Forty-one

Isiaah Jacinto’s point of view

Most of the people in the world are blessed by having a family. A family with whom you can share all your joys and sorrows, who is there to guide you through your growing years, who stands by you in the toughest situations. I have no luck more.

Everything may have gone too fast for Maeluthe and me. We unexpectedly met, became protective, worked together and now, have our own family that needs to be protected and loved forever.

I can’t imagine living life without my family. Without parents and siblings as well as friends and especially without Maeluthe and Isi, my son. My family is very important and precious to me and something that should not be taken lightly. Without it, it was as if I had thrown away life, myself where.

My family has always been there for me in this world of doubt, uncertainty, and fear, holding me in arms with love. I have nothing else to ask for.

They will be there for me through ups and downs and love me no matter what.

“Then, you may kiss the bride.”

My grip on Maeluthe’s hand tightened as the people applauded loudly. Like us, they are very happy with what is happening. After what Eilythia and Kairus had gone through they were here before us and very proud of each other in a sacred marriage.

I also have nothing more fun for a friend.

I was there next to him, no matter how many times he drowned in alcohol, cried and cried and went crazy. I’ve seen all his struggles and pain — he’s very deserving of millions of pleasures.

I tried to support Maeluthe, who insisted on going to her friend’s wedding just a few months after giving birth. We consulted the doctor, and we also had a go signal. I just don’t have to lose sight of the woman.

. “Are you really okay with this, Mae?” I asked when I arrived at the reception shortly after the wedding.

I have not been able to approach the newlyweds because of the number of guests they have to take care of.

“I am fine. I’m just hungry.”

I slowly supported her to sit at the table where Andrei, Jecenth, and Rodan were. I asked them to take a look at Mae while I was getting her food.

We left Isi with my parents. I just prayed that the child would be okay even though my parents long for him too much.

“This song is for our dearest queen. . . Eilythia.”

Everyone at the reception shouted because of what Baste said. They were all so comforted by his voice, so the man was the bestseller for this event.

He looked at Eilythia with a grin and then winked. Kairus’ hand motioned to look like a gun and shot it at his friend.

At any rate, that ‘Sebastian’ hasn’t really changed. He’s getting older. He also needs someone to marry.

The big guests have already left so they are free to work. It was as if the reception had been a reunion of friends. There were all of Sebastian and I’s friends since childhood, Kairus’ friends, Andrei’s co-workers, as well as my brother and company colleagues.

Now that I see them, I’ve realized that I’ve really been inattentive to them. No wonder that my inbox seems to have been bombed by the teasing of friends who have tied me up. Mad people.

Baste’s every touch on the strings of the guitar he was holding was smooth. “A hundred and five is the number that comes to my head. When I think of all the years, I wanna be with you.”

It only took one line for Kairus to rush his friend to the small stage that was there. The people laughed out loud. Still really crazy. It has not stopped chasing even after a few minutes.

Andrei decided to get the mic open to whoever else wants to leave a message or just can’t perform for the newlyweds. In fact, it started earlier and only stopped when Baste stepped on it and started singing.

Long before Kairus returned to the chair, his grin was huge again, and then he even stole a kiss from Eilythia.

I ignore my thoughts, more reassured. Everything seems to be falling into its proper place, so I might take the risk for my Maeluthe.

Even Eilythia and Kairus were unaware of the plan. Only Kuya Josiah knew then, who immediately burst out laughing when he saw me approach the stage. I nervously cleared my throat.

“Won’t the bouquet be thrown yet?” I immediately asked.

In the minutes that followed, I simply blamed my brother for everything. I doubted his ideas.

The newlyweds and the people there blinked. Their minds seemed to disappear at my question.

I also quickly turned to Maeluthe, who was frowning at me, mouthing me the words, “What are you doing?”

“Why? Do you want flowers?” Baste asked sharply, then quickly approached me to caress my shoulder, causing everyone to laugh gently.

Eilythia quickly turned to Sierra to ask for help in throwing the bouquet, but I immediately raised my hand for the bouquet as soon as she stood up.

Hesitantly, Eilythia handed over the flower, and I also quickly placed the little box in the middle then went straight in front of Maeluthe.

It took only seconds for the visitor to let out a scream.

“Our friend has gone crazy.” I can hear Kairus say before voluntarily taking off the garter and throwing it at me. “Make sure you have plenty of beer and food!” he still shouted.

I never wasted the opportunity. Now that everyone was looking at us and Maeluthe was able to stand up, I slowly knelt down and handed her the bouquet she was holding.

I made sure he could immediately see the little ring box I had tucked in there.

“As I always say, I don’t know if I deserve you. You were just too good. . . for me. Having all those struggles and sacrifices that I know for the rest of my life are unmatched, doing all your best to take care of yourself every day as well as your care for Isi. Love, I can’t thank you enough.”

Maeluthe’s tears continued to flow because of what she heard. I reached for his hand and kissed it.

“Thank you for not keeping me waiting for nothing. I may be a jerk, sometimes. . . all the time, but I am always trying. I just. . .” My eyes hold back my tears. “I just love you too much, and I don’t want to let you go. . . again, for the rest of our lives.”

“Isiaah. . . “The woman wept.

“Will you spend the rest of your lives with me? Maeluthe, will you marry me?”

Maeluthe’s silence lasted, so people shouted, making me even more nervous about what the woman might answer.

“I’ll always be by your side loving you, pushing you to things you want, we want to do, and celebrating with you. I will always put you first and give you my absolute best for the rest of my days. Mae. . . I need you to marry me,” I cried.

The guests immediately laughed because of what I said, especially Kuya, Kairus, and Baste.

“He’s losing it!” my brother shouted.

“Mae–”

The woman just laughed, even in this situation, she still got me to trip. “Idiot! Of course, I’ll marry you!”

The next thing I heard was applause, and I immediately kissed the woman I loved the most. I looked deeper at my friends.

Eventually, I chose to laugh, kissing Maeluthe’s forehead. “You really are so sweet.”

The woman even signed for me and smiled broadly. “I know right!”