Begin Again

January 20th 2018

The reception held in a closed garden in Quezon City. The couple we're happy as they give thanks from the people who witnessed and attended their special day.

I roamed around and I was astounded by the magically transition of the place. From being a simple garden turned out to be like a long lost world . Parang nasa fantasy world ka sa mga lights na nakalambitin . The whole place looks so magical!

I am completely awed of how brilliant whoever made this place when I felt someone staring me...

I did found the culprit.

Our eyes met. Kung sa iba siguro nangyari ito, it would be more sweet. Like two people separated for so many years...and did found each other again in a perfect place like this . How cool is that? But not for us.

I held the glass of wine tightly, afraid that I might drop it. I knew somehow our path will cross.

I was the one who broke our little staring competition . He's still the same , he still has the powerful effect of pulling the gravity the moment you dared to look him in the eye.

I turned my back , decided to go away and mingle with the other guest . And I really need to find Martha! Where is she anyway?

When suddenly....

Philip—oh I know it is his hand—tugged my forearm pulling it harshly so I crushed to his body.

He held me possessively tightly like he used to before. I smelled his intoxicating perfume once again.His favorite moves that I always anticipate before, caressing adoringly my cheeks with his thumbs. His alluring eyes .... Once upon a time , all of this became mine .

"What's so funny? "

"The song ...it suits you .." then I laughed.

"Really? " I nodded and smiled to him.

"I love you Fen," he said while his face leaning towards mine and felt our lips touched.

I love you too...

Tears covered my sight . Those great memories of him are supposed to be good ... Now they are tainted of anger because of this bastard!

I disgustingly looked at him. Trying to fight from his strength . Itinulak ko siya ng buong lakas kaya nagawa kong makawala.

Umatras ako ng maraming beses just to create a space. I would never wish again to be close to him by any chances !

Nang magtangka siyang lumapit muli agad akong nagsalita.

"Don't you dare lay any finger again on my skin you fucker! " I began to walk frantically . My heart is pounding as I briskly walked out of the scene .

"Damn it—Fenylyn Rose!" I heard him called me but I choose to ignore it.

Pawis na pawis akong nakarating sa aming table . Lahat sila walang kaalam-alam sa nangyari sa'kin . Except for Martha who's eyeing me now like a hawk.

"Anong nangyari sa'yo? Ang haggard ng itsura mo teh!" Agad kong kinuha ang purse kong naiwan dito. I wiped the area kung saan ako pinag pawisan. After cleaning up I joined the crowd giving applause to the dashing groom which about to give his words .

"This is my second wedding guys so no need to treat me like a newly married .." The crowd laughed on his remarks .

"This night is centered ...to my one and last woman in my life. This night, is very special for her for this is the night that she will never be alone...this night she will begin her forever with me...and most of all...this night is special for there will be no more cold nights for me..." the crowd went crazy and wild .

Merong may nagbato ng flower petals sa groom—which I'm pretty sure na galing yun sa kanyang groom's men—merong may nagka-cat call, meron ding kumakalampag ng wine glasses. Sa kabilang side kung nasaan ang bride ay nagtatago sa likod ng kanyang bouquet sa kahihiyan. Pero kitang-kita pa rin ang tuwa sa kanya . She's totally owned the night .

I smiled bitterly. At least nabawasan ang populasyon ng mga single di ba?

Dumating ang oras na inisa-isa muli ng bagong kasal ang table ng mga guest. And this time it's our turn to congratulate them.

"Mister Greens! Congratulation po!" I gave him a big hug and even his new found sources of happiness.

"Miss Evette! Or should I say Mrs. Iris Greens?" Tumili kaming dalawa pagkatapos naming magyakapan. I feel so happy dahil alam naming lahat kung paano sila nagka kilala.

"Single ka ! C'mon girls , it's about time to announce who will be the next bride!" natatawa akong umiling pero nahatak na ako ng coordinator ng party para sa mga single na sasalo ng bouquet . Dahil hindi na single si Martha ay nahiwalay ako sa kanya.

Mula sa unahan ay naglakad ako papuntang likuran para tumakas pero ang magaling na mga grooms men na game na game at abang na abang sa mga babaeng makakasalo ay nagsisigaw kaya bumalik ako sa kumpulan.

Hindi na lang ako titingin. I busied myself looking down and pretending to fix my gown nang magsimula nang magbilang ang bride. Puno ng hiyawan kaya hindi ko na namalayan ang mga sumunod.

I was about to fix my hair when I raised my both hand. Nagulat ako nang may masalo akong bagay. Nalintikan na!

Isa sa mga grooms men ang lumapit sa akin at iginiya ako sa harapan katabi ng married couple. Evette was grinning when I found her beside me.

"Lucky bastard!" Sabay hiyawan at palakpakan ng mga lalaki , kasama doon ang lalaking nag guide kanina sa akin dito . He was now bullied by catching the groom's garter. Lucky bastard indeed! And that makes us two.

The host asked us for our names and he introduced us to the crowd .

"Wait guys ! Should we let him do the traditional way of putting the garter ? Yes?" hindi magkamayaw ang mga tao sa tanong ng host.

"Traditional it's is! Be sport Miss Rose!" I nodded and laughed too with them.

"Ready?" bulong ni Kyle sa'kin .

"Oy oy! Ano 'yan? Nagbubulungan na agad! Palipasin niyo muna ang taon bago kayo magpakasal,bro!" kantyaw ng mga kasama ni Kyle sa table.

Everybody cheered for us . Si Kyle na di mapigilan ang pagtawa habang kagat-kagat niya ang garter sa tawag sa kanya na 'King Kyle!' ng mga kasama niya .

Dahil sa nakikiliti ako hindi ko na rin mapigilan ang tumawa.
The long slit of my colored cream gown helped a lot . Nang makarating sa dulo ng slit sa bandang ibabaw ng binti ko ,Kyle stood up and lend his hand to join him to the center light. Finally.

Nagpalakpakan ang buong tao at meron ding nag hagis ng mga flower petals na animoy bagong kasal lang kaming dalawa. It was a blast.

We ended up joining the others on the dance floor. And I ended up liking him —not in a romantic way but nevertheless he's a total package.

Pamangkin pala siya ng groom and he lived in San Francisco . Living in with his girlfriend . Her girlfriend happens to be a doctor while he is a lawyer. Unfortunately Gina her girlfriend didn't make it here, busy raw kasi.

"So bakit ka sumali sa mga single ladies kanina?"I'm not sure if his serious asking me that so I gave him a confusing look but I answered him anyway.

"Syempre dahil single ako!" tumawa pa ko sa sinabi ko trying to put humor sa intimidating question niya.

"'Wag kang titingin . Sa bandang gilid natin. There's a man giving me a dagger look now.I don't mean to pry but , who is he anyway?" I momentarily froze. And give him a small smile.

"Don't know him...baka naba-bakla sa'yo?" sabay kaming napatawa. And continue chit chatting.

Nang parehong nakaramdam ng pagod inaya ko siyang maupo . I felt relief when I rested my leg under the table cloth. Kyle decided to get us some drinks so he left me.

I notice somebody occupied the vacant chair beside me.

"Lucky bastard..." Ugh . Not again.