ARE THE words that came from my mouth right? I was relieved when my thoughts returned to normal and I remembered everything I said while we were on our way to the hospital. Dad is currently in the emergency room and he's being examined by doctors.
I washed my palms over my face. To this day I still blame myself for what happened to Dad. If only I hadn't answered him like that, maybe everything wouldn't have led to this. My heart is full of anxiety and fear now because of what could happen to him and I will continue to blame myself if something bad happens to him.I felt Mom next to me. He gently patted my shoulder and hugged me. "Miles, what happened to your Dad is not your fault. Don't blame yourself," Mom said calmly.I faced her. "Mom, I can't help but blame myself. It's my fault, if I had only agreed to what Dad wanted, everything wouldn't have been fine now," I answered crying."Hija, it's not your fault what happened to Wesley," said Aunt Mandy. I felt her gentle tap on my shoulder.While I was sitting in the waiting area, I saw Zandy just quietly with his arms folded and leaning against the wall. His face was serious as if he was just feeling the surroundings. Uncle Andrew, on the other hand, will be filled with nervousness and fear while being next to Aunt Mandy.Later, the emergency room opened and spit out the male doctor who took care of Dad. I quickly stood up and approached him. "How's Dad, Doc?" I asked nervously. We are all waiting for the doctor to answer us.The doctor sighed and blinked. "You don't need to worry about him, Ma'am. He's already fine. His blood pressure just increased because of the stress he felt." We all breathed a sigh of relief because of what the doctor told us."Thank you, Doc," said mom as if a thorn had been pulled out of her throat.The doctor turned to mom. "But it's not just an increase in blood that happened to your husband, Miss. He's almost having a heart attack because of too much stress. Your misters almost died because of the stress, it's a good thing you immediately brought him here. But, as of now, he's fine. Let's just wait for him to wake up and the only thing I can advise you is to avoid stressing your husband because it can have dangerous consequences," explained the doctor. He smiled, then said goodbye and left us.I felt my chest relax because of what I heard from the doctor. Anyway, my nervousness and fear decreased when Dad was probably okay. But based on what the doctor said, he can't be stressed and things might get worse.—UNTIL now, the Saavedra family is still not coming home until Dad is moved to a private room. They were still there and busy talking to Mom. While Zandy refused to enter the room.Anyway, I'm still thankful to the Saavedra family, especially Zandy because he helped us get Dad to the hospital faster. I sighed as I remembered what Zandy did when Dad passed out. He carried him out of the house and brought him to his car. It seems that he became a real man during those times.I leaned on the sofa in the room. Should I thank that man or just let him go? I don't even know what to say to him. I'm also shy to face him for reasons I don't know. I just shook violently and gasped because of my thoughts.I stood up from sitting on the sofa and took a bottle of water from the table. I feel guilty if I don't thank Zandy for what he did to me and my family. I sighed again before leaving the room. I looked to the left but Zandy wasn't there. When I turned to the right, my eyes immediately saw Zandy. He was sitting in the waiting area while leaning on it and looking up. A big Adam's apple came out of his throat which I don't know but it adds to the beauty he has.I swallowed and then shook my head. I didn't go out to observe his beauty, I went out to thank him. Later, I stepped closer to him. I don't know if he was sleeping or just closed his eyes.When I was only a few steps away from him, I stopped. My eyes once again fell on Zandy's look which could not be denied that he's every woman's dream to be their boyfriend. I suddenly felt regret because this handsome man was also looking for a man."Why are you looking at me?"I blinked because of that baritone voice that you wouldn't think that he's gay or bisexual or whatever they call it."Huh? I-I'm looking at you? No!" I stammered out, then looked away from him."Why are you staring at me if you're not looking at me? You think I'm handsome?" His Adam's apple went up and down which I didn't know but gave me a strange feeling."Handsome?" I laughed because of what he said. "You're not handsome but beautiful," I teased.Zandy grinned, then looked away from me in obvious embarrassment. He stood up from his seat and shoved his palms into the pockets of the trousers he was wearing. "I'm going home, just tell my Mom," he said seriously and started walking, but he hadn't gone far when I stopped him."Wait, Zandy," I said and stopped his arm. He slowly faced me and looked blankly as he faced me."Why? Do you need anything? Will you beg me not to marry you?" he asked with no emotion at all.I stared at him for a moment, then bowed slightly. I plucked up the courage. "Thank you, Zandy. Thank you for helping my dad," I said shyly and handed him the bottled water.I heard his soft laugh. "Bottled water?" He asked, then took it. "But don't expect me not to marry you," he said. He turned and walked away. I was left dumbfounded. Why didn't he even refuse that marriage?