9. The bridal shower

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear, and I groggily reached over to turn it off. As I sat up in bed, I felt a wave of stress wash over me. Only three weeks to go until the big day.

I'm getting married. Me, Clyde, the girl who never thought she'd find love, is tying the knot with the love of her life, Jarred.

I threw off the covers and got out of bed, padding over to the mirror to start my morning routine. As I brushed my teeth, I couldn't help but think about all the things that still needed to be done. The flowers, the cake, the seating arrangements... my mind was racing with all the details.

But despite the stress, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. I was really doing this. I was really marrying Jarred.

I rinsed my mouth and spat out the toothpaste, then turned to face myself in the mirror. My eyes sparkled with excitement, and I couldn't help but smile. I was going to marry the love of my life, and nothing was going to ruin this moment for me.

I took a deep breath and tried to shake off the stress. I had a meeting with my wedding planner, Megan, in an hour, and I still needed to finalize the seating arrangements.

I grabbed my phone and sent Megan a quick text. "Good morning, Meg! Just wanted to confirm our meeting today. I'm still working on the seating chart."

Ashley responded almost immediately. "Meg, girl! Yeah, I'm confirmed for our meeting today. Don't worry about the seating chart, we can work on it together. See you soon!"

I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. Megan was a lifesaver, and I didn't know what I would do without her.

Just then, Jarred walked into the room, a cup of coffee in hand. "Hey, beautiful," he said, giving me a kiss on the cheek. "How's the wedding planning going?"

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "It's going. I'm just trying to finalize the seating chart, but it's proving to be a challenge."

Jarred chuckled. "Well, I'm sure Megan will help you figure it out. You're not alone in this, you know."

I smiled, feeling grateful for his support. "I know. I just want everything to be perfect for our special day."

Jarred put down his coffee cup and wrapped his arms around me. "It will be perfect, because we're in this together. And besides, it's not about the details - it's about us, and our love for each other."

I leaned into his chest, feeling my stress melt away. He was right, of course. It was about us, and our love. Everything else was just details.

I sat across from Megan, our wedding planner, and began to rattle off my list of special requests. Jarred was supposed to be here with me, but he had gotten called away to deal with an emergency at his school.

Megan's curious gaze met mine, her voice laced with excitement. "So, I'm guessing cherry blossom is the theme of your special day?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

I nodded, a soft smile spreading across my face as memories came flooding back. I smiled wistfully, lost in thought. "Yes, cherry blossom," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "It has a significant part of our journey."

Megan's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Really? What's the story behind it?" she asked.

I leaned back in my chair, a faraway look in my eyes. "Jarred and I...we have a special connection to cherry blossoms," I began, my voice filled with emotion. "He gave me a paper cherry blossom when we were still getting to know each other. It was a small gesture, but it meant so much to me."

I paused, a soft smile spreading across my face. "From that moment on, cherry blossoms became a symbol of our love. They remind us of the beauty and fragility of life, and the importance of cherishing every moment we have together."

Megan's eyes were shining with tears, and she smiled warmly at me. "That's beautiful," she said. "I can see why cherry blossoms are so special to you both. We'll make sure to incorporate them into every aspect of your wedding.".

Cherry blossom ang siyang naging simula namin.

"Can we have a special seat?" I asked Megan, my eyes scanning the layout of the venue in my mind.

"For what, po, Ma'am?" Megan asked, her pen poised over her notebook.

"For our loved ones in heaven," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Megan nodded sympathetically and jotted down a note. "I'll make sure to reserve a special seat for them," she said.

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "And, also, at the entrance, can we put a small table with a digi cam for our visitors?" I asked.

Megan nodded again. "We can do that, po, Ma'am. They can take their pictures and hang them up on a designated wall."

I beamed with excitement. "And, a place for toddlers?" I added, thinking about the little ones who would be attending our special day.

Megan smiled. "We'll provide some activity materials for them, so they won't get bored. We can set up a special play area for them, with toys and games to keep them entertained."

I felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that every detail was being taken care of. "And, of course, a private dance for Jarred and me," I said, my heart skipping a beat at the thought of our special moment together.

Megan nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'll make sure to reserve a special time slot for your private dance," she said.

