𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 [Herero Series #2]

Special Chapter 1

Malaya's POV

"I'm nervous." I said while my friends are looking at my face and wedding gown.

I'm all set, nakabihis na ako, my make-up is done. Everything is ready. Excitement, nervousness, halo-halo 'yong nararamdaman ko but above all, my happiness is overflowing. I can't believe we're finally here, at this day. We're getting married.

"Normal lang 'yan. Basta, 'wag ka lang matatapilok, okay?" Payo sa 'kin ni Niks habang inaayos ang buhok ko. Natawa naman ako sa sinabi n'ya. Sayang nga naman ang momentum kung matapilok ako, lalo pa kung madapa.

"Yeah, right. Baka umurong luha ni Miss Avi kapag nangyari 'yon." Dagdag naman ni Carol.

"I agree. And don't wipe your eyes like a kid, kakalat mascara mo." Dagdag na payo ni Mica.

"Waterproof 'to, don't worry." Nakangiting wika ko naman kay Mica.

I look at myself in the mirror. The make-up artist did well. Ang ganda ng ayos ko, my hair was tied in a bun kung saan ikakabit 'yong belo ko maya-maya.

I'm excited to see Avi. No'ng isang araw pa kami huling nagkita, magkatabi lang kami ng hotel room pero bawal daw kaming magkita. Pamahiin talaga, si Avi na rin nagsabi na 'wag namin suwayin, isang araw lang naman. I didn't expect na maniniwala siya sa mga pamahiin, I remember that time, 'yong about sa hindi makakapag-asawa.

"Hoy, mamaya ka na ngumiti at matulala." Wika ni Niks. Nakangiti ba ako? Parang hindi naman. "Tayo nalang daw hinihintay."

Huminga muna ako nang malalim. This is it.

Inalalayan nila ako palabas ng hotel. Mula rito ay tanaw ko na ang mga bisita namin. They are all seated. The sun's almost setting with waves and fresh air. Yes, a beach wedding. Sa beach kung saan mas nakilala ko si Avi.

I am at the back of these people. Si Niks ang nasa harapan ko because she's our maid of honor, kuya Owen is our best man. I am holding the flower infront of me. I can feel my hands sweating.

A song started to play. Beautiful in White. The entourage begin. I'm just standing here, tensed, my hands are shaking. Nakakakaba palang ikasal but at the same time I'm so excited.

Kasabay ng pagbilis ng kabog sa dibdib ko ay siya ring pagtubig ng mata ko. This is it. This is the day we've been waiting for, we've been playing for. Ikakasal na kami ni Avi. We'll finally be a married couple. I'll finally have her surname.

Lumingon saglit sa 'kin si Niks before she proceeds to walk. "Goodluck." Nakangiting wika niya at saka naglakad nang marahan. When it's finally my turn, the music second chorus.

"So as long as I live I love you"

My gaze immediately landed on the most beautiful girl I'm seeing right now. On most beautiful girl today. Wearing a white tube wedding gown. Mine's have lace, sa kanya'y wala na mas lalo ring bumagay sa kanya. Am I really marrying this prettiest girl?

"Will haven and hold you"

I started to walk carefully and gracefully because just like what my friends said, kapag natapilok ay masisira ang momentum.

I'm still looking at Avi and she's also looking at me. We're staring at each other, smiling. Pakiramdam ko ay pareho lang kami ng nararamdaman ngayon. Kaba, excitement and joy.

"You look so beautiful in white"

Hindi ko na mapigilan ang luha ko. My tears started to fall as I walk towards her direction. Parang tumigil ang mundo ko at si Avi lang ang tanging nakikita ko.