Naupo si Atlas sa gilid ng kama habang hinihintay na sagutin ni Amira ang tawag niya. Gusto lang niya itong sandaling makausap dahil kinakabahan siya.

Limang ring, sumagot si Amira. "Sorry, Atlas. Katatapos lang ng take ko. So, how are you? Excited? Sayang I can't come."

"Sayang nga, e." Mahinang natawa si Atlas. "Kinakabahan ako."

Narinig niyang malakas na natawa si Amira at pinalabas nito ang mga kasama kung saan man ito naroon. "Natatakot ka bang umatras bigla si Laurel?"

"Yes." Atlas shut his eyes.

"Don't be," Amira assured. "Mahal ka ni Laurel, Atlas. We talked last night, and everything was okay. Kung ano man ang mangyari today, I'll still root for your happiness."

Humugot ng malalim na hininga si Atlas. "Thank you, Ami. I'm rooting for yours, too. I know we've be—"

"Stop it," Amira cut him off. "Today's your day at labas na 'yung kung ano man ang nakaraan natin. Today, marry her. Marry the one. I'm so sad na kasi wala ako. But this is your day, so go enjoy. Baka ma-late ka!"

Natawa si Atlas at hindi nakasagot.

"Open the camera, Atlas. I want to see your damit," utos ni Amira.

Binuksan ni Atlas ang camera ng video call at humarap siya sa salamin para ipakita kay Amira ang damit niya. It was a simple white long-sleeved polo Job got for him. Paparesan lang niya iyon ng simpleng Italian shoes na matagal na niyang ginagamit.

"So?" tanong niya kay Amira na nakangiti. "Okay lang ba?"

"I'm so happy for you and Laurel." Mababa ang boses ni Amira. "Years later, you guys deserve this. Naiinis ako kasi may trabaho ako! I was supposed to be there!"

Atlas chuckled. "Bumawi ka na lang sa susunod. We'll have a little party."

"Promise." Amira smiled. "Best wishes and congratulations, Atlas Legaspi. Sige na. May next scene ako. Pictures, please? Pero babawiin ko na. Alam ko naman na hindi magpapa-picture ang asawa mo."

Asawa mo.

Atlas smiled and said goodbye to Amira. Tinawagan na rin niya ang mga magulang niya. Alam kasi ng mga ito ang tungkol sa kasal nila ni Laurel, pero hindi pupunta.

Dalawang araw na niyang hindi nakikita sina Laurel at LJ na nag-stay kina Patrick at Job. Binigyan niyang space si Laurel para mag-isip.

A month after Laurel told him about her son, they decided to get married. It took them two weeks to prepare. Kailangan din kasi nitong magpunta sa Hawaii at gusto nila na bago umalis ay kasal na sila.

Hindi sa nagmamadali, pero napag-usapan nilang doon din naman sila pupunta. May takot sa parte ni Atlas na baka biglang magbago ang isip ni Laurel kaya binigyan niya ito nang dalawang araw na lumayo sa kaniya at mag-isip.

Kung ano man ang maging desisyon ni Laurel, iintindihin niya.

Naisipan nilang magpakasal na lang sa city hall. Simpleng kasalan lang. Sina LJ, Patrick, at Job lang ang imbitado. Kung puwedeng si LJ lang, ginawa nila para sobrang simple at intimate lang ngunit kailangan ng witnesses.

Inaya nila si Amira, pero may trabaho ito.

Nirespeto ng pamilya ni Atlas ang desisyon nilang magpakasal nang sila lang. Kung sakali mang dumating ang pagkakataong magpapakasal ulit sila, roon na lang iimbitahan ang lahat. Kung sakali mang wala na, sapat na ang simpleng kainan.

Ang mahalaga, kasal na sila.

Personal na kinausap ni Atlas ang pamilya niya. Hindi sanay si Laurel sa maraming tao at naintindihan ng mga ito ang pakiusap niya. Laurel was willing to adjust for his family, but he didn't want her to.

Atlas didn't want to give Laurel the reason to suffer from anxiety. He also didn't want Laurel to fake anything for their wedding, so he decided to just go with what was comfortable.

He asked Laurel about her dad, and Laurel said no. Maybe next time were her exact words.

. . . but Atlas called the former governor to ask him for his daughter's hand. Governor Alcaraz said yes and that he was happy for them.

Mag-isang nagmaneho si Atlas papunta sa city hall. Sinabi ni Job na papunta na rin ang mga ito kaya nauna na siya. He didn't want his bride to be the first to arrive. He didn't want Laurel to wait.

