Two months passed by and Steffanie was nothing but happy. Everything just fell into its proper place.
Totoo nga ang sabi nila, peace is the climate of freedom. When she finally reconciled of the past, she found peace.
She and Gareth were taking things one moment at a time. Pareho silang nagkasundo na dapat ay mag-enjoy muna sila sa companion ng bawat isa. Dati kasi, both of them were like a kindred soul, thirsty with passion in love.
They went out from time to time kasama si Kylie. Family bonding nila, but it's always short. Gareth still had his duty sa Asphodel. He was still its Viceroy.
Marami silang mga pinanlano ni Gareth. They planned their future ahead of them. Finally mabubuo na rin ang pamilya niya.
She glanced at her watch. Late na naman ang kameet-up nya ngayong araw.
She just sat there inside a café in Camelot. Kanina pang natapos ang meeting niya sa kanyang agency. She's still on hiatus as a model and she's actually planning to retire. But still, sabi nya, everything was still on the planning stages.
"Steff!!!"
Napalingon ang lahat ng tao sa kapapasok lamang sa café. Sofia really did knew how to make an entrance.
Agad itong umupo sa katapat na settee.
"Naubos ang ganda ko sa traffic, sorry ah."
Kumunot ang noo niya.
"Traffic??? Eh gamit mo na ang Imperial Car. You can beat the red light using that car, you know?"
Umiling-iling ito. "Gumamit lang ako ng sarili kong kotse. Tumakas lang ako sa palasyo."
"Sofia, it's just your first month again as the Crown Princess, tapos tumakas ka na naman?" natatawa na lamang siya rito.
"Ano namang gagawin ko dun? Eh super busy na yung ex-convict kong asawa. Namiss yatang maging Crown Prince."
Halos isang buwan na rin kasi ang nakakalipas nang pumutok ang isang eskandalo. Napawalang sala si Prinsipe Arthur sa mga imibinintang sa kanya noon.
Ang katotohanan pala ay sina Imperial Concubine Guinevere at Prince Lancelot ang may pakana ng lahat.
"How're you feeling right now?" seryosong tanong niya.
Bumuntong hininga ito. "Actually, gusto kong kumatay ng limang kangaroo ngayon at gawing tapa."
"Come on now, be serious Soffie."
"Ano pa ba ang gagawin ko Steff? Five years were taken away from us. Limang taon mahigit na walang tatay itong uhugin pero guwapo kong anak. Can they return those lost moments? Hindi naman 'di ba?"
"That's the perks of being in the Royal Family."
"Ang mahalaga, pinagbabayaran na nila ngayon ang kasalanan ng mga ito."
Both of them were stripped off of their titles and were sent to Tartarus.
"Magdusa sila sa bartolina dun. Magsama sila ni BBF Natalya!" sigaw nito. Again, not minding about what other people might think.
Then there was this issue with Natalya. Nagulat na lang siya sa mga naganap. Gareth brought her the justice she was yearning for years ago. Nasa Tartarus na rin ito't nakakulong.
"Cheers for a new life." She said as she lifted her cup.
"Cheers for this and welcome to the family, Steff. I mean, your highness..." Sofia replied.
Nagulat siya sa sinabi nito.
"Tigilan mo nga ako, Steff. Pa-virgin ka pa? It's all over the news. Alam na ng lahat ang happy ever after mo."
"We're taking things slowly, Sofia. Wala pa sa plano namin ni Gareth and magpakasal." She said but somehow, there was this aching feeling in her heart who was yearning for a wedding bell.
"Whatever, basta, Cheers sa ating magaganda! At boo kay Natalya, lalo nawa sana siyang chumaka sa Tartaros!"
Again, she raised her cup at the craziness of her friend.
Gareth was spending the night with his brothers at the Arondight Palace. Naroroon sila para magkaroon ng get together kasama silang magkakapatid.
It was him, Arthur, Tristan and Aglevale. It was like the old times. Noong una'y nahihiya pa siya kay Arthur, but soon after his reinstatement as Crown Prince, he talked to him. Personal itong nagpasalamat sa kanya and he asked for his forgiveness as well. And just like a tightly-knit family, they finally made peace. Well, not to take account the big punch his well-deserved face received. But at least, alam niyang pinatawad na siya ng kapatid sa kanyang ginawa.
