As much as we want to get married in Batanes, we decided to do it here instead since it will cost us much more.
"We strongly want it to be a family and friends gathering," sabi ni Xavier.
"I understand that, so there will be 100 guests aside from the entourage," paniniguro ni Meghan.
"Yes," sagot ko.
"Then who will be your maid of Honor Gab?" tanong niya.
"Since I can't make Donna my Maid of Honor I decided that it should be Xindy," sabi ko.
"I already told her about it and she agreed."
"How about the Best man? Ang Kuya mo ba?" tanong sa akin ni Meghan.
"It will be Nick, since I owe him a lot and he is my bestfriend after all," sabi ni Xavier.
Unti-unti namin kinumpleto ang listahan ng mga kasama sa entourage at mga iimbitahin. Megan is taking care of everything.
The wedding theme was rustic the color theme is champagne pink and the flowers will be champagne roses.
We also went to a boutique for my wedding gown recommended by Jillian, I decided to choose a lacy sleeved gown for the wedding and a sleeveless gown for the reception with the help of my friend Donna.
"Bakla! Ito bet na bet," sabi niya ni Donna habang itinuturo ang isang gown doon.
Mas excited pa nga ata siya sa akin.
"Sayang di ako pwedeng mag gown sa kasal mo," nanghihinyang na sabi niya.
"Try mo, di kita pipigilan," sabi ko, dahil alam kong di naman niya iyon gagawin.
"Baka di ako papasukin ni Xavier sa simbahan pa lang," sabi niya habang nakasimangot.
"Siguraduhin mo na lang na ikaw ang pinaka magandang Groom's men," sabi ko sa kanya.
Sinimangutan niya na lamang ako.
Everything was all going according to plan. We are just waiting for the day to come.
***
Nakarating na ako sa lugar na sinabi ni Donna. May get together daw kami, tinawagan ko siya agad.
"Donna, asan ka na ba? Andito na ako," tanong ko nang sagutin niya ang tawag ko.
"Ahh basta pumasok ka na lang," utos niya.
Ayun nga ang ginawa ko, winelcome ako ng guard.
All the lights was off and I can't see anything nang bigla na lang sumindi ang mga ilaw.
"Surprise!" sigaw nila.
I was surprised to see Arce, Rhea and Becca there, andun din ang mga pinsan ni Xi si Meghan, Jillian at ang iba pa. Nakita ko ang banner na nakasabit. Naloka ako sa nakita ko.
Ang banderitas nila ay ginupit na ibat ibang posisyon.
Ghad! anong kulto ba itong pinuntahan ko. Di Ko alam kung pipikit ba ako o tatawa sa mga nakikita ko.
"Ano to?" tanong ko.
"Despedida de Soltera," sabi ni Megan.
Naku!
"Bakit may ganyan?" tanong ko habang nakaturo sa mga display.
"Para may idea ka na sa honeymoon niyo," sabi ni Lani na tila kinikilig pa.
"It's time to Party!" Tili nila Rhea at Becca, kahit kealn talaga napaingay nila.
Habang may hawak na wine glass. Nag simula na silang mag patugtog.
"Wala naman sigurong Macho Dancer dito noh?" tanong Ko.
Binigyan lang nila ako ng nakakalokong ngiti at saka inabutan ng inumin.
The music was loud and lively para lang kaming nasa bar dahil pare pareho na kaming naka inom ay sumayaw na Lang kami na parang mga baliw.
We were all drunk when they all gathered around. Meghan Drag me to sit on a chair.
"Umupo ka dito," utos sa akin ni Megan.
There was a chair and a Giant Box wrapped as a gift. Medyo hilo na siguro ako kaya di ko namalayan ang pagpasok ng mga iyon.
I was laughing so hard knowing what's inside the box. A man wearing only a mask and boxer shorts and a tie. Dancing in the song careless whisper coming out of the box.