While driving, Atlas felt his eyes warm, and tears automatically fell. He didn't know what to feel. Fear? Excitement? He didn't know.

He was listening to Lifetime when he felt his heart pound.

Laurel would always be his lifetime.

Pagdating sa city hall, dumiretso si Atlas sa library dahil doon ang usapan nila ng daddy ni Laurel. It was a secret and Laurel had no idea about it.

"What if Laurel found out about this?" Tumingin sa kaniya ang daddy ni Laurel. "Magagalit siya sa 'yo for lying to her."

Nilingon ni Atlas ang may-edad na lalaking katabi habang pareho silang nakatingin sa kung saan at nakaharap sa glass wall. Kita ang mga sasakyang dumadaan.

"Lies and secrets are two different things, sir," Atlas responded. "Hindi man po kayo makaka-attend sa kasal, masaya po ako na makita ninyo ang anak ninyong nakasuot ng puting damit na pangkasal . . . tulad po ng pangarap ninyo."

Ali smiled at him. "Thank you, Atlas, for taking care of my Alyssa. I won't say please because I know you won't hurt my daughter. Please, make my Alyssa happy."

Atlas nodded. "I will, sir."

Walang sagot ang daddy ni Laurel kaya nilingon niya ito. Sumilay ang ngiti nito sa labi habang nakatingin sa kawalan at nagkuwento tungkol kay Laurel noong bata pa ito.

"Laurel was a very happy child," ani Ali. "Her laughter was contagious, her eyes were glistening, and she loved to tell jokes. But teenager came and Laurel lost her smile. Until one day, she became distant . . . lalo nang magpunta na siya sa Manila. Nalayo na siya sa amin ni Rica."

Atlas kept quiet. He knew the reason, of course.

"Anyway, I won't be dramatic." May kinuha ito sa loob ng suit bago hinawakan ang kamay niya para ibigay ang hawak. "This is the ring I gave to Rica when we're young and she kept it. Gusto niyang ibigay ito kay Laurel, pero hindi na umabot. Alam kong hindi 'to tatanggapin ni Laurel galing sa 'kin at alam ko rin na hindi mo maibibigay dahil malalaman niyang may communication tayo."

Napatitig si Atlas sa simpleng gintong singsing na walang kahit na ano mang bato. Manipis lang iyon, pero pambabaeng-pambabae.

"Keep this until she's ready." Ali smiled at him. "Thank you for allowing me to be here. Kahit malayo."

Atlas nodded. "Thank you for being here, sir."

Sinabi ng daddy ni Laurel na pupuntahan muna nito ang kaibigang pulitiko rin na nasa city hall. Siya naman ay tinawagan si Job para alamin kung nasaan na at sinabing five minutes away na lang.

Nagpunta si Atlas sa comfort room at tiningnan ang sarili. Matindi ang kabang nararamdaman niya, pero lumamang ang excitement na makita ang mag-ina niya.

Pagpasok sa loob ng opisina ng mayor, nandoon na ito at nakangiting naghihintay sa kaniya. Kinumusta siya at nagtanong pa nga ito tungkol sa pag-aartista niya noon.

Pareho silang tumigil sa pag-uusap nang bumukas ang pinto.

Awtomatikong ngumiti si Atlas nang makita si LJ. Suot nito ang kulay puting damit na bumagay sa anak niya. Nakabagsak ang buhok nito at mayroong headband na kulay pink.

"Nasa restroom lang sandali si Laurel," ani Job at kinamayan siya. "Kumusta ka? Excited?"

Nilingon ni Atlas si Patrick na nakikipag-usap naman sa mayor na magkakasal sa kanila at tinatanong kung maayos lang ba ang lahat.

"Kinakabahan," sagot ni Atlas kay Job. "Si Laurel? How was she?"

"She's okay." Ngumiti si Job. "Medyo kabado rin, pero mukhang maayos naman ang lahat."

Tumango si Atlas at lumebel kay LJ. Hinalikan niya ang pisngi ng anak na excited na ipinakita sa kaniya ang damit na regalo ni Amira para sa kasal nila.

"Atlas?" kuha ni Patrick sa atensyon niya. "It's past eleven. Kailangan na rin nating magsimula."

Tumingin si Atlas kay Job at itinuro kung nasaan ang comfort room.

Nagpaalam si Atlas sa lahat at sinabing pupuntahan lang sandali si Laurel sa restroom. Nakakailang katok siya, walang sumasagot. Tinatawagan niya ito, pero pinapatayan siya ng tawag. Atlas tried to knock, but no response.

