Wedding Night

“Kiss! Kiss!”

I gulped as the crowd chanted those words. Napatingin ako kay Chaz na nasa tabi ko at walang mababakas na emosyon sa mukha. Namula ang mukha ko lalo na nang mas lumakas pa ang hiyawan nila, dinagdagan pa nang pagpapatunog ng kani-kanilang baso. Nakita ko si Joy at Elena na halatang kinikilig. Joy even raised her wine glass while Elena showed me a thumbs up.

“Chaz,”

Mahina kong bulong sa pangalan niya. Kunot noo siyang napatingin sa akin

“What?”

I swallowed hard at how emotionless his voice were. I involuntarily licked my lower lip.

"K-Kiss daw,”

Gusto ko nalang bumukas ang lupa at lamunin ako ng tuluyan. Ano ba yan, Sofia! Naririnig naman niya ang sinisigaw nila kaya hindi mo na kailangan pang punain iyon!

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya.

“Don’t make it obvious how hungry you are for my kisses, woman. You are not Harry, do you really think I will kiss the shit out of you?”

Nanlaki ang mata kong nakatingin sa kaniya.

"P-Pero sabi ni—"

“Let them be. Kung gusto nilang makakita nang naghahalikan, they should be the one doing the fucking kiss and not us. We are not a clown to entertain them.” he blatantly replied.

Napipilian ko. Bigla akong nahiya sa inasta. Sa lagay ay parang ako pa ang gustong humalik sa kaniya, eh hindi naman kissable ang lips niya! Hindi katulad kay Drake..

I closed my eyes. I shouldn’t mention his name if I want to forget him. I should not compare Chaz to Drake because clearly, despite the fact that Drake left a scar in my heart, he is not ruthless and heartless compared to him. Kumbaga sa fairy tale, Drake was my prince charming hile Chaz played the role of a beast villain.

“Kung ikaw lang din ang hahalikan ko, I’d rather kiss my own hand. Such a lousy kisser.” I irritatedly answered, still wearing a smile for the crowd.

Hindi pwedeng mahalata nilang may mali sa bagong kasal. Na nagbabangayan sa halik na gusto nila.

“What did you say?”

From the corner of my eyes, I felt him glanced at my side. Nang dahil sa ginawa niya, mas lumakas ang hiyawan ng mg bisita.

Napangisi ako. “Paano kaya natitiis ni Harry ang isang kagaya mong hindi man lang marunong humalik? If I were him, maghahanap ako ng ibang mas magaling at mas masarap ang halik na ibinibigay sa akin.”

I am done with his curses. I’ll make sure this night won’t end without me, having the upper hand. Tuluyan akong lumingon sa gawi niya. Hindi nabura ang ngiti sa labi ko.

“Shame on you Chaz, if not because of my parents, I wouldn’t even bother kissing your filthy lips. Ang akala ko pa naman mababaliw ako kung dumapo ang labi mo sa labi ko, iyon naman pala..” I hold my smirk when I saw how his jaw locked. "..sabaw."

His eyes went dark. I felt like rejoicing thinking that I got even with him, somehow. Si Harry nga talaga ang kahinaan ng isang ‘to.

“Don’t test my patience, woman.” he said with his gritted teeth.

I smiled sweetly. “I am not even trying hubby, I’m stating facts here. Akala ko nga pader ang nakahalik sa akin kanina.” I replied with full confidence.

He stared at me for a moment before I saw a ghost of smile on his lips.

“Oh so you want me to enter your mouth with my tongue and played with yours like that of french kiss. Nibbling and sucking, is that your point?”

My eyes rounded a fraction. I can feel my cheeks went scarlet with his bold words. Of course not! Hindi iyon ang ibig kong sabihin!

“Don’t expect to receive such kind of kiss from me. Hindi ka espesyal at lalong hindi ko gustong makahalikan ka. So stop dreaming.” he cockily replied.

My lips parted. How dare this guy! As if naman gusto ko ring mahalikan ang isang katulad niya.

