Scripted Relationship

THREE MONTHS LATER

ERIK

I pulled over my car to the only available slot in the parking of Inspire Restaurant Antipolo. Almost all of the spaces have been occupied by the guests of the wedding. I was fixing my things when I saw Cris, the branch manager, approaching my car. I went out of the car and smiled at him.

"Good afternoon, Sir Erik," Cris greeted me.

"Looks like we're full," I said to him.

"Yes, sir. Kailangan ko nga pong iwan iyang space na yan para po sa'yo. Muntik na po akong mapaaway kanina. Mabuti na lang po, umalis kaagad yung delivery truck." He explained to me.

"It's okay," I replied. "How's the wedding?"

"Kararating lang po ng bride and groom," Cris said.

I started walking to the main event as Cris closely followed. Eventually, I could hear the blissful voice of the emcee hosting the wedding.

"Let's give our warmest applause to the newlyweds, Michael and Andrea!" The host announced while everyone applauded.

I stood by the door of the Main Hall after the applause. I saw in the middle of the hall Andrea and her husband, Harold, in all smiles. Michael was holding Andrea by the waist. The guests started ringing their glasses, requesting a kiss from the newlywed couple. Some were shouting, 'kiss!' I grinned when one of the guests even let out a joke at the couple. The couple gave in to the request and kissed. Everyone applauded again at the sight.

"Before we go to all the wedding reception rituals," the host said. "We would like the couples to have their first wedding dance. Do you want to see them dance?" The crowd yelled in agreement as if in chorus.

At first, the couple apparently was joking at each other. Afterwards, Andrea fixed her eyes to Michael. They danced romantically to the tune of Richard Poon's 'The Last Time'. I saw Michael said to her something. But of course, I wouldn't know what he said since I am not Tom Cruise of Mission: Impossible that could read lips. Halfway through the song, Andrea leaned her head to the chest of Michael. The crowd let out a sounding "awwww" and clapped again. I have to admit, it was indeed so romantic.

"Ikaw na muna bahala dito," I said to Cris with a tap on his shoulder.

"Bakit, sir? Saan po kayo pupunta?" Cris asked concernly.

"Dito lang sa overlooking. You can manage without me." I explained.

"Pero sabi po ng Mommy niyo..."

"You can do this, Cris." I smiled at him and walked out of the main hall.

I walked to the garden proceeding slowly to the overlooking where Gary and I always stay to do work. It was nearing sunset as I looked at the horizon. I realized that Andrea was really happy to be married with Michael. I saw it in her eyes that she loved her choice of man to be married with. Those eyes, I contemplated, were the same joyous eyes when we became a couple back then. I held on the railings of the overlooking. Then, I started thinking about Rose and I.

It has been three months since we last talked to each other. Of course, that was when I broke up with her. We never had any communications whatsoever after that. Those were the cold months, I reckoned. I thought what if Rose and I were still together? What if I chose to stay with her instead of letting her go? Surely, we would be glad to see Andrea marry her true love. I knew Rose well. She would be happy for Andrea. And of course, she would be happy for me.

But that's the way things should have been. I was now in the 'has been' part of the story. I could not help myself but let out a sigh.

"I thought you wouldn't come."