The Second Bride on the List

Chapter 5

He gritted his teeth.  He wished it was Sarah walking towards him.  At least this marriage of convenience would really have been that in every sense of the word.

And yet, it was Alyssa who is walking down the aisle, serenity in her aura, that smile on her face.  Yet he could definitely see fear in her eyes.  But she kept on making that small steps toward him, toward the unknown.

She was wearing the plum colored maid-of-honor gown, which makes her look a bit different than the traditional bride.  Only the veil over her, trailing along every step of the way, gives her the distinction that she is the bride, together with the small bouquet of white peonies.

The anger in his heart suddenly dissolved.  She doesn't deserve this.  She does not even have anything to do with this agreement between him and Sarah.

When Kiefer supposedly proposed to Sarah, they have agreed that they will be together until his grandfather dies, which he prays would not happen even if he is inconvenienced with his demands.  But at the same time, their relationship is not mutually exclusive - they just have to be very discreet about how they conduct their businesses.

Yes, they are in a relationship, but something that just fell into place.  Like being comfortable being together, minus the commitment.  And when Kiefer proposed the marriage to her, Sarah started to feel the noose on her neck.  Until Kiefer brought the agreement of being "free" to engage with other people, Sarah started to loosen up to the idea, and eventually, gave in.

Yet, Sarah is missing, which means, she is not totally sold with the idea.

Kiefer noticed the wobble on Alyssa's walk on the last steps, yet she picked herself up, and started moving forward.  And he realized he was holding his breath, as if expecting her to bolt out the door.

But she didn't.  She stood her ground and continued walking. 

He stood up straighter.  If she could manage to be brave in this bullshit, he can definitely play the part, too.

You owe me big time, old man, he looked at his grandpa, who seems to have that big smile on his face.

They didn't have the traditional giving away of the bride. Nothing seems traditional, right from the start.  They made their vows in front of the priest, and when they were declared husband and wife, he moved the veil out of the way, and kissed her for a split second, noting the shock on her eyes, and the blush on her cheeks.

Well, maybe it's part of the act.  He doesn't care.  He just wants this to end.  He looked at his grandfather, who seems to be enjoying himself.  He is beginning to hate him... he sighed.  He can't.  He just loves his grandfather just like how he loved his dad.

"Excuse me po, you need to sign," said a little lady with the marriage contract on a golden plate.  Kiefer looked at her and the priest moved forward and said, "I'll sign after ninyo mag-sign."

"Where do I sign?" Kiefer asked, and the little lady said, "Diyan po. Pasulat na lang po ang name ninyo."  Kiefer took the pen and signed the paper, to which the lady asked the same thing to Alyssa.

"Ako?" Alyssa asked, confused.  Kiefer just shrugged his shoulder.  Alyssa looked at him, then took the pen, and signed it as well.  The little lady then offered the paper to the priest for him to sign as well.

No picture-taking.  Just the violins crying after them as they sashayed out of the church.

He got in the car after her, and they were seated apart.

Alyssa kept on biting her lip.  She desperately wanted a cry right now.  And a bottle of tequila.  She is not one to indulge in hard drinks, but right now seems to be a good time.

The shock is wearing off, and the dread in her heart is taking hold.

What has she agreed to this time?

She closed her eyes and reminded herself that this is all an act.  She isn't the one married.  She is just acting the part of Sarah.

The ride was a short one, as the reception hall was just a stone's throw away.  The makeup artists greeted them on the other side, and led them inside a small room to freshen their look.

The wedding coordinator looked at Kiefer, and then at Alyssa, "Oookay... so total change of plans talaga.  We're scrapping off the program and go ahead with the ceremonial wine toasting-"

"No wine toasting," Kiefer softly dictated.

"Okay, then, we'll just go with the cake-cutting-"

"No cake-cutting either.  Just go ahead with the dining. Then the serenade, or whatever entertainment you have.  Just... just keep it simple and short," Kiefer huffed in a hurry, closing his eyes, pinching his nose, trying to muster enough strength in him to keep up with the farce.

"Ri-ight," the wedding organizer tried to be agreeable.  "Okay then," she said, "we can go ahead and start with the dinner."  The wedding organizer walked ahead of them, to lead them to the reception hall.

Alyssa is trying to catch her breath, feeling like she is having a panic attack.  And this didn't go unnoticed to Kiefer.  He looked at his grandfather, who seems to be happily chatting with a con padre.

"Ly," Kiefer stepped closer to her, and held her hand, and tucked it on the crook of his arm, "I'm sorry for... for dragging you on this..."

"Just promise me, Kiefer," Alyssa let out an audible sigh, "Kung sino man unang makakakita kay Sarah, please let me be the first one na bumatok sa kanya."

Kiefer chuckled.  He just couldn't help himself.

He looked at Alyssa, who seems to be trying to wobble with every step, "Pagod ka na ba?"

She huffed, "Hirap na nga ako sa sitwasyon na 'to, ayaw pang makisama ng sapatos."  She gently stamped her foot, "Wala akong tiis ganda mentality.  Wala naman akong ganda para mapagtiisan."

This time, Kiefer let out a laugh.  And his grandfather looked their way, beaming approvingly at them, a signal that it's time to introduce Kiefer's bride to him.

"You're beautiful today, I'd give you that," Kiefer grinned, and Alyssa still sulked.  "Smile ka naman," he cajoled, and Alyssa rolled her eyes.  Kiefer moved closer to her ears, "Ly, mas mati-test pa ang acting skills mo."

Alyssa stepped a bit away from him, as his breath is tickling her ear, "Di pa ako pasado nito?"

Kiefer shook his hand, "I'm going to introduce you to my grandfather."

Alyssa looked at the direction where he is looking at, "Oh gahd... strict ba siya?"

