"Kailan mo pa po alam?" tanong ko nang iwan kami nina Mommy at Daddy sa sala.

"Six years ago," he responded, "I had no inkling that I would be marrying someone like you."

"Why didn't you refuse?" I inquired again, unable to come to terms with our predicament. "I hope you didn't consent."

"I apologize," he admitted. "I comprehend that my actions were selfish in that regard."

"Do you recall when I mentioned at the campsite that I aspired to be a politician? Do you believe gaining approval to transition to a teacher was easy? Certainly not. To pursue that aspiration, I had to make choices that conflicted with my desires."

He averted his gaze. "I relinquished the woman I loved for my ambition."

"And who is that woman?" I probed.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because in my quest to locate her, I may need to search for her to invalidate this arrangement. Who could have orchestrated this agreement?"

"Do you still hold affection for her?" I inquired.

"Why? Are you immediately feeling envious?" he retorted. "Just kidding. But genuinely, I love her, even more."

"That cuts deep," I remarked. "By the way, when did you consent to this agreement? And why did you comply despite being unaware of the identity of the woman you were betrothed to?"

"We have crossed paths. I was eighteen years old at that time, while you were around 12 or 13 years old," he revealed. "After encountering you, I assented to the proposed marriage."

"Love at—"

"No," he swiftly interrupted. "I didn't agree to the union because I fell head over heels for you at first sight; that's not my style."

"I consented because I believe you are easy to love."

"I'm puzzled, Sir," I admitted confusedly.

"You may perceive yourself as isolated at school, presuming that no one understands you and assuming that everyone regards you as the offspring of a flawed man engaged with numerous mistresses. However, I was there. Since your inception at the school, I never left your side. Yes, I am aware that you faced bullying in my absence, but I always shielded you when I was present."

"Kaya ba sobrang bait mo sa akin?" naluluha kong tanong. Na-realize ko kasing kung hindi niya ako mapapangasawa hindi niya siguro ako gano'n ipagtatanggol at tatratuhin.

He shook his head twice. "I am not doing this because I am going to marry you," he stated. "No one should endure emotional or physical harm."

"Yes, I confess, I do it because you are my soon-to-be wife. But even if I didn't know, I would still defend you. People might assume that you cry easily due to your gentle demeanor."

"Why is it that you appear certain about our marriage when you speak?" I inquired.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I have simply accepted my destiny; at least I have realized my dream. That's all that matters to me," he replied. "Let's head to the kitchen; my parents are waiting."

With a sigh, I followed him. Upon entering the kitchen, I overheard Mommy's gentle laughter. She was conversing joyfully with a woman whom I presumed to be Sir Zade's mother. When they turned to us, the woman offered me a warm smile, while an older man nodded in acknowledgement.

"Help your fiancé to a seat, Zade," the elderly man instructed Sir Zade. Sir Zade indicated two vacant chairs. I nodded in response and took a seat. I felt as though I were suffocating.

Once again, I held my breath, casting a menacing glance at Daddy. Mommy feigned a smile in my direction, conveying the need for pretense. But the eyes cannot deceive.

"Hello, dear," Sir Zade's Mother greeted me graciously. "I am Zaria, Zade's mother, and soon to be your mother-in-law. You can address me as Auntie Zaria. Are you looking forward to joining our family?"

Could I shake my head? Because truthfully, my emotions were in turmoil at the moment: a mix of sadness, fear, and confusion. Why did they seem to be rushing me? Is this what marriage entails? Is haste truly necessary? And who popularized arranged marriages? We shall see.

"Good evening and happy birthday, Aphle," I turned to the man beside Auntie Zaria. "I am Aiden, Zade's father, your future father-in-law," he introduced.

Those smiles? Are they genuine?

I simply nodded to both of them, uncertain if it was rude not to introduce myself, but it seemed they were already acquainted with me. I was certain that Mommy and Daddy had briefed them about me.

I glanced at Mommy, whose eyes widened. I felt like a first-grader being taught how to interact with my peers.

Turning my attention back to the couple before me, I forced a smile. I smiled, knowing that anyone observing would assume I was content with the current situation, even though internally, I was not.

"Good evening po, Tito, Tita," magalang kong bati. "Ako po si Aphle, ang bunsong anak nina Mommy at Daddy. Kasalukuyan po akong nag-aaral bilang estudyante ni Sir Zade."

I observed the couple furrowing their brows. "You didn't inform us that Aphle was your student, son," Auntie Zaria remarked with a frown. "However, it doesn't matter if you didn't disclose it. Considering you've shared roles as student and teacher, perhaps you already have a deep understanding of each other?"

Sir Zade and I shook our heads in unison. Even synchronized gestures elicited a smile from Auntie Zaria. She likely believed that her son and I made a perfect match.

