play the song on loop for more feels! also, fair warning this is sad, so prep tissues
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Thirdy felt apprehensive.
The doctor couldn't stop pacing back and forth in his hotel room, as if there was something that could go wrong on his wedding day.
What if she runs away? He thought. Or what if I do?
He had lost count of the number times he went to the vanity table of his suite, trying to fix an already-tidied up hair that he kept thinking was the reason for his pacing.
A few moments into his pacing, he heard a knock from his door. Knowing his door was unlocked, the person from the other side opened it and peeped his head with a smile.
The face of his not-so-little anymore nephew popped from the door and called, "Papa," which made Thirdy turn to his direction. "Daddy said stop pacing. He can hear you from the hallway."
It was true. Kiefer, who had been staying by the hallway, along with several other workmates of Thirdy's were by the elevator having a hearty conversation as they gathered for a photoshoot and an SDE by the videographers for Thirdy's wedding.
The groom smiled at his nephew. Thirdy waved his hand at him, gesturing for GK to come closer. He smiled as the boy made his way to where he sat.
"Are you okay, Papa?" GK asked.
"I think," Thirdy answered. "I mean, why wouldn't I be, right"
The boy murmured, but was still audible enough for Thirdy to hear. "You always said it's okay not to be okay."
"I know," he replied with a soft chuckle. "I just mean I don't think there's any reason for me not feel good about today since it's my wedding day."
GK took a good look at his uncle and smirked. "If you ask me, Papa," he began, "You don't like the happiest groom today at all."
Thirdy only stared at his reflection in silence. He spent a moment to take in what the boy just said.
"I know something's bothering you po," GK said. "And it's okay if you don't want to tell me. I can call Daddy naman po if you want to talk to him na lang."
Thirdy immediately waved it off. "No, no," he answered quickly, "it's fine, GK."
The groom took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he spoke.
"It's just that," Thirdy spoke. "Siguro never ko lang talagang inexpect na dito ako mag-eend up. I feel like, if someone would tell me back then na I'd end up here after everything I've been through, I wouldn't have believed them. Alam mo yun?" He asked, then turned to the boy whose face only showed concern towards him.
Before GK could answer, Thirdy shook his head in disbelief as he let out chuckle. "Sorry, you probably won't get that. Baka pag nagka-girlfriend ka na, magegets mo rin."
"Even if I don't get your context, I know what you mean," GK replied, making Thirdy look at him.
The boy took a chair from the dining table and dragged it beside his uncle before he went to continue. "I mean, back then, I used to think na hindi ko na makikilala si Daddy. I wasn't even hoping for my parents to get back together, I just wanted him to know about me. More than enough na sa 'kin na nagkita kami at nagkakilala."
Thirdy smiled, remembering how things used to be before Kiefer came back.
"If someone would've told me rin back then na I'd actually get a happily ever after of my own, baka di rin naman po ako maniwala do'n e. Parang ang labo at ang hirap ma-picture noon na magkakahappily ever after pa kami ni Mommy." GK continued with a sad smile. "But hey, look at them now, they're happily married for the past two years, and expecting a baby girl on the way too. And I'm ready to be the best big brother she'll ever have, Papa. But really, there's no way I'd ever think I'd end up here."