"Nasaan ba si Ares?" Tanong ni Arthur.
"May ka-date," sagot ni Tristan.
"Sino?"
"Si Valerie, yung designer nyo noong kasal nyo ni Sofia." Nagtagay si Tristan ng alak. Agad naman nitong binigay ang alak kay Arthur.
Arthur took a swig and drunk it all down.
"Fuck! Kalian pa nakipag date yun? Shit! Ang dami kong namiss habang nagsakawatan ako."
"You should look at that bastard's face kapag kasama niya si Val, he looked so smitten and in love," pagtudyo ni Aglevale.
He was just attentively listening to them, his mind was somewhere else.
Kasalukuyan niyang katext si Steff.
How's your night, sweetheart? He typed.
She immediately replied. Masaya. I took Kylie in the spa today for some R n R.
I hope I was there with you both. I would love some R n R with the treasures in my life.
Gusto talaga niyang kasama ang kanyang pamilya pero may mahalaga siyang ginawa.
May iba pa namang pagkakataon. Kylie and I will be waiting for you, daddy.
Daddy. He sharply inhaled. Several years ago he resented that word, but now, it made him feel complete.
I miss you so much, sweetheart.
I miss you more. Wish you were here with me tonight.
Napalunok siya sa nabasa. Goodness! This mere text message had sent a voltage of electric current in his already aching libido. Fuck! But her simple words made him hard right now. He needed her. He wanted her.
For the past two months, he had been celibate. They date. They talk. They even shared chaste kisses. But that's just it. Nothing more.
This time around, they just wanted to take their time and he respected her so much. It was hard as hell for him. Imagine being in front of your most favorite meal, yet, you were not allowed to taste it, much more less take a bite.
But there was a deep reason behind that. He didn't want to fuck up this time around with her. The heavens had orchestrated a second time with her and Kylie and he will never throw it away, not like what he did before.
Don't get naughty on me tonight, sweetheart. I might barge into your doorstep and sweep you off your feet.
It took a few minutes for her to reply. Pansamantala, natuon ang pansin niya sa mga kapatid.
"I really didn't expect Ares to be so possessive," ani Tristan.
"Me too," gatong naman ni Aglevale.
They were talking about the commotion that they brother did two weeks ago inside a famous mall in Arondight.
"He's just in love," he said with a genuine smile on his lips. He remembered the beautiful face of Steffanie. His heart was melting at the thought of how compassionate and good Steffanie was. He was a lucky bastard to have her.
"I agree," sagot ni Arthur. He also wore that familiar smile of joy and contentment.
"Tigilan niyo nga ako sa kakaganyan nyong dalawa. You both look like a smitten teenagers!" tudyo ni Tristan.
Itinaas ni Arthur ang hawak na kopita, "Here, here."
He gave a toast as well.
"Talk to yourself Tristan," Aglevale asked.
"What do you mean?" tanong ni Arthur.
Isang matalim na tingin ang pinukol ni Tristan kay Aglevale.
"Speaking of love struck teenager, you look like that one yourself bro,"
"Shut up!"
"Hey! Hey! What's this you're talking about?"
"It's not what, brother. It's who."
"Fuck you, Aglevale!"
Tumawa lang ito ng malakas.
"Well, what's her name again? Lucylee?" Aglevale was clearly teasing him.
His phone vibrated on his hands. May reply na si Steff.
Sorry for the late reply. Kylie asked me to read her a bed time story. About that barging in my door, you can try that my Prince charming.
Fuck! She could really tempt a saint. He was so fucking hard right now.
"Ewan ko sa inyong tatlo, but I'll never be in love. I don't want to look like a fool, parang kayong tatlo lang. Lalo na itong si Gareth." He overheard Aglevale said it.
He was really grinning from ear to ear as he converse with Steff over the phone. He must really have looked like a teenager talking to his crush. But be as it may, wala na siyang pakiaalam. Magmukha na siyang tanga, but if it's for his love ones, he was willing to look like a brooding and doting husband and father.
"Lulunukin mo rin yan, Aglevale. Once you found 'The One,' wala ka nang kawala!" he said.
"True!" pagsang-ayon ni Arthur.
