lahat ng steps sa kasal. And now, this is the most disgusting scenario that will happen.

"In the presence of your family and friends, you have joined yourselves in marriage. Now that Alice Deborah Quinto and Dean Larry Quinto have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I declare your marriage is valid and binding and rejoice to recognize you as husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." I closed my eyes tightly and forcedly looked at him. 

He takes a few steps closer to me. Oh, f*ck. My heart was beating so fast, especially when he opened my veil. He brought his face close to mine. I couldn't do anything but close my eyes and wait for his next thing to do. 

Iminulat ko ang aking mga mata nang wala akong maramdaman na dumikit sa aking bibig. Bagkus, gayon na lamang ang gulat ko nang maramdaman ko ang halik niya sa aking noo...

--

Under the moon, beneath billions of twinkling stars, and here I am standing on the sand, inhaling in the salty air and savoring the chill of the ocean breeze. 

Pasimple akong tumakas sa party sa loob, hindi ko lang kinaya ang hilo ko kanina dahil sa daming mga influencer na nakakausap ko. 

Tumaas ang kilay ko nang may makita akong anino sa buhangin at nang maramdaman ko ang presensya nito. Tumingin ako sa gilid ko at may alamm na ako kung sino ito.

"What is it-"

"Your parents have been looking for you for a while and then you're just here meditating? Our presence are needed at the party so follow me, that is the order of our parents."

My upper lips quirked up. "Dami mong ebas 'no? Nahilo lang ako kanina, okay?" Nilampasan ko na siya at naglakad pabalik, rinig ko rin ang mga yapak nito na nakasunod sa akin. 

Ngunit napatigil ako at inatras ko ang aking mga hakbang papunta sa kanya. Nang nasa tabi niya na ako ay padabog kong ipinulupot ang aking kamay sa kanyang braso, ramdam ko naman ang mga titig nito sa akin ngunit hindi ko ito pinansin. Sinumulan ko na ang paglakad ko at gayon rin naman siya. Hmp, mahina. Ni wala man lang reaction sa ginawa ko.

"My God. Alice, where have you been?" bungad na tanog sa akin ni mama nang makabalik ako sa loob. 

"Nagpahangin lang, Ma." Napatahimik naman siya nang tumingin siya kay Larry na siyang katabi ko. Sunod siyang tumingin sa kamay kong nakasabit sa braso ni Larry. Akmang tatanggalin ko na ito nang hilain niya ako at dinala sa mga kaibigan na nagkukumpulan, mga nasa lima sila.

Kinalabit niya ito at humarap naman sa kanya ang napakagandang mga nasa 40's ang edad ngunit parang dalaga pa rin ito dahil sa postura at balat niya, tumingin rin sa kanya ang mga kausap ng babae.

"Guys, I want you to meet personally my daughter Alice, and her husband Larry," nakangiting na saad ni mama. Lahat naman sila ay nakangiting nakatingin sa amin. Ang tatlong mga matanda kung hindi ako nagkakamali, sila ang tinatawag na Prima Donnas dahil sila ang mga Chef Director ng Yun Shin Arts High University.

I immediately gave them a sweet smile at lumapt sa kanila para ibeso silang lahat at binati, sumunod naman si Larry at kinamayan silang lahat at bumati. "It's so pleasure to meet you all personally, y'all looks so adorable." They all chuckled. 

They all congratulated me and compliment me. Sinabihan rin nila ako ng kung anu-ano tungkol sa pag-aasawa.

"Oh, wait," saad ng isa sa mga kaibigan ni mama. Pamilyar ang mukha niya, siya ata ang CEO ng Goshin Company na under sa YOnk Org na hawak ng mga magulang niya. May tinawag ito kaya napatigil naman kami ni mama. 

My mouth formed an 'o' a little when suddenly may lumapit sa kanyang babae, kasing edad ko lang ata? Sobrang ganda at aliwalas ng mukha nito. Mag-nanay ata sila I think? She's so fine! She's wearing Spaghetti Strap Short Bodycon White Glittering Dress. 

"Ija, I want you to meet my lovely daughter Aji." I immediately offered her a handshake. Sinuklian niya rin naman ito. 

"Hello, so pleasant to meet you. You're so gorgeous!" I complimented.

"Thank you! Ikaw rin! Bye the way, congratulations for your wedding!" she replied with a wide smile on her face. 

"Maiwan muna namin kayo, ah. May pag-uusapan lang kami, alam mo na mga Ija, girl talks." Lahat naman sila ay nagtawanan nang sabihin iyon ng isa sa mga prima donnas kaya nakitawa na rin ako. 

"Kayo, ah, ni wala man lang ni isang nakakaalam na kayo pala," kung makapagsalita siya sa amin ay tila close ko siya.

