Can I have this dance

CHAPTER 22

I WAS WALKING on the long aisle, staring at Elieazer who quickly wiped his tears and smiled at me as I continue to walk towards him.

Nginitian ko ito kahit na medyo malayo pa ako sakanya, I gave him a smile that assures him, I'm okay. Dahan dahan pa din ang paglakad ko as instructed by the coordinators, and also so I could feel the moment.

What they know is that Elieazer and I became lovers for a long time before we decided to settle down, what they don't know is that it was an arranged marriage set up by our families. But, what they did is a blessing in disguise on my part. Because of what they did I finally found my home, someone whom I feel I belonged too, without pressuring myself to do the things that will not disappoint anyone.

Malapit na ako sa kalagitnaan ng aisle nang salubungin ako ni mommy at daddy ng nakangiti. I know it was all an act but atleast they smiled at me for the first time after a long time.

Inangkla ko naman ang kamay ko sa braso ni daddy, habang inalalayan naman ako ni mommy palapit kay Elieazer.

Dahan dahan pa din kaming naglakad, There were a lot of visitors watching us, celebrating with us...Ang iba naman ay tila gulat ng makita ako, but I don't want to ruin this moment with my overthinking.

Malapit na kami sa dulo ng aisle kung saan naghihintay si Elieazer. The more I walk to close our gaps the more my heart beats frantically.

Mas lalo tuloy humigpit ang hawak ko sa bouquet at mukhang naramdaman iyon ni daddy dahil napatingin siya saakin.

"Is there something wrong?" bulong nito.

"Nothing, dad"

Ipinagpatuloy namin ang paglalakad until we reached my destination...Elieazer whose staring intently at me.

My dad guided my hand towards Elieazer's hand, while my mom just stared at him not uttering any words. Iniwan na ako ng mga magulang ko sa kamay ni Elieazer, they went back to their respective seats, and as usual the cameras started to flash again, featuring our supposed to be intimate wedding.

"My wife.." bungad saakin ni Elieazer as we both walk towards the altar.

"My husband" I uttered, smiling at him.

We smiled at each other as we walk towards the altar where we are going to exchange vows and pledge in front of many people about our forever commitment.

When we reached the altar, the officiating minister started the ceremony. Just like our first wedding, the minister preached how sacred a wedding is, that it shouldn't be forced nor arranged, that to be able to have a fruitful marriage, God and love should be the center of it. Upon hearing this, gusto ko tuloy tumingin sa gawi ng mga magulang ko. But I know they have heard it loud and clear, iyon lang sana tinamaan sila kahit mga slight lang.

"Is there a problem?" Elieazer whispered as we continue to listen to the sermon of the minister.

Nginitian ko naman ito saka ako umiling. I felt him hold my hand, and he gently squeezed it as we both face the one talking in front of us.

Maya maya pa ay sinabitan na kami ng veil at cord, even the bible and the coins were explained to us. Now is the time to light up the unity candle and of course, exchange of rings and vows.

Trisha assisted me, while Aiden assisted Elieazer. Pansin kong tila naiilang si Trisha sa presensya ni Aiden, but my brother on the other hand is trying his best to make the atmosphere comfortable for my best friend.

Parang gusto kong ibato kay Trisha itong bouquet ko mamaya ha?

"Kalma ka lang beh" mahina kong sambit kay Trisha, pinanlakihan naman niya ako ng mata dahil sa sinabi ko. Gusto ko tuloy matawa kaso naalala ko marami nga palang tao, baka mapagkamalan pa akong baliw.