"Langya!" napasigaw ako dahil di ko kayang titigan siya. Tinakpan ko ang mukha ko ng palad ko.
They were all screaming at the sight of the man dancing barely wearing nothing at tila nag chi-cheer pa para sa akin.
"Hoy! Wag kang lalapit!" sigaw ko habang ang mga kasama ko ay tumitili animoy tuwang tuwa sa napapanood habang gumigiling na lumapit sa akin ang macho dancer.
"Father forgive me for I have sinned," buong ko sa sarili habang nakasilip sa pagitan ng dalawa kong daliri.
Ang lalaking iyon ay sobrang lapit na sa akin. Kinakabahan ako sa ginagawa niyang pag giling. Bigla na lang siyang sumayaw na ala Dante Gulapa. Natawa ako sa ginawa niya. Naku sabog ata 'tong dancer na 'to ehh.
May topak din 'tong macho dancer na 'to ehh.
Siguradong matutuwa si Donna kung nakikita niya ito. Saka ko lang naalala ang kaibigan ko.
Asan na nga ba ang baklang 'yun?
Napasilip ulit ako sa lalaking sumasayaw. Napakunot ako ng noo ko, familiar ang ayos ng buhok niya ang lapad ng noo niya.
I burst into laughing when I realize who the macho dancer was, it's Donna.
Mapag tripan nga ang baklang 'to.
Tumayo ako at sinabayan ang pag sayaw niya. I was pulling his tie, to draw him closer at nang magkalapit ang mukha namin ay bumulong ako sa kanyan
"Langya kang bakla ka, bakla ka ba talaga? May pinagmamalaki ka pala." I could see Donna's cheek flush.
"Kahit nakamaskara ka pa kilala kita. Don't worry di ko ipagkakalat na ikaw yan Donna," bulong ko sa tenga niya saka ako lumayo sa kanya.
"Huy! Ma'am ano yan?" pang-uusisa nila sa amin.
"Secret." Ako naman ang ngumiti ng nakakaloko sa kanila.
Nagulat ako nang biglang hinapit ni Donna ang bewang ko.
"Kakalbuhin kita oras na malaman nilang ako 'toh," bulong niya sa tenga ko.
Napahagikhik na lang ako. Saktong tapos na din ang kanta kaya maghanda na siyang umexit.
"Kuya penge number mo! Ako na manliligaw!" sigaw ni Rhea.
Goodluck girl, mas girl pa 'yan sayo kung alam mo lang.
Naintriga tuloy ako kung paanong humantong sa pagiging macho dancer si Donna. I never imagined this.
"Nagustuhan mo ba ang regalo namin sayo?" tanong sa akin ni Meghan.
"Mas okay kung si Xavier 'yun," pilyang sagot ko.
"Haay naku 'yung pinsan kong 'yan napaka K.J. muntik pang hadlangan itong bridal shower mo at ang surprise namin sa'yo. Buti na ang at nakumbinsi siya ng kaibigan mong si Donna."
Meghan knew Donna, dahil minsan ko na siyang sinama sa meeting nang di available si Xavier. Para sa pagpili ng design ng magiging gown ko.
I was still laughing knowing it was Donna, may pang black mail na ako sa kanya.
We continued drinking and dancing until we are all wasted.
...
Xavier
"Are you sure you don't want to throw a bachelor's party?" David asked me.
"No, I'm good. I'm fine just drinking here," I answered.
We were just drinking in a bar, and all their drinks is on me. I was just watching them dancing with girls on the dance floor as I drink. I wonder how Gabriela party went? I hope she's having the time of her life. I think that it's a good thing it only happens once. I'm glad Donna convinced me. I was in deep thought when a lady approached me.
"Hello there, handsome," she greeted.
I just gave her a smile, trying not to start a conversation I looked away and drink in the my glass.
"You wanna dance? you seem lonely," she said as she drew herself closer to me.
"No, I'm good." I brushed her off.
"You'll feel better if you spend your time with me." I know exactly what she means but I'm not interested.
