Love Me, Susie (Completed)

Chapter Eleven

FILLED with delight in his eyes, Jeric saw the outcome of what Susie had been working hard on these past few days. Sabado ng hapon nang makita niya kung paano napuno ng mga bulaklak ang paligid ng pinakamalaking swimming pool sa gitna ng mga villa kung saan gaganapin ang reception. He saw all the beautiful lights carefully placed surrounding the pool. Tinanaw niya sa di-kalayuan ang beach kung saan naman idinaraos ang kasal. It was a perfect day for a perfect wedding.

Hindi man niya gustuhin ay bumalik sa alaala niya ang nakaraan. He had asked two women in his life to marry him. Ang huli nga ay dalawang beses niyang niyaya na magpakasal pero nauwi lang sa wala ang lahat. He filled his lungs with fresh air as he dismissed the thoughts in his head. He looked around, hindi niya mahagilap si Susie at nang akmang lalakad na siya papunta sa hall ay may humawak sa kanyang braso.

"Jeric?"

Kumunot ang noo niya nang makita ang isang babaeng nakangiti sa kanya. By the way she is dressed, mukhang isa ito sa mga bridesmaids.

"I'm sorry?"

Ngumiti itong lalo. She was beautiful, he thought. May hawig ito sa artistang si Nikki Gil.

"Nicole." Pakilala nito sa sarili.

Wow. That was close.

"Nicole?" ulit niya.

"Yes. Nicole Andrea Lopez. You don't remember me? Okay, here's the story. You were traveling to Amsterdam and I was sitting right next to you in business class—Qatar airways. I was drinking and I stood up and I accidentally tripped, and the wine fell on you. Instead of getting mad or whatsoever, you asked me if I was all right. You even offered me to take your coat so I can cover the stain on my shirt. Then we talked for few hours. We exchanged numbers and I tried to call you many times."

"Oh, that time, well I lost my phone in Amsterdam before I headed to Finland. I'm sorry about that," alanganin ang ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.

Hindi pa rin niya lubos na maalala ang babae. He went to Finland four years ago. She smiled at him rather too sweetly. Hindi na nito inalis ang pagkakaabrisete sa kanya.

"The bride is my sister. I saw you from far away but then I had to make sure that it's really you. I'm so happy that it's you! I've been wanting to see you again ever since I met you on the plane. I guess today is my luckiest day. How are you doing?"

Napilitan siyang maglakad kasama ito. Sana lang ay makita na niya si Susie agad. He's really not in the mood to talk to someone right now.

"I'm good. I've been busy with stuff." He said, his eyes searching for Susie.

Mas lalo itong kumapit sa kanya. "You are not wearing a wedding ring so I assume that you are not married yet?"

Hindi niya alam kung bakit parang hindi siya komportable na nakahawak ito sa braso niya at bahagya pang pumisil ang kamay nito. This woman is trying to imply something.

Dammit! Where are you, Susie?

"I'm so glad to know that. Balita ko kanina ay ikaw ang may-ari ng beach resort na ito? This is such a beautiful place. Well, I've done my research and that explains why you are so busy." Nagningning ang mga mata nito. "I am so glad that I attended my sister's wedding, though I really dislike the guy. Kaya pala napilitan akong dumalo dahil may sorpresang naghihintay sa akin dito." Excited na wika nito na parang nangingislap lalo ang mga mata.