Payb Takes

Sky Lanterns

Hi y'all!

The following story is the extended version of Question 17 featured on the first Payb Takes 20 Questions game of R&M.

The past days has been so filled with many MAICHARD happy moments in beach settings that I was inspired to write this.

Thanks for reading.

Deng
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Maine stood in front of the huge mirror checking her hair, done with soft waves flowing down her shoulders, small portions just above her either ear were pinned behind her head by a white flower clip to clear her face. Her make-up was done lightly just enough to enhance her naturally beautiful facial features. Her beautiful white dress was of a classic design intended to highlight her curves but still remained conservative.

RJ said he needed to get things done in the reception venue after the ceremony so she was left alone in the villa to change into her second dress for the party.

The wedding ceremony was quiet and beautiful just as she has always wanted it to be. A private event in a small church overlooking the sea. R made sure to only invite those very close to them, even the press was limited. It was just as it should be, an intimate union of love between her and her groom.

She walked out of the villa and into the beautiful beachfront kissed by the light of the sunset. She was barefoot as they have requested their guests should be too. The feeling of beach sand sinking between her toes and the ocean breeze blowing on her face always gave her a certain level of elation.

The venue was right in the middle of the beach. A huge white tent with white draperies sheltered the tables set up for dinner. As dusk sets into the dark evening sky a combination of white capiz lamps, white LED string lights, and white hanging glass buoy lamps shone through, making the crystals added in the white floral arrangements and draperies glimmer.

Everything was perfect just as she has always dreamed of it to be. What made it more perfect (if there ever was a thing) was the dashing man standing in the middle of the crowd. Dressed in his white long-sleeved polo and khaki pants, he talked and laughed with some of their friends showing his bright smile and dimple.

She watched him for a while in his handsome confidence entertaining the guests before he turned and noticed her. He flashed M his brilliant smile and a smile automatically beamed on hers.

Seeing him now is like seeing him for the first time all over again. Her heart raced in her chest, her cheeks flushed, and her knees weakened a little. He walked towards her and took her hand in his.

"Kinakabahan ka ba? Ang lamig ng kamay mo." He kissed her hand and then her cheek. "Let's go, Mrs. Faulkerson. Kanina ka pa namin hinihintay."

M nodded and let R lead her into the tent and greet the guests. They exchanged pleasantries with them and made their way to their table.

Dinner and the program went smoothly. Everyone was in a celebratory mood stating well wishes for the newly weds. The venue was filled with laughter, happy banter, music and dancing.

After all the traditional ceremonies during the wedding reception, R whispered in her ear, "Love, I have something to show you." He then took her hand and led her out of the venue and to the beach.

She wondered where he would take her but she didn't protest. She trusted him and always felt safe with. It didn't matter where, she will always go wherever he goes.

The rough beach sand feel she had on her feet suddenly changed to soft, smooth and moist. When she looked down she saw white rose petals creating a trail to a circle on the beach surrounded by more capiz lamps and white carnations. He took her to the center of the circle.

One of the wait staff, approached R and handed him two sky lanterns. "Make a wish, Love. After that, we can let them go at the same time." He smiled his most wonderful smile that always makes her feel like so loved.

They closed their eyes and silently made their wishes.

M: "Lord, thank you for blessing me with the most loving, faithful and incredible man to be with in my life. I wish that we could have a long and happy life together to spend with each other and our future family until we are old and gray."

R: "Lord, salamat sa lahat ng blessings specially for this wonderful, caring, thoughtful and beautiful woman to be with forever. I wish for us to live full and happy lives together with our children and grandchildren."

They then let go of the lanterns together watching them fly up to the sky carrying their wishes. Suddenly, the two lanterns were joined by a dozen more and a few more and more until she sees that there were over two hundred of them filling the night sky. She looked around them and found the smiles of their family and friends circling them.

Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up again to watch the beautiful sight above them. When she lowered her gaze, her eyes met his and they looked at each other for a while letting the emotions filling their heart be spoken though their gaze.

M: Thank you, Love, dahil dumating ka sa buhay ko. I love you.

R: Thank you din, Love, sa lahat lahat. I love you more.

And although they must have shared a million kisses, the kiss that they shared at that moment, amidst the happy faces of those who cared for them, underneath the sky filled with dreams and wishes, would still be special because it was their first kiss (aside from the one inside the church) as husband and wife.

"Love... Love..."

She heard R's voice in the background as she felt a gentle pull on her hand.

R: Wake up, Love.

She squinted her eyes and slowly opened them to see his angelic face smile down on her.

R: Take na daw, Love. Ready ka na? Parang ang ganda ng panaginip mo.

M: *smiles* Maganda. Sobrang ganda.

R smiled, took her hand and kissed it. He watched the clock while they worked, patiently waiting until it's time for him to show her his surprise that should fill the night sky with flickering lights.
❤👫❤💒❤💍❤💏❤