“Ang tagal naman, sunggaban mo na ‘yan dude!” said by the voice which I assumed his friend. Mas lalong lumakas ang hiyawan sa naging sigaw na iyon.

I leered at Chaz mocking face. I was about to break the eye contact when he suddenly hold my chin.

“That is perhaps one of the reason why your boyfriend broke up with you,” he trailed while inching the the distance between our face.

I can already smell his minty breath. Kung sino man ang makakita, siguradong iisipin na naghahalikan kami.

“You are so full of yourself Miss Perez, sino ngayon ang hindi marunong humalik sa ating dalawa when between the two of us, you’re the one who’s fresh from a heart break.” he added. The smirked on his face never fades. Nakatingin siya sa mata ko na parang naghahamon.

I stared at him blankly. Sadness started to consume me. Is it really my fault? Kaya ba siya nakipaghiwalay dahil may kulang sa akin? May mali sa akin?

Ganoon ba iyon?

But I did my best for him not to leave me..

I sighed. He really have way to makes me feel down..

“Now behave, huwag mo akong simulan.” saad niya sa malamig na boses. His eyes were bloodshot, not to mention the way he grip my chin that is getting pungent.

Maya-maya ay binitawan niya ang baba ko saka muling humarap sa madla. I released a deep sighed  before detaching my gaze from him. Satisfaction were palpable on their faces. They thought the kissed happened when in fact, it didn’t. Tipid akong ngumiti sa kanila bago umiling.

“Grabe, kinilig ako do’n! Your chemistry is impressive. Halatang in love.” Lumapit sa amin si Joy, sa likod niya ay si Elena na ngingiti-ngiti.

Lihim akong napangiwi.

“Well who wouldn’t be if you have a bride like her. Wala nang hahanapin pa,” tudyo pa nito.

Ngumiti lang ako dito.

“Anyway, I was task to ask you where are you staying for the night? We prepared a suit if you want to stay here, but if you prefer at your new hom—"

“We are not going to stay here. Kung saan man kami magpapalipas ng gabi, hindi mo na dapat pang usisain iyon. Leave it to us.” pinutol ng malamig na tinig ni Chaz si Joy. While the latter’s mouth open.

Napapikit ako. He’s being rude to her. Ano pang magpakita man la siya ng pakikisama sa ibang tao. Nakakahiya kay Joy.. ang alam pa naman nila matagal na kaming magkarelasyon.

“Uh.. yes, hindi siguro kami dito magpapalipas ng gabi, Joy. Salamat sa pagtatanong.” I answered instead.

She laughed. “No problem, dear.. anyway,” Tumingin siya kay Chaz.  “I’ll get going. Congratulations again!” masiglang pahayag niya.

“Teka, Joy.” pagpigil ko sa pag-alis niya.

“What is it?” She asked smiling.

“We’ll entrust the rest to you since we don’t plan to stay long. Is it fine with you?”

Kanina pa rin kaming nakaupo dito at gustuhin man naming umalis. Hindi pa rin pwede.

She nodded her head. “Absolutely fine, don’t worry. Ako na ang bahalang magpaliwanang sa kanila kapag umalis kayo. Well, I just hope after this night we’ll be expecting a little Chaz or Sofia running around the house.”

I laughed with her remarks. While the person beside me scoffed. Napansin iyon ni Joy kaya natatawa itong nagpaalam sa amin.

I shook my head. There is no way we’ll produce offsprings. Bukod sa katotohanang walang namamagitan sa amin ni Chaz, ayaw ko pa rin magkaanak. I will only endanger my baby..

“Ma’am, heto po ang gamit niyo.” Elena said, handing my purse.

I smiled at her while getting it from her hold. “Thanks, Elena.”

Nakita kong bumaling ang tingin niya kay Chaz. “Walang anuman po, Ma’am. Ginagawa ko lang po ang trabaho ko.” magalang nitong sagot.

Nang sandaling nagpaalam siya, hindi na muli akong nagtangkang kausapin si Chaz at pinanatili ang tingin sa harap. Masama ang loob ko because I thought I’ll get even with him before the night ends, but it seems like he has a lot of arguments stored on his pockets.