"Heck! You both sound corny as hell, too!"
Napuno nang tawanan nilang apat ang silid. Nagpatuloy lang sila sa kanilang inuman. And he continued showering Steff with words that expressed his overwhelming feelings for that woman.
Pinasadahan ni Steff ang sarili sa salamin. She wore a classic boatneck dress. She wore her hair with large curls. To complete her ensemble, she wore a Swarovski studded stiletto.
Nasiyahan naman siya sa nakita. She looked very beautiful. This will be her first public appearance since her hiatus. Ayaw man sana niyang bumalik muna sa limelight, but Sofia and Valerie was insistent for her to attend an exhibit of a budding painter. Gaganapin ito sa Arondight Palace kaya naobliga siyang magbihis ng maganda. She didn't want to out of place in the beauty of palace.
Kasalukuyang nasa Asphodel si Gareth for his work there as Viceroy. Samatalang si Kylie ay nasa Sutherland kasama ang kanyang ama.
She received a text message. It was from Tristan.
Are you ready? I'm already at the lobby.
Tristan will serve as her chaperone for tonight. Of course, nagpaalam naman siya kay Gareth at pumayag naman ito.
Minutes later and she was with Tristan. He looked like a debonair in his suit.
"You look like very handsome tonight, Tristan," she said her compliments for him.
"Back at you, Angel."
Umabrisiete siya rito.
Tristan had been her very good "guy" best friend. She had to really put emphasis on the Guy thing. Sofia threw a fit nang malaman nitong best friend niya si Tristan. She said she betrayed her. Alam naman niyang nagbibiro lamang ito, but still, Tristan will be her "guy" best friend and Sofia will always be the "ultimate" best friend.
Natawa na lamang siya sa kaloka-lokahan ng kaibigan.
Napanganga siya nang makita ng sasakyan nila patungo sa palasyo. It was limo and along with was fifteen black sedans.
"For security purposes, Angel."
Sa palasyo nga naman sila pupunta. And being a Prince of the Kingdom, Tristan should always imbibe the air of luxury.
It took them a few minutes before they reached the Palace.
A red carpet was laid out of the corridor leading to the Throne Room. A lot of paparazzi were there, taking pictures of the guests.
Agad naman silang sinalubong ni Sofia at ni Valerie, both of them were dressed for the occasion as well.
"Steff!" sigaw ni Sofia.
This caused the press to come and notice them. Napaka-eskandalosa talaga ng kaibigan niya.
"Glad you could come," Valerie greeted.
Nagbeso siya sa dalawang kaibigan.
"Hello, GUY best friend..." mapait na bati ni Sofia kay Tristan.
Ngumiti ang binata. "Hello, ULTIMATE best friend and her royal highness..."
"At least alam mo na ang kalulugaran mo," masungit na sabi nito.
"By the way Steff, Sofia and I need to go in the Crown Prince's Manor. Mauna na kayo sa loob ha."
"Sama na lang ako."
"Ay naku! Boring dun Steff. May pet na sawa si Arthur matatakot ka lang. Kami na lang ni Val."
"I am really not afraid of sawa, Sofie."
"May King Cobra rin dun. Palaka. Alakdan. Ulahipan. Basta, parang Zoo ang kwarto ni Arthur. Kaya kami na lang!" pamimilit ng kaibagan.
Magpupumilit pa sana siya ngunit naunahan na siya ni Valerie.
"Mauna ka na sa loob, Steff. We already went there. May aayusin lamang kasi kami ni Sofia sa kwarto nila."
Bumulong ito sa kanya. "May tagos siya."
Tiningnan niya ang kaibigan. Nakatitig lang ito sa kanya. So that explained the out-of-place jacket tied on her waist. It completely covered her behind.
"I can help, too." She insisted.
"Mabilis lang kami." Kaya mauna na kayo.
She didn't know if she was hypnotized of something, but she just agreed with Valerie. Val was always the agreeable type. She was always good with her words.
Next thing she knew, nakalayo na ang dalawa.
"Let's go?" yaya ni Tristan.
Sumunod lamang siya dito.
No matter how many times she'd been inside this place, the palace still bedazzled her.
"Sino ang mag-eexhibit?" tanong niya kay Tristan.
