A Chance Encounter

CHAPTER 11

GETTING MARRIED WAS ONE OF THE BEST MOMENT IN A WOMAN’S LIFE. Isang beses lamang ito na mangyari sa buhay niya kaya napakamemorable nito sa isang bride. But as for Audrey, during the wedding ceremony, she had mixed feelings.

While the wedding ceremony was ongoing, Audrey couldn’t help but to steal a glance at Emerson. Batid niyang hindi nila mahal ang isa’t-isa. And she was expecting a cold shoulder from him. She also expected that he wouldn’t be happy, but it didn’t seem to be the case.

Nakikita ni Audrey ang kislap sa mata ni Emerson at parang masaya pa ito. Am I hallucinating?

Emerson probably didn’t want to lose his face, so he pretended to be happy.

A wedding is a joyous occasion that marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of two people. It was a celebration of love, commitment and the joining of two families.

It was just that, in Audrey and Emerson’s case, it was pure business. It was only for responsibility.

After exchanging 'I do' with each other. It’s time for the wedding vows and exchange rings. Honestly, Audrey felt awkward. Hindi naman niya masyadong kilala si Emerson at hindi siya sanay sa presensiya nito pero wala naman siyang magagawa kundi ang tapusin ang araw na ‘to ng matiwasay.

Emerson goes first. “I, Emerson Dale Montenegro, take you, Audrey Perez, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.” Then he slipped the ring on Audrey’s finger and kissed her hand.

It was Audrey’s turn. Mas lalo pa siyang kinabahan. She took the ring and stated her vows, “I, Audrey Perez, take you, Emerson Dale Montenegro, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.” And she slipped the ring on Emerson’s finger.

“From the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife!” the priest announced, and then he added, “Emerson, you may now kiss your bride.”

The guests applauded and cheered.

Nahiya naman si Audrey kaya nagbaba siya ng tingin.

Emerson chuckled and lifted Audrey’s veil. Alam niyang nahihiya si Audrey kaya naman sa noo niya ito hinalikan saka siya nagsalita malapit sa tainga nito. “Saka na kapag handa ka na.” Aniya saka niyakap ang asawa.

Audrey blushed and felt awkward.

“Come on. Let’s take pictures with the newlyweds!” one of the staff announced.

Tinignan ni Audrey ang mga bisita. Karamihan sa mga ito ay hindi niya kilala. Si Mia, ang pamilya niya, ang magulang at kapatid lamang si Emerson ang kilala niya.

Habang kumukuha sila ng larawan, pinapakilala ni Emerson ang mga kaibigan nito kay Audrey.

Audrey politely nods her head in response.

“Still nervous?” Emerson asked while holding his wife’s hand.

“Hindi na masyado.” Umiling si Audrey.

Tumango si Emerson. “That’s good.” Ngumiti siya nang hindi na niya maramdaman ang lamig ng kamay ni Audrey. Hindi katulad kanina na sobrang lamig ng kamay nito, dahil na rin siguro ito sa kaba.

“Congrats, bud. Ikinasal ka na rin sa wakas.” Nakangising saad ni Jeff. Then he waved at Audrey.

Ngumiti lang naman si Audrey.

“Huwag mo akong simulan, Jeff.” Saad ni Emerson.

Tumawa lang naman si Jeff saka tinapik ang balikat ni Emerson. Then he whispered to Emerson’s ear. “I have put my gift in your car.”

Kinunotan ni Emerson ng noo si Jeff dahil nararamdaman niyang may pinaplano ito pero hindi na niya pinansin dahil na kay Audrey ang atensiyon niya.

Napatingin si Audrey sa pwesto ng kaniyang magulang at nakita niyang abala ang mga ito sa pakikipag-usap sa ibang bisita. Nakita naman niya ang Ate Freya niya na masama ang tingin sa kaniya. Malamang ay dahil sa pagkasuspend nito sa University.

Audrey looked away and looked at Emerson. Kausap nito ang ilang kaibigan nito.

Pagkatapos ng kasal sa simbahan, umalis na sila roon at nagtungo sa wedding reception. The newlywed entered the bridal car and headed to the reception.

Tahimik lang si Audrey buong biyahe dahil wala naman siyang alam na sasabihin sa asawa niya. Asawa? Isang salita lang pero ang laking responsibilidad.

Nang makababa sila ng kotse, napangiwi si Audrey nang umapak siya sa semento. Masakit na kasi ang paa niya sa heels pero nahihiya naman siyang magsabi kay Emerson.

“Are you okay?”

Ngumiti lang si Audrey saka tumango.

Pero nakita ni Emerson ang pagngiwi ni Audrey nang maglakad ito. Napatingin siya sa paa ni Audrey na natatakpan ng wedding gown nito. Masakit ang paa niya dahil sa pagsuot niya ng heels.

“Mark, get the slipper in my car.”

Mark bowed his head and left.

Habang si Emerson naman ay pinangko si Audrey.

“Anong ginagawa mo?” gulat na tanong ni Audrey saka napahawak sa balikat ni Emerson sa takot na baka mahulog siya.

“Be good,” Emerson said and walked into the hotel. Hindi muna sila pumunta sa reception hall. Ibinaba niya si Audrey sa may lounge saka hinintay si Mark at pagdating nito, kinuha niya ang hawak nitong paper bag saka inilabas ang soft slippers na binili niya para kay Audrey.