Hindi rin naman siya makapasok sa loob ng restroom dahil baka may ibang tao, ano pa ang isipin.

Sakto namang may papasok na maintenance at sinabing paki-check kung may babae ba sa loob. After a few seconds, the woman went back and told him someone was sobbing in one of the cubicles.

Nakiusap kaagad siya rito kung puwede siyang pumasok, samahan na lang siya, dahil fiancée niya ang nasa loob.

Natatakot si Atlas na harapin si Laurel ngunit kailangan. Natatakot siyang umatras ito sa araw mismo ng kasal nila, natatakot siya na baka umayaw ito.

Pagpasok niya sa loob kasama ang cleaner, kaagad na narinig ni Atlas ang pamilyar na paghikbi ni Laurel. Nasa pinakadulo ito ng cubicle kaya naman kaagad siyang kumatok.

"Laurel?"

"A-Atlas?"

Tipid siyang ngumiti. Dalawang araw niyang hindi narinig ang boses nito dahil nagdesisyon silang hindi muna mag-uusap. "Are you okay? Can you open up? May masakit ba sa 'yo? Are you feeling ok—"

Hindi na niya natapos ang sasabihin nang makarinig ng pagsusuka mula sa loob kung nasaan si Laurel. Kaagad siyang nakisuyo sa maintenance na bukasan ang pinto dahil kailangan niyang makita kung maayos lang ba ito.

Pagbukas, naabutan niya si Laurel nagsusuka sa bowl at mahinang humihikbi. Hinintay niyang matapos ito, nakiusap din sa babae na kung puwede ay kumuha ng inuming tubig para kay Laurel.

Hinahaplos ni Atlas ang likuran ni Laurel nang tumigil ito at humarap sa kaniya. His fiancée's face was wet from crying.

"Are you okay?" tanong niya, saktong dumating ang tubig na ipinakisuyo niya sa cleaner. "Here, drink."

Laurel drank some water and started sobbing. Nakaupo na ito sa bowl, nakalebel naman siya rito. She started crying and even hugged him tight. Atlas was waiting for Laurel to talk.

"Sorry," bulong nito. "I . . . I almost ran away."

Kumabog ang dibdib ni Atlas sa kaba. "W-Why? Ayaw mo na ba akong pakasalan?" tanong niya.

"Hindi sa gano'n," bulong ni Laurel. "I was just . . . overthinking, I guess? There's too much que—"

Atlas smiled and kissed Laurel's cheek. "Kilalang-kilala na talaga kita. Actually, a part of me knew this would happen. I mean, I know you love me, you're willing to marry me, and you wanna be with me . . . pero alam ko rin na posibleng umatras ka."

Napatitig si Laurel kay Atlas.

"It's very Laurel, running away . . . it's you. It's not an insult, ma'am. I just know you so much that I thought this might happen." Pinunasan ni Atlas ang luha ni Laurel sa pisngi. "Cold feet?"

Laurel bit her lower lip.

Kita ni Atlas ang panginginig ng baba ni Laurel. He stared at his bride, unsure what decision she would make this time.

Dalawa lang naman iyan. Masasaktan siya at luhaang lalabas sa city hall o hindi naman kaya ay lalabas siya ng city hall, hawak ang kamay nito dahil mag-asawa na sila.

Atlas was nervous but he couldn't show it. Ayaw niyang mamili si Laurel o magpakasal nang pilit.

Walang sinabing kahit ano si Atlas, he was caressing Laurel's cheek when she hugged him again. He smiled while caressing his fiancée's back and kissed the side of her head. He smelled Laurel's familiar perfume, and it calmed him.

"Feeling better?" tanong niya nang tumagal na ang yakap.

"Yeah," bulong ni Laurel. "Hugging you makes me feel better, Atlas. Please, bear with me more. Alam ko napapagod ka na, pero, puwede bang huwag mo muna akong iiwan?"

Mahinang natawa si Atlas at hinalikan ang balikat ni Laurel. "Bakit kita iiwan? Pakakasalan na nga kita ngayon kung gusto mo, e. Mayor's waiting for us, pero ikaw pa rin magde-decide. We can still postpone this if you want, until you're comfor—"

"No." Nag-angat ng tingin sa kaniya si Laurel. "I will marry you today. I'm sorry. We'll get married, Atlas."

