The food on the buffet table was inviting. There were many meals to choose from. Dinuguan, kare-kare, menudo, afritada, pinakbet, paksiw na pata --- and a lot more were served. But people were yet to line up to eat.

"What's taking them so long?" Brett asked.

"They're probably getting their pictures taken," Blue said. She tapped her hands to the beat of this old Tracy Chapman song revived by a famous boy band from England.

"What about us? I'm starving," Brett said, still looking at the buffet table.

The wedding reception was held at his Tita Belinda's backyard in Subic, under a yellow and white striped tent awning.

The sun was at its usual scorching self at 10:00 in the morning. There was a wood floor at the center of the garden for dancing, a disc jockey and a table for his equipment, and lots of chairs and tables for people to sit at. The ceremony had ended a while before all the guests had arrived from the church.

A few minutes later, the bride and groom arrived. Everyone stood and applauded when the DJ announced their arrival. Brett approached the newly wed couple and hugged the groom.

"Congratulations, dad," he said. Brett then shook the hand of his bride. "Congratulations and best wishes, Tita Belinda."

"Thank you, son," Mr. Dela Fuente said. He looked over Brett's shoulder and saw Blue. "Oh, was that Blue with you at the table?"

"Yeah, Dad. We're back together again."

"Then I should be the one congratulating you."

Brett grinned and leaned forward to his father. "Just enjoy the day, Dad. I'll see you later."

"Okay, son. Say hi to Blue for me."

"Okay. Bye, Tita Belinda."

"See you later, my dear," his stepmom answered.

------

Brett was so happy for his dad. After his mother's death while he was only ten, his relationship with his father grew tremendously well. He spent the last seven years trying to convince him to marry again. And now, the old man was wearing a tuxedo and dancing to an old Tom Jones tune with the perfect stepmom anyone could ever wish for, much to Brett's delight.

Blue turned to Brett and sighed. "Weddings are so romantic, regardless of the age of the couple getting married."

Brett laughed and held her hand. "Hey! Dad's only 56 years old and Tita Belinda's only 52 so they're not that old a couple," he said pinching her nose. "Six years from now, you'll be 30. Who knows, you might get married before then," he teased.

"I'm just imagining how it would be on my wedding. If ever I would get married. You know, you can make your wedding however you want it to be. There aren't that many changes," Blue smiled.

Brett couldn't resist smiling back after hearing the word changes. It brought his thoughts back to what happened in the airport last Wednesday. She looked so beautiful today. Brett wanted to lean over and kiss her, guests or no guests. He ought to, he thought. He couldn't believe he was actually having a hard time trying to kiss her.

His thoughts were interrupted by the collective noise of the people. Some guests seemed to be upset and panicking because of something.

"Blue, come here!"

A loud male voice was heard all over the place.

"What are you doing here?" Mr. Dela Fuente confronted the intruder. "This man is not in my guest list."

"Well, I don't give a damn about that!"

The gatecrasher took an iron stick from the barbecue grill and tried to hit Brett's dad. His dad dodged and stepped back. Immediately, the man was grasped by some security personnel and was carried away outside.

Brett was shocked from where he was and ran toward his father.

"Get him outta here!" Brett angrily shouted. "Get out of here Allen or I'll call the police!"

"I'll get you back, Blue!I swear it!"

Allen cried as he was carried away by the security people. His eyes focused on Blue. He seemed to be oblivious of everyone.

"If I can't have you Blue, no one else will! I swear it, Blue! I swear it!" His voice began to fade as he was dragged outside.

------

Blue looked at the ground as she stood beside the table. She could hear people whispering to one another.

Brett walked his dad to the porch. His stepmom followed together with Blue.

"Are you all right, dad?"

"I'm fine, son. That boy was crazy. What was he trying to do?"

"I think Blue and I have to go somewhere else, dad. Somewhere more quiet just to ease the tension a little."

"Okay, Son. I'll be all right here. I'll take care of this."

Blue was still in shock. She slightly trembled as, in her mind, she could still hear Allen's threats. What is he planning to do? Is he really that desperate to try and hurt people?

"It's okay, Blue." Brett embraced her and kissed her forehead. "Let's go."

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere safe."

"I'm scared, Brett. What if he shows up and tries to do something crazy again?"

"Allen's never gonna hurt you, Blue." He held her even tighter. "I'm never gonna let him. I promise."