For Keeps (Completed)

Stronger than ever

25 years.... Marriage is truly a commitment. They had several times of ups and downs but they survived... As a couple.... As a family. Manu is now 24 years old graduated Business administration and currently in charge of some of the businesses of the family. He has grown up to become a handsome young man and has his parents' talent in singing but no plans of going into showbusiness. Ashianne, on the other hand, is already 21 years old with a voice of an angel. She takes after her Mom and turned out to be the popstar of the present generation. Sarah is presently managing a music school and some popular artists in the business including her daughter. She made sure how ever that her daughter would still finish college in a regular school. She lightens up her load for her to work through her schedule for her classes and her shows and other showbiz commitments. Matteo recovered from his injury but had to quit triathlon. He was able to do other sports and continue to manage their businesses. They were blessed with a 3rd child Gia (Gia Sarah Guidicelli) who is currently 16years old and looks exactly like her Mom that's why she gave her name. She is one talented young lady, a singer, dancer, actress and even draws very well. Matt and Sarah made sure she never misses out in school though. She is allowed to do shows and teleserye only in summer, no movies yet.
Manu: Ashianne, Mom and Dad will be having their 25th anniversary. I don't think they have plans at hand. (The three of them had a meeting at the entertainment room)
Ashianne: We could plan it. We will ask help from their friends and from our aunts and uncles.
Gia: Maybe they should renew their vows. We can ask Mamsie (Mommy D).
Manu: Yeah. We'll ask her.
Matt: Oh there you are! (As he opens the door to the entertainment room). I thought no one is at home. What are you talking about?
Manu: Hi Dad! (Kiss his Dad and his sisters followed). Nothing just lecturing Ashianne and Gia about boys (smiles)
Gia and Ashianne: Hey!
Matt: You two. Hindi pa pwede. Not until you're 25.
Ashianne: Dad, ang tanda ko na pag ganun.
Matt: You're Mom had her 1st real and last boyfriend when she was 26... And that's me.
Gia: But Dad! Di ba medyo late na? Though I really want my first boyfriend to be also my last.
Sarah: Hep! Hep! Ano yan naririnig ko na boyfriend boyfriend? Gia, you're just 16.
Gia: Hi Mom! We were just talking sabi ko gusto first and last boyfriend din. Like you with Dad (smiles and they kissed their Mom)
Sarah: Yeah but 10 years from now.
Ashianne: What!? Patanda ng patanda! Dad said at 25.
Matt and Sarah laughed. The discussion continued which includes friendly banter with the kids.
............
Sarah: Love, it will be our 25th anniversary next Friday. Do we have plans?
Matt (approached her and hugged her from behind): Nothing specific yet. Gusto mo magbakasyon? Tayong dalawa lang. Though Manu told me that the 3 of them wants a simple family dinner just the 5 of us.
Sarah (faces him): I guess that would be great. Dinner na Lang. Parte na kasi sila ng buhay natin. Parang kailan lang mga bata pa sila. Now Manu already has a girlfriend and the 2 ladies mukhang ligawin din. I am so lucky to have this family, to have you Love. I love you so much!
Matt: I love you too! Now let's seal it with a kiss (kissed her on the lips)
............
Anniversary day at 4pm
Matt: Wait...why do we have to pass by a church? Hindi naman 1st Friday. Tapos napakaformal naman ng suot natin. You even asked your Mom to be in a long pastel dress.... and you look beautiful Love, and me in a coat in tie. Anong pakulo ninyong tatlo ha?
Ashianne (laughs): Dad, 25 years kasi dapat special. We should all dress up and pray as a family before we go to dinner. You always say that God is in the center of your relationship and in the center of our family to make it stronger... so dapat tayo dumaan ng church.
Sarah: Hayaan mo na Love. Dapat nga naman tayo magdasal (smiles)
Gia: After the church we will be heading in Makati Shangrila for dinner! Yehey!
Matt: Who's paying for dinner?
The three said in unison... We are!
Sarah: Aba mayayaman (laughs)
Manu: Of course!
They stopped at Sanctuario De San Antonio church in Forbes Park, Makati.
Manu: Wait Mom, Dad. Stand here with your hands intertwined then let us enter first.
Sarah: Hay naku ang arte talaga ng mga anak natin. Pero wait. The church door is closed baka dapat sa side tayo dumaan.
Ashianne: Just trust us Mom (smiles)
As soon as Gia steps just near the church door, it opened. Gia was followed by Ashianne who both happened to have rose petals placed in small pouches began throwing them to their path. Manu bringing new set of rings with both of their names engraved with 25th year sign.
Both of them were surprised as they enter the church beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. All of their families and closest friends were present. All of their living ninongs and ninangs were also present. Sarah started to cry as they marched towards the altar to the tune of her song Until Forever. When they reached the altar, Manu was already at the podium.
Manu: Welcome everyone to our parents 25th anniversary and renewal of vows. Surprise to both of you! (Smiles)
Matt and Sarah were all smiles as they mouthed their thank you to their children. The ceremony started and the couple were told to speak their vows impromptu.
Matt: My dear wife, Sarah. It has been a wonderful 25 years of married life. We have learned to listen to each other and worked hard for our marriage. We had several trials along the way but we were able to make it through.... Together. You have always been a loving, caring and patient wife, partner and friend. Literally, ikaw ang kadugtong ng buhay ko. We are blessed with three wonderful children and I am grateful to God for blessing me with this wonderful family. I love you!
Sarah: Matt, 25 years with you and I'm looking forward to many years more (smiles as tears roll down her face) I am thankful to God for having you in my life. All these years you have been a good provider and always a shoulder to lean on. We have proved everyone that our marriage and our family are stronger than ever. As long as we have God in the center of the our lives, we will survive all trials. I love you and if ever I will be given a chance to relive my life again I will not change a single thing. The best part of it is having you (cups his face and kiss him)
Priest: Ahem... I haven't come to that part yet (smiles). You may kiss each other.
Loud claps and cheers filled the church and the whole group proceeded to Makati Shangrila for the reception.
Sarah: Kayong tatlo ha ang galing ninyo magtago (smiles)
Ashianne (laughs): Believe me it wasn't easy. But we have help from the lolos and lolas and the titos and titas.
Gia: Are you happy Mom?
Sarah: Very happy (smiles)
Matt (approached them and place an arm around Sarah's shoulders and kissed her head): We have raised beautiful children, Love.
Manu: Ang sweet ninyo talaga Dad (smiles). Ahmm... Since you already renew your marriage vows... Can I get married na rin?
Sarah: No! Baby boy pa rin kita (ginulo ang buhok nya). Tapos you're just 24. Wait until your 28.
Manu: Mom! Bakit si Daddy 27 years old when you got married?
Matt: Listen to your Mom. (The two girls just laughed)
Sarah: Just make sure you have the right girl... The one you're willing to spend the rest of your life. The one who is for keeps (smiles)

Short update guys. Pasensiya 😁