Tumango-tango si Atlas habang nakatingin kay Laurel. Tumayo na siya at hinawakan ang kamay nito. "Let's go and get married, then." He stared at his fiancée for mere seconds, admiring how simple she was.

It was Laurel, the woman he met ten years ago. He could still remember the first time he met her, standing outside the mall entrance, holding her ice cream and innocently looking for him. Today, she really was looking at him . . . as if her life depends on him.

Laurel was wearing a simple white above-the-knee dress without anything. It was plain, short-sleeved, and very much white. She had some blush and a subtle lipstick.

Inipit ni Atlas ang buhok ni Laurel sa tainga. Nakabagsak lang iyon at walang kahit na ano. Ultimo hikaw, wala.

Hawak niya ang kamay ni Laurel nang humarap ito sa salamin. Sandali nitong tinitigan ang sarili habang nasa tabi lang siya at naghihintay. Nasa restroom din ang maintenance at nakatingin sa kanila.

Without saying anything, Atlas hugged Laurel from behind, and both looked at each other in the mirror.

He was staring at his bride, admiring her. He even kissed Laurel's cheek and saw her smile . . . ah, the little things.

"Tara na," Laurel whispered. "Baka magalit si Mayor, hindi pa tayo ikasal ngayon."

Mahinang natawa si Atlas at pinaharap si Laurel. Hinawakan niya ang damit nito. "May suka ka." He smiled.

Nagkatinginan sila at sabay na tumawa. Again, they laughed in sync, trying to remove the vomit stain from Laurel's wedding dress.

Sabay na rin silang lumabas ng restroom, magkahawak ang kamay.

Mula sa malayo, nakita ni Atlas ang daddy ni Laurel. Nakatingin ito sa kanila at bahagyang tumango. May tipid na ngiti habang nakatitig sa anak.

Tumigil si Atlas sa harapan ng pinto para kahit papaano ay tumagal ang tingin ng daddy ni Laurel sa kanila. Nakatago naman ito at hindi makikita basta-basta.

They were twenty minutes late for their wedding, but the mayor smiled at them and understood the situation, maybe. Their daughter was smiling from ear to ear, and Job and Patrick gave them a nod.

Holding Laurel's hand, getting ready to be hitched, gave Atlas a euphoric feeling.

He was just staring at Laurel while listening to the wedding officiant.

For some reason, na-expect na ni Atlas na ganoon ang magiging kasal nila. No guests at all, even family. Laurel was too reserved to have a grand wedding, so not her. He could actually give her any wedding she wanted, but this was what Laurel chose. Simple and intimate with their daughter.

Habang papalabas ng city hall, hawak ni Atlas si Laureen sa kaliwa, si Laurel naman sa kanan. Nilalaro niya ang wedding ring na suot ng asawa. Sa naisip, lihim na napangiti si Atlas. Katatapos lang ng simpleng kasal nila.

It was simple: they just had to listen to the wedding officiant, put on their rings, kiss, and sign the papers. That easy.

Walang magarbong pictorial, kumustahan sa ibang tao, kainan, at kung ano pa. The wedding was just intimate and relaxed.

"So, we won't interrupt anything," ani Job. "Hindi na kami sasama sa inyo sa lunch, it's your family's time. Again, we're so happy for you, Mr. and Mrs. Legaspi."

Laurel waved at Job and Patrick, and Atlas said thank you.

Nilingon niya si Laurel at nginitian ito bago lumebel kay LJ. "So, saan mo gustong kumain, LJ?" tanong niya sa anak.

"You guys decide, it's your wedding," sagot naman ng anak nila.

Mahinang natawa si Laurel, pero si Atlas ang nagsalita, "No, we want you to decide. Where'd you wanna eat? We can go anywhere you want, bub."

"I want some pizza, Daddy," nakangiting sagot ng anak nila. "Pizza, pasta, and ice cream. I want those."

Tumingin si Atlas kay Laurel, tumango naman si Laurel. Bago pa man paandarin ni Atlas ang sasakyan, hinalikan niya ang asawa sa pisngi. It felt different, knowing that this time, no more hiding, no more leaving, and just them bonding together as family.

Nakarating sila sa isang mall at nagdesisyon na kumain sa isang Italian restaurant. They were laughing and enjoying their time together. Nakaputing long-sleeve si Atlas na nakatupi hanggang siko, naka-white dress naman ang mag-ina niya.

Nasa likuran si Atlas habang naglalakad sila papunta sa sinehan. Tumigil siya sa paglalakad habang nakatitig sa dalawang babaeng naging buhay niya.

