Untitled.2014

Part 1

"I'll get off in a few minutes. See you!" I told her and hanged up. I quickly fixed myself and took my bags before standing up and going out of the bus. A gust of wind greeted me the moment I landed on the concrete pavement of the terminal. I quickly maneuvered myself out and looked for my friend, Louise. I was about to call her when I heared her booming voice amidst the crowded place. I looked around until I finally spotted her making her way towards me. She enveloped me in a big warm hug right then and there.
" You really did came!" She said as she held me in arm's length, smiling widely.
"Of course! I wouldn't miss your wedding, you know." I responded and picked up my luggage. She tried to help me but I dismissed it, it wasn't that heavy and I could manage myself. We found her car a few meters away from the entrance where alex, her fiancé, was waiting for us. We loaded my things at the compartment. A few greetings here and there and we were on our way to Louise's house where I'd be staying for a week, before their 'big day'.

Louise and Alex have been college sweethearts and they were inseparable since then. It was a miracle that they didn't tie the knot right after college. They said that they want to chase after their dreams first and doing the things they both want to accomplish before marriage, and true enough, they both did. Both passed their licensure exams and became Physical Therapists and worked in Manila for a few years and then went abroad to gain more experience. And now,  eight years after, they are finally ready to settle down.
"We're almost there! Welcome to Cabadbaran, Belle!" Louise said as we saw the sign that tells us where we are.
Cabadbaran is one of the small towns in Butuan City. This is where Louise grew up  and she insisted that she wanted to get married in her favorite church here. Alex conceded without second thought.

I'm finally here, I told myself. An old lovesong was playing on the stereo and upon hearing it, Louise glanced at me through the rearview mirror and I just smiled at her, assuring her I would be fine. I glanced out the window and tried to distract myself with the sceneries outside. A distant memory seemed to resurface and I tried hard not to let it overwhelm me. Not now. It's been years, though. It took us another ten minutes to reach Louise's ancestral house. Alex honked twice and a maid came out of the house, followed by two elderly couple. The gates opened and we drove in. It was Louise's parents who ushered us inside and welcomed me. Two children shyly peeked at us from the second floor, I guessed they were her brother's and I was right. We had lunch afterwards. Talking and laughing at random things and memories. I didn't feel out of place and the hosts were very accommodating.
Right after lunch I begged Lou to let me sleep even for a few hours since the party will be at the evening. I need the energy to keep up with it later on.
It was already halfway past 5 when I finally woke up. Thirsty, I decided to go downstairs to drink a glass of water.
"Pau! Thank God your finally awake!" I turned around and saw my friend at the sala, holding her phone.
"I've been trying to wake you up a couple of times already but you seemed so tired."
"Yeah, I guess so. Lou, let me just remind you that I just arrived straight from Toronto. I didn't get enough sleep on the plane, too." I said while rubbing sleep off my eyes. "By the way, what time will the party start? And where's the venue? I didnt got the chance to ask you during lunch." I asked Lou whilst gulping another glass of cold water.
"Starts at six. Its a restobar so just wear something comfy." My eyes widenend when I heard her and quickly peeked at my wristwatch. We only have twenty minutes sharp! I quickly put the glass in the dishwasher and ran upstairs.
Comfy clothes? Maybe I could just wear jeans and a simple white shirt. I doubled up my speed and was already done in ten minutes. Just as I was about to get my bag and head out, Lou emerged into the room, a disapproving look in her face as she glanced at my attire.
"I knew this would happen," was all she said as she placed a paperbag on the bed.
"What?What? Let's go, we dont have much time. And dont mind what I'm wearing, please!" I quickly added and was about to leave the room when she quickly got up and locked the door.
"Pau, it's my party. At least leave those jeans even for tonight, eh?"
"You know I dont like wearing dresses and you said 'comfy'. This is my own comfortable."
One glance at her and I knew I won't win this time. Grumbling, I got the paperbag and went inside the bathroom to change.
Short shorts, white sleeveless top with cardigan and matching heels. She even did my make up and she literally threw away my bands and hair clips so I'll have to wear my hair down. We fought, we argue and then I lost, yet again. Her Party, she's the boss.
Lou went inside the bar as soon as we arrived and I told her I'd enjoy the cold night breeze for awhile. I took my phone and earphones and listened to Scandal's Departure while looking at the sky blanketed with countless stars. The half crescent moon added to the mystic aura of the night. I was enjoying my solitude sitting in a bench with my eyes closed.