Our Sisters and a Wedding

Chapter 3

"Are you ready, lil bro?"

I tapped Khalil who looked super nervous. He was rubbing his hands together.

"Alam mo, it's not too late. You can still back out."

Khalil finally laughed and punched my arm gently. "What's with you and marriages ba, Yon?"

I shook my head as I leaned on the wall beside him, my arms crossing over my chest.

"I just don't believe in it."

"And why is that?"

"Because I haven't really seen enough proof that it's worth it." I shot my brother a meaningful look.

"Is this about dad?"

I looked away from him and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I just decided to change the subject.

"Na-meet mo na ba yung family ni Gabbi before?"

My brother nodded and smiled. "Nakakatuwa nga sila, Yon, eh. Sila yung typical Pinoy family. Medyo strict sila Tito and Tita and it took a while before I got their approval. Yung ate naman niya, tahimik, medyo nakakatakot. Pero she seems cool naman. She reminded me of you, except for the tahimik part."

I shook my head again as I laughed. "Nako, may phobia na yata ako sa strict parents ng significant others. They're judgemental AF. Sigurado ako madami silang nasabi tungkol sayo before they even got to know you."

"Uy, humuhugot ba yan?" Khalil laughed at me.

I bit my tongue as I realized I've overshared in our conversation. Thankfully, a distraction came.

"Rhian, Khalil, they're here!" Mom called us and so we went back inside the restaurant.

"Good luck, bro. Hope you won't regret it!" I tapped his shoulder once again.

"Sira ka talaga but I love you, anyway." Khalil hugged me and I pushed him away while laughing.

"Yuck!"

My brother rented out the whole place so it was just us inside. I went back to the table while Khalil and mom went outside to greet Gabbi's family.

I was fiddling with my phone and was in the middle of checking my social media accounts when they went inside.

"And this is my sister, Rhian. Hey, ate," Khalil tapped my arm and I immediately placed my phone inside my purse.

"Hi, good evening po. Nice to finally meet you po!" I got up and went to make mano to Gabbi's parents.

"Hi Gabbi!" I went to Gabbi to make beso with her.

"Hi ate Rhian!"

And then turned to Gabbi's sister to make beso with her too.

Until I recognized her face.

"Glaiza?"

"Rhian?"

And suddenly memories from years ago came flashing back.