"No," I didn't bother looking at her.
The girl is not backing down, she stood up and grabbed my arm and hug it.
"Get off me," I told her while looking stern.
"Just dance with me please," she insisted.
She's trying to look cute but I'm not convinced. I could feel her rubbing her chest in my arms. Which made me uncomfortable that I pulled my arm from her.
"Just get lost," I said. I couldn't continue my drink, because she's disturbing me.
I wish Silang was here, but I know she's enjoying her night. I smiled at the thought of her being the possessive one.
"Come on babe, don't act cold. I know you want me," she is still not backing down.
I just gave her a grim look.
"There is only one person that I want and it's not you," I said.
"Don't lie to yourself." She smiled.
"I'm not lying, to be honest you're kinda annoying. Why do push yourself to a person who doesn't like you? You're making yourself look pathetic."
"Tell me you don't like me after this," she's so full of herself.
She grabbed my neck and pulled me closer. This is not good, I don't wanna do this but I need to push her. Before I could push her she loosen her grip on my neck and started shouting. Someone's pulling her hair. My jaw dropped seeing Silang was the doing it, she's really enraged.
"Walangya kang haliparot ka! Kanina pa ko nagtitimpi sayo ha! Gusto mo kalbuhin kita ha!" She said as she pulls the hair of the girl.
Everyone was looking at the scene. I grabbed Silang and went outside the bar before she could really make the poor girl bald.
"Bakit mo ko pinigilan? Ano? Nahihiya ka?" she shouted.
"Ikaw! Di pa nga tayo kasal nakikipaglandian ka na!" she accused me.
"I'm not flirting with her," I defended.
"Anong hindi?, maghahalikan na nga kayo kung hindi ko siya sinabunutan," she accused.
"I was about to push her off me when you pulled her hair," I explained.
"Ganun ba ang type mo? Matangkad, maputi malaki ang hinaharap,maliit ang bewang, sexy ganun."
"Samantalang ako kabaliktaran ng meron siya, iiwan mo na ba ako?" she asked out of nowhere.
"Ayaw mo na ba akong pakasalan?" she asked.
I could see she's already drunk, I just let her say the things she wanted to say. I smiled as I listened to her rants.
"Bakit mo Ko nginingitian?" she shouted.
"I just feel so loved, that you're going to a catfight just to claim me," I answered.
"I love you, and that wouldn't change even if hundreds of girls who tries to flirt with me." I told her.
"I always wanted to marry you, and there's no stopping me from getting what I want."
"Why do you always think you're not good enough for me, when I know that your the best I'll ever have."
"I didn't know how you got here, but I'm glad you came," I ended without letting her talk.
I pulled her close to me and claimed her lips.
...
Gabriela
Nagising ako sa liwanag ng araw na tumatama sa mukha ko.
"Wake up Gabe," dinig kong Sabi ni Xi.
"Five minutes..." sagot ko, sabay talukbong sa kumot.
Babalik na sana ako sa pagkakatulog ko, nang mapaisip ako bakit ko kasama si Xi. Inalis ko ang pagkakatalukbong saka mulat na mulat ang mata na napaupo ako. Nasa kama ako, pero di ko ito kwarto. I'm in a hotel room. Hinanap ng mata Ko si Xi na nakangiting nakaupo sa isang coffee table.
"Anong ginagawa ko dito? Anong ginawa mo sa akin?" tanong ko sa kanya.
"You don't remember what happened last night?" tanong niya habang pilyong nakangiti.
Wait, may nangyari ba kagabi? Sinilip ko ang katawan ko. May damit pa rin naman ako at ito naman ang suot ko kagabi. Hindi naman masakit ang bandang 'yun.
Pinagtitripan na naman ako ng impaktong ito. Pero paano kami nauwi sa pag tulog sa isang kwarto?
Tinitignan ko siya ng matalim.
"Anong nangyari kagabi?" tanong ko.
