The Playful Assassin

Level 8

***

(Ashley)

I took a deep breath and opened my eyes to see my own reflection on the mirror. Pinasadahan ko ng haplos ang white silk gown na suot ko.

Hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti. I'm a bit nervous, pero ibinuntong hininga ko na lang.

"You're so pretty Ashley." Thea said and put a flower hairpin on my hair. I smiled at her. Naalala ko, ako dati ang nag ayos sa kanya nung kasal nila ni Jacob. But now, sya naman ang nag aayos sakin.

"Ash, matanong ko lang. Are you sure about this? How about Rio?" Kita ko ang panghihinayang sa mga mata nya. I remained silent for seconds. Dapat pa ba akong umasa na darating sya at pipigilan akong magpakasal?

"Yung sa amin ni Rio, let's just forget about it. Susubukan ko nang kalimutan yun Thea at pag aaralang mahalin si Stan. Magiging unfair ako if magpapakasal lang ako for convinience. I want to be happy Thea, at hindi ko yun makukuha kay Rio." Simpleng saad ko showing no emotions. Kahit deep inside, I'm still deeply madly inlove with him.

"But you love Rio? Are you willing to sacrifice that love? Marriage is not a joke Ash, kung aatras ka, we'll understand." She gave me a warm smile and hugged me, I hugged her back. I should thank Thea for everything. Sa lahat ng sinabi nya, wala na akong maramdaman.

"Thea, the day I said yes to Stan, was the same day I promised myself to forget my love for Rio."

~~

"Naririto tayo upang saksihan ang pag iisang dibdib ng dalawang nag iibigan. Kung sinoman ang tumututol ay maaari nang magsalita o manahimik habang buhay."

I was literally shaking. What if dumating sya? What if he stop me from marrying Stan? Will I come with him pag inaya nya akong umalis? Will we be happy then? Ang dami daming tumatakbo sa isip ko.

Everybody remain silent. I took a glance at Jacob, like me, base on his acts, he's expecting him too. That he might come and open the church door and shout how much he loves me. But who am I fooling?

"Do you Stanley Smith take Ashley Maniago to be your lawfully wedded wife and promise to be her faithful husband for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health and to love and cherish her 'till death do you part?" All my hopes crashed down within just a short span of time. He didn't came. He never will. But deep in my heart, I know, umasa ako.

"I do." Stan answered. I looked at him and he's looking at me too. I gave him a faint smile, assuring him that I would not run away.

" Do you Ashley Maniago take Stanley Smith to be your lawfully wedded wife and promise to be her faithful husband for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health and to love and cherish her 'till death do you part?"

I blink twice para pigilan ang mga luha ko. Naramdaman ko ang haplos ni Stan sa braso ko. Say yes Ashley. Don't bring him down. Just atleast give it a try.

"I do." I said erasing all my hesitations. I took a deep breath and smiled. I should be happy. This is my day. Walang Rio. Si Stan ang nasa tabi ko. It would be unfair. Kaya with all my strenght of mind, I set aside the pain.

"Now I pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Smith. Go ahead, you may now kiss your bride." He made me face him. Itinaas nya ang veil na suot ko and slowly lean down and kiss me. I let my tears fell as I closed my eyes. This is goodbye Rio. I'm setting you free, palalayain na kita mula sa puso ko.

Nagpapalakpakan sila. They're happy. Pilit akong ngumiti when our lips parted. I looked at Thea at malungkot nya akong nginitian. Jacob is wearing his smile too, but he's happy, I guess so, sya naman ang may pakana nito.