Since Childhood

26: Wife's Ex at Wedding Reception

I walk down the aisle, I wear white wedding gown. The make-up artists, hairstylist and the sewer made me look like a complete princess. To third person's eyes, everything was so perfect and romatic. That made me wish to see this situation on the same way.

Kahit anong pilit ko sa sarili ko na tanggapin tong kapalaran ko, I can't. And how can I take it seriously if I can see how Tim take everything for granted? Even though he is smiling I can tell that it was all a lie. Although he look bright I can see how he's faking it.

Dad and mom passed my hand to Tim and then the highlight of the civil wedding started. The judge lead the ceremony.  We exchange "I do" and we did kiss but I can't feel anything on that kiss. It was so plain. Just a lips above another. I was looking for something with his kiss. I'm waiting for the butterflies in my stomach but there's none.

I was hoping to feel his heart pero the cold kiss ended and it leave me in despair.  I shouldn't have expected for nothing.

Matapos ang ceremony ay diretso na ang party. We stayed on the resort where the wedding takes place and and the wedding reception as well.

There is music, foods, gifts, dance, people. Lots of people including our families na tatlong beses ko pa lang nakikita. First on kuya Davien's wedding, second on kuya Noah's and now, my wedding. The most common faces are my in-laws. Sina ate Avah, her daughter and some of her colleagues in convent. Si ate Melanie with her new born baby kasama sina Zaiden. Ate Mel also brought her younger sister, her mom and the old couple who look after Zaiden in Bantayan before. Mga kaibigan ni Tim including kuya Hirro and Gael.

Until now hindi pa naguusap sina kuya Davien and Tim. It was their problem so I'm gonna let them solve it on their own. I have my own conflicts to mind.

Fatima and the rest of my friends in college was present too. Kaso yung iba mga nagsiuwian na. They only attend the ceremony but not the party.

In the middle of the celebration na parang yung mga bisita lang naman ang nage-enjoy, August came with his first daughter, Amber.

"It's August!" Fatima exclaimed.

Oh right! Hindi ko pa nga pala nasasabe sa kanya na nagkita na kami ni August.

I look at the direction of Fatim's eyes and nakita ko nga si August. Kapit nya ang kamay ni Amber. For the first time today, I smiled genuinely. I raised my hand and then make a huge wave.

August smiled and he come towards us.

"Congratulations." that was his first word tapos ay may iniabot sa akin si Amber na gift box na naka wrapped pa.

"Happy wedding day, tita Rhein." The kid said sweetly as I accept jer gift.

"Aww. Thank you sweetie." I pat her head and she giggle.  Then I turn to face August. "I thought you won't come. Buti dumating ka."

"I was trapped in the traffic. Kanina pa sana ako."

"And Lara? Where is she?"

Suddenly, Fatima cough purposely. "Mukhang you are seeing each other behind my back ah. Who is Lara and this cutie girl? And bakit ngayon ka lang nagpakita, August? Gusto mo gawin kitang September? Ha?" Pinandilatan ni Fatima ng mata si August.

August chuckled before hugging Fatima in a friendly way. Sino pa ba ang magbibigay malisya sa yakapan nila eh they are both happily married.
August explained himself. He told her who is Lara and Amber on his life. Just like my reaction when I first heard him, Fatima was also shock. Then she understands kung bakit hindi na nakakabisita si August. He's already a father and a husband with his family as the top priority. Nagulat pa nga si Fatima when we told her na ang una kong pasyente ay ang wife ni August.

"Destiny is sure a playful thing, isn't it?"

"Sure it is." August replied after a chuckle.

"Come here, baby girl. You are so beautiful. Maybe you get it from your mom." Amber let go of August's hand and then she hurriedly went next to Fatima. Hinawakan ni Fatima si Amber and looking at the two of them, mas mukha silang mag-ina kasya kay August.

"Anyway, come. Kumain muna kayo. Oh God, nakalimutan ko kayong pakainin kakadaldal natin. I'm really sorry." I uttered. Bago pa kami makahakbang ng isa, Fatima already dragged Amber to the sweets where endless chocolates, biscuits, pastries ans cakes are being offer.

"There's nothing really to feel sorry about." August reassured.

"Well, I was definitely enlightened." Pagloloko ko and then we chuckled. "Let's go. The foods are great. You definitely will enjoy--"

"Do you really have to show him where the buffet is? Wala naman tayo sa maze para maligaw pa sya kakahanap sa buffet, right?" The sarcastic voice of my dear husband appeared from my back. Then I felt a hand snaking at my waist.

"Timothy." August acknowledged him with a smile. "I'm--"

"August." Inunahan ni Tim si August sa pagpapakilala.

Buti na lang August didn't offer his hand for a hand shake because I have a feeling that Tim will ignore that. The arrogant that he is!

"I'm friend to Rhein."

"A friend? Just a friend?" The sarcastic tone of Tim is still there.

Dati pa lang ay ganito na nya pakitunguhan si August every time we see each other. Mukhang ang pagiging rude lang ni Tim ang hindi nagbago sa kanya. The rest pf his good traits and characteristics was buried down.

"The ex-boyfriend." August leveled his tone of voice to Timothy's.

I know that we are in good terms now but after mentioning the ex thingy, I feel so awkward.

"Nice to meet you Mr. ex-boyfriend. I'm the husband." Tim said emphasizing their titles.

Unknowingly, I clenched my teeth. Tim is really playing well at his own game. Sige lang. Let's play. Two can tango.

"The buffet is just at your right. Gusto mo bang samahan pa kita?"

"No, thanks. I can accompany myself." Sagot ni August habang nakangiti at nakatingin sa mata ni Tim. Then he look at me. "Thank you for your hospitality, Rhein. Congrats ulit." He smiled sweetly and then left.

When we are left alone on our spot and when the world continue their own businesses, I take his hands off my waist.

"Really? Cheating on the very first day of our marriage, my dear wife?" He whispered accusing me of disloyalty.

"Don't interfere with how I accommodate my guests. Hindi kita pinakialaman when you're at your own. Let's do things separately, my dear husband." I spat back and then lumakad ako papalayo sa kanya.

I went to the table where Fatima, Amber and August are gathered.

Cheating? Hah! Baka nakakalimutan nyang between the two of us, he was the damn cheater.