Napatingin ako kay Larry nang lumapit ang mukha niya sa akin at bumulong na may pupuntahan lang siya, tumango na lang ako bilang sagot. Mas mabuti pa nga, nang hindi ko na makita pagmumukha niya. 

Napatingin naman ako kay Aji na ngayon at abot tainga ang ngiti, at tila nang-aasar ang hitsura niya habang nakatingin sa amin. Binigyan ko naman siya ng maasim na mukha. 

Nawala ang nakakaloka niyang expression nang may makita siya sa bandang likuran ko. Tinaas niya ang kamay nito at sumigaw, "Addi!" 

Napalingon naman ako sa likuran ko, nakita ko ang isang babaeng papalapit sa amin. She's not familiar, who is she?

"Nandito ka lang pala. Diyos ko, mata-t*e na ako kakahanap sa 'yo sa kaba, hindi ko pa naman kabisado 'tong lugar na 'to!" pagrereklamo nito. 

"Kung saan-saan ka kasi nagsusuot-suot," ganti naman ni Aji.

"Ang dami kasing afam, sis!" Nakita kong pinagdilatan siya ng mata ni Aji habang napapalingon sa akin. Natigil naman ang babae at tumingin sa akin. 

She gasped which made me laugh a little. 

"Oh my God. Is this for real?! You looks so unreal! Napakaganda mo!" maiyak-iyak na ito na nakatingin sa akin habang nakahawak naman ang kamay nito sa bunganga niya. 

"I know. Ikaw rin. Wait, who are you?"

"Oh, she's Addis—" 

Addison cut her off, "I'm Addison Llamera, best friend ko si Aji. We owned a restaurant, sobrang saya nga ng pamilya namin nang kami ang ina-signed sa foods and kitchen," 

After that, the three of us talk some things.

--

I took a breath, nilalanghap ko ang sariwang hangin na bumabalot sa gabing nakakayamot. Habang nakatingin sa maliwanag na buwan na siyang nagsisilbing liwanag sa dilim. Nandito na ako sa balcony ng room sa hotel sa resort. 

I'm still wearing the dress I wore at the party, it is an amp up a traditional black gown with an asymmetrical silhouette. Punctuate the look with unique touches that bring a little shine to the mix. Linear, geometric accents will keep this look sleek and modern, rather than super-glam.

While Larry, is taking a shower. Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba naming gawin ito. Bigla na lang kaming hinatid ng mga kung sino at idinala dito. Of course, hindi ko hahayaaang may mangyari sa amin! 

Bumuntonghininga ako at napagpasiyahang bumalik na sa loob ng kwarto. Pagpasok ko ay napatigil ako nang bumungad si Larry na kakalabas lang ng CR. He's topless and tuwalya lang ang naka-cover sa kanya sa pang-ibaba. Basa-basa pa ang buhok nito.

"What the f*ck?" madiin kong saad. I look at his six packs abs. What a masculine boy.

"Oh, I thought we are going to have a honeymoon?" 

I raised my eyebrows. "In your dreams."

"Really? But I want it," hindi ko alam kung nang-aasar ba ito o hindi.

"Manahimik kang lalaki ka, doon ka sa lapag matulog, ako sa kam—" I stopped speaking when he take a few steps coming from my direction. 

"What?" Hindi siya nakikinig sa akin bagkus humakbang pa ito ulit. 

"Can we?" he asked. 

"Tigilan mo 'kong lalaki ka baka mawala ka sa mundo nang wala sa oras," banta ko. 

Hindi niya pa rin ako pinapakinggan, papalapit na siya nang papalapit sa akin. Tanging ang ilaw sa CR lamang ang nagbibigay ng liwanag sa loob. 

Napapaatras ako sa tuwing humahakbang siya.

Nagsisimula nang tumibok nang mabilis ang puso ko. Pakiramdam ko ay matutunaw ako sa mga titig nito sa akin. Pakiramdam ko'y nakikipagtitigan ako sa Lion dahil sa mga mata nitong nakakapatay. 

Napalunok ako. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko dahil sa kaba. Naiistatwa ako, naiinis ako kapag nagpa-panic ako, sa sobrang kagkabahala ay hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko... 

Hindi pa rin napuputol ang titigan naming dalawa. He's already 10 inches away from me. I looked away when he get his face closer to me. What should I do?! Sa paningin niya'y nagmumukha akong takot at mahina. 

No, Alice. You're not weak. Huwag mong hahayaang mangyari ito. Kinuyom ko ang dalawang kamao ko at nagdikit ang mga kilay ko. Tumingin ako sa kanya, unti-unting nawala ang pagkunot ng noo ko nang makita ko siyang... nakangisi? 

"Kidding," he playfully said, "rest," his last words before he left and slammed the door.