09

We told dad and tita about our engagement. I was so happy telling them how Miru proposed. Tita was all smiles and daddy, well daddy cried. He was very dramatic saying that his only princess is going to get married na.

Miru already asked daddy's permission even before we graduated. Kaya pala daddy was so shocked when he found out that Miru broke up with me. But he understands din naman.

Gusto pa sanang patagalin ni Miru ang kasal pero I insisted to get wed before the year ends. Miru's condition taught me that life is short. So if you wanted to do something, do it before it's all too late.

Kaya naman a week after, ginanap ang kasal namin. It's a simple beach wedding. We only invited close relatives and friends kasi ayoko naman ng maraming tao sa kasal pero hindi naman relevant sa buhay namin ni Miru. Twenty guests. Twenty significant people in our life witnessed how strong our love for each other that even Leukemia cannot break us apart.

I was the one who vowed first.

"Miru, I could still remember the first time we met. It was a rainy day. I was standing in a waiting shed waiting for the rain to stop kasi wala akong dalang payong. Then you came towards me asking if gusto ko bang manghiram ng payong sa'yo? I said no without looking at you. You insisted, pero I did not hesitate to shut you off.

The next day, ganun pa rin. Maghihintay akong mawala ang ulan tapos lalapitan mo ako para mag alok ng payong. And it repeated for almost a month. Until the rainy season stopped and I thanked the heavens kasi finally you'll stop offering your umbrella to me."

The guests laughed at that. Miru was just smiling staring at me and listening intently.

"Akala ko it'll stop there. Akala ko you'll stop pursuing me. But you didn't. Mas lalo ka lang kumulit. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero baliktad lagi ang intindi mo sa mga sinasabi ko sa'yo. My no is a yes for you. My yes is a now for you. And frankly speaking, everytime you're near I would always cussed in my head.

But you know what, I am actually thankful kasi makulit ka. Kasi kahit sinabi ko sa'yo na lubayan mo ako, you still stayed. That even if I said a lot of awful things just so you won't bother me anymore, you still stayed. We eventually become best friends, and then we become lovers.

When I saw how determined you are to do everything for me, when I saw how you valued me. I promised myself to never give up on you. Na kahit anong mangyari, na kahit anong pagsubok ang dumaan sa atin I will stay with you."

I wiped my tears and continued.

"When you wanted to break up with me, I already knew that something was wrong. I wanted to know what it was but you pushed me away. But I stayed right? Because I promised. And I value my promises like how I value my life.

On this day, I'll promise in front of God that I won't ever break my promise to you. I vow to always stay by your side no matter what. No matter the pain, no matter the suffering, no matter the worries. I will stay, forever and for always.

I will fight with you. You will never be alone in this battle cause I'm always going to be with you. Kung pagod ka na kakalaban, magpahinga ka. Kasi ako ang lalaban para sa ating dalawa.

I love you so much Miru. So damn much."

I finished my vow and hugged him. I composed myself first before nodding at Miru so he could start saying his vows.

"Love" He started. "Remind me again why you agreed to marry me?" He asked. Me together with the guests laugh at his words.

"No seriously, remind me. Kasi ako hindi ko alam eh. God really is good no. Because he let me meet a beautiful lady with the kindest soul. I was really happy when you became my best friend. I was so lucky when you became my girlfriend. And now, I am so blessed to have you as my wife. So blessed because God permits me to marry one of his princess.

As I battle with Leukemia, you were always there. Always reminding me that you will never leave me. And I thank you for that. Thank you for being my ray of sunshine. Thank you for giving me hope. Thank you for being my strength on times i felt so weak.

Thank you for not giving up on me Love. In return, I promised you to do everything I can to survive this illness. Though I cannot promise you forever, because we can't be certain. But what I can promise you is that I'll only love you for the rest of my life. I would still love you even on afterlife.

I love you so much my Love. I love you so much my wife."

He said and then hugged me as tight as he could. After that the priest announced me and Miru as husband and wife.

"Ladies and gentleman. I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Miru Guerrero. Young man, you may now kiss your bride."

Miru slowly raised my veil and kissed me with so much passion and love.

***

:)