—I GENTLY opened the door of the room where Dad was staying, carrying the food I bought outside for Mom. We have hardly eaten since last night when we came here to the hospital. What time did the Saavedra couple go home last night with all the worry and concern about the condition of our family? I can't deny that they are kind.I was surprised and a smile curved my lips when I saw Dad already awake while Mom was happy to see Dad. I handed them the food."Dad, you're awake!" I cried, then went to him and hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry, Dad," I asked for forgiveness, followed by tears in my eyes. I'll admit that I don't want to get married yet, but I don't want this to happen to him. I can't lose him.I felt Dad gently caressing my back. I separated from him and fixed my hair. "Miles, it's not your fault so you don't need to be sorry. I just couldn't control myself," he said and smiled at me. "About the wedding—""I agree, Dad. I'm going to marry Zandy," I quickly cut off what Dad was going to say. I don't want to start an argument between us. I can't give Dad any more stress and maybe what else will happen to him?Both Mom and Dad were surprised by what they heard from me. "You agree to marry Zandy?" Mom asked.I nodded. I thought about it last night. If that's the reason for Dad to be fine, I would do it for the sake of his health. I won't argue anymore and insist on what I want. I know they will be happy with this decision. I also thought about who I would marry, Zandy Saavedra who is probably gay so I don't think it will work and later, we can file for divorce."Are you serious about your decision?" Dad asked, his face brightening as if his illness had subsided. Even so, there is joy in me because of the happiness I see in their faces even though I will sacrifice my happiness.I tried to smile and nodded. "Yes, Dad. I will follow what you want," I said seriously and I knew there was a hint of sadness in it."Miles, I'm sorry for forcing you to get married. If you think your Mom and I are selfish, I'm sorry. We're only thinking about you, and your future. Your grandmother's curse is still there that can come true," Dad said, whose sincerity and sadness was obvious."I understand, Dad," I answered briefly."But if after you get married and your relationship with Zandy doesn't go well, just tell us," Mom seconded.I just nodded. To be honest, I understand the reason why they are forcing me to get married, but I hope they also understand my side. But because of Dad's health, I shouldn't argue anymore and cause him stress. It's up to me where it all ends after I gamble away my happiness.—"SO, it's real, Miles, you agreed to marry that man?" Andrea asked me as we walked through the hospital to Dad's room. I also just came home to get clothes for Mom and I went with Andrea. I have also filed for a week's leave from work. I also finished all the articles that I needed to finish.I nodded sadly. "I haven't done anything, Andrea. I'm stuck in the situation," I reasoned. "If I insist on what I want, maybe this won't be the only thing that might happen," I added.Andrea looked at me sadly. There is a trace of sympathy in her eyes. "Are you really going to give up your happiness, Miles? If I'm yours, think a hundred times more about your decision. Getting married is no joke, you know that. It's a lifetime commitment."I snorted and sighed. "I know that, Andrea. Getting married is a big deal to me and if I do, it should be with the person I already love and not with a gay man who stole my boyfriend," I said as if I owned the last words. "But nothing I can't do anymore, I'm already in prison, Andrea. There's nothing I can do but agree or sacrifice Dad's life. I can't lose him because I insist on my happiness, right? "Andrea shook her head sadly. "I understand you. Also, it's probably a good thing that you're married to a gay man, right? For sure, nothing will happen to you because he'll hate you. And when he finds the man for him, then force him to divorce you and let him be happy with that man and you can be free," she said.I snorted as I thought about what she said with a big point. "That's right! Since Zandy is gay and doesn't like women, it will be easy for us to be together." I had an idea of what I would do if we were to get married."Honestly, I've been curious about Zandy for a long time. What does that guy look like?" She was curious."Just see it and you will be surprised," I said.Later