“Change your heels,” said Emerson. Lumuhod siya sa harapan ni Audrey saka itinaas ang wedding gown nito.

“I can do it—” napatigil si Audrey nang tignan siya ni Emerson. Tumahimik siya saka hinayaan si Emerson. Actually, she felt touched when Emerson changed her shoes for her. This was the first time that someone changed her shoes for her.

Emerson changed Audrey’s heels with the soft slippers he bought for her. Pero natigilan siya nang may mapansin siya sa binti ni Audrey. She has scars near her ankle joint. Emerson touched Audrey’s scar, but Audrey pulled her feet from Emerson and looked away.

Emerson wanted to ask Audrey what had happened, but he stopped himself. Baka maging hindi komportable ang asawa niya kapag tinanong niya ito.

Tumayo si Emerson saka inilahad ang kamay kay Audrey. “Let’s go.”

Tinanggap ni Audrey ang nakalahad na kamay ni Emerson at naglakad sila patungo sa reception hall.

“Let’s welcome the newlywed couple, Mr. and Mrs. Montenegro!”

As Emerson and Audrey entered the reception hall, they were welcomed and applauded by the guests.

Later, they were called to the center for their wedding dance as husband and wife.

Audrey and Emerson were so close that Audrey was uncomfortable. Emerson’s arms were on her waist and her hands were on his shoulders.

“Relax, Audrey. You’re so stiff,” saad ni Emerson.

Audrey took a deep breath and tried to relax.

Isang tipid na ngiti ang sumilay sa labi ni Emerson. He could tell that his wife was uncomfortable with their close distance. After the wedding dance, Emerson guided his wife towards their seat.

While the reception was ongoing, and some of the guests were dancing, some were chatting with other guests, Audrey was pulled by her mother to the other side of the reception hall.

“Freya was suspended because of you.”

“Mommy, my sister was defamed on social media. She should be thankful that the school only suspended her. Cyber defamation could put her in jail.”

Felicia suddenly slapped her daughter. “You’re so cruel.”

Natawa ng pagak si Audrey. “I’m cruel?” Napatango siya.

Her parents always thought she was a bad person. Bakit may mga tao sa mundo na kayang manakit ng ibang tao pero hindi nila kayang tanggapin ang p*******t ng ibang tao sa kanila?

“Because of you, my daughter was suspended for a month. Are you happy now?” Felicia’s voice was cold. “Tama lang ang desisyon ni Ramon na ipakasal ka kay Mr. Montenegro. He was ruthless. He can discipline you.” Ngumisi siya saka tinignan si Audrey. “In our family, you need to contribute, so our family will prosper.”

Mayamaya ay lumapit naman si Freya at humawak sa braso ng ina nito. “Goodluck to your married life, sister.”

“Mom, wala ba talaga kayong pakialam sa akin kahit kaunti lang?”

Felicia snorted. “You’re so vicious. Nagsisisi akong pinanganak pa kita.”

Audrey felt like the words of her mother were a knife that stabbed her heart. Mapait siyang ngumiti. “I also regret that you are my mother,” she said as tears fell from her eyes.

“Audrey, are you relying on your husband because he was rich and powerful, so you will fight back now, huh?” galit na saad ni Felicia.

“What’s wrong if my wife relies on me? I’ll be glad if she does it.”

Lahat sila ay napatingin sa nagsalita.

“Em?” Audrey muttered.

Emerson walked towards his wife, and held her hand. “Are you okay?”

Umiling si Audrey saka ngumiti. “I’m fine.”

Naging seryoso ang mukha ni Emerson saka hinarap ang ina ni Audrey. “Mrs. Perez, alam kong sinabi na sa inyo ng asawa niyo ang tungkol sa sinabi ko. I only asked the school to suspend your daughter and I could expel her if I wanted to. She defamed my wife through the use of social media. A lot of negative opinions were raised against my wife. I won’t tolerate it. I only suspended your eldest daughter and did not expel her. Next time, I won’t only suspend your daughter but send her to jail if she dares to harm my wife again.”

“Pero totoo naman hindi ba? Habang fiancé ka niya, sumasama siya sa ibang lalaki. The photo was the evidence,” said Freya, trying to defend herself.

“Oo nga,” wika naman ni Felicia.

“Hindi ko talaga alam kung anong klase kayong mga tao. My wife was obviously nice, but her family was a bit abnormal,” sabi ni Emerson.

Natahimik si Felicia at Freya. Hindi naman sila makasagot dahil natatakot sila sa asawa ni Audrey.

Emerson’s indifferent face changed to a soft expression when he looked at his wife. “Let’s go back. Mom and dad were looking for you.”

Tumango si Audrey.

“Audrey.”

“Hmm?” Napatingin si Audrey kay Emerson.

Tumigil si Emerson sa paglalakad saka hinarap ang asawa. “Remember, you are my wife now. I won’t let you suffer injustice. If you are in trouble, call me anytime, so I can help you. You can rely on me.”

Napatitig si Audrey kay Emerson. His words were sincere, but for Audrey, who suffers from a trust crisis, all she could do was nod her head, but she didn’t believe Emerson because trust can’t be gained in just a few words.