"I refrain from probing into matters that may confuse Aphle, Mom," Sir Zade stated earnestly.

Auntie Zaria nodded. "May I pose a question?" I inquired.

"Of course, dear. What is it?" Auntie Zaria responded with a smile.

"Who orchestrated this arranged marriage? And why me?" I inquired. Numerous queries swirled in my mind, but at that moment, this was the foremost one.

The quartet exchanged glances. Mommy glanced at me before speaking. "Your elder sister Grapes was initially slated for this arrangement, but you took her place as the youngest," she disclosed. I noticed Sir Zade clenching his fist at the mention of Grapes' name.

"As Zade is our youngest child, dear, our family tradition dictates that the youngest member fulfills such obligations," Auntie Zaria explained. "Unfortunately, we hadn't anticipated your entry into the picture. We could already foresee Grapes and Zade growing more accustomed to one another."

I turned to Sir Zade. It felt as though I were gradually unraveling the identity of the woman he had let go to adhere to this pact for the sake of his dream. Si Ate Grapes ba?

Pero paanong magiging si Ate Grapes? Single since birth iyon.

"Will you proceed with arranging our marriage despite the 10-year age difference?" I inquired once more. If only I had been a few years tardy, I might have avoided this predicament.

Mommy shook her head. "We typically allow a maximum age gap of 7 years. If your timing had been delayed by a year, your sister Grapes might have been in your place," she responded.

"Since Grapes was involved in the discussion, why don't you reach out to her? I miss her dearly," Aunt Zaria suggested. "How is she? It's been six years since I last saw her on her 18th birthday."

Mommy exchanged a smile with Aunt Zaria. "She remains the same, Zaria. She is still beautiful, intelligent, with a bit of an attitude at times, but she is always compliant," Mommy remarked with a grin.

"What did she pursue? She mentioned wanting to become a makeup artist back then, despite her appearance not hinting at a passion for such endeavors," Aunt Zaria commented with a smile.

Yeah, iyon nga ang pangarap ni Ate Grapes na hindi niya nagawang tapusin dahil sa pagiging malupit nina Mommy at Daddy sa kaniya.

We all turned to look as my cellphone on the table suddenly rang loudly. Curiously, I checked to see who was calling, half-expecting it to be Ate Grapes.

"Tumatawag si Kuya, Mommy," sinabi ko.

"Answer it, it might be important," said Mommy. I followed her. "Loud speaker, too."

"Hello, Ku—"

"Aphle!" I was taken aback upon hearing Ate Grapes' voice on the other end of the line. She seemed to be in a state of panic and anger.

"Ate Grapes," tawag ko sa kaniya.

"Nasaan sina Mommy at Daddy? Gosh, ito na naman sila sa pagiging bida-bida!" frustrated niyang sigaw.

I don't know if I can laugh. I can imagine how she pull her hair when she is frustrated. "By the way, ikaw? Nasaan ka? Kanina pa kita tinatawagan."

"Sorry, tulog ako kanina, Ate," sagot ko.

"So, where's Mommy? I need to talk to her," seryoso niyang sinabi.

Mommy extended her hand in front of me so I gave her my cellphone. "Hello, Grapes," mommy said.

"Mommy!" sigaw ni Ate Grapes. "Ano? Alam na ba ni Aphle?!"

"She will know and she will know soon if not now. You know where arranged marriage leads, right?"

"Mommy, think about Aphle!" sigaw ulit ni Ate. "Pressure na pressure na nga sa pag-aaral tapos i-pe-pressure mo pa sa pag-aasawa! Mom, wake up! Nakakapagod 'yang ginagawa mo sa kapatid ko!"

"Don't overreact, Grapes. Arranged marriages function in this manner. Consider us, your Daddy, and your grandparents. We are living proof that arranged marriages can be successful," Mommy lectured.

"What the fuck!" Frustrated na sigaw ni ate Grapes mula sa kabilang linya. "Mommy, 'wag mo nang ipasok si Aphle sa pag-popolitika. Let her pursue her dream!"

"Mommy, listen to me, please," nagmamakaawang sinabi ni Ate Grapes. Ang taas ng pride niya pero para sa akin ibinababa niya. "Bata pa si Aphle. Hayaan niyo siyang mabuhay sa paraang gusto niya. 'Wag niyo namang tanggalan ng karapatan para makapamili kung sino ang aasawahin niya."

"Sorry, dear. However, the decision is irrevocable," Mom stated before ending the call. Mommy gazed at me earnestly. "Marry Zade, Aphle. Trust me, your marriage will succeed."

I shook my head slowly. No, if it weren't for Yhael, the marriage wouldn't prosper.

-iamlunamoon