Chapter 15

Chapter 15




The old church looked like it was stripped off an 18th century catalog with its thick brick walls and faded stones. A huge cross sat atop and looks like it has seen better days welcomes the worshippers and churchgoers. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I could smell the soft, wet grass from the torential rain that had thundered all night.


I turned to Blake, smiling.


"Dito tayo magpapakasal?"


He was staring at the church too with his serious eyes before he gazed at me. A faint smile touched his lips. I could see the fatigue from driving all night long trying to find the nearest church that would wed us and now that we've arrived at our destination, the glint in his eyes never faded. It only gleamed brighter.


Malambing niyang kinuha ang kamay ko at hinapit ako papalapit sa kaniya saka hinalikan ang noo ko.


"Kung ayos lang sa iyo..." he murmured against my skin.


I chuckled. "I'm not even wearing a dress!"


Blake pulled me towards the church, randomly plucking the lovely red flower from the bushes and placing it on my hair.


"Doesn't matter. You look exquisite." He assured me with and gave my hand a quick squeeze.


We entered the empty church and glanced around. Even the cleaners are still not here yet. I glanced at my wristwatch. It is still 5 in the morning and I'm marrying the man I'm inlove with.


"Ang aga natin, ah."


We turned and saw a kind-looking priest smiling as he walked towards us, wearing his white robe. He had a small bible clutched tightly to his wrinkled hands. The lines in his eyes didn't make him look older but...kinder.


"Father, magpapakasal po kami." determinadong wika ni Blake.


He looked at us in surprise. "Ngayon na?"


"Kung hindi po kayo busy, Father, hindi na po kasi ako makapaghintay eh." Blake kidded and I almost smacked him in the head.


The old priest studied the two of us curiously. I smiled awkwardly at him while Blake is eagerly waiting for his reply. Something flashed in his eyes, then he relaxed and smiled.


"Bueno, magsimula na tayo kung ganun."


My heart feels like it's going to explode in too much joy. There was no one inside the church but the three of us and he agreed to conduct the ceremony. The happiness in our eyes reflected on his as he nodded and went to the altar to prepare some things. Ako naman ay lumabas at inayos ang sarili sa huling pagkakataon.


"Patatawarin naman siguro ako ng Panginoon, wedding day ko naman ngayon," I said to myself while plucking out the beautiful flowers that lined in the edges of the church. Blake is already there, waiting for me.


I took a deep breath and held the flowers in my hand, I entered the church. This is a far cry from the fairytale wedding I've always imagined since I was a child but I couldn't be more happy when I saw Blake waiting for me at the altar. I saw that the kind priest had pulled some of the church staff to bear witness of our simple wedding. The church bell rang and echoed around the place as I strode towards the altar with a huge smile on my face. Nakatingin naman sa akin ang tatlong madre na halatang kakagising lang at dalawang taga-linis.


When I reached Blake's side, I smiled at him and winked. He chuckled and pulled me closer as we both faced the priest.


The priest started with the reading of the Liturgy and then proceeded to the rite of marriage where we faced each other to exchange our vows. We both came here with nothing, unprepared, but deep in our hearts we know this is the best thing to happen.


I cleared my throat and stared at my soon-to-be husband smiling at me.


"Blake Sobreval, I know things have been crazy for us for the last couple of years. We fell in love, fell apart, and now that we've reunited, I have no intention of running away from you again. I love you, and I am so done invalidating my feelings for you. I know that after all this time, I deserve to be happy. We deserve to be happy, Blake. I promise to honor and cherish you as my loving husband for the rest of my life. It's going to be quite a journey but I wouldn't mind it as long as I am with you. There is nothing in this world that I would choose over you and our happiness."


Tears shimmered in my eyes as I spoke those words. Emotions went in and out in Blake's eyes as he stared at me with his dark paradise. His features were ragged, as it's always been. Even when we were young before, he looked mature for his age. He intimidated other boys and weakened the girls with his sharp eyes. Hindi na nakakapagtaka na maraming nahumaling sa kaniyang babae during his younger years.


