When Laureen was younger, she wanted to get married and have a family, but the timing wasn't perfect when Travis proposed to her years ago. She loved him, that was for sure, but she wasn't ready. She was just starting a new chapter of her life.

Travis understood and gave her time, but both realized they wanted to part ways. It was a mutual breakup, no hard feelings, and they remained friends.

Inakala rin talaga niya na si Travis na ang mapapangasawa niya noon. Buong college life nila, magkasama sila sa Paris. They lived together and even after returning to Baesa, they were together. But some relationships weren't meant to last. They grew more individually after separating.

Laureen had doubts. Hindi sa ibang tao kung hindi sa sarili niya. Alam din niya sa sarili na malaki ang kasalanan niya kung bakit hindi sila natuloy ni Travis. Hindi siya nakipag-date sa iba, nag-focus siya sa trabaho at sa sarili niya hanggang sa dumating sa buhay niya si Aston.

"Love the tiara." Her mom entered the room. "Sinabi ng makeup artist na tapos ka na raw. Can I stay here for a while?"

"Of course." Laureen smiled and faced her mom. "My gosh, Mom. I rarely see you this dolled, and oh my gosh. No wonder head over heels si Daddy sa 'yo, e."

Pareho silang natawa. Tinanong ng mommy niya kung nagustuhan daw ba niya ang makeup niya. Oo, dahil siya mismo ang nagsabi na natural lang. Something timeless para kahit hindi siya nakaayos, makikita pa rin niya ang sarili sa wedding pictures.

Her parents were a great help to her during the wedding preparation, but her mom did most of the planning. Naging busy naman ang daddy niya sa pagsigurong maayos lahat sa venue, sa catering, at sa buong event.

Ang mommy niya ang kasama niya sa pagpili ng wedding dress. Nakailang sukat silang dalawa at iyon na ang nagsilbing bonding nilang dalawa. Silang dalawa rin ang naghanap ng magandang bulaklak para sa venue. Nahirapan din silang mamili ng wedding invitation only to choose very minimalist designs just because it was both their styles.

Luana was supposed to be her maid of honor, but her younger sister was out of the country for work. Kararating lang nito noong isang araw para sa kasal niya kaya sila lang ng mommy niya ang magkasama sa lahat.

It was fun and Laureen would love to do it all over again. For years, she was separated from her mom. Simula rin naman noong mag-highschool siya, medyo nawalan sila ng bonding dahil naging busy siya sa school. Binigyan naman siya ng space ng mommy niya hanggang sa unti-unti na rin talaga siyang napalayo.

And she regretted wasting a lot of time away from her mom.

"Thank you for staying with me for the whole month, Mom." Laureen stood up and sat beside her mom. Inikot niya sa daliri niya ang loose hair na humaharang sa mukha nito. "I think we should do that again. Spa, massage, salon, and dress shopping. Just the two of us lang."

Tumango ang mommy niya at kaagad silang nabalot ng katahimikan. Naramdaman ni Laureen ang pabigat ng dibdib sa tuwing naalala niya kung gaano kasaya ang mommy niya habang nagpapa-manicure silang sabay. Nakita rin niya kung paano ito tumingin sa kaniya habang nagsusukat siya ng mga damit. Pati sa pagtikim nila ng cake, para siyang bumalik sa pagkabata lalo nang subuan siya nito.

Naalala ni Laureen ang mga panahong silang dalawa lang sa Paris. Randomly siya nitong aayain sa isang coffee shop o bakery para lang tumikim ng bagong flavor ng cake. They would spend their day walking around the area or just staying by the park.

"I love you, Mom." Laureen bit her lower lip.

"No crying, LJ!" Her mom immediately fanned her face. "Sayang ang makeup natin! We can cry a lot after the wedding. Thank you for giving me that one month, Laureen. It meant so much to me. C-Can we do that again? I'd love to choose our next nail color then your dad naman will have his foot spa."

Laureen nodded multiple times and hugged her mom. She tried so hard not to cry, but the moment her mom tapped her back, she lost it. She started crying like a little girl and the memory inside the airport overflowed. Iyon ang huling beses na umiyak siya sa balikat ng mommy niya at hindi na iyon naulit dahil naalala niya kung paano ito naapektuhan.

Everything about the wedding was exactly how she pictured it when she was young. The ball count, the long trail made from laces, the tiara with diamonds—a gift from Aston's grandmother—and the white shoes with crystals from Amira.

She decided to wear the bracelet Aston gave her years ago. Her necklace was from her dad, and the earrings were diamonds from her late grandmother. Maraming jewelry pieces na naiwan sa mommy niya at nakatago iyon dahil hindi naman ito mahilig sa ganoon. Ibinigay pa nga ang iba sa kaniya.

Aston's parents decided to stay in Baesa, too. They took care of Alistair for a month while they planned the wedding. Ang laking tulong sa kanila lalo na at mabilisan ang pag-aayos sa lahat. It took them three weeks to fix everything and saved the remaining one week to bond.

"Oh my gosh." Bumukas ang pinto at pumasok sina Luana. "Ate! Ate!" sigaw nito.

