CRIPPLED: JULLIANNA (VUILLTRAEN SISTERS SERIES #1)

49

WEDDING

"That's how you should place your hand."

His eyes drifted on my hand on his arm. He stared on it for a while before bringing his gaze at me full of satisfaction and a mixture of teasement. I glared at him and almost pulled my hand, good thing it was our turn already to walk on the aisle.

I didn't look those people looking at us curiously. I even heard some whispers about us, but I didn't care about it. All I want for now is to reach the front so we can part our ways. I looked at the sun slowly setting down as it reflects the sea. Today's my sister's wedding. It's a beach wedding so it was held in Camiguin.

Hindi pa rin mag-sink in sa 'kin na ikakasal na siya. Umiyak pa 'ko kagabi habang niyayakap siyang tulog na dahil hindi ko maisip ang mangyayari sa 'kin ngayong bubukod na siya sa amin ni Papa para magpamilya na.

Everything didn't sink in to me yet. And me being the maid of honor of their wedding is really okay. But what didn't sink in to me more is how come Dr. Steve happens to be the best man of their wedding?!

"Ba't mo kinalas agad?" he asked me when we finished walking the aisle and I pulled my hand from his arm.

I glared at him. "Shut up, Dr. Steve."

Upon seeing Ate walking the aisle with Papa crying too, I can't help but cry more. I love the way how her white v-neck wedding dress hugs her body. She looks so beautiful walking with a smile on her lips. She even slowed more when she reached the row I was sitting to show her pout at me as if she's trying to say to me not to cry.

I looked at her husband and admired how fully committed he is to Ate and what may life brings to them. His lips trembled as he listens to Ate's vow. Kaya naman nang siya naman 'yong magsalita halos bulong at basag ang boses niya dahil umiiyak siya. Mas nagmukha pa tuloy siyang babae kaysa kay Ate.

The sun's already gone when their wedding finished. There are some friends of them saying how they witnessed the love that grows between them while we're having dinner. Sa table kung nasa'n ako kumakain, doon din umupo si Dr. Steve kaya halos kalahati ng atensyon ng mga tao ay nasa amin at ang iba naman ay nasa nagsasalita sa harap.

"What do you think you are doing?" I asked him, almost glaring.

His brows shot up. "What do you mean?" he asked innocently.

"Mukhang doctor din ang mapapangasawa ng kapatid ni Ylle, 'no? Doctor daw kasi 'yang katabi niya."

"Malamang! Dapat lang na doctor din!"

"Tingin mo arrange marriage ang magkapatid na 'to?"

Napapikit ako nang mariin sa mga narinig na bulung-bulungan. Hindi ko alam kung narinig ba 'yon ni Steve. Gusto kong marinig niya ang mga 'yon para hindi lumayo siya sa 'kin dahil sa mga iniisip ng iba.

"Tss, we're partners back in the aisle so why wouldn't I join you in your table?" He chuckled.

I sighed. "It's not fun at all."

Pinasadahan ko na lang ng tingin ang paligid. Kahit na medyo may pagkamadilim, klaro pa rin naman ang mga tao sa kabilang mesa. 'Yong nasa medyo malayo nga lang ang hindi. Hindi ko nakita si Viscount kaya tingin ko, isa siya sa mga nakaupo sa mesang nasa madilim na parte. Kasama ko sa table na 'to ang ibang bride's maid na halos hindi ko kilala.

"May engineer daw sa kabilang table nakaupo," pagbabalita ng kakaupo lang na bride's maid na tingin ko'y kakagaling lang sa rest room.

"Ay, oo, narinig ko 'yan kanina. Single pa nga raw 'yon, e'!"