Three Seconds ✔

35

I smile, feeling awkward. I am now in my room. In my make-up table, presicely. A make up artist is putting a simple yet elegant blush on my cheeks.

"Parang kayo po ang ikakasal, ma'am," says the make-up artist and shyly flashes a shy smile. Ang sarap niya na tuloy na sabunutan kasi hanggang ngayon ay pinupuri niya pa rin ako. "Isa po kayong diyosa."

This is really too much. He is spoiling me with plenty of beautiful words, making my brain think some things.

"Salamat," I just answer, Cy images keep flashing consecutively. And I hate myself for imagining him as my groom waiting for me while I am sweetly marching towards him and holding my favourite flowers. I rub that thoughts off my mind. For sure, he would laugh if he knows I have this kind of imagination. I am such an over-imaginative person.

I stand up when the make-up artist steps backward, amusement can be seen in his eyes.

I am now wearing a long white gown that has deep v-line in the chest part and a pink furry jacket that adds elegance to the gown. My hair is being braided with white small flowers on top. The color of my lips is light red, intentionally being put to add more classic vibes on my face.

"Siguradong aawang ang bibig ng partner mo po mamaya," he adds again, leaving my forehead clench in confusion.

Partner? What does he mean? Well, I am being invited abruptly, meaning I don't have a lot of knowledge about the wedding. Hindi ako nakasali sa mga practice-practice, kaya ganito na lang ang pagtataka ko. They can actually let me walk all alone—there's no need to pair me with someone.

"Bakit ngayon ko lang nalaman ang bagay na 'yan?" I ask. "P'wede naman akong maglakad nang walang katabi, a--?"

"Sorry, ma'am," he silently cuts me off. "But a gorgeous like you needs a partner."

"Ano..." I am taken aback, don't know what to say next. "Bahala na nga."

I walk for my door to make an exit, slowly gesturing the hem of my gown so that I can walk finely. As the moment I step downstairs, I see Auntie and Papa in their elegant and alluring attire. Auntie is wearing a white long gown that has a shimmering designs and Papa looks more charming in his black suit.

"You look breathtaking, honey." Papa's voice is as charming as usual. "By the way, Cyriel is already on his way."

By his words, I just nod, but before I can make a turn, I drastically realize what he means. Oh my Jesus. Cyriel?! Siya ang partner ko?! Ngayon ko lang napagtanto kung gaano ako katanga sa pagtanggap sa invitation nila.

"Marynald," Cyriel's voice envelopes my mind like a beautiful lullaby. Mas lalo akong napapikit at sumaklolo sa Good Angel ko. Pero wala pa rin, kaharap ko pa rin ang nakangiting Cyriel ngayon. "Are you ready?"

How can he ask that if the answer is already obvious? Can't he see my appearance? Can't he see the make-up on my face? I can't help but feel sad knowing he doesn't appreciate my appearance. I thought he would going to praise me the way people did. But I am totally wrong.

"Handa na ako, Cy," I just whisper silently. "Let's go."

Of course, he won't really appreciate me, because in his eyes there is only one person who can capture his heart and soul thoroughly.

"Hintayin mo 'ko," ang huli kong narinig bago ko siya tinalikuran. Even though I can't see his face right now, my sixth sense is sure that he is smiling from ear to ear. "Wait. Bakit masyado kang nagmamadali?"

Bago pa ako makahakpang ng isa pa ay hinarang niya ang sarili sa daan.

"Tumabi ka nga," I strictly say, irritation visible in my face. Labis akong naiinis sa pinapakita niyang ekspresyon. "Since you looked busy, maybe it's better to hurry up."