"What?" Tumayo siya at umikot. "Ang ganda ng gown ko, right? Mom chose this for me. I love it so much."

Lumapit si Luana sa kaniya at muli siyang pinaikot. "Grabe, Ate. I know you'll be beautiful, but this is beyond that." Yumakap ito sa kaniya. "Ate, I'm so happy for you. Sorry I wasn't here to help you with everything, but I know that bond with Mom is much needed before getting married."

Laureen agreed. Before she could say anything, the door opened. It was their dad with Julien and Vaughn. All the boys were wearing gray tuxes. Aston would be the only one wearing black.

Asia, Hannah, and Madeline wore sage green satin dresses for the bridesmaids. Luana wore a teal sheath one-shoulder dress that hugged her hourglass figure.

Their moms wore navy blue gowns based on their liking.

Gali—Koa's daughter—was their only flower girl and Lucien would be the ring bearer. Wala rin namang pamangkin si Aston sa Alonzo-Mathias kaya si Lucien lang ang mayroon sila. Koa would walk with Gali. Iyon ang napag-usapan nila ni Laureen.

Sayang lang kasi Alistair was still too young.

Aside from the Alonzo-Mathias cousins, Aston also invited Helsey and Hyram. Naimbitahan din naman sina DeMarco at Weesly, pero hindi makapupunta dahil mayroong importanteng event sa sariling bansa.

They both expected that Kalev and Yeza wouldn't attend the wedding, but surprisingly, the siblings arrived just an hour ago.

Audi was Aston's best man. The groomsmen were Kalev, Hyram, and Julien.

The event organizer called them. The wedding was about to start which made Laureen nervous. She inhaled and exhaled multiple times to calm herself. Luckily, her parents stayed with her inside the room. Sumilip siya sa bintana at nakita ang lugar kung saan sila ikakasal.

Sa malaking garden na nasa likod ng mansion gaganapin ang kasal. Mayroong malaking puting tent. Pinili rin nila ang before sunset tulad ng gusto niya noon pa para sa gabi ang party.

"Ready?" her dad asked.

Laureen nodded. "I am." She gazed at her mom and held her hand. "Let's go?"

ASTON wanted to carry Alistair, but his cousins forbade him. Alistair played with Helsey and Hyram while they waited for the event organizer's go signal. His brother was with Madeline, and they were casually talking. His parents were with the entire family.

"Congratulations." Lumapit si Yeza sa kaniya.

"Thank you for coming, Ate." Niyakap niya ito. "Sabi ni Kalev, aalis din kaagad kayo mamayang gabi?"

Tumango ito at ipinalibot ang tingin buong tent. Matagal itong nakatitig kay Alistair na buhat pa rin ni Helsey. Kinumusta nito ang anak nila at sinabing pagkatapos ng kasal, kapag maayos na ang mga papeles, ililipat na sa pangalan niya si Alistair. But the process would be different, of course.

The whole tent was filled with their families. They closed the guest list at 35, which was more than enough for them.

"What's going on between Travis and Nyla?" Yeza curiously asked and gazed at Aston. "Are they a thing or something?"

Because of the question, he looked for Travis and Nyla who were casually talking. He shrugged as a response to Yeza's question. Wala rin naman siyang idea kung ano ang mayroon, pero kilala kasi nila si Nyla na hindi basta-basta nakikipag-usap sa ibang tao lalong-lalo na sa mga lalaki.

"Sir Aston, we're ready."

He nodded in response, and everyone was made aware that they were about to start. Nilapitan niya si Alistair para halikan ito sa tuktok ng ulo. Sinabihan niya si Helsey na puwede nitong ibigay ang anak niya sa helper nina Laureen na nag-aalaga rito nitong mga nakaraan, pero tumanggi ito at sinabing kakandungin na lang.

Aston subtly shook his hands and tried so hard to calm himself. He had been waiting for this day since the day he proposed.

Nyla would play the piano, and when Aston heard the first key, his heart raced. He gulped multiple times until his mom tapped his cheek and whispered relax. They held hands and followed the organizer's orders.

Aston asked his grandparents if they could walk, too. His grandmother even cried and thanked him multiple times. He had planned to do that since. Laureen had no living grandparents, so she asked Vaughn and his wife to walk instead. Wala silang sinunod na processional order.

He walked with his parents, followed by his best man, Audi—his little brother.

Julie and Asia, Madeline and Kalev, Hannah and Hyram.

While walking, Aston looked at everyone. He met Nyla's gaze, and they both smiled at each other. He personally chose the song. Laureen made him choose the song.

It was "All This Time" by OneRepublic.

Aston waited patiently. The entourage were walking to their respective seats.

Everyone laughed when Lucien started walking. Pinagtawanan nila dahil napakayabang ng dating nito na ipinakikita pa ang mga singsing sa kanila. The wedding rings were a gift from Aston's parents. They insisted on paying for it, but his parents declined.

Koa walked and smiled at everyone. Gali looked cute in her mint green dress. Hawak nito ang maliit na basket na mayroong petals at nag-e-enjoy na itapon kung saan-saan.