Muling lumipas ang oras na nakaupo lang kami doon habang hinihintay ng tamang tyempo para makaalis. I badly want to go home pero hindi pwede. Hindi pwede hanggang hindi umaalis ang mga magulang ko. Dumalo si tito Rodolfo—his father at tita Salvacion ang mommy niya, pero agad ring umalis dahil kailangan magpahinga ni tita. Habang ang ilan sa mga pinsan niya at kamag-anak na dumalo ay maagang umuwi.

His parents were kind. Ibang-iba kay Chaz na mukhang pinaglihi pa sa sama ng loob.

Nabuhayan ako ng loob ng makitang papalapit sa gawi namin ang buo kong pamilya. Mommy was all smile while crossing the distance between us. Her hands were anchored on my father’s arms. Zayd on the other hand has a poker face. As if coming here is against his will.

Agad kaming napatayo para salubungin sila. Hindi na ako nagtaka ng kusang pumulupot ang matigas na braso ni Chaz sa baywang ko.

“Good evening, Sir.” Chaz greeted them with formality.

“Drop the Sir, hijo. Why don’t you start calling me dad? Uou are already part of my family.”

“Tama hijo, at maari mo na rin akong tawaging Mama, or Mommy. Kung saan ka komportable.”

Humigpit ang hawak ni Chaz sa baywang ko.

“That would be my pleasure, Dad and Mom.” he answered coolly.

Mom beamed as if what he says favors her. Tipid lang akong ngumiti ng dumako sa akin ang paningin niya.

“Congrats, sis! Jusko, may asawa ka na, parang kailan lang sawing-sawi ka pa kay Drake!” pumagitna si ate Giselle.

Napapikit ako. Really ate? Kailangan pa talagang sabihin iyon? Now, Chaz would probably rejoicing by now. To think that my sister knows my misery to Drake.

“Stop it ate, Chaz is here and you really have to tell her that?”

I cocked my head to my little brother’s direction and gave him a sweat smile. Ngunit, inismiran lang ako ng magaling kong kapatid.

“Aba’t nasaan ang kuya? He is older than you, Zayd umayos ka.” ate fired back.

Zayd scoffed. “Tss, tatawagin ko siya sa kung anong pangalan ang gusto ko.”

Napailing ako sa dalawa. “Mommy pwede na ba kaming u-umuwi?” pagbaling ko sa kaniya.

“Of course anak, tapos na rin naman ang program at nang makapagpahinga kayo.” Ngumiti siya.

I felt how Chaz grip on my waist loosened. I looked up to him and saw his bank face.

“Nandito nga kami para magpaalam. Zayd has class to attend tomorrow and your sister is pregnant. Bawal sa kaniya ang magpuyat.” she explained. I blinked my eyes before looking away from Chaz.

“Sige po, ingat sa biyahe.” I responded. Ate and mommy kissed me on the cheeks while daddy just patted my shoulder.

“Chaz, we’ll go ahead.” pagpapaalam niya sa tabi ko.

Mula sa sulok ng aking mata, nakita ko ang pagtango ni Chaz. “Ako na po ang bahala sa anak niyo, Dad.” sagot nito.

I saw how my mother eyes be filled with joy. “Alam kong nasabi ko na ito sa’yo at uulitin ko pa. Take good care of my daughter in our behalf hijo. Simula ngayon, pinagkakatiwala na namin sa’yo ang anak namin.”

It didn’t take him seconds to answer her. “You have my word Mom and Dad. I wouldn't let anyone hurt her, not even a single mosquito.”

Lumawak ang pagkakangiti ni mommy. I secretly rolled my eyes. He’s good to be an actor, huh. Ang galing niyang umarte.

Bago sila tuluyang umalis, yumakap muna sila sa akin. At nang kaming dalawa nalang ni Chaz ang nasa lamesa, agad itong humiwalay na parang may nakakawa akong sakit.

“Let’s go, we’re done here.”

