Rj
I knew she didn't trust me, and siguro yun nalang yung maisip niyang sabihin to push me away.
"Don't marry me."
Kingina.
Patawa.
We just met, tapos ganun na. Ang assuming pero nakakatawa sobra. Hahaha!
I got my clothes, which I left hanging in the bathroom, took her hair dryer and got them dry enough to wear and look decent. I didn't put on my barong but had my white shirt underneath.
I had to head back to my side of the venue and gather my things from the hotel room. Hay, things in life I was not looking forward to.
When I went out of the bathroom, I found Nic freshening up. "Ang tagal mo naman! Nakapag-nap na ako at lahat."
"Huy, sorry. Anyway, aalis na ako."
She agreed. "Sabay na tayo lumabas. I have to be heading to the reception na din."
We stepped out, and while she was checking to see if she left anything, I noticed that my zipper was slightly down so I adjusted it while Nic wasn't looking.
"OH MY GOODNESS!"
Nic and I turned to the newcomer. There was this female standing beside us, with a surprised expression.
"Kate, hi! I, uh... uh. Kate, this is my friend, Rj. Rj, Kate." Nic said, making introductions.
The woman, Kate, looked from Nic to me and then back again, with a naughty look. "Kaya pala nagmamadali ka umalis ng church."
"No, it's not..."
Nic blushed. I decided to keep shut and look away because I didn't want to add to Nic's discomfort.
"Pinatatawag na tayo sa baba. Okay ka pa? Pagod? Makakalakad ka ba?"
I choked.
"Kate! It's not like that nga! Rj just needed a... place to stay in for a bit. He's leaving na."
"Ah, oo. Oo nga. Sige. Nice meeting you, Kate," I bid. "Thanks din, Nic. Bye!"
As I walked away, I heard the two still bickering. Kate continued to tease Nic. "Ikaw! Ikaw! Sino yun? Masarap ba yung afternoon snack? Patingin nga ng lakad!"
"Kate naman! I didn't sleep with the guy."
"Hahaha! Okay pero sino yun? Bakit ka nagbu-blush? Yiheeee..."
When the elevators arrived, I stepped in, feeling a little sad that I won't have more time with Nic, but also facing the reality of what I had done earlier.
At the lobby, I was heading out the door when I stopped, turned and sat on one of the couches.
Break na kami ni Cassandra. Given that it was both our decision, I didn't worry too much about apologizing to her family - sana Cass was able to tell them how she felt too - but I hoped that one day I could still do so. Then, there's my family.
My parents. I'd see my parents first. They were booked in the hotel for the weekend, so they should be there when I come back. I took my cellphone out, the only thing I had with me, and started to compose a message.
I sent word that I hoped to talk to Mom and Dad, then got distracted by sounds from the grand hall. The wedding reception was under way.
"Congratulations, Nic!!! You got the bouquet!"
I peeked to see a pouting Nic, reviled at the bouquet she now held.
"O, choose na a guy from this pool of single men! Siya yung mag-su-suot nung garter sa'yo. We won't put it up for grabs."
I could tell that this was making her very uncomfortable, and she was shifting her eyes to different parts of the room as if looking for help.
I wasn't sure if this was right, but sana makabawi man lang... I slipped on my barong, went in and called out, "Uy! Sali ako! Sorry nahuli. Medyo masakit kasi tiyan ko. PERO OKAY NA. Okay na. Sali ako."
I heard the bride say to me, "Sorry, dito ka ba sa wedding namin?"
"Oo," I lied. "Anak ako nung tita ng mom ng sixth cousin ng kapitbahay nung Lolo na kapatid ng Lola ng Tita ni Mike. Salamat sa invitation ha."
I turned to the host. "Sali ako!"
"Wait -" the bride was about to say something but,
"I choose him! Him!" Nic blurted out.
"Swerte!" The other men groaned. "Mehehehe! Panalo ako."
Nic approached and handed me the garter while the coordinators got her a chair.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Yes, but why are you here?"
"Saw what was going on. I thought I could help?"
Thankfully, she looked relieved. She took a seat. "Please don't raise my dress and don't put it too high."
She looked so afraid at that moment and I swore I would respect her wishes. "Ako bahala."
People were chanting.
When she gave me permission, I raised her dress to her ankle, slipped the garter in and as soon as it was on the ankle, I knotted it so it won't slip and pulled her dress down.
"Higher!" People chanted.
"Thank you," Nic whispered.
"Higher," said the host.
"Uy! Tama na. At saka, masakit na yung tiyan ko ulit... umm CR muna ako! Bye!"
I pretended to hold my stomach and my something from my butt as I ran out. The last image I saw was of Nic smiling at me.
As I headed back, my phone beeped. It was an unknown number.
"Thanks for the save. We're even now I guess. - the girl you won't be marrying."
"You're very welcome. Looking forward to seeing you. - the boy who won't be marrying you"