"Why?" Kiefer couldn't help but wonder in the mystery that is Alyssa.  Here she is, thrown under the bus by her cousin, yet, she seems to play the part well, and seems to be concerned about perfecting her role.

She stopped and turned to face him, her eyes pleading, "Hindi ako naka-white. At... at ang likod ko, juice ko..."

Kiefer chuckled, and couldn't help but gently poke on her nose, to Alyssa's surprise, "Isang tip: kapag nakangiti si Lolo, all is well. Pag hindi nakangiti, maghanda ka na ng alibi, excuses, reasons, affidavit, pati pang bail mo."

Alyssa looked at him under her lashes, stalling for time, mustering enough courage.  Her lolo wouldn't want to see her dressed as such.  Especially on her wedding day.  Heck! He wouldn't even want to see her back exposed even if she is wearing white! "Oh gahd... please tell me you're kidding...," she muttered.  She closed her eyes, then plastered a big smile, "Prolonging the agony ka lang, Alyssa. Let's go, move it!"

And when she opened her eyes, Kiefer was smiling at her with that peculiar look on his face. "Eh?" Alyssa was puzzled with the look on his face.  "You're weird," Kiefer threw her a grin, and looked towards his grandfather.  "So, this is it,"  he squeezed her hand.

She squeezed it back.

And they marched towards his grandfather.

"Mozzy, is it the fashion nowadays that the bride wear something other than white?" the Grandfather asked his daughter.  Mozzy leaned towards his father, and tried to smooth his lapel, "Papa, let's be thankful they didn't think of black as a motif.  It would have been... unimaginable." 

The Grandfather laughed, "I'm supposed to hate the dress, but I can't seem to find it in myself."  Kiefer greeted his Grandfather with a kiss on his cheek, and presented his "bride", "Grandpa, this is Alyssa."  Alyssa looked at him, and his grandfather did the same, "I thought her name is Sarah?"

"Uh," Alyssa needs to think of something fast. "My nickname is Alyssa.  My real name is Sarah.  Gusto po kase ng lolo ko na Alyssa ang ipangalan sa akin ng Inay ko, kaso ayaw ni Inay, kase gusto niya Sarah,"  she smiled sheepishly, and reached for his hand for blessing. 

Astonishingly, the Grandfather laughed, and touched her cheek, "You must be a lolo's girl then to have stuck by that name." She just giggled and nodded her head.

"Kiefer, why didn't you introduce me to her before this wedding?  She is a fine young lady!" his Grandfather declared, his voice a little loud, and he brought up his glass and clinked it with a silverware.  "A kiss! A kiss from the man of the house to his lady!" his voice boomed across the hall in good spirits.

"Oh gahd...," Alyssa muttered under her breath, and Kiefer whispered close, "Just give me your cheek, ako na aanggulo."

Alyssa got his message, and did as told.  She blushed, giving her the picture of an innocent bride, and his grandfather seemed pleased.

They were led to the presidential table, and dinner began.  They were serenaded by a string quartet, and everyone seems to be in good spirits.  While everyone was relishing the food and the wine, so did Alyssa and Kiefer. And not only that, they were planning about their "honeymoon".

"They'll be expecting you in my room," he said softly, that only Alyssa can hear, "so derecho tayo dun sa suite.  You can sleep on the bed, I can sleep on the couch.  It's large enough naman."

"Nakakahiya, Kief.  I can sleep on the couch, mas maliit ako sa 'yo, so that would be more space for me than on your frame," She countered between chews, "And don't give me that chauvinistic crap.  Maging praktikal tayo."

Kiefer thought about it, "Okay lang sa akin, pero let me know 'pag hindi mo kaya."

"Bakit 'di ko kaya?" she asked, looking at him.

"Di ba may scolio ka or something?" Kiefer reached for his glass of wine.  "You know?" then he slouched his back to show her his point.

Aghast, Alyssa sputtered, "Ang dami mong alam!"  Kiefer laughed, and Alyssa shot back, "Ulol mo!"

From afar, they look like a happy couple, comfortable with each other.  Like an old couple.  But then, tongues would still wag, considering the unusual run of the wedding.  There were hushed whispers about the grandeur of the venue yet the blandness of the event marred everything.

And this did not go unnoticed with the Grandfather.  "Mozzy, when does the event start?" he tapped on the table to get his daughter's attention.  Mozzy gave her mother a look, and then smiled at her father, "Papa, this is the reception.  The couple wanted it... simple!"

"Yes, yes... simple it is," the Grandfather muttered.  He stood up, and loudly cleared his throat, "Friends and family, I am happy that-"

A wireless mic was handed to him, and he thanked the person, and continued his speech, "I am happy that you all heeded the invitation despite the short notice.  I know everyone was shocked with the announcement, but love comes in unexpected times, and unexpected moments."

He moved forward towards the presidential table, and Kiefer held Alyssa's hand under the table, and whispered, "Brace yourself.  Here we go...."

"I was saying to Kiefer why he didn't bother introduce his bride way back when they started dating.  But sometimes, love just takes everyone by surprise," he jovially addressed the audience.  He slowly faced the "couple", and smiled a soft one, "I know you'd want to thank me for pre-empting your plans."

Kiefer smiled a tense one, and averted his gaze.  His Grandfather has mistaken it as his look of embarrassment over a private matter, so he laughed boisterously, and said, "And you know what I want in return for my gracious advice..."

His Grandfather paused in suspense.  Kiefer held his breath.  And Alyssa was stuck in the middle of being intrigued and being clueless.  Grandfather looked at Alyssa, and winked, "A grandchild within the year would be a fitting payment to your dear Grandfather for all the golden wisdom-"

And his speech was cut short when Alyssa fell unceremoniously on the floor, fainting.
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