Air Ball

XXVI: Wedding Bells and Broken Hearts

JILL

The moment I opened my eyes, I knew it was going to be a very big day. It was going to be "the" day. Months have passed; some things changed, some remained the same.

From: Almira Teng

Good morning, Jill! :) You better not get cold feet later! Sayang ang dress! :p

To: Almira Teng

I already said 'yes'. I don't think I can still back out. Lol :p Don't worry, I stay true to my word naman. HAHAHAHA

From: Trisha Lastimosa

Are you one-hundred percent sure you're ready for later?

To: Trisha Lastimosa

As ready as I'll ever be. :)

From: Kim Lo

Chubs! Pag ikaw hindi nagpakita mamaya. Nako...

To: Kim Lo

Wag niyo nga ako i-pressure! :p Siyempre I'll be there no! :)) Yun nga lang, baka siya ang hindi pumunta. HAHAHA

From: Kim Lo

Grabe ka naman! Siyempre pupunta yun ;) Di yun pwede mawala dun. Haha

@jillsaavedra

@almirateng @kimkaizen @trishaaa guys, wag kayo mag-alala. hindi runaway ang peg ko, okay? #worrywarts hahaha

As much as I portrayed the "chill girl" act, my heart was beating eratically, my mind forming different scenarios which made it more restless. Every step I took towards the walk-in closet felt heavier by the second. At the sight of the divine dress in front of me, I knew there's no turning back. Unconciously, my thumb reached for my ring finger, where my infinity ring used to be.

A few knocks on my door snapped me out of the mini-trance. Standing outside were the make-up team I've grown to love once I started my PBA courtside career. The past months have been definitely life-changing. I quit my advertising job, became a courtside reporter in the PBA and maintained my contributor status in a sports blog. No matter where I go, I'd always end up with what I love most doing: sports and writing. Despite all these, I think the one change that nothing can trump, is the new ring on my finger.

"I have just envisioned the perfect look for you!" Nina, my make-up artist, remarked.

"Yeah. We're going to make you the prettiest bride-" Jen was cut off by the sound of her phone ringing. It took a lot of my willpower not to snort at what she said.

"Ready ka na ba, girl?" Nina isn't one for small talks and the concern in her voice could not be missed.

"Why does everyone keep on asking me that?" I chuckled. "Grabe kayo. Pag ako napressure di talaga ako papakita."

"We're just making sure lang naman." Nina replied as she started to work on my face.

Jeric had his fair share of changes too. After his shoulder injury was aggravated again, he fell into a slump for two conferences. Those were the hardest conferences I had to watch because I knew what he was capable of and this was far from it. Until now, I am grateful for Coach Yeng's patience and trust in dealing with Jeric. It was about time that he gave back what Coach Yeng did for him.

He was playing a different caliber - like that of Paul Lee. It didn't take long before his efforts were recognized and he was tapped to join the national team in the FIBA Asia and World Cup. I broke into tears when I heard the news - I was so proud of what he had achieved. This was Jeric's dream and my heart swelled to see him live it.