I took a deep breath, feeling grateful for Megan's attention to detail. "And, finally, a personal moment for the two of us to pray and talk to our loved ones," I said, my voice filled with emotion.

Megan nodded, her expression soft and understanding. "I'll make sure to set aside a special time and place for the two of you to have that moment," she said.

I smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. Everything was going to be perfect, just the way I had envisioned it.

As I sipped my coffee at Khai's cafe, my friend asked me about the wedding planning. "It's tiring, but it's fun," I replied, trying to summarize the whirlwind of emotions I'd been experiencing.

Kiraz, my other friend, chimed in with a sarcastic comment. "Sana all nalang," she said.

Ashley playfully hit Kiraz on the head. "Kung hindi ka lang gaga, hinahabol ka na tinutulak mo pa palayo," she teased, making Kiraz pout.

The conversation quickly turned into a hilarious banter between Kiraz and Ashley, with Kiraz bringing up Ashley's past relationship with Clint. "I still have feelings for him, but my what-ifs keep stopping me," Ashley admitted, her voice laced with vulnerability. "What if mag cheat siya ulit?" "What if he hurts me again?"

I listened attentively, remembering the toxic relationship Ashley had endured with Clint. I couldn't blame her for having doubts.

Just as the conversation was getting heavy, Kiraz cracked a joke, and we all burst out laughing. "Wag na kasi mag-jowa," Kiraz said, making Ashley's face turn red.

But Kiraz was quick to fire back, "Ulol, kung hindi kayo nag-break ng ex mo, baka nauna pa anak kesa kasal sa inyo" I couldn't help but chuckle at the witty remark.

Ashley's face turned bright red, and she protested, "Hindi ko ex 'yun!" But Kiraz was relentless, teasing her further with, "Tama pala, hindi ka nga pala binigyan ng label kasi pang kama ka lang daw"

I was now laughing out loud, enjoying the banter between my friends. Ashley tried to fight back, saying, "At least hindi na reject ng tatlong beses sa isang lalaki"

Kiraz looked like she was getting defensive, asking, "Ano? Nandito ba tayo para sa bridal shower nito o mag-uungkatan ng past?"

Ashley just smiled and said, "Sabi ko nga" trying her best not to laugh.

Finally, Kiraz changed the subject, excitement radiating from her voice. "We already prepared everything for your bridal shower! Make sure na walang kagagahan 'yan ha," she said, making me raise an eyebrow.

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "We only invited a few people," Ashley reassured me. "Si Jane, your soon-to-be sister-in-law, si Kiesha, GF ng kuya mo, and si Ms. Superior."

As they shared their crazy ideas for the bridal shower, I couldn't help but feel emotional. I was so lucky to have friends like them, who would always be there to support and defend me.

Ashley noticed my tears and asked, "Ba't ka umiiyak?"

Kiraz joked, "Naiyak ka ba kasi ang pangit ni Ash?"

I laughed and hugged them both tightly. "I'm just happy to have friends like you guys," I said, my voice choked with emotion.

They hugged me back, their voices filled with affection. "We're also lucky to have you as our friend, Clyde."

As we sat in the back of Jarred's car, gazing up at the starry night sky, he turned to me with a gentle smile. "How's my baby?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

I leaned into him, resting my head on his shoulder. "Tired," I replied, feeling the weight of our wedding preparations bearing down on me.

Jarred wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. "We will get married in 5 days," he whispered, his excitement palpable. "I am so excited."

I smiled, feeling my own excitement and anticipation building. "Babe, let's make a promise," Jarred said, his voice filled with emotion.

I looked up at him, my eyes locking onto his. "Are we exchanging vows now?" I asked playfully, poking his cheek.

Jarred chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Not yet, just promise me this," he said, his voice serious.

I nodded, my heart beating in anticipation. "Kung sakaling makita natin ang dulo, babalik tayo sa simula," Jarred said, his words sending shivers down my spine.

I smiled, feeling a deep connection to Jarred. "Pangako," we both said in unison, making a promise to each other that would last a lifetime.

I smiled wistfully, my head still resting on Jarred's shoulder. "You know, since I was a kid, getting married is all I ever wanted," I said, my voice filled with nostalgia.