"Do you wanna know how wild you were?" Nakakalokong tanong niya.
"Umayos ka ng sagot," paalala ko.
"I didn't touch you okay," sagot niya.
"But we did kiss last night," habol niya.
I saw a smile on his lips.
"Umayos ka sabi ehh," inis na sabi ko.
"Do you remember how you went to the bar where I was?"
Napakunot ako ng noo sa sinabi niya.
"And do you remember how you pulled a girl's hair because of me?"
Nanlaki ang mata ko sa sinabi niya.
"Totoo 'yan?" tanong ko. Tumango siya sa akin napatakip ako ng bibig sa gulat.
Kelan pa ako naging eskandalosa?
Hala! Gusto pa ba akong pakasal an ng ipaktong ito matapos yun?
"Do you still want to marry me after what I did?" malungkot na tanong ko.
"I find it cute," sabi niya, he siya mukhang disappointed. Mukhang masaya pa siya sa ginawa ko.
May sapak na talaga ang ipaktong ito, patay na patay na ata talaga sa akin. Well, patas lang naman dahil patay na patay din ako sa kanya.
"Dalagang pilipina yeah," I sang and tuck my hair behind my ears.
Napataas siya ng kilay sa ginawa ko, naweirduhan ata.
"Hangover?" tanong niya.
"Ahe, gutom siguro," pagpapalusot Ko.
***
"Anong ginawa niyo? Bakit kayo magkasama?" Nakayuko kaming pareho ni Xi habang binubulyawan kami ni Mama.
Bakit ko ba kasi nakalimutan na ngayon sila uuwi.
Si Kuya di na kami kayang pagtakpan kaya pinapanood na lang kami habang sinisermonan ni mama.
"H'wag ka na magalit Ma, walang nangyari sa amin, gusto mo I pacheck mo pa ako," suhestiyon Ko.
"Hindi 'yun ang punto ko, kayong dalawa pasaway kayo! Di muna kayo pwede magkita hanggang sa araw ng kasal niyo."
Pareho kaming na patingin kay mama.
Ano to? High school? Ghad isang taon na lang wala na ako sa kalendaryo.
"Ano? Magrereklamo kayo? If you won't abide with my rules. Let's call off the wedding," banta ni Mama.
"No, please don't do that. I will do whatever you want just don't cancel the wedding," sabi ni Xi kaya ako napatingin sa kanya.
"It's okay," he mouthed.
His eyes says that we have to do it, we have no other choice.
Itong nanay ko talaga OA madalas. Three days kaya ko naman yun noh?
***
May chaperone ako sa kahit saan ako magpunta.
Kahit sa family dinner namin kasama ang pamilya ni Xi ay bantay sarado ang nanay ko.
Maging sa final practice sa kasal ay di namin magawang mag usap ng kami lang.
"How are you? "tanong sa akin ni Xi habang magka-usap kami sa cellphone.
Hindi talaga kami nagkita ngayong araw dahil bawal daw iyon sabi ni mama, pamahiin.
"Can't we have a videocall? I wanna see you," sabi ni Xi sa kabilang linya.
"Is that allowed?" tanong ko.
"I'm not sure, uhmm forget it. I don't want anything happen to our wedding," sabi niya.
"Pasensya na sa mama ko, ganun ata talaga pag tumatanda na? " sabi ko.
Nakahiga na ako sa kama at patulog na, akala mo naman ang layo namin sa isa't-isa eh isang floor lang naman ang pagitan namin dahil nasa hotel lang kami.
"After the wedding we can be with each other, and no one can stop us," paalala niya.
Ngayon lang nag sink in na bukas na ang kasal namin.
"I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle," aniya.
"I'm nervous, will it be a good day? Wala bang ulan?" tanong ko sa kanya.
"I'm more excited than nervous," sabi niya.
"Sana all," kumento ko.
He laughed at my response.
"I think we should sleep now, tomorrow will need energy throughout the day," suhestiyon niya.
