Hidden Anecdotes

1989

"The wedding (1989)

"you may now kiss the bride.." It was a pretty private ceremony and held in a small church somewhere - just close friends and families were invited. No media, no coverage, no camera flashing except the ones that were hired for the job.

The ceremony was done and it was time for the picture taking.

"Focus po tayo dito, ma'am.." The photographer caught her attention.  Maybe it was so obvious that her mind was out somewhere else. Her newly husband gave her a look and asked her if she was alright. She just nodded and forced a smile. She moved her eyes around, as she searched for him - for the very last time before she focused herself to the camera. She had been searching for him everywhere, but unfortunately no sign of him showed up. She invited him and he said he would come. But then the wedding ceremony ended without him. She didn't see him. Not even his shadow.

She tried to look for him once again, she moved her eyes around the church. But no him was there.

Why is it so much of a big deal that he has to be here? After all, it's my wedding anyway. She thought.

"Hon. Are you alright?" Her husband interrupted. "You seem... I don't know. Disappointed, maybe? Don't tell me nagsisi ka na agad ha." He joked

She didn't want to ruin this day. It was for her and for her newly husband. She needed to put her anxieties aside. Him, particularly.

"Hindi. Ano ka ba. I'm really happy. Totoo." She smiled and cupped his face gently then kissed him for reassurance.

"You're distracted kasi e. Uneasy."

"I was just," Then his image flashed through her mind. " Wala, never mind.Let's go na sa reception?" There was a hint of disappointment in her eyes, and his husband knew that. She changed the subject after it.

"Yeah. Yeah. May reception pa pala. Akala ko honeymoon na agad."

"Umayos ka nga. Masyado Lang excited?" She joked and they both laughed.

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Reception...

Giving speeches were over, then most of the wedding rituals were also coming to its end.

She had told herself not to expect for him anymore. She didn't want to upset or ruin the mood. She was supposed to be happy. Yes, she was incredibly happy. Really happy, because she made up her mind that his now husband should be the last one. He must be it. But there was something missing, there was something that wasn't there.

Him.

Damn you. Wag na wag kang magpapakita sa king lalaki ka, she thought.

Visitors and friends were congratulating them. Some were already leaving. They, too, were departing in any moment soon.

It was a very tiring day. Indeed. But worth it.

She smiled. A genuine one. She felt great.

She was looking at nowhere when her newly husband wrapped his arms around him from the back and whispered something.

"May humahabol pa na isang bisita."

"Ha?" She was taken a back. She wasn't expecting anyone.

"I knew you were expecting him."

"Si--sino?"

"Wanna see? Let's go.." He held her hand and guided her on the way to the garden.