"Angel, I am no art enthusiast. I just go to events." He said.
Napatango na lamang siya.
They posed for the camera as the paparazzi called her name.
She felt happy. It had been too long since she fully immersed herself back to her first love – painting. Alam niyang ma-eenjoy niya ang gabing ito dahil alam niyang napakagaling ng pintor na itatampok sa exhibit na ito. Hindi biro kasi na sa palasyo ang exhibit. Only the best of the best was given the chance to showcase their works in the domain of the Monarch.
And she was right, pagkabukas na pagkabukas pa lamang ng malaking pinto ay bumungad na sa kanya ang ganda ng lugar. The throne room was transformed as a giant beautiful gallery.
There were many people inside the place. All of which were looking from the paintings to her. Natuon ang paningin niya sa mga paintings na naroon, she was ecstatic to appreciate the art works.
But a pang of familiarity struck her.
"Go ahead," Tristan said.
Agad niyang tinunton ang pinakamalapit na painting. And she was right, it was Snowflake, one of her paintings. Nilibot niya ang paligid. Every painting inside the room was hers, some were the ones she painted in her studio while most were her projects in the University of Pendragon.
Nalilito siya. Anong nangyayari? Bakit nandito ang mga ito?
"Nobles and Royals, meet Countess Steffanie Sutherland. The painter of this magnificent works!" the voice of Tristan reverberated inside the hall.
Hinanap ang lalaki, but she couldn't find him anywhere.
Valerie came out from the crowd. She wore a beautiful and happy smile. She reached her hand. Nagpaubaya naman siya. She lead her to the red carpet leading to the throne of King.
"What's happening Val?"
Ngiti lamang ang isinagot nito.
Everyone in the room dispersed. Magkabilaang pumwesto ang mga ito sa Red Carpet. All of them were clapping their hands. But for what?
Bumilis ang tibok ng puso niya kada hakbang na ginawa nila.
Sinalubong sila ni Sofia.
Her friend was wearing the same dress.
"Be happy," it's all what Sofia said.
She wanted to ask why. She's really confused.
She lead her further, they were now closing in the throne of the King. Sa baba ng pedestal nito ay naroon ang iba't ibang mga paintings niya.
Isang luha ang sumungaw sa kanyang mga mata nang makita ang mga paitings. It was her collection during her last exhibit. It was all the painting the she made for Gareth. It was the memento of their times together. It was the proof of her undying love to him.
Akala niya'y sinira na nito ang mga paintings na ito. But was all there, properly preserved and devoid of any scratches.
"We'll leave you now, Steff." Bulong ni Valerie.
She didn't speak. Her emotions were overwhelming her.
She remembered the moments she and Gareth shared while she made these paintings. Their little vacation. Their petty talks in her condo units. The night when he showed her the stars. The moment when he bid ten million just to have a date with her.
Natatawa at naiiyak siya sa dinadaloy ng kanyang isipan.
Then, there's the time when they skydived. It was exhilarating. It was amazing.
Memories of the past came flowing like a river in the meadow.
He saved her several times. He showed her that a simple Cinderella like her could find her Prince Charming.
She recalled that magical moment when he proposed to her. It was magic. It was beautiful. Just like today.
And without any warnings, Gareth appeared from the crowd.
Lumapit ito sa kanya. She looked him in the eyes. His amber said it all. It was screaming of pure and undiluted emotions.
Lumunok ito. She could see him tense as his Adam's apple went up and down.
"I don't know how to say this, sweetheart..." His voice echoed inside the whole place. The speakers were amplifying his voice.
"I will always thank the heavens for this chance to be with you again," namamasa na ang mga mata nito.
"First of all, I want you to have this back." May kinuha ito mula sa bulsa nito.
It was her necklace, the one memento of her mother. Isinuot nito iyon sa kanya.
"For the hundredth time, I am sorry..." he said.
Then, he knelt in front of her. She was taken aback by his action. Tears were now overflowing from her eyes.
He reached something in his pocket.
"I made a huge mistake, sweetheart, but you've forgiven me. Your heart is pure and angelic. I'll never forget the day when you've accepted me back in your life, when you and our daughter accepted me fully."
Hindi siya makapagsalita. Her emotions were overwhelming her.