One was rocking straight, long hair; the other was rocking long, wavy, almost curly hair.

Different looks from behind, but both were his girls.

No, more like . . . his family.

Buong maghapon silang nasa mall. Nag-amusement park, nanood ng movie, nag-shopping for the family, even grocery. Nakakatawa na naka-casual sila, pero parang walang pakialam.

Nasa roller coaster sina Atlas at LJ. Si Laurel naman ang kumukuha ng picture nilang dalawa.

Nakita niya na nagpunas ng luha si Laurel bago tumingin ulit sa kanila. He wasn't sure what happened, but his wife pretended to smile when he caught her.

Atlas just nodded and smiled, but he was worried.

Pagbaba nila ni LJ sa maliit na roller coaster, kaagad nilang pinuntahan si Laurel. Nakangiti ito sa kaniya, hindi halatang umiyak, but he saw her wipe her tears away and sighed.

Instead of asking, Atlas kissed her temple, wrapped his arms around his wife's waist, and held LJ's hand. Sakto naman na humikab ito.

"Are you tired?" tanong ni Atlas kay LJ.

LJ nodded. "Yes, Daddy. I'm sleepy po."

"Maaga rin naman kasi tayong nagising," sagot ni Laurel. Tumingin siya kay Atlas. "Uwi na tayo?"

Tumango si Atlas at habang naglalakad sila, hindi niya binitiwan ang mga kamay ng mag-ina niya. He loved holding their cute, little hands. He loved the feeling and he would never go again.

He would never let Laurel go again.

Nasa sasakyan pa lang, nakatulog na ang anak nila. Mahinang natawa si Atlas at tumingin kay Laurel. Ngumiti ito at tumingin kay LJ.

"Napagod." Laurel smiled.

"Kaya nga, e." Binuksan ni Atlas ang phone niya at pinatugtog sa speaker ng sasakyan ang kantang Beautiful in White. "Wala tayong first dance, ma'am."

"Hindi naman tayo marunong sumayaw. Parehong kaliwa 'yung paa natin. For sure, magkakaapakan lang tayo, e." Laurel laughed. "Thanks for marrying me, Atlas."

"Why are you saying thanks?" Atlas was confused. "I should—"

Laurel held his hand and played with his ring. "Because you accepted all my flaws, you were there even though I am hard to deal with, you stayed even though I was low-key pushing you away."

Atlas smiled. "It wasn't easy, Laurel. You were tiring, but hey, being with you . . . it's home," aniya at pinisil ang kamay ni Laurel. "I love you, miss ma'am."

"I'm married." Laurel's tears were flowing.

Atlas couldn't hug his wife since he was driving on a busy road.

Laurel started sobbing while looking at him. "Someone actually . . . married me."

"Ten times over, ma'am," he murmured.

Nang makarating sa bahay, hindi na ginising ni Atlas si Laureen, Kahit mabigat, binuhat niya hanggang second floor ang anak.

Hindi na rin nagawang magbihis dahil ayaw nilang guluhin ang pagtulog ng anak. He just carefully laid his daughter on the master's bedroom, his room.

Sumunod naman si Laurel, suot pa rin nito ang wedding dress, ganoon din siya na tinanggal lang ang sapatos. Pare-pareho silang nakaramdam ng pagod mula sa maghapong bonding sa mall.

"Can't give you a honeymoon," bulong ni Laurel pero nakapikit na. "Too tired, Atlas."

Atlas smiled. "I have a lifetime to do honeymoon with you, ma'am," sagot niya at tumagilid para titigan si LJ na natutulog sa gitna nila ni Laurel. "I love you so much, bub." He kissed his daughter's cheek.

Humarap si Laurel sa kaniya.

Nagtama ang tingin nila. "You look so beautiful in white, ma'am," bulong ni Atlas. "Go rest, ma'am. I love you so much."

Laurel whispered, "I love you, Legaspi."

"Legaspi ka na rin." Ngumiti si Atlas.

Laurel smiled. "Yeah, I just realized." Mahina na ang boses nito.

Atlas reached for Laurel's hand. Narinig niyang mahina na itong humilik, mabilis nakatulog. He intertwined their hands together like he used to whenever he was sleeping with her.

Nagagawa lang niya iyon noon kapag tulog si Laurel dahil bawal.

Sa pagkakataong iyon, asawa na niya ito. He held his wife's hand, their rings together, with their daughter in the middle.

One of many firsts.

On their wedding night, they slept together with their daughter for the first time.

T H E X W H Y S