But during the years that we were apart, something in his eyes changed. I can't point my finger on it but for some reason, it became... softer. The glow in his eyes are more welcoming compared to the last I could remember. He looked at me as if I'm the most fragile thing he'd seen and held me with so much tenderness. I was always crazy for his ruthless eyes before but now that I've witnessed the shift, it dawned on me that softness is not bad at all. People always mistook softness for weakness where in fact it is bravery. Being soft and kind in this cruel world is the bravest thing you can do.


"Savannah Brielle De la Rua, when I first saw you I didn't know you'll be such a big part of my life. Had I known that you're going to whip me, mind, body, and soul, I would've hold you a little closer, kiss you a little longer, and hug you a little tighter so I won't lose you. What's done is done. I've decided to spend the rest of my life with you and will never let you go. If I'm going to work myself to death every day of my life so that I could be deserving of you, I will. I live for you. I love you."


I blinked the unshed tears from my eyes as I felt Blake squeezing my hand while looking at me with his clear, direct eyes. This is a man of his words, and whatever promises he'd spoken just now, I know he's going to keep it for as long as he can. As long as he's still alive.


"Savanah Brielle De la Rua, do you take Blake Sobreval as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"


"I do." I said without breaking my gaze off him.


"Blake Sobreval, do you take Savannah Brielle De la Rua as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"


"I do."


"By the power vested in me, and as witnessed by friends, I now pronounce you, man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."


Blake pulled me closer and covered my mouth with his as the church bell rang and the entire church buzzed with joy from the small audience who did not evne know us. The priest smiled at us and nodded.


"Dito na kayo mag-agahan, mga anak at mukhang pagod kayo sa biyahe."


Still ecstatic, I turned to him and smiled gratefully while holding Blake's hands. It's a shame I have to end the kiss, but I'll have more of him later when we settle down and have our own privacy.


"Salamat po, father."


Gaya nga ng pangako niya ay ipinaghanda kami ng mga madre at kinausap. I thought they were very modest and elusive, but they were really chatty and friendly towards us. I could see the dream in their eyes, reflecting the happiness I felt today on my wedding day.


We thanked them and Blake even promised to make a heft donations to improve the church and its facilities some other time before we got into the car, both grinning like teenagers. Nilingon ko si Blake. I gave him a cool smile and leaned closer to press a kiss on his cheeks.


"San tayo?"


"May bahay ako sa San Juan," binuhay ni Blake ang makina ng sasakyan at pinaandar na ito. He waved one last time to the sisters who were gleefully sending us away before turning to me again. "Hindi kalakihan pero—"


"Tara, punta tayo!" I said enthusiastically and giggled like a child on the front seat. Tinitigan ako ni Blake nang ilang minuto bago siya napailing. Naiwan ang ngiti sa mga labi niya habang nagmamaneho kami papunta sa bahay niya sa San Juan.


I was so tired that I fell asleep halfway through the drive. Nagising nalang ako at nakitang pinaparada niya ng kotse sa harap ng isang makalumang bahay na gawa sa kahoy at may puting bakuran. Even though it's small, the house is elegant and has an ancient ambiance to it. If he didn't mention earlier that he bought it, I would've thought that he inherited this ancestral house. I stepped out of the house and tilted my head, appreciating its simple beauty in silence.


"Do you like it? If not, we can book a hotel nearby—"


"It's okay." I turned to him and smile to assure him. "I like it."


Blake hesitated for a bit, searching for any hint of disagreement in my eyes. When he couldn't find it, he sighed and nodded. Binuksan niya ang puting gate at pinapasok ako. There's no one taking care of the house and somehow, the tall grasses and overgrown shrubs added to its elusive appeal. Dinukot ni Blake ang susi mula sa bulsa at binuksan ang pinto.


