Drowning Emotions (Isla Series #5)

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"Oh my, she looks so beautiful."

My hand flew to my mouth as I watched Esme emerge through the entrance's hanging flowers. Her lace mermaid gown with a small train and flowers at the end was perfect for her, revealing a hint of her baby bump.

It was a rustic wedding so the set up was a garden. There were lots of sunflowers and white roses around. Bagay sa kanila iyong theme.

"Momma, Tita's so pretty!" Tinuro ni Kie si Esme, nakangiti nang malapad.

"She is, love." I laughed and arranged the flower crown on her head.

"Naiiyak na ang Jericho namin! Nakakakaba!" rinig kong asar ni Raya.

Napatingin ako sa may altar at nakitang seryoso naman ang tingin ni Echo kay Esme pero pinapalaki ang mga mata para hindi tuluyang umiyak. Tinatapik-tapik ni Marquenzo ang likod ng ulo niya, may magandang ngiti sa labi. He was Echo's best man. Si Cali naman ang maid of honor ni Esme.

Still, when Marco whispered something to Echo, he burst into tears before they both laughed a little. Marco then encouraged him by tapping his shoulder.

Nakangiti lang ako buong palitan nila ng vows. They were made for each other. Their eyes were saying a lot as they stared at each other, laughing a little, as if they couldn't believe they were actually having the moment they had dreamed of.

"I'm lucky you're the one I get to grow old with. I will forever go home to you... Mahal kita, Amelie." Jericho slid the ring on Esme's finger.

Kung makaiyak si Cali akala mo hindi kasal ang pinuntahan. Nagkatingnan kami ni Sierra at sabay na umiwas ng tingin para hindi mang-asar kay Cali. Sierra is Esme's other best friend.

"Oh, tissue, beh! Makaiyak 'to! Baka gusto mong palitan ang bride!" Pero si Raya malakas ang loob mambara. Tumawa pa siya at niyakap nang kaunti si Cali, pinapatahan.

Napailing na lang ako at nag-focus na ulit sa ceremony. Nagtama ang tingin namin ni Marquenzo saglit. The ends of his lips rose into a smirk before he winked at me and swiftly looked away. I hid my smile through protruding lips.

After playing basketball, watching the sunrise, sharing a cup of coffee, reminiscing, questioning, being the most close we have been ever since the chaos.... we seem okay.

"Ica, come here! Picture na tayo!" Cali called me to go to the front, smiling warmly.

Nasa dulo si Raya at nakaakbay sa akin. Katabi ko naman si Esme at sa tabi niya naman ay si Sasy. Cali was on the last end. Natawa ako nang nakita ang litrato dahil descending iyong height naming lima, Cali being the smallest.

The men joined after. "Ayna! Wala pa iyong asawa ko! Epal na meeting naman iyon!" Sasy pouted before doing a heart sign.

"Alone ka muna!" Sinundot siya ni Raya sa tagiliran.

Sumakay si Raya sa likod ni Alex at tinaas ang isang kamay. Esme and Echo were hugging each other with their tongues stuck out. Manu had a hand on top of Cali's head and they were both frowning as a joke. Isinandal ko ang ulo ko sa balikat ni Marco at ngumiti.

"We look adorable! Papa-frame ko ito!" Cali jumped in happiness.

"Quin, family picture kayo," Sasy requested, holding a phone up. I knew it was Marco's cellphone because I saw our polaroid behind the transparent case.

We took formal pictures first with him carrying Kie. Niyakap ko silang dalawa habang nakahalik ako sa pisngi ni Kie. Tuwang-tuwa naman siya. Nag solo pic rin silang dalawa. Nang tingnan ko ang litrato ay maganda naman. Bagay iyong mga suot namin. Naka beige tux si Marco, ako naman at si Kie naka sage green dress.