Watching Sunrises

London Dreaming

The big day has arrived, and Pia's fidgeting in front of the mirror reading the vows she's about to read later. She's certain she's not getting any cold feet today, but despite that, she still couldn't help but feel nervous.

"Peej, steady ka lang saglit.", Leni said, attaching Pia's boutonniere and fixing up some wrinkles on her black suit before giving a thumbs up. "Okay na."

Pia then propped one leg on a chair and laced up her black high-top sneakers. "Lens, is it really happening? Magpapakasal na talaga kami?"

Leni crossed her arms and nodded. "Totoong-totoo. Anyway, ready ka na for the first look?"

"Ready as ever." Pia sighed, then covered herself with the same blindfold from their surprise reunion.

Right after that, Leni guided her out of the room and into the courtyard of the hotel. "Ready na, Mahal?"

Risa's voice sounded off from the other side. "Ready as ever, Ga."

Leni and Risa started counting at the same time. "One, two, three! Pwede na tanggalin."

After the signal, Pia took off her mask to find Loren standing right in front of her. The two of them walked closer to each other so they could get a first look before the wedding starts.

She had on a cream and black off-shoulder ensemble she wore during one of the past SONAs, a speckled shell necklace around her neck, and the same white floral rubber shoes she constantly wore. Her long brown hair descended into soft waves and she carried a bouquet of white lilies with her.

Pia couldn't help but choke up, still in disbelief that she was going to marry the person right in front of her. "Oh my God, Reg, sneakers talaga susuotin mo sa kasal natin?"

Loren eyed Pia's own set of kicks. "Sabihin mo 'yan sa sarili mo, P."

The four women laughed at this display, with Leni and Risa raising their legs to reveal a blue and purple sneaker, respectively.

"Syempre, pati ung guests ganun din." Leni said, elbowing Loren beside her. "Right, Madam?"

Loren flipped her hair the same way Leni always did. "Well, someone needs to set the trend."

The four of them headed back to the Sessions Arts Club, where Loren and Pia first reunited. Loren and Pia attempted to find the perfect wedding venue, but their hearts gravitated to this place for its significance in their story.

This time, however, they had Risa in tow, who marveled at the sight of seeing the place for the first time. "Wow, ang ganda pala dito. You really pulled all the stops."

After some setting up, the four of them stood in the middle of the gallery, with Pia and Loren in the middle. The registrar, a Filipino woman based in London, started the ceremony. "Welcome, we are here today to witness and celebrate the union between Pia and Loren. With love and commitment, they have decided to formalize their bond as partners in crime, and in life."

Loren then took what appeared to be several pages of bond paper (no thanks in part to the large font), to the chortles of everyone in the hall. "Para hindi ko kailangan mag-salamin."

Once the laughter has died down, Loren started reciting her vows.

***

I never thought I would see the day when I will be reading these vows in front of you as we take this next step in our journey.

I remember 2010 - You were running for your second term in the Senate, I gave the vice presidency another try. We've worked together for three years, but I haven't gotten a chance to really get to know you before.