I sighed before nodding. Habang tinatahak namin ang daan palabas, may ilan pa kaming nakakasalubong at hindi maiwasang hindi tumigil.

As the time passes, I can feel how Chaz become frustrated.

“Nawa’y makabuo kayo ng maraming anak sa hinaharap. Siguradong magaganda at pogi ang mga magiging anak niyo, kung sakali man.” I nearly choked on my saliva when one of his parents business partner’s spoke.

Peke akong ngumiti.

“Thank you, Miss Natividad. But my wife is already tired and we need some time alone to realized those beautiful children you hoped to see in the future. Right, wife?” Bumaling si Chaz sa banda ko.

“Uh..yes, right hubby. Kailangan nga,” I uttered then laugh nervously.

The woman grinned. “You sure do, newly weds. Anyway, good luck on your first night together.” she playfully replied. Isang ngiti ang sinukli ko dito.

“Shall we, wife?” Chaz said, taunting me. A smirked was plastered on his annoying face.

I made a face and didn’t bother giving him an answer. He then dragged me out of the crowd. Nang sandaling kaming dalawa nalang ang magkasama, dumistansya siya sa akin saka may kinuha sa bulsa ng kaniyang pantalon.

“Where are you?”

Narinig kong tanong niya sa kung sino man ang kausap nito  sa kabilang linya
I stood in front of a white car, while he's a few steps away from me.

“I’m at the parking lot. Yes I know,” he stopped before  he loosened his tie. “We can’t meet now, but I’ll see you in my pad later. Ihahatid ko lang ang isang 'to.”

Ngayon alam ko na kung sino ang kausap niya. Napatingin ako sa paligid, walang tao, siguro ayos lang kung maghiwalay na sasakyan ang gagamitin namin.

To give them privacy, I decided to turn my heels and look for my car. Ginamit ko iyon kanina na malaking pinagpapasalamat ko. Kung may lakad pala sila, hindi naman niya kailagang ihatid pa ako.

Hawak ko ang laylayan ng suot na dress habang hinahanap ang sariling sasakyan.

“What the hell are you doing?”

I jumped in horror  when his deep and cold voice vibrated on the silent parking lot. I look at him, irritated.

"It seems like you have to see your lover, and you can’t because of me. I am only giving you a favor.” sagot ko. His brow creased. “I have a car so you really don’t need to drive me home."

“And you think of that as a favor, Miss Perez?”

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko. “Bakit hindi? You can go directly to him for all you damn want. Hindi mo—”

Natigilan ako ng mahina itong tumawa. “Stop acting like a hero and come back here. You are only making the situation worst.”

Umawang ang labi ko. “I’m trying to help,” mariin kong tinuran.

He smirked. “If you really want to help, obey my fucking orders.”

I gritted my teeth. Bumilis ang paghinga ko sa iritasyon.
Wala akong ibang nagawa kundi ang sumunod. Sa passenger seat ako ng kaniyang kotse naupo.

Masama ang loob ko habang tinatahak palabas ng hotel. Gusto ko lang namang tumulong, pero ako pa talaga ang napasama! He is really so full of himself! Hindi pa nga natatapos ang araw, iritado na ako sa pagmumukha niya.

“Get out." aniya nang huminto ang sasakyan sa isang engrandeng bahay.

Umirap ako bago tinanggal ang pagkakabit ng seatbelt. Bago ako tuluyang makalabas, may hinagis siyang susi sa dashboard. Kunot noo ko siyang tinignan at senyasan lang ako na kunin ang susi.

I sighed deeply. I don’t have other choice but to get the key since I assumed it is meant for the mansion in front. Though, he didn’t say anything until I was out of the car. Ang akala ko’y lalabas din siya para ipaliwanag kung bakit niya ako dinala dito, pero nagkamali ako.

Gano’n nalang ang pag-awang ng labi ko ng walang pasabi nitong pinaharurot ang sasakyan palayo.

While I was there, standing in front of a dark and lifeless house, wearing a white weeding dress—  watching how his car disappeared from my sight.

And I was again alone.

My husband left me on the night of my weeding day.. to reconcile with his paramour.