Jarred listened attentively, his arms wrapped around me, holding me close. I continued, "I always loved to read romance novels, watch romantic movies, and dream of being in a relationship. The dates, the fluttering heart, the kiss... everything. I dreamed of it all."

Memories flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but chuckle. "Remember when we were kids, and our teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up?" I said, a faraway look in my eyes.

The memory flashed back vividly. Our teacher's sudden question caught me off guard, "Clyde, anong gusto mo pag laki?" I stood up, feeling a bit nervous.

Just as I was about to answer, I heard Ashley's mischievous whisper, "Sugar daddy, Ma'am."

I ignored her teasing and replied sincerely, "Makapag-asawa po ng tulad ni Papa"

My teacher nodded at me, a gentle smile on her face, acknowledging my heartfelt answer.

As I sat down, Ashley looked at me. "Hindi kaba natatakot sa magiging asawa mo?" my friend asked, her voice laced with concern. I shook my head, a confident smile spreading across my face. "No, I'm not scared." Marriage, to me, was the ultimate fairy tale ending - the culmination of love, commitment, and happiness.

But my friend's words dripped with skepticism. "Girl, check your social media. Even couples who've been together for decades are getting divorced." Her words hung in the air like a challenge, but I refused to let them sink in.I shook my head, determined to cling to my romantic ideals.

Jarred's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "You always dreamed of it?" I nodded, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me.

Jarred's expression turned tender, and he whispered, "Thank you, love. Thank you for fulfilling the dream of young Clyde." His words touched my heart, and I felt grateful for this moment we shared.

But Jarred's next words caught me off guard. "I should be the one thanking you," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

I looked up at him, my heart overflowing with love, and gave him a gentle peck on the cheek. The stars above us twinkled like diamonds, witnessing our love and promises.

As we gazed up at the night sky, a shooting star suddenly streaked across the horizon. Jarred's eyes locked onto mine, and he took my hands in his. His gaze was filled with adoration, as if he had found the most precious gem in the world.

"Ikaw lang ang babaeng mamahalin ko," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

My heart skipped a beat as I felt the depth of his love. In that moment, I knew that our love was written in the stars, forever and always.

As we entered Ashley's condo, Kiraz shouted excitedly, "It's our nightttttt!!!" The room was transformed into a beautiful setting, with cherry blossom petals scattered on the floor and a variety of drinks on the table.

Jane, Jarred's sister, asked me with a mischievous grin, "Matatapang ba 'yan, Ate?"

I laughed and replied, "You're not going to drink, baka hindi ako pakasalan ng kuya mo pag nalasing ka"

Jane pouted, she's like a girl version of Jarred - mahilig mag pa cute.

Ashley shouted, "Guys, this is not just Clyde's night, this is our night!" as she opened the drinks.

Jane asked again, "I'm really not allowed, Ate? I'm already 21 naman na eh." and I replied, "Yeah, but in your kuya's eyes, you're only 15."

Kiraz chimed in, teasing Jane, "Pangit niyo, bantay sarado sa kuya" I decided to call Jarred and put him on speaker, and Jane asked him, "Can I drink?"

There was a long silence before Jarred finally replied, "Not too much." Jane and Kiraz let out a loud "yes" in celebration.

Just then, Clint's voice was heard in the background, asking, "Is that Kiraz?" I quickly ended the call, and Ashley teased Kiraz,

"Narinig lang si Clint, uminom na agad"

The night was getting wilder by the minute. Ashley shouted, "Since lahat makaka-inom, let's party!!!" and we all cheered, clinking our beers together.

As we drank and laughed, Kiraz turned to Cali, our superior, and said, "Cali, I didn't expect you to be this fun." Cali smiled and replied, "I'm not actually the strict person you knew, it's just part of my profession."

But before we could continue the conversation, Ashley interrupted us, "Boring ng mga tanong niyo!" She then turned to me and asked,

"Clyde, virgin ka pa o hindi na?"

My eyes widened in shock, and I stuttered, "Y-yes." Ashley raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing me.

"Hindi kami naniniwala," Ate Keziah said, and the others chimed in, teasing me about my supposed lack of experience.

