The Wedding
I woke up and saw Oom standing by the window with a steaming mug of jasmine tea in one hand.
It was bright outside.
I thanked all the gods for the perfect weather.
My sister was distraught yesterday.
It rained heavily and she worried that the beach wedding wouldn’t go through.
Paul reassured her that he wouldn’t let anything stop them from getting what she wanted.
He wasn’t kidding.
We went down to the only hardware store in the island and purchased tarps and bars for the makeshift tent he was going to build for all the guests.
That didn’t soothe my sister’s worry.
She wanted the weather to cooperate with the wedding of her dreams.
Today, she got what she wanted.
“I told you it was going to get better,” I stood beside her, admiring the clear skies.
“I know. You were right,” She turned around, the big smile on her face reaching her eyes.
“Are you excited?”
“Yes, I am. Are you?”
“Why? I’m not the one getting married.”
“You know why?” The thoughtful expression reminded me of a conversation we had months ago.
Oom asked if she could invite May.
Who was I to stop her from doing what she wanted on her wedding day?
“You should have call her, you know?”
When I returned to Nam Jai, I showed her the picture of May at the Bangkok Planetarium.
Oom remembered that day because of the fight we had.
“She’s better off without me.”
“How could you say that?”
“May almost got killed under my watch.”
“But she didn’t. You saved her and got hurt yourself.”
“I don’t know, Oom. Relationships are very hard for me. Just look at Kosol and I.”
“You were young then. Didn’t you say you were just messing around?”
“I did.”
“What happened to him wasn’t your fault. He chose a different path and so did you. May is different. I can’t believe I’m saying this because when I found out that it was you she loves, I was hurt by it. But she truly loves you, Ai.”
“Do you think she’ll show up?”
“I don’t know. She didn’t RSVP. But if she shows up, it won’t be a problem. She will always have a seat at the table.”
I looked at Oom and saw how much she’s changed.
From someone who kept everything inside, who guarded secrets with her life, the woman in front of me was more forthcoming with her thoughts and feelings.
She made me proud of how much she had grown.
I wished I could say the same thing about me.
It would have been easier if I called May.
But I kept digging my heels until whatever courage I built dissipated.
She was special.
May was probably the only woman I shared bits and pieces of myself with.
But I was too afraid to call her up and start something new.
Something I knew in my heart would definitely make my life better.
“We’d better get ready if we want this wedding to happen,” Oom tapped my shoulder then left to go to the kitchen.
The guests arrived before nine in the morning taking their places in the seats by the beach.
The waves were calm, a soft breeze tempered the warmth of the morning sun.
Grandmother looked very pleased as she welcomed the people who travelled from different places.
Oom’s friends showed.
It was my first time to meet them.
A few remarked that if it weren’t for the navy suit and if I was wearing a bridal gown, it would be so easy to mistake me for Oom.
I watched as the place filled up with guests but my heart felt heavy with every second that passed by that I didn’t see May.
I told myself not to expect anything.
Traveling to Nam Jai would be an ordeal for her.
I remembered the first time I brought her here.
She puked during the trip.
I felt so bad for her.
That was not a pleasant experience more so the incident that happened after.
This place held a traumatic memory.
If she chose not to go, I would totally understand.
I just couldn’t shake off the disappointment that sits in my chest when I think of her not going.
When I returned to Nam Jai, the first thing I did was to fix the windows.
I had metal bars installed to prevent intruders from going in.
Most of my savings were spent renovating the bed and breakfast and investing in security systems.
It was all because of May.
I almost failed at my promise to protect her.
It would be bad for business if the guests who chose to stay at our place weren’t secure.
The incident that happened made the news and brought attention to Nam Jai.
People were finally visiting and at first, I was sour about it because the situation was unfortunate.
But then people saw that there was more to this place.
The beaches were unspoiled, the clear blue water teeming with marine life.
Most of all, this was a cheap vacation spot so they would get more bang for their buck minus the congestion of a more popular tourist spot.
My grandmother’s business slowly gained popularity not only because it was renovated but also because it had a functioning Wi-fi.
I returned at the right time to help her.
“Ai,” I felt a hand touched my arm.
I turned and saw grandmother with a big smile on her face.