"When you said 'no' to my second proposal, I thought, baka hindi na niya ako mahal. Pero makulit ako, I will never ever back down in a fight, especially when my happiness is concerned, especially when you and Kylie are concerned. Because both of you are my happiness."
"So right now, in front of these people, I ask you. For the Third time, Will you marry me? Will you be my Princess?"
His eyes were full of hope and longing.
Binuksan nito ang dalang pulang kahita. Naroroon ang singsing niya, ang Sirius Gem, the same ring he offered years ago. The same ring she rejected months ago. And now, for the third time, he was offering this to her.
But unlike those times, today was different. No shadows of her past haunted them. No secrets that she couldn't tell. No bitterness. No anger. It was just his and her love for each other.
She was about to answer, but a familiar voice attracted her attention.
"Say yes mommy!" sigaw ni Kylie papalapit sa kanilang dalawa.
Tuambi ito sa ama nitong nakaluhod pa rin.
"Say yes!" pamimilit nito.
And with everything in her heart, she said her answer.
"Yes, Gareth! Yes!"
Relief and happiness flooded in his face. Isinuot nito sa daliri nito ang dalang singsing. Just like what happened to them, this ring found its rightful home in her fingers.
Niyakap siya ni Gareth.
"I love you, sweetheart."
"I love you more," she replied.
"I love you both!" sigaw ni Kylie.
Nagtawanan sila ni Gareth. Agad nitong kinarga ang anak.
"Thanks for your help, little sweetheart." He said. Naghigh-five ang mag-ama.
"Pinagtulungan nyo ako dun ah," she said adoringly.
"We'll do anything for your big yes, sweetheart."
Never had she imagined that a scene like this is possible in her life. She really couldn't believe what had happened.
It was a roller coaster ride. There were ups and downs. There was this unexplainable thrill and excitement. She laughed and cried.
She knew that in their lifetime, she will fall in love with this same man over and over again. Gareth was her Prince Charming, and now, Cinderella had become his Princess. Finally, the unwanted Cinderella found her happy ending in the arms of the man she loved.
Hinawakan ni Steffanie nang mahigpit ang kamay ni Gareth.
"Are you sure about this?" wika nito. She could see how tensed he was.
She gave him an assuring nod. "As sure as I'll ever be Gareth."
Huminga ito nang malalim. His amber eyes expressed his every fear. The window of his soul told his hesitations.
"I trust you Gareth. If this will be the last moment that I'll ever see the light of this world, then so be it. I have Kylie and your face embedded in my mind already."
She was lying on the hospital bed right now, only seconds away from scheduled eye surgery. Apparently, Gareth and his team were able to cure a case of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Her brilliant prince charming had once proven his worth.
Nang malaman niya ito, she convinced him to do the same procedures they made to her. She wanted to be cured of this ailment of hers. At alam niyang nasa mabuting kamay siya.
She fully trusted Gareth. She's the love of her life. If there's someone whom she'll feel comfortable with, it'll be Gareth and no one else.
"Let's go?" he said.
Pinasadahan nya muna ito ng tingin. Kung talagang tuluyan na siyang mabubulag, nais niyang si Gareth and huling taong kanyang makikita.
He looked gorgeous in his scrubs. She had seen him a lot of times already, but this look of him suited him fully. He truly looked dashing in this. He was now her prince charming and her personal surgeon. Life cannot be better than this.
Kaya ngayon, naririto na siya. She'll brave this odd once and for all. She wanted to live her life to the fullest, for Gareth, for Kylie. She didn't want anything that would hold her back anymore. She wanted to be free from this disease.
"I'm ready, my love."
Isang tango lamang ang sinagot nito. His team of nurses immediately brought her to the operating room.
Wala nang atrasan ito. This it.
And with everything that she had, she put her fate on the hands of her beloved.
Never in Gareth's career as a medical practitioner did he felt this tensed. Sa kanyang propesyon, walang lugar ang kaba. Everything should be perfect. No flaws. No mistakes. Isang pagkakamali nya lamang ay maaaring buhay ang kapalit.
Ngunit sa pagkakataong ito, baka paningin na ng kanyang pinakamamahal ang maging kapalit.
He inhaled sharply.
"I believe in you, my prince," bulong ni Steff habang dinadala ito sa Operating Room.
