Wedding Organizer

Alex's POV

Overwhelmed with emotion, I crumbled once again as I witnessed him distancing himself step by step.

His call echoed my name, "Alex."

In an attempt to find solace, I clung tightly to the blanket he abandoned, allowing the waves of memories from the previous day to wash over me.

Flashback

"I like you too, Alex. I can't explain it, I don't understand why, but that's just how I feel. I despise you when you pester and annoy me, yet I find myself longing for it when you're not around."

As we stood facing each other, a profound silence settled between us. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. His expression turned serious, and with a firm grip on my neck, he leaned in, and gradually, our lips met. This time, it wasn't a mere accident; it was a deliberate choice. No elaborate courtship, just an unspoken exchange of our true feelings.

End of flashback

This blanket holds the memory of our first genuine kiss, rendering it my favorite and laden with sentimental value.

Why are you giving me this blanket again?

I drained the last drops of beer and tequila from our previous night's drinking session. I yearn to erase the memories, yet they persistently resurface.

Why did you come back, Alex? Why!

I vented my frustration by smashing every available bottle. I distanced myself from the villa, ensuring that my anguished outburst wouldn't reach them. Even if they do, they won't come out because we're all equally drunk.

I hate you, Alex! I hate you!

Another bottle shattered.

I hate that I still love you, Alex!

Gazing at Miyah's room window, it's as if a sharp object is piercing my heart. The pain is excruciating—agonizing to witness the one you once loved finding happiness with another.

Are you really happy with her, Alex?

Do you have to pretend I don't exist in your life?

Maybe it's for the best, so the situation doesn't get more complicated.

I stride back to the villa, putting on a facade of confidence. Despite stumbling multiple times, I force myself to stand each time. Upon opening the door, I take a moment to pause.

What are they doing now?

Are they kissing?

Are they making love?

Are they sleeping?

Are they close enough to level up quickly?

They just met, right?

So many thoughts run through my mind.

Why do I care? I shouldn't, right?

The pain consumes me, and in a futile attempt to regain control, I find myself striking my chest repeatedly. I question whether I am needlessly subjecting myself to tormenting thoughts or if the difficulty lies in accepting that Alex is now Miyah's boyfriend.

Perhaps the real struggle is acknowledging that he didn't attempt to hold on when I decided to let go.

I thought you loved me? Why is it so easy for you to forget everything?

I'm staring at their room door at the bottom of the stairs. It feels like I'm repeatedly hurting myself with my actions.

"I'm sorry for everything, Alex," I whisper softly.

What happened? Why can't I accept it until now?

"I tried, Alex! I really tried! But the universe won't allow me!" I collapse from crying so much, cradling my chest.

It hurts! It hurts so much!

"I still love you, Pumpkin!" I sob between those words.

I hope you feel it!

I make my way back to our room, pausing outside, hesitating to enter. The fear lingers that Jajas might awaken and inquire about my swollen eyes.

I don't want anyone to see me miserable again.

Opting to spend the night on the sofa, I acknowledge my inebriation as my unsteady steps betray me. I collapse heavily onto the couch, sitting there for a few minutes, attempting to untangle the chaos in my mind before lying down.

I close my eyes, but the tears won't stop. My head hurts from crying so much. I slowly open my eyes and see Alex next to me.

"Finally, I'm seeing you close like this." I know it's a good dream. I touch his face, trying to feel him even in the dream. "At least in my dream, I can see you, I can touch you, I can feel you!" I say brokenly. I see tears falling from his eyes.

Is he crying?

At least in the dream, we both feel the same. "Don't cry, Pumpkin. You don't deserve the pain!" He cries even more. He holds my hand and kisses it.

What happened to us? Can we go back to where we stopped?

"I wish I wouldn't wake up from this beautiful dream," I close my eyes again.

I hope I won't wake up from this beautiful dream.

Fast forward.

"Alex! Wake up, c'mon." I wake up from Miyah tapping me repeatedly.

"Why did you sleep here?" she raises an eyebrow.