we arrived at the opposite door of the room where Dad was. I opened it and was slightly surprised when I found the Saavedra family there, Zandy was not there. They happily smile at me when I spit out the door."Hello," Andrea greeted them and they smiled."Hija, you're here," mom said happily. Andrea just nodded. "She's Andrea, a friend of Miles," she introduced to the Saavedra couple.After I arranged the things I brought from home, like Mom's clothes, I sat on the sofa while facing her and Dad, who were in wheelchairs because their bodies were still weak. The Saavedra couple was also there."We heard, hija, that you agreed to marry our son, right?" Aunt Mandy started. "I'm happy with your decision."I nodded and smiled even though it didn't reach my ears. "I've already thought about getting married and giving in to what Mom and Dad want," I reasoned.Happy smiles did not disappear from their lips because of what I said. "In that case, we should prepare for the wedding," Mom said."G-get ready? Getting married right away, Mom?" I asked in surprise."Hija, you're going thirty, three months from now so you should get married as soon as possible," Dad said."She's right, hija, why should we wait longer if that's where it's going to go, right?" Uncle Andrew was seconded.I hesitate to smile. I turned to Andrea who had the same reaction to me. Surprise. I also did not expect them to rush the marriage like this."So we need to prepare for the wedding. Let's just wait for Zandy. He will be here later," said Aunt Mandy.After a while, the door to the room opened and Zandy came out. He was wearing a white long sleeve, gray trousers, and white sneakers that brought out his handsomeness that you wouldn't think of as gay. I was almost stunned."Oh! Zandy, come here." Mom invited him."OMG! He's Zandy?! Is he gay? Shems!" Andrea whispered next to me."Yes," I replied and gently poke him because of his excitement for the handsome Zandy.ANDREA still can't believe that Zandy is gay because he's handsome. She expected a different character from him. Andrea also doubted if Zandy was really gay or not because of his very manly stance and voice that even I wouldn't believe if I didn't know who Zandy was."Are you serious about marrying me?"I was a little surprised when Zandy spoke next to me when I got out of the room where my family and his family were still talking about our marriage. They couldn't even wait for Dad to get out of the hospital to talk about it. They are excited for both of us, the opposite of how I feel.I closed my eyes for a moment. I tucked the hair blocking my face behind my ear, then faced him. He folded his arms while leaning against the wall near the door of the room. "Do you think I want to marry you? Do you think I would want to marry someone like you? I remembered what you've done to me, Zandy, and I will never forget that," I said with a hint of annoyance and anger because he is still the re
I STILL can't believe that in just a few days I'm going to marry Zandy, the man—that gay guy who stole my boyfriend. It seems like just yesterday that my life was quiet and in an instant, it was disrupted when Zandy came into my life. Is this a dream? I never thought that I would marry the person who stole my boyfriend. Great! Is this how fate plays out? Is this what Andrea is talking about, that game of insidious fate? Well! In that case, I'll play along. I've already started so I'll just finish the game that fate wants."Wow! You look so gorgeous, hija," Aunt Mandy complimented me when I measured the gown she had made at a well-known bridal boutique in Manila. If I'm the only one who can follow, it's okay with me to just marry us into a casual wedding. Less cost and another thing is that this is not a wedding of two people who truly love each other. It's just a marriage on paper.I tried to smile. I turned to Zandy who was on the sofa holding the magazine he had been looking at for
MY face was full of sadness and regret when I turned to the wedding gown that Aunt Mandy had chosen for me that was laying on my bed. The gay aunt Mandy sent to put makeup on me just came out. I don't know but I can't seem to wear the gown in front of me. If I could back out of the marriage, I would, but I was thinking about my father's condition. I'm sure he'll get mad if I do that.I slowly approached the bed and sat on the edge of it. I gently touched that beautiful dress that every girl dreams of wearing while walking down the aisle to the man they love. But me, how can I appreciate and enjoy this marriage if I don't love the man I'm going to marry?"Miles!" I heard Andrea call me. She knocked before opening the door of my room and coming to me. "What are you doing, Miles? Are you just going to look at that wedding gown? What, you woke up and thought about backing out of the wedding?" Andrea asked.I looked up at her. "I don't know if I'm going to do the right thing, Andrea. I'm s
