Rose From The Past ✔

Pamamaalam

Pamamaalam

The church's door opened as I positioned. Bumungad ang mga kilalang mga negosyanteng kilala ni Dad at Mom, Trix also invited some socialites and artists to witness my wedding. Huminga ako ng malalim bago naglakad. They were all smiling, cheering, and calling out my name, expecting me to be happy. Pilit akong ngumiti kahit nanginginig ako, nangangatal ang aking mga kamay, at ang mga tuhod ko ay hinihila ng sahig.

I know. I am going to regret this. I never wanted this, I never wanted to be married, to be tied with another man other than Alex. Gusto ko siya lang, but I know we're not really meant to be with each other. If only his red string was tied with me.

Papalapit ako ng papalapit hanggang sa bitawan na ako ng aking mga magulang at ibigay kay Vale, the one I will marry. Kinuha niya ang kamay ko at tuluyan kaming pumunta sa harap ng altar. I looked at Trix. There's disapproval in her face but she remained to keep her smile just to cheer me on, hindi lang abot sa tenga niya. I gulped hard before turning my head back in the priest.

The ceremony went slow. Mabagal lamang, at sana ay ganito na lang habambuhay. Couple of minutes, I found myself saying 'I do'. I want to go back to my parents to nag about how I don't really want to be married. Pero alam kong magagalit lang silang tuluyan sa akin.

"Now, Reina Zariyah. Repeat after me. I, Reina Zariyah..."

"I, Reina Zariyah..." Mababang ani ko dito.

"....take thee, ___..."

"...take thee, Vale..." Alex...

".. to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold..."

"...to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold..."

"...from this day forward, for better, for worse..."

"...from this day forward, for better, for worse..."

"... for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health..."

"...for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health..."

"... to love and to cherish, till death do us part..."

"...to love and to cherish, till death do us part..."

"...according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee myself to you."

"...according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee myself to you." Alex.

Someone. Please stop the wedding... I can't. I really can't. I don't have the power myself to stop it.

I was hoping... but there was none.

"Reina, please place this ring on Vale's finger and repeat after me. I take you for now and for always..."

"I take you for now and for always..."

"... for always is always now."

"...for always is always now."

"It is now my honor and delight to declare you husband and wife-you may seal your vows with a kiss!" I gulped hard. Nang tuluyand dadapo ang labi ni Vale sa akin ay umiwas ako ng tingin kaya sa pisngi niya ako nahalikan. I know my parents noticed it, the others didn't. I looked at my parents. They were smiling.

How can they? How can they smile like that and act normal?

A tear escaped from my eye. I just wished Alex was the one I married.

Alex, my rose from the past, my love. I will never forget you just like how rose symbolizes my love for you.

-----

Ala na...