"Goodnight Xi," paalam ko.
"Goodnight Gabe," tugon niya.
"I love you."
" I love you more."
***
Naunahan ko pa ang alarm ko nang magising ako, excited ako na kinakabahan.
Today is my wedding day, I can't believe it. Agad na akong naligo alam kong maya-maya ay marami ng tao dito sa kwarto. Sunod sunod na dumating sila mama, make up artists, mga bridesmaid photographer and videographer.
Di ko mapaliwanag ang kabog sa dibdib ko habang nasa loob ng sasakyan naghihintay sa cue ni Meghan. They finally opened the car's door. I could hear the our wedding song playing we chose a classic song.
My heart started to pound even harder. I am now in front of the church's door waiting for it to open.
"Ma'am once the door opens walk slowly po towards your parents and they will walk you down the aisle."
Tumango ako bilang sagot, and the door finally swung open. I could hear the music clearer.
'Ngayon at kailan man
Sumpa ko' y iibigin ka,'
Memories flashed in my head.
...Pag bato Ko ng folder sa kanya...
I started to walk papunta kay mama at papa na parehong teary eyed na.
I kissed both of them and together walked down the aisle.
... How I got drunk and kissed him...
Ngayon at kailan man
Di ka na mag iisa
Ngayon at kailanman.
... Our trip in Batanes while he carried me on his back...
I could see the glimpse of Xi looking at me. I don't of he could see my face but I was smiling at him.
Sa hirap ko ginawa ka
Asahan may kasama ka sinta
...When I finally acknowledge my feelings for him...
Naroroon ako t'wina
Maaasahan mo t'wina
Ngayon at kailan man,
...When we shared our first kiss...
Dahil kaya sa 'yo ng maitadhanang
Ako'y isilang sa mundo
Upang sa araw-araw ay siyang makapiling mo
...When he came back after three years...
Upang ngayon at kailanman
Ikaw ay mapalingkuran hirang
Bakit labis kitang mahal
Pangalawa sa Maykapal
Higit sa 'king buhay
...When he asked me to marry him...
I tried to hold back my tears, I can't contain my happiness. Totoong nangyayari ang lahat hindi ito isang panaginip.
I could see everyone watching me. Umiiyak si Donna, alam ko masaya siya para sa akin, hindi ko pinagkalat ang pagiging macho dancer niya sa Bridal shower ko. Tingin ko magiging lalaki pa siya. Maging ang mga workmates ko na sina Arce, Rhea at Becca ay umiiyak kinakawayan nila ako. I smiled at them acknowledging them. Some are holding their phones taking pictures.
We are few steps away from Xi kita ko ang pag punas niya ng panyo sa kanyang Mata. He cried like I've never seen him before along side him are his parents and Nick.
As we approach them I looked at Nick he was smiling but I could see him trying not to cry. I hurt him a lot I don't even know why he accepted to Xi's best man. I'm thankful he is here I pray someday that I'll be watching him marry someone he deserves and makes him happy. I mouthed 'thank you'. I'm blessed to have a friend like him.
Then I looked to the man I longed to be with. The man who would accept all my quirks. I am looking at the man who I want to make a family with. Xi finally took my hand and led me to the altar we were both just smiling at each other.
***
"Do you Xavier Villafranco promise to love Gabriela De Guzman and respect her, to share your life and your dreams, to build with her a home that is a place of love, happiness, commitment and growth?"
"I do" he answered.
"Do you promise to be a companion to her in all of her successes and failures, her happiness and sadness, to always give to her your unwavering support and above all else, the freedom to be Gabriela?"
"I do" he responded.
"Do you Gabriela De Guzman promise to love Xavier Villafranco and respect him, to share your life and your dreams, to build with him a home that is a place of love, happiness, commitment and growth?"
"I do" I answered.
"Do you promise to be a companion to him in all of his successes and failures, his happiness and sadness, to always give to him your unwavering support and above all else, the freedom to be Xavier?"