Why did I sleep here?

"Ouch! Slow down... my head hurts!" I tell her while holding my head.

"That's precisely why you need to get up and have some hot soup!" Miyah scolds me, pulling me towards the kitchen. Both of us cradle our heads in agony from the intense pain.

"Patrick prepared this for us! It's your favorite, isn't it?" Miyah remarks, looking at the dishes with a hint of surprise. "Look at it as the ultimate hangover cure! Come on, let's eat!" she urges with enthusiasm.

Chicken sotanghon soup?

"Have you eaten, Alex?" Jajas asks, sipping the broth. "Did you finish crying last night and not come into our room?" she teases.

"Hey, Jajas, that's not a good joke. Let's change the topic!" Dian interjects, attempting to divert the conversation. "But seriously, sis, your eyes are incredibly swollen! How many buckets of tears did you shed?" she jests, teasingly.

"Hush – be quiet! Let's enjoy our meal peacefully and quietly!" Miyah interjects, my perennial savior.

Dian and Jajas obediently seal their lips in response.

"Oh, why are you so quiet?" Miyah asks Mitch.

"Peacefully and quietly!" Mitch responds directly to Miyah.

"Tss, Nonsense!" Miyah laughs, and we all join in.

I carefully watch Alex as he cooks.

Could we just have instant noodles? Or egg soup? Why sotanghon?

I don't understand you, Alex.

One year later.

I spent five months at a renowned Travel and Tours company in Manila but eventually decided to leave. While encountering new faces was refreshing, a sense of fulfillment still eluded me. The void persisted, prompting me to seek another job until Miyah's aunt offered me a position as a wedding coordinator.

Indeed! Miyah remains my savior.

It has been one year and two months with Ken. At last, I embraced the reciprocity of his love. Following our time in Baguio, I made a conscious decision to leave behind the memories of Alex. My affection now lies with my best friend, and I'm committed to avoiding unnecessary complications. We've ventured into our respective lives, and the past should remain exactly there.

Miyah invited me to their outings several times, but I kept refusing. I don't want to ruin their relationship.

I don't want to ruin their relationship...hopefully.

"Alex!" I was surprised by a familiar voice calling me from behind. "Alex!" It's Miyah holding a milk tea. Just like old times, she shows up with our favorite milk tea.

"Are you avoiding me? I've been quite upset with you! Your lack of response to my calls and texts is really frustrating," she scolds me, pouting.

"Come on, I've been swamped with work!" I offer my excuse.

"Here!" She hands me the milk tea, taking a seat across from me.

I'm having a late lunch today due to the multitude of weddings I need to prepare for.

"Guess what?" Miyah interrupts my thoughts.

"Guess what?" I ask back.

"Oh, come on, guess what!" She's smiling widely.

"What am I supposed to guess?" I whisper as I take a sip of the milk tea.

"Look!" Her smile broadens even further. She reveals a ring on her finger. "I'm engaged, Alex," she whispers with immense joy. "After all these years...finally!" She hugs me.

Engaged?

"Wow–wow! Congratulations!" I'm at a loss for words.

"After all that I've been through, I knew Patrick was the one. Thank you, Alex." A tear falls from my eyes.

"I'm so happy for you, Miyah!" I say.

What's wrong, Alex? You've moved on, right? Why does it still hurt?

Flashback

"What should I do, Alex? He introduced me to his aunt and uncle, and guess what? I feel like he's going to propose soon," Miyah excitedly shares over the phone.

"Then, that's good!" I respond nonchalantly.

"If he asks me, what should I say? Should I say YES or just say NO for now? What if it leads to another heartache? I'm not ready yet, but it feels like I am, Alex–"

"Calm down! Follow your heart, Sissy. Whatever your decision is, I'm here to support you!" I lied.

End of Flashback

"Just as you advised, Sissy. I followed my heart, and I know he's the one!" She declares as if he's the sole man who fulfills her. "And I want you to be our wedding organizer!"

Wedding organizer?

...to be continued.

...to be continued.