The house smelled nice, like an old lady lives inside and cooks traditional food and sews clothes for her grandchildren. It was very cozy and homey... I don't know how to describe it because it was a foreign feeling that crept over me. I've never felt at ease in a stranger's place before but somehow this place is so familiar to me.


"There's a small terrace in the master's bedroom, and you can see the ocean from there. May batong hagdanan sa likod, pababa sa dagat. Yung isang kwarto may kaliitan, pero hindi naman kita patutulugin dun. I'll probably convert it into an office or a studio when I have the time."


"Oh, did you bought the beach lot as well?" I asked, curious.


Blake smiled and put his hand at the small of my back. "Hindi pa. Nililigawan ko pa ang may-ari. Pero kung gusto mo..."


I stared at him through my long lashes, amused. "It's okay, really. You don't need to buy every property at my whim or you'll go bankrupt." I kidded and stepped into the master's bedroom. "Oh, wow." I said, appreciating more and more its simplicity and elegance. There's a king-sized bed in the middle of the room, a small desk and a wooden chair, and an empty clothing rack. The sheer white curtains barely covered the sliding door that leads to the terrace. Parang excited na bata ko iyong binuksan at sumalubong sa akin ang hangin na nagmumula sa dagat sa ibaba. I placed my hands on the railings, smiled and closed my eyes while smelling the sea. "I think I like it here!" I yelled happily at Blake who's still standing inside the room.


I heard him chuckle and murmured something under his breath. I merrily went back and smiled at him, happy to see such a cozy home that made me feel nostalgic of a small, happy family that I've always wanted. The tall pillars and grandeur rooms of the mansion made me feel suffocated and it was poisoned by Valerie. My childhood home is no less than a place full of bad memories. But as long as I could still imagine my mother walking modestly at the hallway or sitting in the grand parlor, sipping her afternoon tea, I will never give that place up.


"Come here." Blake said. It wasn't an order, and his voice is calm so I obliged without raising a brow. He opened his arms for me and I took in his scent, comfortably leaning my head against his rock-hard chest.


"Ano yun?" tiningala ko siya at tiningnan.


Blake looked down and smiled at me, pressing a kiss at the tip of my nose. "Wala lang, hindi ako makapaniwala na totoo 'to."


I chuckled and pinched his waist, hugging him closer. We were both silent for a moment, savoring the silence and taking turns hearing our hearts sync to each other's rhythm. Blake gently cupped my chin with his thumb and index finger, nudging me to look towards him. I stared at his strong face, appreciating the elegant long bones and undefeatable symmetry that could only be possible if the gods sculpted him by themselves. By then I was getting drunk at the tension between the two of us and tip-toed, pressing my palms gently against his chest so I could reach for his lips and taste him again in my mouth.


Blake closed his eyes as soon as our lips met, and I did. His hand went to support my waist while I led the way. I sighed, then my body tremble at the way he was keeping up with the pace but not trying to dominate. Just letting me know of his presence. It wasn't long until I felt my back hitting the soft, white cushion of the bed and feeling his weight on top of me. I heard a low growl at the back of his throat as he ran kisses throughout my forehead, my face, and then back to my lips. His hands were busy untying the golden pantsuit I wore while the wind blew from the sea. I shivered when he delicately slipped the satin fabric off my skin and kissed my shoulder blades, pulling it down to reveal an intimate lacy bra.


With his other hand working to completely pull off my clothes from my body, he sucked on a sensitive part of my throat that made me moan and my body arch. I felt the fabric sliding off my feet when he broke the kiss, staring at me with dark, whiskey eyes. I'm only wearing my lacy bra and filmy underwear. I could see the desire pooling in his eyes as his jaw clenched and his breathing started to turn ragged.