MOM and Dad approached me to take me to the waiting groom who was ahead and was waiting for my arrival. Zandy's handsome face had no expression, I didn't even know if he was happy or he was also cursing this day.Maybe I should just think that the groom waiting for me is the person I love and not Zandy who stole my boyfriend."I'm happy for you, Miles. Finally, we're here in the dream scene of my life. To lead you to your groom," dad whispered but it was enough for me to hear."Your father and I are very happy because finally the curse on you will be broken and you will have a family," mom said, almost making me laugh. I also want to be happy for them but I don't know how.Until now, does mom still think it's a curse? I don't know what to think of them every time they mention that curse. That was one of the reasons why I was forced to do this thing. I'm annoyed and honestly, I have a grudge against them but it's because of dad that I try to accept what's happening.I turned to the two
I QUICKLY turned to the speaker, even Zandy and everyone in the church. All attention is on the woman who just arrived and was said to be against the marriage. Who is she? I don't even know that girl. I had little hope that the marriage would not go through."Who are you, Miss, and why are you against the marriage of these two?" asked the priest.The woman was speechless and turned around and her eyes fell on Zandy and me. I can see the shock and disappointment on the woman's face and her embarrassment."I-I-I'm sorry, I-I was wrong about the church I went to," said the woman, biting her lower lip. I lost hope that the marriage would not work. Wasteful! Someone was supposed to be against our marriage but it turned out to be a false alarm. "Go ahead with the wedding. S-sorry again. I'm sorry," the woman repeated, then turned and quickly left the church.Everyone inside, heaved a sigh of relief, even the priest who fell shocked with the woman who just entered to stop the wedding, and in
I SLOWLY opened my eyes. I winced slightly when I felt a slight pain in my head. I realized I was in my room. I can't still remember the last thing that happened but before I tried to move, I held my forehead when I felt the pain."Don't move, just be still."I turned to the owner of that voice and saw Zandy sitting on the chair near the bed where I was lying while he was already holding his cell phone and was busy staring at it."W-why are you here?" I asked in surprise."Don't you remember? I'm already your husband," Zandy said seriously. He put down the cell phone he was holding and looked up at me, his face devoid of emotion. "I've been your husband, Miles, since we got married, so don't wonder why I'm here," he added.My jaw dropped just looking at him. I suddenly remembered what happened. Zandy and I got married and it was the last thing that happened before I passed out. I closed my eyes and bowed. This is true! I quickly looked at my finger and my eyes widened when I saw the 2
AFTER that wedding or I guess I should say fake wedding, everything has changed. My quiet world is messed up. I don't know but I feel the weight of every movement of my body. I feel like I'm losing my energy for everything because of my frustration with what's happening. I can't get out of my mind about what could happen to Zandy and me. Just thinking about us living together under the same roof, makes me crazy.Some of my parents and the Saavedra family's guests just had a little party that I didn't attend because I passed out from exhaustion and stayed up late, which I was thankful for because I didn't have to face people and pretend that I'm happy with this wedding.I sighed after getting dressed. My leave is over and I'm starting work again but honestly, I don't feel like working. I would like to go for a walk first and at least calm my mind and get rid of everything that is stressing me out.I'm very thankful because even though Zandy and I are married, our parents still didn't f
"THAT, Gay!" I said hardly with a trace of annoyance as I quickly walked into the hallway towards the office of the department I belong to. I keep looking at my wristwatch because it's only a few minutes and I'm going to be late. If it wasn't really for that gay Zandy, I would have been in the office a while ago and I wouldn't have had to rush to catch up on time.I stopped in front of the glass door of the office. I took a deep breath, then composed myself. I grabbed the door handle and forcefully pushed it in until it opened. I immediately felt the cold air released from the room's air conditioner. I let myself in the door."Congratulations!"I was startled when the people in the room suddenly cheered, at the same time Chad's hand, one of my co-workers, exploded softly. They even had confetti and a banner with 'Best Wishes' written on it. The surprise that was painted on my face, was replaced by a smile because of this surprise that I did not expect them to do. I don't know why, but