"I do" I smiled at him.
"Gabriela and Xavier are here to marry each other. No one else's will can create such a union."
"It is their words, their intentions, their vision, that must define and shape this marriage."
"So I call upon them now to state their promise before this group: the pledges that will bind them together."
Hawak ni Xavier ang mic habang nakatingin sa mga mata ko. He took a deep breath.
"When I was little, I always imagined whom I would fall in love with and whom I would marry. What qualities that person would have, what that person would be like." He started.
"You might always think that you are not pretty enough to be by my side. Let me tell you, you are
someone of great beauty inside and out. Sometimes you think you are not smart but you are someone of great intelligence. You we're afraid to fall inlove but you showed me that you are someone who would love me like no other. You make me laugh heartily and often, reminding me not to take myself or my life overly serious." He smiled at me.
"I almost lost you because of an illness, and I was not sure if I can get better. I was scared to leave you scarred that I left without telling any reason, but it even caused you more pain. I'm sorry for every tear that you cried for me. I thought I will never get to see this day. I'm glad that He let me get back to you and win back your heart."
"I asked God to send me this dream of a person, but God never did. He sent me who he had dreamed of for me, God sent me someone of greater than I had asked and I'm so thankful for He sent me you."
I could see his eyes welling up and so is mine.
"I promise to always be by your side for the rest of my life.
" I love you." He smiled with tears in his eyes.
Di ko napigilan ang umiyak dahil sa mga sinabi niya.
It was my turn, suminghot singhot muna ako at nag punas ng luha, saka kinuha ang kodigo na kaninang umaga ko lamang ginawa.
I took the mic and started talking. I turned to the crowd witnessing our wedding.
"I always dreamed of marrying a prince but you are not a prince, so why am I not marrying a prince?"
I turned to Xavier.
"You were not a prince in my eyes though you look like one, you are someone who always pisses me off and always getting into my nerves."
I could see Xavier smiled.
"But with one single unexpected moment our paths have crossed, you were different from what I thought you to be. You may always be serious but you made me happy, you made me see the real person you are."
"When I hold you, I feel that I'm being held. You are my favorite person to goof off with. When you smile, I forget where I am, and it takes me longer each time to remember again."
I wink at him.
"I was someone weak but you made me strong. I was someone who was scared of being hurt but you made me brave. I thought I can't make it alone but you made me realize I could do things with my own."
"You taught me how to love despite being broken, despite all the fears, all the pain and all the hardships." I sniffed.
"You made me realize that I should not marry a prince. You made me realize that I should marry someone that I love who would give that love back a hundred folds, and that person is you."
I stared at his his captivating eyes.
"I promise to be someone who will love, care, support and understand you as we spend our lives together."
"I love you." I smiled at him.
"I love you too." He answered wiping his tears.
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Just as this band encircles your finger, may you always feel encircled by my love," we said as we exchange rings.
"Gabriela and Xavier, you have each chosen to be joined in marriage today.
The bible states that "two are better than one; they receive a good reward for their toil, because, if one fails, the other can help the companion up again."
"In my presence and in the presence of your family and friends, you have exchanged vows and made promises."
"You have opened your hearts to one another, declared your love and friendship, and have united yourself with the exchanging of rings."
"Therefore, with the blessings of God, it is my pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife."
"You may now kiss the bride," the priest said.
I heard the crowd cheered. Humarap kami sa isa't isa, he slowly lift my veil off my face.
He was grinning, medyo nakaramdam ako ng kaba. He then let his lips touch mine slow and heartfelt.
It is not the first time that we kiss but this is something different. It feels like we are one. It is like a seal to forever. The crowd cheered as our lips parted. It felt like we were welcomed to a new chapter of our lives.
Everything seems unreal, I can't believe I'm finally married to the one I love.
'I'm finally Mrs. Xavier Villafranco'
< End of Chapter fifty-seven >
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