Swiped Memory (Sanoma University 1)

Chapter 48

"You look absolutely gorgeous." 

I saw my mother smile at me as she looked at me through the floor-length mirror.

Hinaplos niya ang mga balikat ko at tinapik ito bago lumabas ng kwarto.

I remained standing in front of the mirror looking at myself.

Suot ko ang ginawang wedding gown ni Tita Rosie para sa araw na ito. 

The day I'm dreading has finally come. I'm getting married.

Inayos ko ang palda ng gown. It's a white off-shoulder wedding gown with a deep sweetheart neckline. The gown freely flowed to the floor because it's made of light tulle.

 They say weddings are supposed to be the happiest day for every bride.

Pero bakit habang pinagmamasadan ko ang sarili ko sa harap ng salamin, hindi man lang ako makaramdam ng saya?

My gown, hair, and makeup is divine.

I look like a goddess but I don't absolutely feel like one.

I feel like a prisoner about to be sentenced to jail for life.

"I thought you didn't want to get married? Kaya napaaga kasal ko diba?" 

Napatingin ako sa pintuan ng waiting room gamit ang salamin.

I saw Kuya Cyen in his tux enter the room. He casually sat on the sofa as he looked at me.

Humarap ako sa kaniya.

"I changed my mind." I answer.

Malungkot akong tinignan ni Kuya Cyen.

"Is this what you really want? Or are you doing what our mother wants?"

Hindi ako makasagot. Kuya Cy raised an eyebrow.

"Marren..." He sighs. "Everything happened so fast. We had to cut our trip short kasi malaman-laman ko ikakasal ka na after being engaged in a span of three weeks? Anong sinabi ni Mommy sayo para gawin mo 'to?" 

I pursed my lips and shook my head.

"Wala. It was my decision."

Kumunot ang noo ni Kuya. "Ikaw ang may gusto? Why are you rushing?"

Tinalikuran ko siya at sumilip sa bintana. I only saw the church's empty garden.

"Because... love." I simply answered.

"I'm not buying it." 

Bumaling ako sa kaniya na nakatayo nang muli. His hands were in his pockets now.

Nginitian ko siya. "Kuya, I'm happy." Sagot ko.

At habang sinasabi iyon, kumikirot muli ang puso ko. For the past weeks, I've learned to numb the pain. 

I've learned to focus on what the future is offering me. At si Jasper iyon.

But today of all days, tila kumawala ang iniipon kong kirot na pilit kong isinasantabi.

"Kuya, will you please go, you're making me cry." Natatawa kong sabi.

My brother picked up the box of tissues on the table and handed them to me. Pinanuod niya akong maingat na pinupunasan ang mga naiipon na luha.

May sasabihin pa sana siya ngunit tumunog ang cellphone niya.

"Sige na, it might be urgent." Ani ko, upang makaalis na siya sa aking harapan.

Kuya Cyen hesitantly looked at me and the door. Hindi parin tumitigil kaka-ring ang telepono niya. 

With defeat, he picked it up and gave me one last glance sabay labas ng pinto.