Just A Slip of the Tongue (1)

Fem emerged from the bathroom drying her hair with towel. She looked around Mark's bedroom but didn't see him. His room was huge with complete furnishings. There was the light blue covered prestine bed, a small cabinet at its left with wooden lampshade. Beside it was a framed photo of them together which he took at the seaside. At the right side of the bed was a small table where some books and folders were neatly supported by a silver iron book shelf. By the far right side of the room were two sets of large floor to ceiling coffee brown closets which stood separately giving way to the wide window but were joined by a long cabinet with a height just some inches lower than the window. These were complemented by the same floor to ceiling closets by the entrance door at the far left of the room. The silver carpet and the milky white U-shaped sofa in front of the TV by the south corner of the bed gave light to the room. The bathroom was right by the bedroom door with a dressing table that connects to the closet. There was glass door to the balcony opposite the entrance door that one has to cross the TV area to it. The curtains were drawn away with the lining curtains remaining in place giving privacy to people inside.

Fem's attention was drawn to her reflection in front of her. She looked at herself in Mark's clothes. His clothes were sagging on her that she looked like a scarecrow. She scorned at her reflection as she continued drying her hair. As if sudden realization pinched her in her spine, her hands stopped from their movement as she gazed intently at her reflection. She couldn't believe she was just 21 and already getting married. Really? She sighed and pulled the swivel chair in front of her and sat down on it. She looked at the sparkling diamond ring on her finger which Mark had slipped on it yesterday. Was she happy? Was she excited? Was she nervous? She couldn't exactly spell how exactly she was feeling right at that moment.

While her eyes were fixed on the mirror, Mark silently entered the room without making a slight sound. Fem didn't even hear any clicking of the door knob. Mark caught Fem absentmindedly staring at her reflection. She seemed to be lost in her thought. He silently approached from behind and slowly bent to wrap his arms around her shoulder as he enhaled every scent of her. She smelled like him already. His clothes she was wearing gave him a feeling of pride that she is now his. The smell of his body wash and shampoo made him grin wide as he ruffled her still wet hair.

"I've sent aunty Lina to go and buy you underwears. Are you wearing something under these clothes?" Mark pulled her up on her feet then tried to slip his hand under her sweater.

"Get those hands off me brother!" Fem snapped off his hands.

" Oh, I just wanted to check sweetheart, are there?" Mark didn't give up as he returned his hand around Fem's waist.

"I have. I brought two extra sets with me. Don't worry, I'm not going to go naked before you hubby-not-yet." Fem said with a trace of smile.

"Okay then, before I'm going to lose my control, lets go and do our invitation card first. I've brought some ribbons if you want to tie them as we print." Mark kissed his woman's temple.

"Okay" Fem turned to the bathroom to put the wet towel in the laundry basket.

When she returned to him, Mark was waiting by the door but the door was still shut.

"Fem sweetheart, I saw you look confused and absent minded a while ago. Is there something I need to know?" Mark leaned his back on the door.

Fem was surprised. What is he asking again?Actually, she was just thinking that it was too early for her to get tied into marriage. She was willing to compromise as her man may lose his control and end up doing something they might regret soon. If this were not the case, she could go on and enjoy her single life till she turns 25.That was her target age.

" Did you see anything in me that made you ask this?" Fem asked him back curling up the corners of her lips

"Tell me sweetheart, this is not a one-sided love, right? But even then, let me marry you now and court you for the rest of our lives. I'll make sure I'll be the man of your dreams." Mark's back remained glued on the door. His pockets kept his helpless hands.

Fem softened as soon as she saw Mark's helpless expression. He looked like he had been holding strong for so long and was now revealing his tired and weak side.

Fem felt his need of assurance. She approached him and wrapped her arms tightly around him locking his arms at his side. "What shall I do Mark? I'm not as vocal with my feelings as everyone. Believe me, I may feel confused now but it doesn't mean I don't love you. I have. I already have.... and I want to fall in love with you each and every day." Fem whispered as she rested her face on Mark's throbbing chest.

That was enough to send the man in euphoric state, nearly unable to hold his tears. Mark nodded and tried to pry open his woman's arms around him. Fem let loose of her hold then tip toed to reach his lips. She pulled his head down to hers with her palms cupping both of his cheeks. Her soft pinkish lips landed on his and stayed there long enough for almost a minute. Mark felt his woman's emotions as their lips stayed connected. It was sincere and loving. It was not of lust but was of deep and sincere love and understanding, full of assurance. It was more like a seal to what she just said.

"Got it?" Fem parted from Mark's lips while both of her thumbs brushed his cheeks. Why does this supposedly mighty and strong man feel insecured? Wasn't it suppose to be the other way around? But then her mind wondered. She understood his fear. His losing her would be a disaster for him just like maybe when he had lost his father and mother. This made him fear of losing someone important to him again. On the other hand, if she left him, she has her whole family behind her and she had nothing to lose. She can choose to live a simple contented life or choose to advance her career and make a name for herself. That's precisely the reason why Mark's fear kept on hunting him. He wanted to be part of her.

Mark caught Fem's wrists with both hand then placed her fingers over his lips, kissing them alternately. "Got it honey. Thank you for the love." Mark whispered.

"Keep the change my man. You are so polite." Fem lightened the mood by her random humor to which Mark responded by scooping her then bringing her to the large study room at the far end of the hallway.

They had fun making their invitation cards. Since it was an abrupt wedding and the venue wasn't accessible to everyone, they just made 100 pieces all addressed to close friends, relatives and some prominent people of Daves' status. At eight o'clock, they had already sealed and written the names of their invited guests.

The couple were about to head down for dinner when housekeeper Lina lightly knocked on the door calling them for dinner. They followed her downstairs where they joined the old couple bickering each other about great grandchildren.

During dinner, Dave told them how his friendship with Greg started. Apparently, it has a lot to do with drinking and getting drunk with rice wine. According to him, Greg was a tough cowboy back then. He can practically sleep on a branch of a tree and never worry about falling down. He orders others like his words were a law in themselves that terrifies other people. He could have been a great emperor if he was born during the dynasty period. His beautiful wife was his total opposite however. She was sensitive and smart, full of understanding and always careful of her words. Back then, all neighbors called her Greg's fire extinguisher.

Fem kept on smiling as Dave narrated his story. It made her feel at ease somehow that she managed to make some random comments and affirm her farther's style.

Long after dinner, Fem felt sleepy on the couch where they sat down watching evening news. Most coverage was about Christmas parties and new year celebration. She nudged Mark's side then looked up to him covering a yawn that escaped her mouth.

"Grammie, Grandpa. We'll head up first. Goodnight. We'll be going to see the bridal shop tomorrow, then probably meet some of my friends and our sponsors." Mark announced before ushering his woman to go first as he trailed behind her.

"Mark, the guest room next to mine is ready if she wants to sleep separately." Ivee called out stopping Mark from climbing the stairs.

Mark's face darkened but managed to humor her grandmother. "No need for that Grammie, she is well behaved when she's asleep" He grinned.