LATRICE's P.O.V.
I requested Phillip to accompany me at the wedding. With my condition - I could not take risk in commuting. It's been almost three months since Manuel and I took a trip in Palawan. Also, the baby growing inside me is already nearing its first trimester.
I confessed everything to my parents. I didn't want to lie to them. I let them understand my situation - that what happened between Manuel and I was inadvertent. And as much as I want to tell Manuel about my situation - I no longer want to get in the way with the turnabouts in his life.
They were against my decision. They said I should let Manuel know about our baby; it's his right. But I stood on my ground and they got my back in the end. Well, this is what I know that would be best for everybody. Sooner or later, I will let Manuel know - but now is not the right time.
These past few days, I've learned to get used with the situation. I'm no longer holding on bitterness. Basically, I don't want my baby to feel the resentment I've felt months ago.
Today, I am trying to be stronger than ever. It is not only Celestine's Wedding that I am attending. This event is also set for Manuel's engagement to another woman. My best friend, the father of my unborn child, is to be engaged with somebody else in a few moments.
Yet of course, for my baby, I have to be physically and emotionally powerful.
Good thing I requested an allowance for my dress during the dress rehearsal, otherwise my baby bump would become obvious. I also wore a pair of shoes that is not too high - for safety reasons.
As planned, Manuel was my partner in the entourage. We marched together down the aisle. I was feeling emotional since this is the first and the last time that I'll be walking with him to the altar. I have to accept the fact that I'll never get the chance of walking with him in my own wedding.
I must admit that I was nervous when my arm was intertwined with his. I tried to be calm though. During the whole ceremony, I avoided to look at his direction and to the girl sitting next to me - Cassandra. I focused my attention on Benedict and Celestine. Happiness and contentment is very evident in them.
I unpretentiously wiped the tear that rolled down my face. 'What a lucky girl!' I commented to myself.
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I sat with Phillip during the reception. I knew I'd need to draw some strength from him once we'll reach Manuel and Cassandra's Engagement Ceremony.
Without a doubt, Phillip's presence is what I needed most in the Engagement Ceremony. It was Michael Vasquez who announced the engagement of his daughter to Manuel. Some were ecstatic; some were surprised. And if you're going to ask me about what I feel, well I would say that all I am feeling at the moment is numbness.
I saw Manuel looking at my direction, yet I forced to portray a blank facial expression. Cassandra was standing closely to Manuel. Her arms were wrapped around Manuel's waist. How sweet! I never thought they were already this close to each other. Maybe these past few days they've always been together. Cassandra exudes certainty of her ownership on Manuel. Anyway, they undeniably look good together. And I'm positive that majority of the crowd have the same opinion.
Tita Angela was staring at me, too. She was looking apologetic; I just nodded and gave her a strained smile. I know she's aware of the gap that her son and I have at the moment. If only I could tell her about my condition. I wish I could open my heart to her. But if I did that - I would just complicate things.
"Latrice. Stop this heroic act. I think we should get going." Phillip whispered to me; I stared at my brother blankly.
"Tell me you don't want to leave and I'll strangle Manuel to death."
"You don't have to. Let's go. I'll inform the couple."
We walked towards the newly-wed couple; they were with Tito Paul and Tita Angela at that time. I hugged the folks and thanked them. Phillip and I congratulated Benedict and Celestine.
"I'm hoping to hang-out with you soon. I missed you, Latrice!" Celestine commented.
"That would be great." I responded and she hugged me.
She whispered to my ear, "Everything's going to be alright. Take care of yourself and the baby - I know it is Manuel's."
I was shaken with her statement. I gave her a do-you-know-about-my-pregnancy look; she nodded. I forgot! She's an ob-gyn. Of course she would know about my condition, it is obvious that I have briskly gained weight. She tapped me on my shoulder - as if assuring me that she won't tell to Manuel what she knows - and allowed us to go.
Exasperatingly, I bumped into Manuel and Cassandra who were still 'cuddling' each other. I took all the energy I need to personally congratulate them - diffidently. Cassandra gleefully hugged me and spoke to me.
"You are Manuel's best friend. Am I right? I've heard so much about you."
"Yes. I'm Latrice. I'm pleased to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine. How I wish we could spend some time to bond. You know I need to fish some information about my fiancé, and I am certain you're the right person to turn to." She said in a mocking tone.
"Oh sure. But believe me, Manuel's siblings know him more. It would be a lot better if they are the ones you are going to invite. I assure you - Celestine and Elena don't bite." I said irritatingly and walked away from them; Phillip was still beside me.
Finally, I bade good bye to Elena. I embraced her tightly. I'm sure it would take a long while before we'd see each other again. I'm going to miss the kid. "I got your back, Latrice." She uttered and winked at me.
I left the place with a heavy heart. But I ignored it afterwards. Unaware, I held onto my tummy. I promised my unborn child that he'll be filled with love and joy even without the presence of his father. Yes - HIS. I strongly believe he's a boy. My baby is going to be like his father.