"Jesus, Anna, you're beautiful." He murmured, almost as if he's worshipping a goddess. Blake traced my collarbone with the tip of his fingers as I lay almost naked under him, my breath uneven and my mind clouded with the foreign sensation. So this is how it feels like to be touched by a man. I've never been held like this before but for some reason, it felt so familiar. I reached for the back of his neck so I could taste his lips again, my body melting each and every second.


We had all the time in the world, and Blake knew it. He took advantage of the luxury of exploring my body, inch by inch, until I was trembling and aching for him. I reached and he took. I could feel the warmth radiating from his body and the gentleness of his touch. Before I knew it, I was desperate for him and was clinging to his bare chest. I closed my eyes and embraced him.


Blake filled me to the brim as I murmured his name desperately. He kissed the tears from my cheeks and whispered promises to my ears. Whatever he gave, I took. I opened and he filled. I welcomed and he explored. I was drowning in passion that burned the both of us and was already seeing starts beneath my lashes as the sensation surged through my body, leaving me trembling and deliriously spent when he collapsed on top of me.


We fell asleep lightly and woke to the gentle knocks from outside. I opened my eyes and saw Blake already slipping into his jeans. Bumangon ako nang kaunti at pinagmasdan siya.


"I ordered some food." he said and brought his lips to my forehead. "Let's eat something."


I nodded but went back to bed when he was gone. My entire body is aching and I'm sore. I closed my eyes for a few minutes before I smelled the delicious aroma of food lingering inside the room. When I opened an eye, I saw Blake carrying the tray of food to the bed. He smiled at me.


"Kain ka muna para hindi maputol ang pagpapahinga mo mamaya."


I nodded and obliged. After filling myself with food and with him, I fell asleep again. When I woke for the second time, it was dawn. It irritated me a bit that Blake wasn't lying next to me when I woke, leaving the bed empty and cold without him. I snatched my clothes scattered around the wooden floor and went to the terrace. From a distance, I could see him walking from the shore wearing only his dark swimming trunks. He's drying his hair with a small towel and sat on the sand. The cold wind blew and I shivered. It must be cold down there. Siguro ay gusto niya lang talagang maligo ng madaling-araw.


I glanced down at my hand and my heart leapt to my throat when I saw the ring. So, I wasn't dreaming, after all. Kahapon, ikinasal kami sa isang maliit na simbahan at dinala niya ako sa bahay niya. I slept next to him and even though I couldn't remember the exact words he said, I knew it was his promises to make a better life for me.


Excited akong bumaba sa batong hagdanan at tinungo ang dagat. I wished I had a shawl with me as the wind blew harder. I don't see the sun rising anytime soon. Instead, the sky was filled with gray clouds brewing into a storm. I could see it from a distance. The air is thick and heavy with salt. Lumulubog ang mga paa ko sa bawat tapak ko sa buhangin.


"Blake..."


He turned to me and my heart throbbed painfully. How could he look so good with his hair dripping wet and wearing nothing but swimming trunks? He looked so good even though he's just sitting and I think that should be illegal! Biting my lower lip, I walked closer to him.


"Anong ginagawa mo dito? Ang aga pa, ah," aniya.


"I should be the one asking that question." I plopped down next to him and watched the waves pushing and pulling, kissing the shore and then going away. "What are you doing here?"


"Namiss ko lang ang dagat," he shrugged. "Ayos ba tulog mo?"


I nodded and looked up at the sky when the first jolt of thunder sounded and echoed across the sea. The waves were getting violent, with each lap getting harsher than the last. Finally, I saw drops of water dotting the sand and seconds later, heavy rain poured on us. Blake stood and took my hand before we ran back into the house, laughing and drenched.


Basang-basa ang damit ko nang makaakyat kami at tuluyang makahanap ng masisilungan.


"Ang lakas ng ulan. May paparating ata na bagyo..."


For some reason, my heart sank and my smile faded. I turned to see the raging waves and internally agreed with him. Indeed, a huge storm is coming... 

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