Kiraz joked, "Wag kang talkshit. Naka-ilang trip na kayo ng kayo lang dalawa, may araw din sa condo mo natutulog si Jarred"

I defended myself, "Yes, we do trip and he sometimes sleeps over at my condo, but we never sleep on the same bed. Because of his principles."

Ashley rolled her eyes and said, "Boring niyo"

But then, Jane dropped a bombshell, "Hina ni kuya" "I lost mine when I was 20," she said, and my eyes widened in shock.

Cali, our superior, laughed and said, "Lasing na 'yan. Tanongin niyo ng tanongin"

Ate Keziah asked Jane, "Kanina ka nakipag-bembang?"

Jane chuckled and said, "Isusumbong ako ni ate"

But Ashley jumped to her defense, "Hindi 'yan, ako bahala"

Jane continued, "My ex-boyfriend. Ay, hindi ko pala boyfriend kasi wala kaming label"

Kiraz burst into laughter, and Ashley's face turned bright red as she hit Kiraz on the head.

Kiraz laughed and said, "Familiar ba, Ashley?" Ashley's face turned even redder as she hit Kiraz on the head again.

"Ay, sakit!" Kiraz exclaimed, laughing.

Ashley just smiled mischievously and said, "Wag kang makulit"

I couldn't help but laugh at their banter. Cali, our superior, was also laughing and shaking her head.

"Ang gulo ninyo" , she said, chuckling.

Ate Keziah smiled and said, "Kaya naman tayo nagkakasundo"

We continued to chat and laugh together, enjoying each other's company and the celebratory atmosphere.

As the night wore on, my friends gathered around me, each one holding a beautifully wrapped gift.

Ate Keziah went first, presenting me with a stunning painting of Jarred and me. I gasped in delight, touching the delicate brushstrokes on the canvas. "It's beautiful, Ate Keziah! Thank you so much! You're an amazing artist!"

Ate Keziah smiled, "I'm glad you like it.

Cali handed me a sleek box containing a pair of couple bracelets. As I put them on, I discovered that they lit up when I tapped the other piece. "Wow, Cali, this is amazing! Thank you! Now we can be like two peas in a pod, connected at all times."

Cali chuckled, "I knew you'd like it. Now you can't escape Jarred, even if you want to."

Jane's gift was a beautiful necklace that had once belonged to her and Jarred's grandmother. I felt a lump form in my throat as I accepted the thoughtful gift. "Thank you, Jane. This means so much to me. I promise to take good care of it."

Jane smiled, "I know you will. Grandma would've loved you, Clyde. You're perfect for kuya."

Ashley's gift, on the other hand, was a bit more...unconventional. She handed me a box containing a sex toy, and I couldn't help but blush. "Ashley, um, thank you...I think? I'm not sure what to say."

Ashley grinned mischievously, "Don't worry, Clyde. I'm sure Jarred will appreciate it. Just remember, it's for research purposes only."

Kiraz's gift was a gorgeous lingerie set, complete with delicate lace and silk. I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease after Ashley's surprise. "Kiraz, this is beautiful! Thank you, guys, for all these amazing gifts. I'm so grateful for all of you!"

Kiraz winked, "Anytime, Clyde. Now, go make some beautiful memories with Jarred. And don't forget to wear the lingerie!"

As I hugged my friends, I felt overwhelmed with love and gratitude. This was more than just a bridal shower - it was a celebration of friendship, love, and the start of a new chapter in my life.

"Guys, I don't know what to say," I said, my voice shaking. "This means so much to me. Your gifts, your words, your presence... it's all just so overwhelming."

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "I'm so grateful for all of you. You've been my rock, my confidantes, my partners in crime. I don't know what I would do without you."

I looked at each of them, my eyes locking onto theirs. "Ate Keziah, thank you for being a big sister. Cali, thank you for being a guiding light in my career. Jane, thank you for being a sister to me. Ashley, thank you for being a partner in crime. Kiraz, thank you for being a friend who always knows how to make me laugh."

I took another deep breath, my voice cracking. "And to all of you, thank you for being here for me, for supporting me, for loving me. I'm so grateful for your presence in my life."

As I finished speaking, my friends surrounded me, hugging me tightly. We stood there for a moment, holding each other, tears streaming down our faces.

In that moment, I knew that I was loved, that I was supported, and that I was exactly where I was meant to be.