“What is it, Grandma? Do you need anything?”
“No,” She turned her head and I looked.
May and her cousin were walking towards us.
There was a sudden thud in my chest and I had to take a breath, wondering if this was a dream.
She looked beautiful in a champagne knee length dress, long hair curled and falling softly on her shoulders.
I was dumbstruck that not a word came out of my mouth when she said hi and introduced the doctor.
Grandmother elbowed my rib and I stuttered my greeting.
“Ai, why don’t you lead May and Ton to their seats?”
“Yes, Grandma.” I glanced towards May who hasn’t taken her eyes off me.
I saw both excitement and apprehension there.
It mirrored the feelings I have when I saw her again.
I led them to the second row, behind the seats from us.
“Thank you,” She smoothed the back of her dress before sitting down.
I nodded then turn away.
They said that the bride is the most beautiful woman on her wedding day.
If that was true, then I could say the same thing for Oom.
My grandmother and I walked her down the aisle.
The admiration and smiles on people’s faces made me very proud.
Oom wore a white pearl studded gown, the long and flared train drawing awe from the guests.
I stood erect, my eyes focused on the front of the altar to Paul who looked lovingly at my sister.
Before we reached the front, I glanced at where May was sitting, she was smiling at me.
I smiled back, the nervousness I felt doubling up.
Oom hugged Grandmother and I before taking Paul’s hand.
We took our seats and I realized my spot was right in front of May.
She was so close and yet so far away.
My grandmother held my hand when Oom and Paul exchanged rings.
I placed an arm on her shoulder as she wiped her tears.
Her dream was for us to find someone who would be by our side for as long as we’re allowed.
My sister fulfilled that dream while I’m still wondering if I will ever find the right opportunity to talk to May.
She came and this was supposed to be good.
But why was I so tongue tied?
It wasn’t like I haven’t talk to her before?
Was it because I no longer have the cover of being a bodyguard?
If I talk to her, it would be because I wanted to.
I felt so helpless.
We applauded the newlyweds after the ceremony.
Oom and Paul walked over to where we were.
I shook his hand and I told him to take care of my sister.
Oom hugged my grandmother and I before walking over to May.
They embraced and the bad that happened between them were water under the bridge.
“Ai?”
The ladle was suspended in midair when I heard her voice.
I put it back on the punch bowl and turned around to see May holding a flute of champagne.
“Hi,” That was all I could come up.
“Hey yourself,” She grinned, the small dimples showing and making me weak in the knees.
“How are you?”
“I’m alright.”
“Are you having trouble sleeping?”
“Why do you ask? Do you have trouble sleeping?” She was clearly teasing but it felt like she knew was I was going through.
I haven’t had a decent sleep since the ambush.
May sensed my reluctance to answer the question.
“Did you get the picture I sent you?” She changed the subject.
“I did.”
“Did it jog your memory?”
I shook my head.
“You’re unbelievable,” She laughed and it was loud and big that my uneasiness loosened.
“I’m sorry if what I remember were the unimportant details.”
“Like what?”
“How I came across this girl named Mint who extorted people for money and how Oom was bullied that day.”
“I didn’t forget you.”
The sincerity in what she said warmed my heart.
“Why don’t we start over?”
May frowned.
I stepped closer and when I was only a few inches away from her, held out my hand.
“I’m Ai-oon Insamug.”
“I’m Metavee,” She took my hand and her palms were warm and soft.
“Do you want to get out of here?”
“What about Oom and your grandmother?”
I looked at the bride who was busy talking with the other guests.
Grandmother was speaking with Paul’s family.
They all looked very happy.
“I’ll let them know we’re going somewhere. I’m sure they won’t mind.”
“Okay. I’ll wait here.”
***
“Are you serious?” May stared at the big motorbike.
We were at the back of the house where I parked the only thing I bought for myself when I got my retirement money.
“You can sit side saddle.”
She glared at me.
“I’m wearing heels.”
“So?”
“Is this how you’re going to take me away?”
“For now, yes.”
May was stunned with my boldness.
I didn’t have anything to drink so it was not because of liquid courage that I said that.
“Alright then,” She bent down and before I could stop her, removed her high heels.
“If we’re doing this, might as well get comfy.”