Marriage Advertisement

Growing up, I wanted to be an astronaut, or a veterinarian but, here I am working at a newspaper company. Well, I did think of becoming a writer before, so I guess it's quite ok. We have received plenty of advertisement requests, but only one stand out among the rest. It was a marriage advertisement. It wasn't like your other broadcast of marriages but it was looking for a groom! Imagine our surprised, MY surprised, when I learned where it came from—my own MOTHER! Yes, you heard it right, she was literally advertising ME!

"Jemma Cruz? Like our JEMMA CRUZ? Hahaha"

"Way to go Jem! Congrats!"

My colleagues were like laughing and congratulating me.

"Should we print it Jem?" our editor, Eric, teased me.

"Oh shut up Eric! Don't you dare publish that?! I'm calling my mother" I dialed her number and she answered in the first ring.

"Sweetheart! Have you received my advertisement request?" my mother is humming. She's excited.

"We are not going to print that! Ma! Why did you do that? The whole office is now making fun of me" I retorted.

"I wanted you to settle down and have family. I'm wanted to see my grandkids before I die"

Oh please! My mother's only in her 50s and she thinks she's going to die? She's strong as a bull. I know we don't know when our last day here on earth will be, but at least, she should think about how I feel too. I do want to get married but not in that manner. I hung up the phone and spoke to Eric.

"Sorry Jem, we had to publish it but don't worry, we didn't include your name, only the guy's qualifications and your contact number, as well as your email address" Eric laughed and ruffled my hair.

"What the actual f— " Eric shushed me.

"And besides, Valentine's Day is coming, might as well post a new segment in our classified ads, right? Oh, by the way, don't you worry, I'll also apply" he winked at me. This guy has the guts huh? Tall, good looking, rich and caring but a bit childish, that's Eric, my boyfriend, lucky isn't it? But then, I can't introduce him to my mother or else she would push us to get married ASAP.

Days passed since we published the paper with the advertisement and, no one bothered me. It hurts a bit though since no one's a bit interested, but I guess it's a blessing in disguise so I'll not worry of someone contacting me (though if someone does, I'll just ignore it LOL).

"You scared them isn't it, Jem?" Eric said laughing as we stroll the mall during the Valentine's Day.

"Really? Me? Huh! I don't care about those guys, if there was, all I need is you" I hugged his arm.

"Aw, sweet, but that hurts a little though" Eric laughed.

I apologized and he held my hand instead. Smilingly, he said, "I'll never let you go" and he led the way to the Dessert Factory shop. It was then, I decided to tell my mom about Eric.

"Mom don't get too excited and ask Eric about the marriage. He might find it annoying" I reminded her again when we arrived at Azani, the restaurant where we were supposed meet Eric.

"I know, I know. I just can't wait to meet my future son-in-law" she beamed. I sighed and called Eric. Strange. He's not picking up my call. One hour have passed and he didn't show up yet. I tried calling him again, but to no avail. Just then I received a call that changed my life completely. It was from a hospital. No, no. I don't want to hear it.

"He's dead on arrival. I'm so sorry for your loss" the doctor informed us as soon as we arrived. This can't be. We were so happy yesterday. He was excited to meet my parents. Now, he, he is—gone. His parents aren't even informed yet. I wonder how they will react. They're still in US, I think. My heart just sank and all the memories kept on replaying in my mind. Just stop. Just tell me this is all a dream!