He was speechless. Several things were still running through his mind. Hinigpitan na lamang niya ang hawak sa kamay nito.
He needed to calm down. His Cinderella needed him. She trusted him.
"I'll rid you of that disease, sweetheart. Don't worry."
He found courage in his own words. He's one of the most brilliant surgeon in Pendragon. Sa katunayan nga, ang kanyang team ang kauna-unahang nakagamot sa Retinitis Pigmentosa.
"I know."
He looked at her. She was smiling. Her blue eyes were full of hope.
Then, as if suspended in time, he gave her a chaste kiss on the lips.
"I love you," he uttered.
"I love you more."
Those were the last words that Steff uttered as they ushered her to the OR.
His team began to work. And that was his queue to rid himself of all the unnecessary things in his mind. He needed to focus. He needed to get his head in the game.
Several minutes later and they already started to do what they do best.
"Has anaesthetics been induced?" he asked his anaesthesiology.
"It's good doc."
He closed his eyes and uttered a silent prayer.
This is for you, sweetheart. I will never let the darkness cover you. You'll see our kids grow together, and you'll still see my wrinkly old face, he vowed.
So with his god-given knack. He started to weave magic in his hands.
It was the fastest twelve hours in Steffanie's life. She just fell asleep and after a few hours, everything was finished.
Darkness now engulfed her. Everything was just pitch black.
"Are you ok?" came a voice that she most earnestly yearn to hear.
"Thank you, Gareth." She said.
She felt his lips on her forehead.
"The operation was successful. We just need to wait one month."
Gustong maglulundag ng puso niya sa tuwa. She knew he could do it. At hindi siya binigo nito.
"If it wasn't for the anaesthetics, I would have kissed you already."
And truth be told. She was still weak.
"Don't tempt me, sweetheart," he said.
She let out a chuckle.
"Any other wish?" he said.
"Just stay with me tonight. Stay with me. I won't be afraid as long as you are here."
The she felt him lay beside her on the bed. His arms snaked on her waist habang ipinapaling nito ang kanyang ulo sa dibdib nito..
"I'll be your pillow tonight, sweetheart."
"Just for tonight?" paglalambing niya dito.
"Again, don't tempt me woman. You still have fresh wounds. And besides, you're looking forward to an eternity beside me." His baritone voice was lulling her to sleep. It made her relax.
"I'm glad to hear that." She said sleepily. Then once again, she fell asleep inside his arms, wrapped in a passionate and loving embrace.
After one month...
"Hoy Steff! Abusado ka na ah! Palagay mo sa akin, aliping sagigilid?" bulyaw ni Sofia sa kanya.
"Ito naman, minsan na lang makisuyo." Tudyo naman ni Valerie.
After a week of her operation ay nagtungo na siya sa tahanan nila sa Frontera. Utos iyon ni Gareth, mas makakabuti at makakapag relax daw siya doon. And of course, she just followed the doctor's orders.
Kasama nya rin dito sa kanyang tahanan si Gareth at si Kylie.
Habang nagpapahinga at nagpapagaling siya, si Gareth muna ang naging story teller ni Kylie. And Gareth loved it. He was really fond of her daughter. Kapareho rin ito ni Kylie. Her daughter spoke of nothing but her father nowadays. Palaging ito ang lamang ng kuwento ng anak.
And she was very glad. Unti-unti na talagang nabubuo ang kanyang pamilya.
At ngayong araw na ito na tatanggalin ang benda sa kanyang mata. This is it. After a month of total darkness, she will finally the world again. Sa katanuyan, nagpunta pa simula kagabi ang kanyang pinaka-malalapit na kaibigan. Val and Sofia were there to support her. Kaninang umaga lamang dumating ang ama at ang kanyang kuya. At masayang, masaya siya. There were so many people there for her, rooting for her.
She was very hopeful. Tunay siyang nananalig sa kakayahan ni Gareth.
"Sofia! Dahan-dahan ka! Hindi ganyan." Val said.
She actually didn't know what these two were up to. Sinabi ng mga ito na aayusan daw siya, para at least, kapag daw tiningnan niya ang sarili sa salamin ay may maganda siyang makikita. Hinayaan naman niya ang dalawa. Isa pa, ilang linggo rin niyang hindi nakasama ang mga ito.