Nawala ang ngiti niya nang makita na si Luana. He knew this was it. He would finally see his bride. Hindi niya nakita si Laureen nang dalawang araw dahil pinaalis siya ng parents niya sa Baesa. Hindi naman naniniwala sa pamahiin, pero mas mabuti na raw na wala siya.

He ended up staying at a hotel nearby with Audi.

Tumingala si Aston para pigilan ang luha. Ayaw niyang umiyak, pero hindi niya pipigilan kung sakali man. Naalala niya rin ang mga panahong malayo siya kay Laureen. Ang kagustuhang makipagbalikan . . . ang pakiramdam na gusto niyang maghabol, pero baka hindi na siya tanggapin. He was scared, he had doubts.

. . . but he wanted her.

LAUREEN gazed at her mom who held her hand tightly. Nasa harapan na sila ng curtain na nakasara at bago pa man iyon bumukas, hinalikan niya ang pisngi ng mommy niya na maingat na hinaplos ang likuran niya.

Nilingon niya ang daddy niya na diretsong nakatingin sa red carpet na dadaanan nila. Malalim ang bawat paghinga nito at nakita niya ang paggalaw ng panga na ikinatawa niya, pero sunod-sunod na rin ang pagdaloy ng luha niya.

Habang pababa kasi sila ng hagdan, tumigil sa paghakbang ang daddy niya at basta na lang itong sumandal sa pader bago sandaling naupo sa isang baitang, yumuko, ipinagsaklop ang dalawang kamay, at saka humingi ng isang minuto. Walang sinabing kahit na ano. Kung tutuusin, nabalot silang tatlo ng katahimikan lalo nang pumantay ang mommy niya sa harapan ng Daddy niyang nanatiling nakayuko.

There were no words. Her mom kissed the top of her dad's forehead, and he stood up, holding his mom's hand.

"I love you," bulong niya sa mga magulang. Nakita ng peripheral niyang sabay lumingon ang dalawa.

Hinalikan ng mommy niya ang likod ng kamay niya, hinalikan naman ng daddy niya ang gilid ng noo niya. It made her sob! It made her feel like she was that little girl. The girl who longed for her dad, the girl who understood her mom's pain.

Her eyes were already pooling with tears, but tears started falling uncontrollably when the white curtain finally opened, and she met Aston's eyes.

"I thought sa movies lang nag-cry ang brides," bulong niya sa parents niyang parehong natawa.

What was supposed to be a crying moment became laughter for them. Everyone looked confused about why they were laughing but couldn't contain it. It lightened the mood, especially when her mom started laughing with sounds! Nahawa na lahat dahil pati si Aston, bigla na lang ngumiti.

It felt better. Ayaw na rin niyang umiyak kahit waterproof ang makeup niya.

Nang makarating sa harapan, nakipagkamay muna si Aston sa daddy niya at hinalikan nito ang pisngi ng mommy niya. Nagpasalamat ito sa mga magulang niya bago hinawakan ang kamay niya at hinalikan siya sa pisngi.

Laureen scrunched her nose and whispered, "I missed you. Two days kitang hindi nakita."

Aston chuckled and nodded. "Me, too."

The officiant was one of Laurent's family friends. The wedding started, and both of them listened attentively. Aston caressed the back of Laureen's hand using this thumb. He would even play with her engagement ring from time to time.

Laureen observed the entire tent. Puti ang cover ng buong tent, pero may mga parteng nakikita pa rin nila ang hacienda. Nakaupo ang lahat, nakaharap sa kanila, pero pagkatapos ng kasal, aalisin ang mga upuan at papalitan ng dance floor. Naka-ready na rin ang apat na long tables na gagamitin mamaya sa reception.

Mula sa kinauupuan nina Aston at Laureen, nasa harapan nila ang wedding officiant, pero see-through ang nakatakip kaya nakikita nila ang mga kabayong gumagala lang sa hacienda. Kita rin ang sinag ng palubog na araw at ang unti-unting pagbubukas ng fairy lights sa labas.

The wedding venue was magical and it was all her mom's idea. She loved it, and they loved it.

Pasimpleng nilingon ni Aston si Laureen. Wala itong veil kaya naman kitang-kita niya ang mukha nito. Halos walang suot na makeup dahil nakikita pa rin niya ang freckles nito sa pisngi at ilong. Mayroong suot na mascara, blush on, at red lipstick.

He used to imagine what it would be like to marry Laureen. Alam din kasi niya sa sarili na si Laureen na ang gusto niya at mahihirapan na siya kung sakali mang hindi sila ang magkatuluyan.

He knew it would be hard for him to love someone as much as he loved Laureen. Hindi rin niya alam kung bakit, hindi niya alam kung paano o kailan . . . hindi niya alam kung posible ba, but he only wanted her.

"Why?" Laureen whispered and smiled.

Aston shook his head and kissed the back of Laureen's hand.

They did the traditional "I, say the name, take you" vow, which was enough. They didn't want people to hear about the messages for each other. They wanted to keep it.

Just them.

—
T H E X W H Y S
www.thexwhys.com