After almost two hours of make-up and fitting of a suitable clothing, nagyaya na ang mga ito na lumabas. Sa malawak na hardin niya kasi tatanggalin ni Gareth ang nakapiring.
Inalalayan siya ng dalawang kaibigan papunta sa labas. She could actually manage to go down the stairs unharmed, but her friends made her were a stiletto. Nahirapan siyang magbalanse kaya hinayaan na siya ng mga ito.
Isang mabining hangin ang bumugad sa kanya. She really loved the afternoon breeze in Frontera. It was refreshing. Sa katanuyan, the place smelled like freesia and lavender.
"Ayan, papalapit na si Gareth." Bulong ni Valerie.
Agad namang bumitaw sa kanya ang dalawang kaibigan.
Five seconds passed before she smelled his masculine and woodsy scent.
Agad niyang kinapa ang mukha nito.
"Gareth," she silently said.
"Hey, sweetheart." His baritone voice began to serenade her soul.
"Is everybody here?" tanong niya. Napakatahimik kasi ng paligid.
"Yep, they're all here. Waiting for you," he said.
"Can we take this off now?" she said. Excited na talaga siyang makitang muli ang mukha ni Gareth at ng kanilang anak. There was never a pang of doubt in her mind. She was positive na nagtagumpay si Gareth.
"But before that, I'd like to ask you once more. Do you still want to marry me?"
"My answer will forever be the same. I'll marry you any time. May it be this lifetime or the next."
"Thank you." She felt his lips descend on her forehead.
Naramdaman niya ang marahang pagkakalag ng piring sa kanyang mga mata.
"Don't open your eyes. Until I say so," he reminded her.
She answered with a nod.
She suddenly felt free of the cloth confining her eyes. She was tempted to peak but she remained true to her vow.
"Maaaring masilaw ka. But bear with it, sweetheart."
Muli siyang tumatango-tango. Ngayon na nagsimulang bumangon ang kaba sa kanyang dibdib.
She inhaled sharply.
"Open your eyes now," he said.
There was a momentary pause. Isang Segundo pa ang lumipas bago tuluyan niyang iminulat ang kanyang mga mata. The spectacles of light invaded her vision.
She covered her eyes with her hand.
"Look at me, sweetheart. Just look at me." Gareth commanded.
Muli niyang sinubukang buksan ang mga mata.
"Slowly."
This time. Hindi na siya masyadong nasilaw. She focused her vision to the person in front of her. It was the most handsome face that she had ever seen. It was the face of demigod. It was her prince charming. It was the man that she love.
His amber eyes expressed it all. His affection. His desire. His love. His everything.
"Can you see me now?" he said.
"Yes!" she shouted in glee.
"Then sweetheart, I ask you once more, please marry me now." Wika nito habang umaatras palayo sa kanya.
Hindi pa nagreregister sa isipan niya ang sinabi nito when a confetti of white flowers exploded in the air. Lumingon-lingon siya sa paligid. Her garden transformed to an aisle.
Lahat ng kabigan nila ay naroroon. All of them were smiling at her. As gitna, naroroon na si Gareth. His saccharine grin was beaming at her.
Agad niyang pinasadahan ng tingin ang sarili. She was wearing a beautiful white dress. She suddenly felt disoriented.
Anong nanagyayari?
"Mom! Smile!"
Hindi niya namalayang nasa tabi nap ala niya ang anak.
Nakasuot rin ito ng cute na white dress at may hawak hawak na basket na puno ng putting rose petals.
Lumapit na rin si Sofia at Valerie.
"Surprise!" sigaw ni Sofia.
"Today is your wedding day, and we'll be your bride's maids!" Val said.
"Teka... How?" She asked. Still there are so many questions in her mind.
"Don't ask. Just follow your heart." Sofia said.
Then the traditional wedding march flew to the air.
"It's our queue!"
Nagsimula nang maglakad sa aisle ang kanyang entourage. She immediately followed.
Isang hindi maipaliwanag na kaba ang bumangon sa kanyang dibdib.
She was marrying the man that she loved and right now, that man was staring beautifully at her as she walk towards him.
Today was the completion of her happy ever after.
THE END